Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents guests limitless issues to see and do. That is certainly one of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even should you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most of the sights in nature or within the metropolis. There’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
I’ve been to cities throughout my house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible data that will help you plan an incredible journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Sadly, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are many issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are a number of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is wonderful how one can get pleasure from all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Greatest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my record of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle. After dwelling within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many instances through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the most effective Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Surely, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The commentary deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see all the metropolis together with pure wonders comparable to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
Whereas the Area Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the planet. Additionally they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of the town.
The Space Needle is open every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely upon which package deal you ebook. This is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. See the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Test Out the Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Center. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you might simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the International Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an incredible present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather more right here. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d deliver guests whereas exhibiting them round.
There’s rather more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s all the time free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You’ll want to test their event calendar to see what’s occurring.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continually exhibiting brief movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly wish to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour afterward the weekend.
Tickets value $35-$42.50 for adults and $30-$37.50 for youths. Entrance to the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is included within the Seattle CityPass, on this 3-hour “highlights tour” of Seattle, or this ticket which incorporates the Area Needle as nicely.
Lastly, should you choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your manner throughout the town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll study all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling all the wonderful meals on provide.
One other strong choice that I’ve gone on a number of instances is the Pike Place Market Walking Food tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Culture is without doubt one of the finest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish to take a while to admire the gorgeous constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture known as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You’ll be able to even channel your internal rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to a variety of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You’ll want to add it to your record of cool issues to do in Seattle.
MoPOP is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM-6 PM. Tickets value round $35 for adults and $21 for kids.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click here to get instructions.
Tackle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: Some of the well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off top-of-the-line Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as nicely!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you simply’ll wish to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of buying luggage to take house with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive retailers. With so many choices, it may be a bit intimidating, however for positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a food tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s rather more than only a market, really. It’s a neighborhood with a lot of glorious initiatives, comparable to a senior middle, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some additional love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast should you’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You will discover Pike Place Market on the map here.
Tackle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my record of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to take a seat down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can get pleasure from some unbelievable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get a fair higher have a look at the environment. You’ll want to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey on the Seattle Great Wheel. This large Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets value $16 for adults and $11 for youths. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.
Waterfront Park is a good spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
When you have some additional time in Seattle, take into account doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an lively stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for mountain climbing within the space.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on provide, together with mountain climbing, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountain climbing boots for present sneakers and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To study extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click here.
For those who’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing optionally available, take a look at this popular tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems nice on land, it seems even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the funds finish, you possibly can merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for kids, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant solution to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are an incredible alternative for Seattle sightseeing.
They’ve seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll get pleasure from a completely narrated journey, wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier. A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass should you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By way of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the crucial stunning Seattle sights to go to. It’s my go-to selection for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of crops. It’s a chief instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a very talked-about time to go to the park due to the azaleas which might be in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open every day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their website for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s nicely value it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for kids). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you may as well get pleasure from a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is within the southwest nook of the park. You’ll want to add a cease right here to your record of locations to go to in Seattle.
Tackle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise the Seattle Art Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the most important museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its intensive collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you may as well pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, it’s now a free public park filled with distinctive sculptures.
The artwork museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday. It’s closed on Tuesday however stays open till 9 PM on Thursday.
Tickets are $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for college students and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and below. For those who occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click here for instructions.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
For those who’re concerned about air and house, you’ll wish to embody the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with hundreds of artifacts and images.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly incessantly!).
A significant spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a powerful assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Power One. You’ll be able to even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change incessantly. Click here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $25 for adults and $16 for kids. On the primary Thursday of each month, the museum stays open from 5-9 PM and it’s completely free to enter. Click here to purchase your tickets on-line for top-of-the-line Seattle sights. You will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you may as well go to the Boeing Future of Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an incredible and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility with an area information and see planes at numerous phases of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the reveals and shows. Click here to ebook your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The crew refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Field. The stadium can be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. For those who can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
Throughout the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town should you’re visiting between Might and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that 12 months.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is house to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails should you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can get pleasure from some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the crucial picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely well worth the effort to succeed in.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is without doubt one of the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on prime after the Great Fire of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply received’t wish to miss. Click here to study extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however for the reason that location is true on the water and there’s a lot gorgeous nature close by, you should depart the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a number of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an incredible half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as nicely – making it an incredible journey from the town. Click here to learn more and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher solution to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unbelievable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click here to learn more and luxuriate in Seattle the way in which the locals do.
- Get pleasure from Whale Watching: Orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales all frequent the waters right here. This journey leaves from Anacortes…and 95% of the time, whales are noticed! Not solely that, however you’ll see different wildlife in the course of the journey. Click here for details.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your incessantly requested questions on visiting Seattle.
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle! Whether or not you’re into nature, museums, meals, or sports activities, there’s one thing for you. The highest enjoyable actions are day-tripping to Mt. Rainer for some mountain climbing and epic views, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to stay music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the Area Needle. This ticket consists of the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That manner, you possibly can spend a full time out at Mt. Rainer, and one other day having fun with a lazy day on the waterfront and at Pike Place Market. Different days may very well be spent trying out the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and eventually, your final full day may very well be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals you need to attempt in Seattle, lots of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a number of the many fascinating issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may as well make the most of the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go visit a waterfall and taste some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the most effective the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photos on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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