Referred to as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is likely to be probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The most important metropolis within the Pacific Northwest affords guests infinite issues to see and do.
Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests, mountains, and water. Along with its pure magnificence, there are additionally loads of wonderful sights and locations to go to.
Because the title would recommend, Seattle is residence to plenty of inexperienced areas. As a matter of truth, there are a whole lot of parks right here! If you happen to love the nice outdoor, there’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
Even for those who’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to get pleasure from most of the issues to see and do.
On this information, I’ll introduce a few of the high issues to do in Seattle together with plenty of sensible data that can assist you plan a fantastic 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.
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 few of the loudest within the nation as they present their unwavering help for groups just like the Seahawks and Sounders.
I’ve been to cities throughout my residence nation from coast to coast (together with Denver, Detroit, Austin, Asheville, Boston, New Orleans and plenty of extra), and Seattle is unquestionably amongst my favorites.
It truly is wonderful how one can get pleasure from all of the facilities of a giant metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
Right here’s my listing of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle:
1. See the House Needle
Indisputably, 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 commentary deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to get pleasure from 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see your entire metropolis together with pure wonders akin to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier.
Whereas the House Needle has all the time been one of many high locations to go to in Seattle, it’s even cooler now because of some severe renovations.
A latest multi-million greenback improve gave the well-known tower 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 town.
The Space Needle is open each day from 8 AM-Midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34 – 37.50 for adults and $25 – 30 for kids. This is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Seattle and is included within the Seattle CityPass.
Or, you’ll be able to see the House Needle and the Chihuly Backyard along with this ticket.
2. Verify Out The Seattle Middle
The House Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of training, artwork, and leisure has a lot occurring that you can simply spend a complete day right here and nonetheless not do all of it.
One of many high Seattle sights you’ll discover right here is the Worldwide Fountain. At totally different factors all through the day, the fountain is synchronized to music, making for a fantastic present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can be residence to Artists at Play — a cool playground designed by artists. There’s a climbing tower, labyrinth, carousel, and rather more right here. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Seattle.
There’s rather 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 1000’s of occasions and packages all year long. Live shows, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You’ll want to test their event calendar to see what’s occurring.
3. See Chihuly Backyard
Probably the most well-liked locations to go to in Seattle is the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum. It’s devoted to the gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work might be seen in over 200 museums world wide.
The museum is break up into three totally different areas — the Backyard, Inside Displays, and the unimaginable Glasshouse.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously displaying quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll positively wish to carve out a few hours to take all of it in.
The museum is open from 8:30am – 8:30pm Monday to Thursday and stays open an hour afterward the weekend.
Tickets value $30 -35 for adults and $19 – 21 for kids. 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 properly.
Lastly, for those who want to easily buy your entrance ticket direct from the corporate, ensure that to make the most of the free audio tour on supply.
4. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is to eat your approach throughout town on a meals tour. Eat Seattle and Present Me Seattle come extremely beneficial and have a number of totally different choices for meals excursions within the Emerald Metropolis.
Their highly-rated signature tour of Pike Place Market Chef Guided Food Tour 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 luxuriate in sampling all the wonderful meals on supply.
One other stable choice 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 without doubt one of the enjoyable actions in Seattle for adults that ought to be in your listing.
5. Go to The Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously generally known as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt one of the 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 referred to as “If VI Was IX.” There are over 500 devices making up this tornado-like sculpture!
Talking of music, the museum has a number of everlasting reveals devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers — Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may even channel your interior rockstar of their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers of their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has reveals on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to numerous museums in my travels, and this one is unquestionably my favourite. You’ll want to add it to your listing of enjoyable 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 here to get instructions.
6. Pike Place Market – Probably the most well-known Seattle sights!
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Seattle is Pike Place Market. Courting 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 rather more than simply checking off the most effective 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 simply’ll wish to be sure to come hungry and keep awhile.
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. Don’t miss a meals tour (listed above at #4) of this market.
It’s rather more than only a market, truly. It’s a group with plenty of wonderful initiatives, akin 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 just closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 am and closes at 6 pm, however you’ll be able to come right here as early as 6 am for breakfast for those who’re an early riser.
Head over to their website to plan your go to and browse all the assorted choices. You could find Pike Place Market on the map here.
7. Benefit from the Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from the following spot on our listing of Seattle sights — Waterfront Park. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the right place to sit down down and luxuriate in no matter scrumptious meals you picked up on the market.
The park is residence to 2 totally different platforms the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some improbable views.
On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see the Olympic Mountains within the distance. There are coin-operated telescopes right here that can assist you get a fair higher take a look at the environment. You’ll want to take a look at 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 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 a giant day of sightseeing within the Emerald Metropolis. It’s positioned between Pier 57 and 59. Click here to get instructions.
