Generally known as the Emerald Metropolis, Seattle simply is perhaps probably the most scenic metropolitan space in the USA. The biggest metropolis in the Pacific Northwest provides 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 points of interest and locations to go to.
Because the identify would counsel, Seattle is residence to a lot of inexperienced areas. As a matter of truth, there are a whole bunch of parks right here! In case you love the nice outside, there’s no scarcity of nice locations to go to in Seattle.
Even should you’re simply in Seattle for a weekend journey, it’s sufficient time to take pleasure in lots of the issues to see and do.
On this information, I’ll introduce among the high issues to do in Seattle together with a lot of sensible data that can assist you plan an excellent journey.
About Seattle
Seattle is situated 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 also be well-known for its music and sports activities. The grunge period began right here with bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana and it’s now a hub for indie music and underground hip-hop.
Seattle sports activities followers are among the loudest in 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 lots of extra), and Seattle is certainly amongst my favorites.
It truly is superb how one can take pleasure in all of the facilities of an enormous metropolis and but so simply get out in nature.
Right here’s my checklist of the highest 15 issues to do and locations to go to in Seattle:
1. See the Area Needle
Indubitably, probably 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 in the town’s skyline ever since.
The remark deck is 520 ft (158 meters) tall, so that you get to take pleasure in 360-degree panoramic views. On a transparent day, you possibly can see your entire metropolis together with pure wonders corresponding to Lake Union and Mt. Rainier.
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 severe renovations.
A current multi-million greenback improve gave the well-known tower The Loupe — the primary rotating glass flooring in the world. Additionally 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 Area Needle is open day by day from Eight AM-Midnight, with the final entry at 11:15. Tickets vary from $34 – 37.50 for adults and $25 – 30 for youngsters. This is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Seattle and is included in the Seattle CityPass.
2. Verify Out The Seattle Middle
The Area Needle is only one a part of the huge Seattle Middle. This hub of schooling, artwork, and leisure has a lot happening that you might simply spend a whole 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 excellent present that’s enjoyable for all ages.
The Seattle Middle can also 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 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 totally different points of interest right here, the Seattle Middle additionally hosts 1000’s of occasions and applications all year long. Concert events, health lessons, motion pictures, festivals, and extra are on faucet right here. You’ll want to verify their occasion calendar to see what’s happening.
3. See Chihuly Backyard
Probably the most widespread locations to go to in Seattle is the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum. It’s devoted to the gorgeous glasswork of Dale Chihuly, whose work may be seen in over 200 museums all over the world.
The museum is break up into three totally different areas — the Backyard, Inside Reveals, and the unimaginable Glasshouse.
There’s additionally a theater that’s continuously exhibiting quick movies of Chihuly and his work. You’ll undoubtedly 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 in a while the weekend.
Tickets value $30 -35 for adults and $19 – 21 for youngsters. Entrance to the Chihuly Backyard & Glass Museum is included in the Seattle CityPass, and on this Three hour “highlights tour” of Seattle.
Lastly, should you favor 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 consuming your means throughout the town on a meals tour. Eat Seattle and Present Me Seattle come extremely beneficial and has a number of totally different choices for meals excursions in the Emerald Metropolis.
Their highly-rated signature tour of Pike Place Market Chef Guided Meals Tour lasts two hours and consists of quite a few bites. Alongside the best way, you’ll study all in regards to the historical past and tradition of the market, discover some small companies and luxuriate in sampling the entire superb meals on supply.
One other stable possibility is the Pike Place Market Strolling Meals tour which features a information, samples at seven artisanal meals stalls, and extra.
5. Go to The Museum of Pop Tradition
Previously referred to as the EMP (Expertise Music Venture), the Museum of Pop Tradition is without doubt one of the greatest Seattle points of interest 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 displays devoted to Seattle’s most well-known rockers — Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
You may even channel your internal rockstar in their Sound Lab or take your image in entrance of a packed viewers in their On Stage space.
That’s not all, although. MoPop additionally has displays on fantasy, science fiction, horror, video video games, comedy, and far, rather more.
