Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests limitless issues to see and do. That is one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in the event you’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 plenty 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 among the prime issues to do in Seattle together with a number of sensible information 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 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 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 Greatest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my listing 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 through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the perfect Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Surely, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The remark deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders corresponding to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t let you know what number of occasions I visited throughout my time residing 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 because of some severe renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the earth. 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 the town.
The Area Needle is open day by day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets depend upon 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 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 Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you may simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime 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 incredible present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle 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 convey 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 wonderful Invoice & Melinda Gates Basis Discovery Middle. 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 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely verify 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 around the globe.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, 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 always displaying 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 in a while 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 Area Needle as effectively.
Lastly, in the event you choose 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 a part of a Meals Tour
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout the 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 best way, 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 listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often 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 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 referred to 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 may 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 certainly my favourite. You should definitely add it to your listing 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.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the vital 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 USA.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off the most effective Seattle sights. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as effectively!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’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 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 certain 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 group with a number of glorious initiatives, corresponding 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 may come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in the event you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted 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 brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my listing of Seattle sights. 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 dwelling to 2 totally different platforms the place you may get pleasure from some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get a good higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely try the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the vital 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 a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s situated 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
If in case you have some additional 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 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. Through the winter months, you may commerce your mountaineering 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.
In the event you’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering non-obligatory, 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 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 funds finish, you may 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 strategy 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 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 in the event you select to go that route.
10. Stroll Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the lovely Seattle sights 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 residing assortment of vegetation. It’s a first-rate instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a highly regarded time to go to the park because of 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 day by 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 main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s effectively price it to pay the doorway charge 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 standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit 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. You should definitely add a cease right here to your listing 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 wish to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three totally different amenities: 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 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 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 youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and underneath. In the event you 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
In the event you’re excited about air and area, you’ll wish 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 it is a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly ceaselessly!).
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 Pressure One. You may 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 ceaselessly. Click on right here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open day by 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 the most effective Seattle sights. You’ll 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 the town and the most effective 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 try the Boeing manufacturing facility with an area information and see planes at varied 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
Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Document for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group 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 dwelling video games at Lumen Area. 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. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
Through the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s a very good probability they’ll be on the town in the event you’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL group, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Approach again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American group to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired 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 dwelling 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 guess is to start out 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 in the event you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may get pleasure from some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click on right here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my listing 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 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 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 reasonably priced at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just 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 because the location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should depart the town to discover a bit additional. Listed below are a number of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an incredible half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as effectively – making it an incredible journey from the town. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher strategy 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 be taught extra and luxuriate 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 in the course of the journey. Click on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your ceaselessly 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, testing the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to dwell 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 efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That means, you may spend a full day trip 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 testing the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and at last, 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 as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you need to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods exterior 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 a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may as well benefit from the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d somewhat go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months residing in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the perfect the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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