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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

15 Finest Issues to Do in Seattle (Should-See Locations)


Often known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply may be essentially the most scenic metropolitan space in america. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests countless issues to see and do. That is certainly one of my favorite locations to go to within the USA.

Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Even should you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most of the points of interest 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 instances, 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 number of sensible data that can assist you plan an awesome journey.

About Seattle, Washington

Space Needle in Seattle on a weekend tripSpace Needle in Seattle on a weekend trip

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 wonderful how one can get pleasure from 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 instances over time, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for the very best Seattle points of interest.

1. See the Area Needle

Seattle Space Needle and the city skylineSeattle Space Needle and the city skyline

Indubitably, essentially the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Area 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 toes (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 resembling Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t let you know what number of instances 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 severe renovations.

A latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass ground on this 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 Area Needle is open each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets rely on which bundle you e-book. 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.

Handle: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

2. Examine Out the Seattle Middle

This is a photo of Seattle City Center from above at dusk.This is a photo of Seattle City Center from above at dusk.

The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you might simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.

One of many high Seattle points of interest 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 awesome present that’s enjoyable for all ages. 

The Seattle Middle can 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 greatest 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 totally 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 totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You should definitely test their occasion calendar to see what’s occurring.

Handle: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

3. See Chihuly Backyard

Chihuly Garden, a top Seattle attractionChihuly Garden, a top Seattle attraction

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 could be seen in over 200 museums around the globe.

Positioned on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable 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 need to carve out a few hours to take all of it in. 

The museum is open from 8:30 AM-8:30 PM Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour afterward the weekend.

Tickets value $35-$42.50 for adults and $30-$37.50 for teenagers. Entrance to the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is included within the Seattle CityPass, on this 3-hour “highlights tour” of Seattle, or this ticket which incorporates the Area Needle as effectively.

Lastly, should you choose to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure 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

Hot dog with all of the toppings in Seattle, WashingtonHot dog with all of the toppings in Seattle, Washington

Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method 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 be taught all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire wonderful meals on provide. 

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 without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that must be in your checklist.

5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition

Exterior view of the Museum of Pop Culture in SeattleExterior view of the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle

Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Mission), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt one of the greatest Seattle points of interest round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll need to take a while to admire the beautiful constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.

When you step contained in the museum, which additionally goes by MoPOP, you’ll discover the spectacular guitar sculpture referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture! 

Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers: Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.

You’ll be able to even channel your internal rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space. 

That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, way more.

I’ve been to lots of museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You should definitely 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 value 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.

Handle: 325 fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

6. Pike Place Market: Probably the most well-known Seattle points of interest!

Exploring Pike Place Market is one of the best things to do in Seattle.Exploring Pike Place Market is one of the best things to do in Seattle.

The Pike Place Market is without doubt one of the greatest 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 america. 

By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing way more than simply checking off the most effective Seattle points of interest. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as effectively! 

There’s a lot to see (and style) right here that you simply’ll need 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 baggage 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 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, really. It’s a neighborhood with a number 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 barely closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM, however you may come right here as early as 6 AM for breakfast should you’re an early riser.

Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You’ll find Pike Place Market on the map right here.

Handle: 85 Pike Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States

7. Take pleasure in Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park, SeattleWaterfront Park, Seattle

After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from Waterfront Park, the following spot on my checklist of Seattle points of interest. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to take a seat down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.

The park is house to 2 totally 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 can assist you get an excellent higher take a look at the environment. You should definitely take a look at the Waterfront Fountain as effectively.

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 value $16 for adults and $11 for teenagers. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.

Waterfront Park is a superb spot to unwind after an enormous day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.

Handle: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101, United States

8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier 

Mount Rainier National ParkMount Rainier National Park

In case you have some further 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 mountaineering within the space.

This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m), and within the nationwide park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on provide, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountaineering.

For vacationers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through the winter months, you may commerce your mountaineering boots for present footwear and nonetheless benefit from the trails. 

The highly-rated Evergreen Escapes runs full-day, small group excursions to Mount Rainier, that are tailor-made to your health ranges.

