Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is perhaps probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest gives guests infinite 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 when 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 house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after dwelling in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the prime 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 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 get pleasure from all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Greatest 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 dwelling 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 points of interest.
1. See the Area Needle
Undoubtedly, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area 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 get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders reminiscent of 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 dwelling there.
Whereas the Area Needle has all the time been one of many prime locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some severe renovations.
A current multimillion greenback improve added the stylish lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on the planet. Additionally 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 every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely on which package deal you ebook. This is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. See the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Heart
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Heart. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you possibly can simply spend a whole day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many prime Seattle points of interest 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 important 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 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 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 points of interest 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 examine their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
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 beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work could be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Situated on the Seattle Heart, the museum is break up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly wish to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour 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 Area Needle as nicely.
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.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method throughout the 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 best way, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the superb meals on provide.
One other stable choice 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 record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Challenge), the Museum of Pop Tradition is among the finest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may even channel your 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 reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to quite a lot of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You should definitely 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.
Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the vital well-known Seattle points of interest!
The Pike Place Market is among the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is among the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off among the best 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 simply’ll wish to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but in addition a number of procuring luggage to take house 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 rather more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with numerous wonderful initiatives, reminiscent of 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’ll be able to 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. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Handle: 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 following spot on my record of Seattle points of interest. 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 house to 2 completely different platforms the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unbelievable 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 an excellent higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
One of the vital 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 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 further time in Seattle, take into account doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an lively stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for 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 climbing, tenting and mountaineering.
For vacationers on a day journey, climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of the winter months, you’ll be able to commerce your climbing boots for present sneakers and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In the event you’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the climbing elective, take a look at this in style tour on a minibus.
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 definitely one of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the finances 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 kids, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant approach 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 completely different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbor the place you’ll get pleasure from a totally narrated journey, 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 By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one 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 dwelling assortment of crops. It’s a major instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a very fashionable 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 bushes, 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. Additionally they have a number of completely different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their web site for all the small print.
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 also get pleasure from a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a little 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 record 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 truly consists of three completely different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the fundamental museum, you’ll discover a formidable 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 also pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated only a mile away (click on right here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial website, it’s now a free public park 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 teenagers 14 and underneath. In the event you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In the event you’re focused on 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 hundreds of artifacts and images.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so it is a great point to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly often!).
A significant 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 may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change often. Click on right here to view an inventory of present reveals 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 among the best Seattle points of interest. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you may also 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 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 a neighborhood 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. 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 specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report 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. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
In the course of the summer season months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s a very good likelihood they’ll be on the town when you’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 Area within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Means again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have 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 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 by means of 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 best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click on right here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle 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 record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating 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 have been constructed on prime after the Nice Fireplace of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless bear in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and 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 be taught extra in regards to the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Positive, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however for the reason that 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 here are a couple of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an important half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an important journey from the town. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher approach to get out on the water than on a 70foot sailboat?! On this unbelievable journey, you’ll have epic views of downtown Seattle & Mount Rainier. Click on right here to be taught extra and revel in Seattle the best way the locals do.
- Get pleasure from 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 often 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 climbing and epic views, trying out 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 consists of 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 method, you’ll be able to spend a full day trip at Mt. Rainer, and one other day having fun with a lazy day on the waterfront and at Pike Place Market. Different days could possibly be spent trying out the principle points of interest (Area 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 it is best to strive in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you need to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve 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 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 an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you may also make the most of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d slightly go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I consider I’ve skilled the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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