I’ve been to quite a lot of museums in my travels, and this one is certainly my favourite. You’ll want to add it to your checklist 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 youngsters. Entrance tickets to MoPOP is included in the Seattle CityPass.
Click on right here to get instructions.
6. Pike Place Market – Probably the most well-known Seattle points of interest!
One of many high locations to go to in Seattle is Pike Place Market. Relationship all the best way again to 1907, this is without doubt one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the USA.
By buying at Pike Place Market, you’re doing rather more than simply checking off the most effective Seattle points of interest. You’re supporting native farmers, artisans, and small companies as nicely!
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 outlets. 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 a lot of wonderful initiatives, corresponding to a senior middle, meals financial institution, and pre-school.
If you wish to present some further love, pay a go to to Rachel the Piggybank. Rub her snout and make a donation, and legend has it you’ll have good luck.
The market is simply closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It formally will get going at 9 am and closes at 6 pm, however you possibly can come right here as early as 6 am for breakfast should you’re an early riser.
Head over to their web site to plan your go to and browse all the varied choices. You could find Pike Place Market on the map right here.
7. Benefit from the Waterfront Park
After exploring Pike Place, you’re only a quick stroll from the subsequent spot on our checklist of Seattle points of interest — Waterfront Park. There are a number of benches and picnic tables right here, so it’s the proper place to take a seat 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 possibly can take pleasure in some unbelievable views.
On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the Olympic Mountains in the gap. 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 nicely.
Probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking a experience on the Seattle Nice Wheel. This large Ferris wheel is open from Monday – 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 taking of sightseeing in the Emerald Metropolis. It’s situated between Pier 57 and 59. Click on right here to get instructions.
8. Day Journey to Mount Rainier
If in case you have some further time in Seattle, take into account doing a day journey out to Mount Rainier which is an lively stratovolcano in the Mount Rainier Nationwide Park.
This towering volcano is 14,400 ft (4,390m) and in 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. In the course of the winter months, you possibly can commerce in 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 in the journey are transportation, a educated naturalist, lunch, snacks, and entrance charges. To study extra about this high journey from Seattle, click on right here.
In case you’d like so as to add wine tasting to your day journey to Mt. Rainier, take a look at this enjoyable tour! Take pleasure in a hike in the park, natural picnic exterior, and wine tastings at native vineyards. After all, transportation, all charges, and meals and wine are included. Study extra right here.
9. Take a Cruise
Whereas Seattle seems to be nice on land, it seems to be even higher from the water! Taking a cruise round Elliot Bay and the Puget Sound is well one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Seattle.
Your choices for a cruise vary from a easy 1-hour harbor journey to in a single day getaways.
On the price range finish, you possibly can merely take one of many native ferries to benefit from the views. The ferry to Bainbridge Island solely prices $8.50 for adults and $4.25 for youngsters, and the return journey is free. It’s a pleasant option to spend a day with out spending a ton of money.
Argosy Cruises has been in enterprise for 70 years and their excursions come extremely beneficial. They’ve seven totally different choices, together with their one-hour cruise of Elliot Bay and the Seattle Harbour the place you’ll take pleasure in a completely narrated journey, superb views of the Seattle skyline, and on clear days, of Mount Rainier.
A cruise with Argosy is definitely included in the Seattle CityPass should you select to go that route.
10. Stroll By means of Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is certainly one of the vital stunning Seattle points of interest to go to. This scenic park has miles upon miles of trails and is a residing assortment of vegetation. It’s a main instance of why Seattle is called the Emerald Metropolis and a stunning place to spend a number of hours.
Spring is a highly regarded time to go to the park because of the azaleas which can be in bloom. Come right here in the autumn and also you’ll see Japanese maples and strawberry bushes, making a vibrant tapestry of colours.
The arboretum is open day by day from daybreak to nightfall and is without doubt one of the greatest free locations to go to in Seattle. Additionally they have a number of totally different excursions and lessons in addition to choices for birding and boating. Verify their web site for all the small print.
