Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents guests infinite issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even should you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in most of the sights in nature or within the metropolis. There’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
I’ve been to cities throughout my 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 unquestionably amongst my favorites.
This submit 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 a lot of sensible information that can assist you plan an awesome 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 wonderful how one can take pleasure in 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 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 instances through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
Surely, probably 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 remark deck is 520 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see your complete metropolis together with pure wonders akin 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 instances I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the House 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 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 day by day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34-37.50 for adults and $25-30 for youngsters. This is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to see the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Test Out the Seattle Heart
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you possibly can 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 an awesome 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 carry guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s way 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 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 completely different sights right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely examine 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 gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Positioned on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable 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 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 value $30-35 for adults and $19-21 for youngsters. 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, should you desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach 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 study all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire wonderful 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 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 called 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 gorgeous constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture known as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You 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 numerous museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably 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 value 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: One of the crucial well-known Seattle sights!
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 USA.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off among the best 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 simply’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 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, really. It’s a neighborhood with a lot of wonderful initiatives, akin to 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 barely closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast should 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.
Tackle: 85 Pike Road, 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 listing of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is dwelling to 2 completely different platforms the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in some incredible views.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a good higher have a look at the environment. You should definitely take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey 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 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.
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, think about 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 mountain climbing within the space.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on provide, together with mountain climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Throughout the winter months, you’ll be able to commerce your mountain climbing 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 prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
Should 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 exterior, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Be taught extra right here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears to be like nice on land, it appears to be like even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well 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’ll be able to 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 method 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 awesome 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, wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier.
A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass should you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably 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 vegetation. It’s a major instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a extremely popular time to go to the park because of 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 day by day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of completely different excursions and courses 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 also take pleasure in 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.
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 completely different amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the primary museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized for its intensive 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 primary museum, you may also 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 web site, 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 kids and youths ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and underneath. Should 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.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
Should you’re serious 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 photographs.
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 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 possibly can even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing 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.
For these airplane fanatics, you may also go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on the Boing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the best factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an awesome 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 an area 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 reveals and shows.
The Museum of Flight is open day by day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $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 best Seattle sights. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Tackle: 9404 East Marginal Means S., Seattle, WA 98108, United States
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff 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 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. Should you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.
Throughout the summer time months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s probability they’ll be on the town should you’re visiting between Might and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL staff, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received 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 start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails should you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is effectively definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing 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 have 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 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 inexpensive at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply received’t wish to miss. Click on right here to study extra concerning the tour.
FAQs About 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 mountain climbing 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 efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you’ll be able to 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 trying out the primary sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and at last, 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 you must 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, it’s important to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this submit for extra.
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 important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply a few of the many attention-grabbing 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 also make the most of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go go to a waterfall or soak in a scorching spring. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply. Should you’ve been there and have an awesome suggestion for what to do in Seattle, please depart a remark beneath.
*Photos on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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