Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, is a vibrant city filled with breathtaking scenery, iconic landmarks, and a rich cultural history. Whether you are a local or a tourist, there are many exciting things to do and see in Seattle.
Interesting facts about Seattle:
- Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks. The first Starbucks store opened in Pike Place Market in 1971 and is still in operation today.
- The Space Needle, one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It stands at 605 feet tall and features an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city.
- Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” because of its lush greenery and parks. The city has over 6,000 acres of parks and open spaces, including Discovery Park, which is the largest park in the city.
- The Seattle Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in 2014. The team’s “12th Man” fan base is known for its enthusiastic support of the team and is considered one of the loudest in the NFL.
- Seattle is home to the Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh seafood, produce, and handmade crafts.
- Seattle is the birthplace of grunge music, a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged in the late 1980s. Bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden all originated in Seattle and helped popularize the grunge sound.
- The Seattle Underground is a network of tunnels and passageways located beneath the streets of Pioneer Square. The underground was created in the aftermath of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, which destroyed much of the city’s downtown area.
- Seattle is home to a thriving tech industry, with companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing all headquartered in the area. The city is known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
- The Seattle Public Library is one of the most unique buildings in the city. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the library features a unique “floating platforms” design and is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
- Seattle is a city that values sustainability and eco-friendliness. The city has a robust recycling program and is known for its commitment to green energy and environmental conservation.
In this article, we will explore the 30 best things to do in Seattle that you cannot miss.
Visit the Space Needle
The Space Needle is an iconic landmark in Seattle that has become synonymous with the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the needle and enjoy breathtaking views of Seattle and the surrounding areas. The observation deck features floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer unobstructed views of the city. The Space Needle is especially beautiful at night when the city lights up, creating a stunning visual display.
Explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is a must-see attraction for art lovers visiting Seattle. The museum features the works of famous glass artist Dale Chihuly and showcases a stunning collection of glass sculptures and installations set against the backdrop of a beautiful garden. Visitors can see a variety of Chihuly’s works, from intricate chandeliers to larger-than-life glass installations.
Tour the Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit destination for foodies. The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Be sure to check out the iconic fish-throwing display, where vendors toss fish to each other as they prepare orders. The market is also home to the original Starbucks, which is always crowded with visitors.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP, is a fascinating museum dedicated to pop culture, music, and science fiction. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a Jimi Hendrix exhibit and a science fiction exhibit. Visitors can see artifacts from famous movies and TV shows, such as Star Trek and Star Wars, and learn about the history of popular music.
Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a popular attraction located on the waterfront. Visitors can take a ride on the 175-foot Ferris wheel and enjoy stunning views of the city and Elliott Bay. The ride is especially beautiful at night when the city lights up, creating a romantic and memorable experience.
Visit the Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a must-see attraction for animal lovers visiting Seattle. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, and tigers. Visitors can watch animals being fed and learn about conservation efforts.
Take a Tour of the Boeing Factory
The Boeing Factory, located in nearby Everett, is a fascinating attraction that offers a behind-the-scenes look at airplane manufacturing. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and see how airplanes are built, from start to finish. The tour includes a visit to the factory floor, where visitors can see planes being assembled.
Stroll Through the Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a public park located on the waterfront. It features a variety of sculptures and art installations, as well as stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The park is open year-round and is free to the public.
Explore the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular attraction located on the waterfront. The aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including otters, seals, and octopuses. Visitors can watch animals being fed and attend educational programs and events.
Visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, is a set of locks located in the Ballard neighborhood. Visitors can watch boats pass through the locks and explore the adjacent botanical gardens. The locks are also home to a fish ladder, where visitors can see salmon swimming upstream during the spawning season.
Check Out the Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a large sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. The sculpture depicts a troll holding a Volkswagen Beetle and has become a beloved symbol of the neighborhood. Visitors can take photos with the troll and explore the surrounding area, which features a variety of shops and restaurants.
Take a Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a small island located across the Puget Sound from Seattle. Visitors can take a ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island and explore the island’s charming downtown, wineries, and hiking trails. The ferry ride is also a great way to enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Museum of History and Industry
The Museum of History and Industry, also known as MOHAI, is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. The museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including a collection of vintage boats and airplanes, as well as exhibits on the city’s role in the aerospace industry and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Walk Through the Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is a peaceful and serene oasis located in the Washington Park Arboretum. The garden features traditional Japanese architecture, landscaping, and a koi pond. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden and take in the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Visit the Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a popular attraction located in the Seattle Center. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and programs, including a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Visitors can learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is located in the Pioneer Square neighborhood and offers a glimpse into the gold rush era of the late 1800s. Visitors can explore exhibits and artifacts related to the gold rush and learn about the lives of the miners who traveled to Seattle in search of fortune.