When you’re right here, it’s nicely price it to pay the doorway price for the Japanese Backyard ($Eight for adults and $Four for youngsters). They’ve free guided excursions from April to October at 12:30, and you can too take pleasure in a standard Japanese tea ceremony right here for an additional $10. It’s somewhat slice of Japan proper right here in Seattle!
Click on right here to get instructions to the arboretum. The Japanese Backyard is in the southwest nook of the park. You’ll want to add a cease right here to your checklist of locations to go to in Seattle.
11. Go to the Seattle Artwork Museum
Artwork lovers will wish to expertise SAM. The Seattle Artwork Museum truly consists of three totally different amenities — the primary museum, the Asian Artwork Museum, and the Olympic Sculpture Park.
On the foremost museum, you’ll discover a formidable 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 25,00Zero totally different artistic endeavors on show right here, so take your time.
Along with the primary museum, you can too pay a go to to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It’s situated 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 teenagers ages 15-18, and free for teenagers 14 and below. In case you occur to be in city on the primary Thursday of the month, it’s free for everybody! Click on right here for instructions.
12. Go to The Museum of Flight
In case you’re in air and area, you’ll wish to embrace the Museum of Flight to your Seattle itinerary. There are over 150 plane on show right here together with 1000’s 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 continuously!).
A serious spotlight is the Aviation Pavilion, which options a formidable assortment of uncommon airplanes. There are WWII bombers, the primary Boeing 747, and even the primary jet Air Power One. You may even board a few of them!
Along with all of the plane, they’ve loads of fascinating displays to take a look at, which change continuously. Click on right here to view an inventory of present displays and see what’s developing.
For these airplane fanatics, you can too 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 varied levels of meeting!
Plus, you’ll wander across the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Gallery and take a look at the displays and shows. Study extra about this tour right here.
The Museum of Flight is open day by 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 on right here to purchase your tickets on-line for the most effective Seattle points of interest. You could find the Museum of Flight on the map right here.
13. Watch Some Skilled Sports activities
Individuals in Seattle are loopy about their sports activities, and so they specific their love for his or her groups very loudly.
In reality, Seahawks followers have twice set the Guinness World File for loudest crowd noise at a sporting occasion. The staff refers to their passionate followers because the “12s,” as they mainly act because the 12th participant.
The Seahawks (NFL) play their residence video games at CenturyLink Subject. The stadium can also 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. In case you can handle to attain a ticket, you’re in for a very good time.
In the course of the summer season months, you possibly can 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 in city should you’re visiting between Might and September.
Enjoyable truth: the Seattle Metropolitans had been the primary American staff to win the Stanley Cup means again in 1917. The NHL wasn’t even a factor at the moment, because it acquired began later that yr.
The town will lastly have an NHL staff beginning with the 2021 – 2022 season, which is able to play on the New Area in the Seattle Middle.
14. Expertise Discovery Park
Whereas there are many wonderful inexperienced areas in 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 rather more.
If it’s your first time on the park, your greatest wager is beginning out with the Loop Path. This 2.Eight mile-long path goes via 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 best way out to the West Level Lighthouse, the place you possibly can take pleasure in some unimaginable views of the mountains and water.
Discovery Park is situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, click on right here for instructions. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital picturesque of all of the Seattle points of interest and is nicely definitely worth the effort to succeed in.
15. Be a part of an Underground Tour
Rounding out our checklist of enjoyable issues to do in Seattle is taking an fascinating 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 had been constructed on high of 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 1890s.
This highly-rated tour is enjoyable for everybody and reasonably priced at $29. Click on right here to study extra in regards to the tour.
Now You Know What To Do in Seattle
These are simply among the many fascinating issues to do in Seattle. There’s much more happening in the Emerald Metropolis, together with loads of different parks, seashores, museums, excursions, and an entire lot extra.
With some extra time in Seattle, you can too benefit from the numerous superb day-trip alternatives.
Inside a number of hours, yow will discover your self exploring Mt. Rainier or Olympic Nationwide Park. Or maybe you’d moderately go go to a waterfall or soak in a scorching spring. The choices for journey actually are infinite!
In case you’ve been to Seattle and have an excellent suggestion for issues to do, depart a remark under!
*Photos in this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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