Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests infinite 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 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 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 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 prime issues to do in Seattle together with numerous sensible data that can assist you plan an amazing 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 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 help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is superb how one can take pleasure in all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Seattle
Right here’s my record of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle. After dwelling within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions through the years, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for the very best Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
For sure, 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 toes (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the complete 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 let you know what number of occasions 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 this 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 each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely on which bundle you guide. This is likely one of 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. Test 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 occurring that you could possibly simply spend a complete 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 amazing 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 likely one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s far more to see and do right here, together with a number of completely different museums. Don’t miss the 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 completely different sights right here, the Seattle Heart additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and applications all year long. Live shows, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Be sure you 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 likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work could be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
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 make sure you see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always displaying 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 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, in case 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 part of a Meals Tour
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method 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 be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire superb meals on provide.
One other stable choice 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 likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your record.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is likely one of the finest 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 lots of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Be sure you 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 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.
Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: Some of the well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the best way again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off among the finest 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 you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of purchasing luggage 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 neighborhood with numerous wonderful initiatives, akin to a senior heart, 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 may 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 varied choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Handle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Get pleasure from Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a brief stroll from Waterfront Park, the subsequent spot on my record of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 completely different platforms the place you may take pleasure in some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a fair higher have a look at the environment. Be sure you 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 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 an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned 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
You probably have some additional time in Seattle, think about 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 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 may commerce your mountaineering boots for present footwear and nonetheless benefit from the trails.
The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.
Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this prime journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In the event you’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering elective, take a look at this in style 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 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 may 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 amazing 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 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 in case you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the lovely 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 dwelling 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 highly regarded time to go to the park due to the azaleas which might be 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 each day from daybreak to nightfall and is likely one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of completely different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Test their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely value it to pay the doorway price 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 can even take pleasure in a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s a bit of 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. Be sure you 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 need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which really consists of three completely different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the important museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its in depth collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 completely different artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you can even 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 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 enthusiastic about air and house, you’ll need to embody the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s of artifacts and photographs.
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 powerful 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 often. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s developing.
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 finest Seattle sights. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit
For these airplane fanatics, you can even 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 finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an amazing 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 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 unit and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The crew 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 recreation.
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.
Through the summer time months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s a very good probability they’ll be on the town in case you’re visiting between Could and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL crew, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Heart.
Enjoyable truth: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received began later that 12 months.
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 finest wager 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 best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may take pleasure in some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click on right here for instructions. It’s positively one of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely well worth the effort to achieve.
Handle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is likely one of 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 Eighteen 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, 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 go away the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are just a few of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an amazing half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an amazing journey from the town. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher method 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 luxuriate 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 in the course of 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 mountaineering and epic views, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to dwell music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the Area Needle. This ticket contains the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That method, you may 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 may very well be spent trying out the principle 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 you must strive in Seattle, lots of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you need to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), 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 a number of the many attention-grabbing issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and a complete lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can even reap the benefits of the numerous 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 reasonably 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.
*Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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