Most popular things to do in Seattle, WA
Iconic Landmarks
Space Needle: Get panoramic city and mountain views from the top of this iconic 1962 World's Fair structure.
Pike Place Market: A bustling, historic market with fresh seafood, produce stalls, unique crafts, and the famous fish-throwers.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Explore the stunningly colorful and intricate blown glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly.
Outdoor Adventures
Olympic National Park: Discover a land of lush rainforests, glacier-capped mountains, and wild coastlines. Great for hiking and camping.
Waterfront: Stroll along the waterfront, take a ferry ride to nearby islands, or go on a whale-watching tour of Puget Sound.
Gas Works Park: Enjoy skyline views and quirky remnants of a former gas plant, a popular spot for picnics.
Kerry Park: Get THE postcard-perfect view of the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, and Elliott Bay. It's especially stunning at sunset.
Kayaking: Rent kayaks to explore Lake Union, Portage Bay, or paddle along the Seattle waterfront for a unique view of the city.
ยท Day trip to a nearby island: Hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island or Vashon Island for quaint small-town vibes, beaches, and scenic hikes.
Museums and Culture
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Immerse yourself in the world of sci-fi, music, pop culture, and video games.
Seattle Aquarium: Discover the incredible marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
The Museum of Flight: Explore a huge collection of aircraft and spacecraft, a great choice for aviation enthusiasts.
Neighborhood Exploration
Fremont: This quirky neighborhood is home to the Fremont Troll under the bridge, independent shops, and a vibrant Sunday market.
Ballard: Enjoy Nordic heritage, seafood restaurants, the Ballard Locks (where you can watch boats navigate between fresh and saltwater), and Golden Gardens Park beach.
Capitol Hill: Seattle's most vibrant neighborhood, known for its nightlife, indie shops, and the Volunteer Park Conservatory.
Foodie Delights
Coffee Culture: Seattle birthed coffee giants like Starbucks. Explore smaller independent cafes for the city's true coffee essence.
Seafood: Indulge in fresh oysters, salmon, and Dungeness Crab at waterfront restaurants.
International District: Discover authentic Asian cuisine with dim sum, noodle shops, and bakeries.
Unique Experiences
Underground Tour: Explore Seattle's hidden subterranean streets from the city's early days.
Boeing Factory Tour (Everett):Go behind-the-scenes of aircraft manufacturing โ though it's a bit outside of Seattle proper.
"Gum Wall": See (or add to!) the oddly fascinating wall covered in chewed gum near Pike Place Market.
Tips:
CityPASS: Consider the Seattle CityPASS for savings on top attractions if you plan to visit multiple sites. https://www.citypass.com/seattle.
Plan for the weather: Seattle is known for its occasional rain, so be sure to pack accordingly.