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
In case you have some further time in Seattle, contemplate doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier which is an lively stratovolcano within the Mount Rainier National Park.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m) and within the Nationwide Park, you’ll discover quite a few actions on supply, together with mountaineering, tenting and mountain climbing.
For travellers on a day journey, mountaineering alongside one of many many trails is a best choice. Through the winter months, you’ll be able to 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 here.
If you happen to’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, check out this fun tour! Get pleasure from a hike within the park, an natural picnic outdoors, and wine tastings at native vineyards. In fact, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Study extra here.
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 one of the crucial 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 the price range finish, you’ll be able to 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 come extremely beneficial.
They’ve seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbour 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 for those who select to go that route.
10. Stroll By Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is unquestionably one of the crucial lovely Seattle sights to go to.
This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a dwelling assortment of vegetation. It’s a main instance of why Seattle is named the Emerald Metropolis and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours.
Spring is a very talked-about time to go to the park because of 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 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. Verify their website for all the main points.
Whilst you’re right here, it’s properly 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 you too can get pleasure from a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10.
It’s just a little 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. You’ll want to add a cease right here to your listing of locations to go to in Seattle.
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise SAM. The Seattle Art Museum 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 in depth 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 too can 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 teenagers 14 and beneath. If you happen to occur to be on the town on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click here for instructions.
12. Go to The Museum of Flight
If you happen to’re excited by 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 1000’s of artifacts and pictures.
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 regularly!).
A serious spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a powerful assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Pressure One. You may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating reveals to take a look at, which change regularly. Click here to view a listing of present reveals and see what’s developing.
For these airplane fanatics, you too can go to the Boeing Manufacturing facility which is about 30 miles (50km) from Seattle. On the tour, you’ll take a look at the Boeing manufacturing facility with a neighborhood 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. Study extra about this tour right here.
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 here to purchase your tickets on-line for the most effective Seattle sights. You could find the Museum of Flight on the map here.
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 Record for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The crew refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the twelfth participant.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at CenturyLink Area. 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. If you happen to can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
Through the summer time months, you’ll be able to catch the Mariners (MLS) at T-Cell Park. With round 80 residence video games per season, there’s a very good likelihood they’ll be on the town for those who’re visiting between Could and September.
Enjoyable truth: the Seattle Metropolitans have been the primary American crew to win the Stanley Cup approach again in 1917. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired began later that yr.
Because the 2021 – 2022 season, Seattle lastly has an NHL team, which performs on the New Enviornment within the Seattle Middle.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas within the Emerald Metropolis, Discovery Park actually takes the cake. That is the most important park in Seattle and is residence to round 12 miles of fantastic trails. It additionally has seashores, sand dunes, cliffs, meadows, and rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest guess is to start out out with the Loop Path. This 2.8-mile-long path goes by means of 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’ll be able to get pleasure from some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is positioned on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click here for instructions. It’s positively one of the crucial picturesque of all of the Seattle sights and is properly definitely worth the effort to achieve.
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out our listing of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating underground tour.
Beneath The Streets is without doubt one of the hottest Seattle sights. On this enjoyable and academic tour, you’ll discover subterranean sidewalks and storefronts that have been constructed on high after the Great Fire of 1889.
This one-hour tour takes you beneath Seattle’s streets to discover three underground passageways, relationship again to the Nineties.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Seattle that you simply received’t wish to miss. Click here to be taught extra in regards to the tour.
FAQ’S
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, trying out the bustling Pike Place Market, and listening to stay 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 House Needle. This ticket consists of the House 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 in Seattle. That approach, you’ll be able to 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 may very well be spent trying out the principle sights (House Needle, Chihuly Backyard, museums, and so forth.), and at last, 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 Recognized For?
There are such a lot of meals you need to strive in Seattle, lots of that are seafood as a result of metropolis’s location on the ocean. Don’t miss oysters, salmon, geoduck, and sushi. Plus, you must strive a Seattle Canine (hotdog, Seattle fashion!), espresso, and pho (Vietnamese soup). Take a look at this post for extra.
Now You Know What To Do in Seattle
These are simply a few of the many fascinating issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more occurring within the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you too can make the most of the numerous wonderful day-trip alternatives.
Inside a couple of hours, you’ll find your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d fairly go visit a waterfall or soak in a sizzling spring. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
If you happen to’ve been to Seattle and have a fantastic suggestion for issues to do, depart a remark under.
*Photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
Like This Article? Pin it!
The submit 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Seattle, Washington appeared first on Goats On The Highway.
