Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space within the United States. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests countless issues to see and do.
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 take pleasure in 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 instances, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly amongst my favorites.
This put up was up to date to incorporate new Seattle sights and actions for 2023.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of 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 a few of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders.
It truly is superb how one can take pleasure in 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 residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many instances over time, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the very best Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
For sure, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House 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 take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see all the metropolis together with pure wonders resembling Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time residing 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 the earth. Additionally 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 every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for kids. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you possibly can see the House 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 House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you may 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 Worldwide Fountain. At completely 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 dwelling to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely different museums. Don’t miss the superb 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 completely different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to examine their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is without doubt one of 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 all over the world.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you should definitely see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently displaying quick 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 $30-35 for adults and $19-21 for kids. 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 effectively.
Lastly, when 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.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be part of a Meals Tour
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your means throughout town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling the entire superb meals on provide.
One other stable possibility that I’ve gone on a number of instances 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 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 referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Undertaking), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt one of the greatest 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 displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You’ll be able to even channel your inside 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, far more.
I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is certainly 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 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: Probably the most well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the greatest 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 the US.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off top-of-the-line 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 ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but in addition 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 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 far more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with plenty of wonderful initiatives, resembling a senior middle, 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 will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick 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 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 completely different platforms the place you possibly can take pleasure in 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 an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Remember to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience on the Seattle Nice Wheel. This big 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 superb 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.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
In case you have some further time in Seattle, take into account doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an energetic 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 mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through 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 be taught extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
When you’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, take a look at this enjoyable tour! Get pleasure from a hike within the park, an natural picnic outdoors, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Study extra right here.
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 well 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 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 option 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 completely different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll take pleasure in a completely narrated journey, superb 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 Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly some 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 vegetation. It’s a primary 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 are 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 without doubt one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of completely 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 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 take pleasure in a conventional 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. Remember to 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 wish to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three completely different amenities: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the principal museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its in depth collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 completely 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 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 teenagers 14 and beneath. When 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
When you’re inquisitive about air and area, 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 pictures.
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 steadily!).
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’ll be able to 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 steadily. Click on right here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s arising.
For these airplane fanatics, you may as well go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and top-of-the-line 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 take a look at 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 displays and shows.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets price $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 top-of-the-line Seattle sights. You will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Deal with: 9404 East Marginal Manner S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
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.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Document for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a selected playoff sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their dwelling video games at Lumen Subject. 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. When you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a superb time.
Through 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 a superb likelihood they’ll be on the town when you’re visiting between Might and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL staff, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Manner again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it bought 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 far more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by 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 take pleasure in 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 some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively 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 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 Nice Hearth of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the Eighteen 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 without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t wish to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
FAQs About Seattle
Solutions to a few of your steadily 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 dwell 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 consists of the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I feel that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That means, 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 (House 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 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, it’s a must to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this put up for extra.
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 a few 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 a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may as well reap the benefits of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d relatively go go to a waterfall or soak in a scorching spring. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. When you’ve been there and have a terrific suggestion for what to do in Seattle, please go away a remark beneath.
*Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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