Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests countless issues to see and do. That is one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even for those who’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from 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 dwelling 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 certainly 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 a number of sensible data that can assist you plan an excellent 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 assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is superb how one can get pleasure from 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 dwelling within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many instances through the years, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
Surely, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The statement deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 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. Trying out this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
Whereas the House Needle has at all times been one of many high 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 flooring on the earth. Additionally they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of the town.
The House 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 upon which bundle you e book. This is likely one of 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.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, 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 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 excellent present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can be dwelling 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 deliver guests whereas displaying 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 Middle. They run free group excursions from Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 PM and it’s at all times free to go to.
Along with all of the totally different sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely test their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Tackle: 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 gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is break up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however remember to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always displaying brief movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively wish to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour in a while the weekend.
Tickets price $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 House Needle as nicely.
Lastly, for those who favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a 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 way in which, you’ll be taught all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the superb meals on supply.
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 likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that needs to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously often 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 wish to take a while to admire the gorgeous constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture known as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You’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 reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, far more.
I’ve been to a number of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly 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 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.
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 likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is likely one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing far more than simply checking off the most effective 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 simply’ll wish to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of buying baggage to take dwelling 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 far more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with a number of 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 just 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 for those who’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 85 Pike 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 following 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 take a seat down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is dwelling 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 fair higher have a look at the environment. You should definitely try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience on the Seattle Nice Wheel. This big Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $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 positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Tackle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some additional 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 be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In the event you’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering elective, try this common tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems nice on land, it seems even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely one of the vital 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 kids, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant strategy 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 excellent 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 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 for those who select to go that route.
10. Stroll By way of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the vital 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 dwelling assortment of vegetation. It’s a first-rate instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a highly regarded time to go to the park due to the azaleas which can be 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 likely one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally 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 small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely value it to pay the doorway payment for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for kids). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and it’s also possible to get pleasure from a conventional 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. You should definitely add a cease right here to your listing of locations to go to in Seattle.
Tackle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the principal museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s identified for its intensive collections of Native American and Northwest Coast artwork. There are over 25,000 totally different artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, it’s also possible to 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 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 teenagers ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and beneath. 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.
Tackle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
In the event you’re focused on air and house, you’ll wish to embrace the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s of artifacts and 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 ceaselessly!).
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 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 reveals to take a look at, which change ceaselessly. Click on right here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open each 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 the most effective Seattle sights. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, it’s also possible to go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and the most effective factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an excellent and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing facility with an area information and see planes at numerous 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 e book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility 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 Document for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant. My ears rang from days after a selected playoff recreation.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their dwelling video games at Lumen Area. The stadium can be dwelling to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out dwelling video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
Through the summer season months, you possibly can catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 dwelling video games per season, there’s an excellent likelihood they’ll be on the town for those who’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL staff, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Approach again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it received began later that 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 dwelling 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 by means of the middle of the park and branches out to different trails for those who 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 positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click on right here for instructions. It’s positively one of the vital picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is 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 high after the Nice Hearth of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting again to the Nineties. I can nonetheless keep in mind the sensation of being transported to a different world whereas venturing into these darkish areas.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is likely one of 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 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 true on the water and there’s a lot gorgeous nature close by, you should go away the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a number of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an excellent half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as nicely – making it an excellent journey from the town. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher strategy 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 be taught extra and revel 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 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 reside music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley.
By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the House Needle. This ticket contains the House 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 could possibly be spent testing the principle sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and at last, your final full day could possibly be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals it is best 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, it’s important to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle type!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors 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 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, it’s also possible to benefit from the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside a number of hours, yow 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 countless!
After two months dwelling in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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