Often known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the US. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests infinite issues to see and do. That is one in all my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even when you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from lots of the points of interest 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 residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the prime issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible information that can assist you plan a terrific 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 among 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 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 dwelling within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the perfect Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Definitely, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The statement 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. 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 dwelling there.
Whereas the House Needle has at all times been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A latest 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 House Needle is open each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely on which package deal you ebook. This is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. See the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you may simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle points of interest 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 a terrific present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also be residence 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 convey guests whereas exhibiting them round.
There’s way more to see and do right here, together with a number of totally different museums. Don’t miss the wonderful Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Middle. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s at all times free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to test their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Tackle: 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 could be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable 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 positively 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 price $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 House Needle as nicely.
Lastly, when you favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 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 approach throughout town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling all the wonderful meals on provide.
One other stable choice 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 needs to 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 Tradition is among the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish 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 reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You possibly can even channel your interior 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, way more.
I’ve been to lots of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Remember 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 price round $35 for adults and $21 for youngsters.
Entrance tickets to MoPOP are included within the Seattle CityPass. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: Some of the well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the way in which again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in the US.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off among the finest Seattle points of interest. 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 purchasing luggage to take residence with me.
Along with the farmers’ market and crafts market, there are 80 eating places and over 200 distinctive outlets. 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, really. It’s a group with plenty of wonderful initiatives, comparable to a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further 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 when you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You could find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my record of Seattle points of interest. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can get pleasure from some improbable 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 an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Remember to try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience 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 price $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 good spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some further time in Seattle, contemplate 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 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 climbing, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of the winter months, you possibly can commerce your 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 be taught extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
For those who’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the climbing non-compulsory, try this well-liked tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems to be nice on land, it seems to be even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely some 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 youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant technique to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are a terrific 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 when you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably some of the lovely Seattle points of interest to go to. It’s my go-to alternative for a quiet afternoon.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of crops. It’s a major instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a very fashionable time to go to the park due to the azaleas which are 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 each 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. Verify their web site for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s nicely price it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you may as well 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. Remember 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 Artwork Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the important museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its in depth 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 positioned only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s straightforward to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, 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 students and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and beneath. For those who occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
For those who’re serious 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 1000’s of artifacts and images.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly regularly!).
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 possibly can 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 regularly. Click on right here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s developing.
The Museum of Flight is open each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $25 for adults and $16 for youngsters. 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 among the finest Seattle points of interest. You could find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you may as well go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had a terrific and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit with a neighborhood 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 on right here to ebook your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, 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 selected playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at Lumen Discipline. The stadium can also be residence to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out residence 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.
In the course of the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town when you’re visiting between Might and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL workforce, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American workforce to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received began later that 12 months.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the most important park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest wager 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 when 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 unimaginable 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 some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is nicely definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Tackle: 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 points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on prime after the Nice Fireplace of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship 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 among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply gained’t wish to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Positive, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however for the reason that location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should depart town to discover a bit additional. Listed below are just a few of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it a terrific half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it a terrific journey from town. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher technique to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unimaginable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click on right here to be taught extra and luxuriate in Seattle the way in which 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 in the course of the journey. Click on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your regularly 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 climbing and epic views, testing the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to reside music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the House Needle. This ticket contains the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, 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 could possibly be spent testing the principle points of interest (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and eventually, your final full day could possibly 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 attempt in Seattle, a lot 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 type!), 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 critical.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply among 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 an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may as well benefit from the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, yow will discover 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 infinite!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the perfect the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photos on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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