Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the US. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests countless 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 if you happen to’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from lots 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 dwelling nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that can assist you plan an excellent journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is positioned 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 also 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 help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is wonderful how one can get pleasure from all of the facilities of a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest 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 residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for the very best Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Indisputably, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The commentary deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders equivalent to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of occasions I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the Area Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some critical renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on this planet. In addition they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of town.
The Area 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 on which bundle you e book. This is among 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.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Test Out the Seattle Heart
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you can simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an excellent present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can also be dwelling to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and way more right here. This is among the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d deliver guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s way more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the superb Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Heart. 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 Heart additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Be sure you examine their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is among the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Situated on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however make sure to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively need 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 teenagers. 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, if you happen to desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method throughout town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the best way, you’ll study all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the wonderful meals on provide.
One other strong possibility that I’ve gone on a number of occasions is the Pike Place Market Strolling Meals tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Challenge), the Museum of Pop Tradition is among the finest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful 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 displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may 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 displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, way more.
I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Be sure you 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 on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 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 among the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in the US.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off probably the greatest 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 just’ll need to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of procuring luggage to take dwelling 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 meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s way more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of wonderful initiatives, equivalent to a senior heart, 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 if you happen to’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my record of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to take a seat down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is dwelling to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can get pleasure from some implausible views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a fair higher have a look at the environment. Be sure you try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey on the Seattle Nice 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 teenagers. 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 superb spot to unwind after a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
You probably 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 mountaineering 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 mountaineering, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountaineering boots for present footwear 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 high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
If you happen to’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering non-compulsory, try this widespread tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears nice on land, it appears even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely one of the 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 finances 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 excellent 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 totally 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 if you happen to select to go that route.
10. Stroll By Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the 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 residing assortment of crops. It’s a chief instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a highly regarded time to go to the park because of the azaleas which can be in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry timber, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open every day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely price it to pay the doorway payment 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 can even get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s slightly slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click on right here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is within the southwest nook of the park. Be sure you add a cease right here to your record of locations to go to in Seattle.
Deal with: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three totally different services: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the major museum, you’ll discover a formidable 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 primary museum, you can even pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, it’s now a free public park stuffed 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 kids and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. If you happen to occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
If you happen to’re inquisitive about air and house, you’ll need to embrace the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s of artifacts and pictures.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so this can be a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly often!).
A significant spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a formidable assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Power One. You may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating displays to take a look at, which change often. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s arising.
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 on right here to purchase your tickets on-line for probably the greatest Seattle sights. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you can even go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and probably the greatest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an excellent and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing facility with a neighborhood information and see planes at varied levels of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the displays and shows. Click on right here to e book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals 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 Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The workforce refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their dwelling video games at Lumen Discipline. The stadium can also be dwelling to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out dwelling video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.
Throughout the summer time months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s likelihood they’ll be on the town if you happen to’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL workforce, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American workforce to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is dwelling to round 12 miles of wonderful trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails if you happen to really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way 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 positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click on right here for instructions. It’s positively one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be 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 among the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that had been constructed on high after the Nice Hearth 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 bear 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 inexpensive at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however because the location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should go away town to discover a bit additional. Listed below are a couple of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an excellent half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an excellent journey from town. Click on right here to study extra and e book 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 on right here to study extra and revel in Seattle the best way the locals do.
- Take pleasure in 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 through the journey. Click on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your often 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 mountaineering 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 contains the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That method, 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 might be spent trying out the primary sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and at last, your final full day might be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals it’s best to strive 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 need to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve 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 happening within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can even make the most of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d fairly go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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