Included within the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.

In the event you’d choose a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountaineering optionally available, take a look at this fashionable tour on a minibus.

9. Take a Cruise

A boat in dock for a Seattle harbor cruiseA boat in dock for a Seattle harbor 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 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 funds finish, you may merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for 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 awesome 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 completely 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 should you select to go that route.

10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum

Washington Park Arboretum in SeattleWashington Park Arboretum in Seattle

The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the vital stunning Seattle points of interest 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 major instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a couple of hours.

Spring is a extremely popular 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 without doubt one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Examine their web site for all the small print. 

When you’re right here, it’s effectively price it to pay the doorway charge 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 may also get pleasure from 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. You should definitely add a cease right here to your checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.

Handle: 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States

11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum

Seattle Art MuseumSeattle Art Museum

Artwork lovers will need to expertise the Seattle Artwork Museum, which really consists of three totally different services: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

On the fundamental 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 totally different artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.

Along with the principle museum, you may also 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 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 teenagers 14 and underneath. In the event you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.

Handle: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA‎ 98101, United States

12. Go to the Museum of Flight

Museum of Flight in SeattleMuseum of Flight in Seattle

In the event you’re keen on air and house, you’ll need to embody the Museum of Flight in your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with hundreds 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 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’ll be able to even board a few of them!

Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of attention-grabbing displays to take a look at, which change regularly. Click on right here to view a listing of present displays and see what’s developing.

The Museum of Flight is open each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets value $25 for adults and $16 for 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 points of interest. You’ll find the Museum of Flight on the map right here

Go to the Boeing Manufacturing unit

For these airplane fanatics, you may also go to the Boeing Way forward for Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing unit, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from town and the most effective factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an awesome 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 a neighborhood information and see planes at varied phases of meeting. Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the displays and shows. Click on right here to e-book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing unit and Way forward for Flight.

13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities

Seattle Seahawks stadiumSeattle Seahawks stadium

Individuals 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 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 be house to the Seattle Sounders FC, which have been promoting out house video games since their debut in MLS ten years in the past. In the event you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.

Through the summer time months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s likelihood they’ll be on the town should you’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 Area within the Seattle Middle.

Enjoyable reality: Method again in 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it bought began later that yr.

14. Expertise Discovery Park

A beach in Discovery Park, SeattleA beach in Discovery Park, Seattle

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 fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way more.

If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest guess 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 should 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 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 points of interest and is effectively well worth the effort to achieve.

Handle: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States

15. Be part of an Underground Tour

Stairs headed down to an underground tour in SeattleStairs headed down to an underground tour in Seattle

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 points of interest. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the Nice Fireplace 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 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 inexpensive at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you simply gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to be taught extra in regards to 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 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 a couple of of the highest journeys:

  1. Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an awesome half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by beautiful pure magnificence as effectively – making it an awesome journey from town. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book your spot.
  2. 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 luxuriate in Seattle the way in which the locals do.
  3. 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 in the course of the journey. Click on right here for particulars.

FAQs About Visiting Seattle

Solutions to a few of your regularly requested questions on visiting Seattle.

What enjoyable issues are there to do in 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 dwell music on the Tractor Tavern, The Crocodile, or Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley

What’s the primary vacationer attraction in Seattle?

By far, the highest attraction in Seattle for vacationers is the Area Needle. This ticket contains the Area Needle and the Chihuly Backyard and Glass.

What number of days do you want in Seattle? 

I believe that 3-5 days is an efficient period of time for Seattle sightseeing. That method, you may spend a full day trip at Mt. Rainer, and one other day having fun with a lazy day on the waterfront and at Pike Place Market.  Different days may very well be spent testing the principle points of interest (Area Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and many others.), and eventually, your final full day may very well be spent on the water taking a cruise, or becoming a member of a meals tour. 

What meals is Seattle identified for?

There are such a lot of meals it is best to strive 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 important to strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle model!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup).

Is Seattle a walkable metropolis?

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 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 may also reap the benefits of the numerous 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 slightly 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 the very best the Emerald Metropolis has to supply.

*Photographs on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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