Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply may be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis within the Pacific Northwest presents 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 trip, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in 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 instances, the Emerald Metropolis is unquestionably among the many best places to visit in the states.

On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with a number of sensible data that will help you plan an ideal 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 a few 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 a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.

15 Greatest Issues To Do in Seattle

Right here’s my record 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 instances through the years, I’ve narrowed down my high picks for one of the best Seattle sights.

1. See the Area Needle

Unquestionably, probably the most iconic landmark in Seattle is the Space Needle. Constructed for the 1962 version of the World’s Honest, it has been a fixture within the metropolis’s skyline ever since.

The statement deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you may see the complete metropolis together with pure wonders akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier. Testing this view is a should do in Seattle, and I can’t inform you what number of instances I visited throughout my time residing 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 because of some critical renovations.

A latest multimillion greenback improve added the fashionable lounge The Loupe, the primary rotating glass flooring 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 the town.

The Space Needle is open each day from 8 AM-midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $37-$70 for adults, tickets depend upon which bundle you e book. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass. See the Area 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 Area Needle is only one a part of the large Seattle Center. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you may 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 International Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for an ideal 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 likely one of the finest free issues to do in Seattle and one of many first locations I’d carry 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 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. 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 sights right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts hundreds of occasions and applications all year long. Live shows, health courses, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. Remember to examine their event calendar to see what’s occurring.

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

3. See Chihuly Backyard

The Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Seattle. It’s devoted to the gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums world wide.

Situated on the Seattle Middle, the museum is cut up into three totally different areas: the Backyard, Inside Reveals, 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 continually exhibiting 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 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 Area Needle as properly.

Lastly, if you happen to desire to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure 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

Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your method throughout the town on a meals tour. My private suggestion is the Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour, which lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites.

Alongside the best way, you’ll be taught 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 instances is the Pike Place Market Walking Food tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra. Becoming a member of a meals tour is likely one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that needs to be in your record.

5. Go to the Museum of Pop Tradition

Previously often known as the EMP (Expertise Music Challenge), the Museum of Pop Culture is likely one of the finest Seattle sights round. Earlier than you head inside, you’ll wish to take a while to admire the gorgeous constructing from world-famous architect Frank Gehry.

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

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

You may even channel your inside rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space. 

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

I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. Remember to add it to your record 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 here to get instructions.

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

6. Pike Place Market: Probably the most well-known Seattle sights!

The Pike Place Market is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Seattle. Courting all the best way again to 1907, this is likely 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 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 crammed my abdomen, but additionally a number of procuring baggage 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 positive it’s a should do in Seattle. Don’t miss a food tour (listed above at #4) of this market. 

It’s way more than only a market, truly. It’s a neighborhood with a number of glorious initiatives, akin to a senior middle, 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 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 if you happen to’re an early riser.

Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. Yow will discover Pike Place Market on the map here.

Tackle: 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 subsequent spot on my record 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 totally different platforms the place you may take pleasure in some incredible 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. Remember to try the Waterfront Fountain as properly.

Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience on the Seattle Great 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 youths. You even have the choice of splurging for a VIP ticket ($50) for his or her luxurious gondola and a memento t-shirt.

Waterfront Park is a good spot to unwind after a giant day of sightseeing in Seattle. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.

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

8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier 

When you’ve got some additional 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 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 mountaineering.

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 be taught extra about this high journey from Seattle, click here.

In case you’d desire a tour to Mount Rainier with the mountain climbing elective, try this popular 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 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 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 ideal 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 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 if you happen to select to go that route.

10. Stroll By way of Washington Park Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably 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 residing assortment of crops. It’s a main instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend just a few hours.

Spring is a highly regarded time to go to the park because of the azaleas which are in bloom. Come right here within the fall and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.

The arboretum is open each day from daybreak to nightfall and is likely one of the finest free locations to go to in Seattle. In addition they have a number of totally different excursions and courses in addition to choices for birding and boating. Examine their website for all the small print. 

When you’re right here, it’s properly value it to pay the doorway charge 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 may as well take pleasure in a conventional Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.

It’s slightly slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!

Click 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 record 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 Art Museum, which truly consists of three totally different amenities: the principle museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.

On the foremost museum, you’ll discover a powerful assortment of artwork from all corners of the globe. It’s recognized 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 as well pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s positioned only a mile away (click here for instructions), so it’s simple to go to each. As soon as an industrial web site, 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 youths ages 15-18, and free for youths 14 and below. In case you occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click here for instructions.

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

12. Go to the Museum of Flight

In case you’re all in favour of 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 this can be a good thing to do in Seattle when it rains (which occurs fairly ceaselessly!).

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 Pressure 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 ceaselessly. Click here to view an inventory of present reveals and see what’s arising.

The Museum of Flight is open each day from 10 AM-5 PM. Tickets 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 here to purchase your tickets on-line for among the finest Seattle sights. Yow will discover the Museum of Flight on the map here. 

Go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility

For these airplane fanatics, you may as well go to the Boeing Future of Flight at the Boeing Manufacturing facility, which is about 30 miles (50 km) from the town and among the finest factors of curiosity close to Seattle, Washington. I had an ideal and informative time the day I went, far exceeding my expectations.

On the tour, you’ll try the Boeing manufacturing unit 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 here to e book your tickets to the Boeing Manufacturing facility and Way forward for Flight.

13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities

Folks in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, they usually categorical their love for his or her groups very loudly.

In actual fact, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff 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 sport.

The Seahawks (NFL) play their house video games at Lumen Field. 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. In case you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for time.

Through the summer season months, you may catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Mobile Park. With round 80 house video games per season, there’s likelihood 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 team, the Seattle Kraken, which performs on the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena within the Seattle Middle.

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

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 fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and way 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 way of 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 best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you may take pleasure in some unbelievable views of the mountains and water.

Discovery Park is positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Click here for instructions. It’s positively some of the picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is properly well 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 record of cool issues to do in Seattle is taking an attention-grabbing underground tour. 

Beneath The Streets is likely one of the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the Great Fire of 1889. 

This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, courting 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle when it rains that you just gained’t wish to miss. Click 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 gorgeous nature close by, you should depart the town to discover a bit additional. Listed here are just a few of the highest journeys:

1. Snoqualmie Falls and Twin Falls: These gorgeous waterfalls are positioned simply round an hour from Seattle, making it an ideal half-day journey. In fact, the falls are surrounded by gorgeous pure magnificence as properly – making it an ideal journey from the town. Click here to learn more and e book your spot.
2. Go Crusing: What higher strategy 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 here to learn more and revel in Seattle the best way the locals do.
3. 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 here for details.

FAQs About Visiting Seattle

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

Now You Know What to Do in Seattle

These are simply a few 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 as well reap the benefits of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives. Inside just a few hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d reasonably go visit a waterfall and taste some wine. The choices for journey actually are countless!

After two months residing in Seattle and lots of subsequent visits, I imagine 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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