Often called the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply could be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest provides guests countless issues to see and do. That is considered one of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even in the event you’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 house nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and lots of extra), and after residing in Seattle for 2 months and visiting quite a few occasions, the Emerald Metropolis is certainly among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible information that will help you plan a fantastic journey.
About Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and has the Olympic Mountains to the west and Cascades to the east, making for some postcard-worthy surroundings round each nook.
Sadly, it’s true that it rains very often right here. Don’t let it rain in your parade, although — there are tons of nice museums and different indoor actions to maintain you busy when it will get a bit moist. There are many issues to do in Seattle when it rains.
Seattle can also be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are a few of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering assist for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is wonderful 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 residing within the metropolis for over 2 months and visiting there many occasions through the years, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
Indisputably, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the House Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Truthful, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.
The remark deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see all the metropolis together with pure wonders equivalent to 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 occasions I visited throughout my time residing there.
Whereas the House Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some severe renovations.
A latest 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 town.
The House Needle is open every day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets depend upon which package deal you ebook. This is without doubt 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.
Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you could possibly simply spend a complete 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 completely different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for a fantastic present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also 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 without doubt 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 rather 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 Middle. 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 Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health lessons, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Make sure to examine their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is without doubt 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 around the globe.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, 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 you should definitely see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s consistently displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively wish to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour in a while 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 House Needle as nicely.
Lastly, in the event you favor to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, make certain 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
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout town on a meals tour. My private advice is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour, which lasts two hours and contains quite a few bites.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll study all concerning the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and revel in sampling all the wonderful meals on provide.
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 without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt 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 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’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 reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. Make sure to 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.
Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the way in which again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By purchasing at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather 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 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 purchasing 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, really. It’s a neighborhood with plenty of glorious initiatives, equivalent 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 may come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast in the event you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Handle: 85 Pike Road, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the 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 sit down 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 may get pleasure from some unbelievable views.
On a transparent day, you may even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get an excellent higher have a look at the environment. Make sure to try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a trip 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 superb 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.
Handle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some additional time in Seattle, think about doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier, which is an energetic stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park. That is my private favourite spot for mountain 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 mountain climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, mountain climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through the winter months, you may commerce your mountain 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 study extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
Should you’d favor a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing non-obligatory, try this widespread 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 well 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 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 technique to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions are a fantastic 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, wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier. A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass in the event you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By way of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly 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 primary instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a extremely popular 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 every day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt 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. Examine their web site for all the small print.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s nicely price 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 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. Make sure to add a cease right here to your listing of locations to go to in Seattle.
Handle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which really consists of three completely different services: the primary 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 artworks on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the primary museum, you can even 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 website, it’s now a free public park filled with distinctive sculptures.
The artwork museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday. It’s closed on Tuesday however stays open till 9 PM on Thursday.
Tickets are $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for college students and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for 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.
Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
Should you’re serious about 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 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 good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly regularly!).
A serious 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 fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change regularly. 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 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. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you can even go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had a fantastic 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 ebook your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility and Way forward for Flight.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Document for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly 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 Subject. The stadium can also 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 season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s an excellent probability they’ll be on the town in the event you’re visiting between Could and September.
Because the 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL group, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Manner again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American group to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it bought began later that 12 months.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many glorious 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 wager is to begin out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by the middle of the park and branches out to different trails in the event you really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may 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 positively some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely definitely 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 listing of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is without doubt 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, 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 reasonably priced at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t wish to miss. Click on right here to study extra concerning the tour.
Nature Journeys in Seattle
Certain, there are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle metropolis itself, however because the location is true on the water and there’s a lot gorgeous nature close by, you should depart town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are a couple of of the highest journeys:
- Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are situated simply round an hour from Seattle, making it a fantastic half-day journey. After all, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as nicely – making it a fantastic journey from town. Click on right here to study extra and ebook your spot.
- Go Crusing: What higher technique 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 study 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 regularly 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 mountain climbing 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 House Needle. This ticket contains the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.
I believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That approach, you may 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 primary sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and eventually, 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’s 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 a must to strive 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 exterior of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is critical.
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 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 can even make the most of the various wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside a couple of hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d quite go go to a waterfall and style some wine. The choices for journey actually are countless!
After two months residing in Seattle and lots 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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