Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests limitless issues to see and do. That is certainly one of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in case you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most 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 lots of extra), and after residing 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 a number of the high issues to do in Seattle together with numerous sensible data that can assist you plan an important 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 a number of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is superb 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 checklist 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 high picks for the most effective Seattle points of interest.
1. See the House Needle
Undoubtedly, 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 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 your complete metropolis together with pure wonders reminiscent of Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing 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 House Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some critical renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the 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 town.
The House Needle is open every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely upon which bundle you guide. 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.
Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Heart
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you might simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high 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 an important present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can also be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather 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 rather 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 Heart. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s all the time free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Handle: 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 might be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Positioned on the Seattle Heart, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you should definitely see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously 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 $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, in case you favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a 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 study all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling all the superb meals on provide.
One other strong possibility that I’ve gone on a number of occasions is the Pike Place Market Strolling Meals tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is among the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that needs to be in your checklist.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Mission), 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 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 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, rather more.
I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Make sure to add it to your checklist 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.
Handle: 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 america.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off top-of-the-line 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 just’ll wish to be sure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but in addition a number of buying 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 certain it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s rather more than only a market, really. It’s a neighborhood with numerous glorious initiatives, reminiscent of 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 barely 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 in case 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.
Handle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my checklist of Seattle points of interest. 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 residence to 2 totally different platforms the place you possibly can get pleasure from some incredible views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a good higher have a look at the environment. Make sure to take a look at 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 situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Handle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
In case you have some additional 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 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 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 study extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
If you happen to’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering elective, take a look at this widespread 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 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 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 important 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, superb views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier. A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass in case you select to go that route.
10. Stroll Via 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 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 beautiful place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a very talked-about 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 every day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of totally different excursions and courses 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 charge 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 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. Make sure to add a cease right here to your checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.
Handle: 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 amenities: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the predominant 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 artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the primary 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 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 students and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and underneath. If you happen to occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
If you happen to’re keen on 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 hundreds 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 serious 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 Pressure One. You’ll be able to even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing displays to take a look at, which change regularly. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open every day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets 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 points of interest. You will discover 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 on the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and top-of-the-line factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an important 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 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. Click on right here to guide 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 categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The workforce 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 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. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
Through the summer time 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 in case 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 Enviornment within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American workforce to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained began later that yr.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in case 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 situated 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 well worth the effort to achieve.
Handle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing 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 had been constructed on high 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 inexpensive at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t wish to miss. Click on right here to study extra concerning 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 gorgeous nature close by, you could depart town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are just a few of the highest journeys:
Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an important half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as nicely – making it an important journey from town. Click on right here to study extra and guide your spot.
Go Crusing: What higher method 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 study 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.
What enjoyable issues are there to do in 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 reside music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
What’s the primary vacationer attraction in Seattle?
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.
What number of days do you want in Seattle?
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 may very well be spent trying out the primary points of interest (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and eventually, your final full day may very well be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
What meals is Seattle recognized for?
There are such a lot of meals you need to strive 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 must strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Is Seattle a walkable metropolis?
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve 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 a number 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 as well make the most of the various superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d relatively go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the most effective the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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