Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in the US. The biggest 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 for those who’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 residence 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 greatest 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 lot 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 help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders. It truly is wonderful 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 checklist 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 high picks for the most effective Seattle sights.
1. See the Area Needle
Indisputably, 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 statement deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the whole metropolis together with pure wonders resembling Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of occasions I visited throughout my time dwelling there.
Whereas the Area Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now due to some critical renovations.
A latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring on the planet. Additionally they added wall-to-ceiling glass and the brand new Skyrisers, that are tilting glass benches that present for some unreal views of town.
The Area Needle is open day by 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 greatest 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.
Deal with: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
2. Verify Out the Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the large 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 completely 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 residence 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 greatest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d convey guests whereas displaying them round.
There’s way 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 hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Concert events, health courses, films, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to test their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.
Deal with: 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 will be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three completely different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse. My private favourite is the Glasshouse, however you’ll want 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 Area Needle as properly.
Lastly, for those who choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, be certain that to make the most of the free audio tour on provide.
Deal with: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method 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 in regards to 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 checklist.
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 greatest 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 may 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, way more.
I’ve been to a whole lot of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Remember to add it to your checklist 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.
Deal with: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
6. Pike Place Market: One of the crucial well-known Seattle sights!
The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the greatest 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 US.
By buying 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 properly!
There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you just’ll wish to ensure you come hungry and keep awhile. Every time I visited, I not solely stuffed my abdomen, but in addition a number of buying luggage to take residence 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 way more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with a lot of glorious initiatives, resembling 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 may 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 will discover Pike Place Market on the map right here.
Deal with: 85 Pike Road, 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 following spot on my checklist 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 revel in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 completely different platforms the place you may take pleasure in some implausible 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. Remember to take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as properly.
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a journey on the Seattle Nice Wheel. This large Ferris wheel is open from Monday to Thursday from 11 AM-10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM-11 PM and Sunday from 10 AM-10 PM.
Tickets price $16 for adults and $11 for 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 an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
Deal with: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
When you have some further time in Seattle, take into account 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 climbing within the space.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on provide, together with climbing, tenting and mountain climbing.
For vacationers on a day journey, climbing alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. In the course of the winter months, you may commerce your climbing 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.
For those who’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the climbing non-compulsory, take a look at this fashionable tour on a minibus.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle appears nice on land, it appears even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well probably the most 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 kids, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant solution 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 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, wonderful 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 Via Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably probably the most 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 vegetation. It’s a first-rate instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend just a few hours.
Spring is a extremely popular time to go to the park due to the azaleas which are in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry timber, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open day by day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of completely different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their web site for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s properly price it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Backyard ($8 for adults and $4 for kids). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can too take pleasure in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s just a little 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. Remember to add a cease right here to your checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.
Deal with: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which truly consists of three completely different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the major museum, you’ll discover a powerful 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 completely different artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the principle museum, you can too 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 youths ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and underneath. For those who occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
12. Go to the Museum of Flight
For those who’re interested by 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 hundreds 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 regularly!).
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 Drive One. You may 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 regularly. Click on right here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s arising.
The Museum of Flight is open day by 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 will discover the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility
For these airplane fanatics, you can too go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight on 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 an excellent and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.
On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility with an area information and see planes at numerous phases 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 guide 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, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.
The truth is, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Report for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The group 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 residence video games at Lumen Subject. The stadium can be residence to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out residence video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. For those who can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for an excellent time.
In the course of the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cellular Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s an excellent probability 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 group, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Local weather Pledge Area within the Seattle Middle.
Enjoyable truth: Approach again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American group 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 glorious inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the biggest park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest 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 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 may take pleasure in 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 probably the most picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is properly definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
Deal with: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out my checklist of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing 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 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 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 gained’t wish to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to 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 gorgeous nature close by, you need to go away town to discover a bit additional. Listed below are just a few 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 properly – making it an excellent journey from town. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
Go Crusing: What higher solution 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.
Get pleasure from Whale Watching: Orcas, humpback, gray and minke whales all frequent the waters right here. This journey leaves from Anacortes…and 95% of the time, whales are noticed! Not solely that, however you’ll see different wildlife throughout the journey. Click on right here for particulars.
FAQs About Visiting Seattle
Solutions to a few of your 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 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 Area Needle. This ticket consists of 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 might be spent testing the principle sights (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so on.), and eventually, your final full day might be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour.
There are such a lot of meals you need to strive in Seattle, a lot of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).
Completely Seattle is a walkable metropolis, though to succeed in 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 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 too reap the benefits of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, you could find 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 the most effective the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.
*Photographs on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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