Go Shopping at Westlake Center
Westlake Center is a popular shopping destination located in the heart of downtown Seattle. The center features a variety of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Visitors can enjoy a day of shopping and entertainment in one of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Visit the Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is a world-class museum located in downtown Seattle. The museum features a collection of art from around the world, including contemporary art, Native American art, and European art. Visitors can also enjoy special exhibitions and programs throughout the year.
Take a Cruise on Lake Union
Lake Union is a freshwater lake located in the heart of Seattle. Visitors can take a cruise on the lake and enjoy views of the city skyline, houseboats, and seaplanes taking off and landing. The cruise is a relaxing and scenic way to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
The Wing Luke Museum is a fascinating museum located in the Chinatown-International District. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States and features a variety of exhibits and programs related to immigration, civil rights, and the arts.
Go on a Food Tour of Seattle
Seattle is known for its food scene, and a food tour is a great way to experience the city’s culinary offerings. Tours can include stops at Pike Place Market, local restaurants, and food trucks. Visitors can sample a variety of local foods and learn about the history of Seattle’s food culture.
Take a Hike at Discovery Park
Discovery Park is a 534-acre park located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. The park features hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a day of hiking and outdoor recreation in one of Seattle’s most beautiful natural areas.
Visit the Georgetown Art Attack
The Georgetown neighborhood is home to a thriving arts community, and the Art Attack is a monthly event featuring art exhibits, live music, and food trucks. Visitors can explore the neighborhood’s many galleries and studios and enjoy a night of art and entertainment.
Check Out the Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks, also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, is a set of locks located in the Ballard neighborhood. Visitors can watch boats pass through the locks and explore the adjacent botanical gardens. The locks are a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.
See a Show at the Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is a historic theater located in downtown Seattle. The theater features a variety of shows and performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and musicals. Visitors can enjoy a night of entertainment in one of Seattle’s most iconic venues.
Take a Tour of the Seattle Underground
The Seattle Underground is a network of tunnels and passageways located beneath the streets of Pioneer Square. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the city’s early history and see remnants of the old city, including storefronts and cobblestone streets.
Explore the Seattle Central Library
The Seattle Central Library is a modern and unique building located in downtown Seattle. The library features a variety of reading and study areas, as well as a vast collection of books and other media. Visitors can explore the building’s unique architecture and enjoy a day of learning and reading.
Visit the Theo Chocolate Factory
The Theo Chocolate Factory is located in the Fremont neighborhood and offers tours of its chocolate-making facilities. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process and sample a variety of chocolates. The factory is a popular spot for chocolate lovers and foodies.
Attend a Game at CenturyLink Field
CenturyLink Field is a stadium located in the SoDo neighborhood and is home to the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders. Attending a game is a great way to experience the excitement of Seattle sports culture and cheer on the city’s beloved teams.
Relax at Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a popular beach located in West Seattle. It features stunning views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains, as well as beach volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can enjoy a day of relaxation and outdoor recreation in one of Seattle’s most beautiful natural areas.
Conclusion
Seattle is a city with a lot to offer, from iconic landmarks to cultural attractions and natural scenery. Whether you are a local or a tourist, there are many exciting things to do and see in Seattle. Be sure to check out these 30 best things to do in Seattle for a truly unforgettable experience.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Seattle?
Seattle is known for its mild, rainy weather. The average temperature in the summer is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), while in the winter, it can drop to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius). Be sure to pack a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
What is the best way to get from the airport to downtown Seattle?
The easiest and most convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Seattle is by taking the Link light rail. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around $3-$4 per person.
What are some must-try foods in Seattle?
Seattle is known for its seafood, particularly its salmon and oysters. Other must-try foods include chowder, coffee, and craft beer. Be sure to visit Pike Place Market to sample a variety of local foods.
What are some family-friendly activities in Seattle?
Seattle has many family-friendly activities, including visiting the Woodland Park Zoo, exploring the Pacific Science Center, and taking a cruise on Lake Union. Kids will also love watching the fish-throwing display at Pike Place Market.
What are some outdoor activities in Seattle?
Seattle is surrounded by natural beauty, so there are many outdoor activities to choose from. Hiking in Discovery Park, kayaking on Lake Union, and visiting Alki Beach are just a few of the many options available.
