Often known 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 among my favorite locations to go to within the USA.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even if you happen to’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from 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 certainly among the many finest locations to go to within the states.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the prime issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that will help you plan an incredible 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 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 among 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 occasions over time, I’ve narrowed down my prime picks for one of the best Seattle sights.
1. See the House Needle
Certainly, 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 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 possibly can see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders equivalent 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 House 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 flooring on the planet. In addition they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of 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 rely on which bundle you guide. 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.
Tackle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Examine Out the Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you would 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 incredible 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 way 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 exhibiting them round.
There’s way 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 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 hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely verify their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
3. See Chihuly Backyard
The Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the beautiful glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.
Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unbelievable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however make sure to see all of them.
There’s additionally a theater that’s always exhibiting 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 afterward 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, if you happen to desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be sure that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Tackle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout 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 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 the entire superb meals on provide.
One other strong 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 needs to be in your listing.
5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Mission), 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 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, way more.
I’ve been to loads 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: Some of the well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Relationship all the way in which again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By procuring at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way 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 you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely crammed 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 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 way more than only a market, really. It’s a group with plenty of glorious initiatives, equivalent to a senior heart, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast if you happen to’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Tackle: 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 subsequent spot on my listing of Seattle sights. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to sit down down and revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is house to 2 completely different platforms the place you possibly can get pleasure from some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that will help you get an excellent higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely try the Waterfront Fountain as nicely.
Some of the 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 superb 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 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 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. Throughout the winter months, you possibly can commerce your mountaineering 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.
If you happen to’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering optionally available, try this standard tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears to be like nice on land, it appears to be like even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is definitely some of the enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for cruising vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways. On these journeys, I’ve noticed quite a few sea birds, seals, and even dolphins.
On the funds 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 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 incredible 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 completely narrated journey, superb views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier. A cruise with Argosy is definitely included within the Seattle CityPass if you happen to select to go that route.
10. Stroll Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly some of the stunning 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 crops. It’s a primary instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a very fashionable 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 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. In addition they have a number of completely different excursions and courses 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 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 standard 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 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 really consists of three completely different services: the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the predominant museum, you’ll discover a formidable assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s 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, 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 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 kids and teenagers ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and underneath. If you happen to 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
If you happen to’re desirous about air and house, 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 photographs.
There’s sufficient to see and do to spend a number of hours right here, so this can be a great point 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 Drive One. You’ll be able to even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating displays to take a look at, which change ceaselessly. Click on right here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s developing.
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 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, it’s also possible to go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an incredible and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit with a neighborhood 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 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
Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File 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 selected playoff sport.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Discipline. 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. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
Throughout the summer season months, you possibly can 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 if you happen to’re visiting between Could and September.
For the reason that 2021-2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL crew, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable reality: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it obtained 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 way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your finest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes via the middle of the park and branches out to different trails if you happen to really feel like exploring additional.
Attempt to make all of it the way in which out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can get pleasure from 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 some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is nicely definitely worth the effort to achieve.
Tackle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a 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 had 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, relationship again to the Eighteen 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 without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just 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 because the location is correct on the water and there’s a lot beautiful nature close by, you should depart 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 incredible half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as nicely – making it an incredible journey from 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 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, 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 House Needle. This ticket consists of 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 approach, 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 trying out the primary sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), 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 you must attempt in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood because of the metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, it’s a must to attempt a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to achieve sure locations, like seashores or neighborhoods outdoors of downtown, driving or taking public transportation is important.
Now You Know What to Do in Seattle
These are simply among the many 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, it’s also possible to make the most of the numerous superb day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you could find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d somewhat 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 consider I’ve skilled one of the best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photos on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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