Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply may be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests limitless issues to see and do. That is one among my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even if you happen to’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 house 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 unquestionably among the many greatest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the high issues to do in Seattle together with numerous sensible data that can assist you plan an ideal 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 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 superb how one can take pleasure in 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 over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Unquestionably, 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 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 the whole metropolis together with pure wonders akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of occasions I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the Area 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 latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground 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 each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets depend upon which bundle you ebook. This is among the greatest 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.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Heart
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you can simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high 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 ideal present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Heart can be house to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and far more right here. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d carry guests whereas exhibiting them round.
There’s far 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 sights right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely verify their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is among the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
Situated on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you’ll want to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently exhibiting brief movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively need 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 value $35-$42.50 for adults and $30-$37.50 for youths. 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 nicely.
Lastly, if you happen to favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure that to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Tackle: 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 manner 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 study all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire superb meals on supply.
One other stable 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 listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is among the greatest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need 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 internal 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 a whole lot of 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: Probably the most well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is among the greatest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the best way again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in america.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off among the best Seattle sights. 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 need to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing baggage to take house 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, really. It’s a group with numerous wonderful initiatives, akin to a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is 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 if you happen to’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You could find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my 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 house to 2 totally 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 a fair higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey 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 value $16 for adults and $11 for youths. 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.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
In case you have some further time in Seattle, contemplate 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 supply, 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 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 study extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
Should you’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering non-compulsory, take a look at this standard tour on a minibus.
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 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 price range finish, you possibly can merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant 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 ideal 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 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 if you happen to select to go that route.
10. Stroll Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably some 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 crops. It’s a chief instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning 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 bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open each day from daybreak to nightfall and is among the greatest 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. Examine their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely value 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 too can 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 need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: 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 intensive 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 too can 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 straightforward to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, it’s now a free public park stuffed with distinctive sculptures.
The artwork museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday. It’s closed on Tuesday however stays open till 9 PM on Thursday.
Tickets are $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for college students and youths ages 15-18, and free for youths 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 considering air and area, you’ll need 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 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 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 Power 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 ceaselessly. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open each 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 could find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you too can go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and among the best factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an ideal and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility 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 displays and shows. Click on right here to ebook your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit 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 workforce refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they principally act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a specific playoff sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Area. The stadium can be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. Should you 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 house video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town if you happen to’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 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: Approach 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 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 most important park in Seattle and is house 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 means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails if you happen to really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can take pleasure in 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 sights and is nicely definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my 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 had been constructed on high after the Nice Hearth of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just received’t need to miss. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, 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 just a few of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an ideal half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an ideal journey from the town. Click on right here to study extra and ebook 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 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 throughout 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 stay 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 feel that 3-5 days is an effective period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That manner, 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 testing the primary 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 it’s best to attempt in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply among 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 a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you too can reap the benefits of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d fairly go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are limitless!
After two months residing in Seattle and plenty of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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