DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE. WE DARE YOU TO SEE THEM ALL!
In no way is this a comprehensive list of all the incredible experiences to explore in Seattle, but it’s a start. Let’s go!
THINGS TO DO AT SEATTLE CENTER
Seattle Center is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. Whether you’re into art, science, or history, Seattle has something for everyone.
At its heart stands the iconic Space Needle, offering breathtaking city views. Nearby, the Museum of Pop Culture celebrates music and pop culture in a striking building.
Science enthusiasts will love the hands-on exhibits at the Pacific Science Center. For a unique experience, ride the historic Monorail. Or, marvel at the colorful glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Photo: David Newman
1. Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle quickly became an icon of the city that today is recognized far and wide. On the observation level, which you can reach via a 43-second elevator ride, see the doodle-on-a-napkin concept that led to the Space Needle design. Views from the top feature Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier.
2. Seattle Center Monorail
Another World’s Fair relic, the Seattle Center Monorail links Seattle Center—home of the Space Needle and several other notable attractions—to downtown’s Westlake Center along an approximately one-mile route. The designated historic landmark can reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour and weaves between skyscrapers above the city streets.
Photo: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) | Brady Harvey
3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Music, science fiction, and pop culture all come together at the fascinating Museum of Pop Culture. The Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from above, while inside, its colorful exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
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Photo: Pacific Science Center
4. Pacific Science Center
This family-friendly museum is where science lessons come to life. At Pacific Science Center, explore galaxies near and far in the planetarium, get up close and personal with colorful creatures in the Tropical Butterfly House, maneuver a two-ton granite ball, find out what it means if you can roll your tongue, and much more.
Photo: David Newman
5. Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is dedicated to the work and career of locally born, world-renowned glassblower Dale Chihuly, who was introduced to the craft while studying at the University of Washington. It is the most comprehensive collection of his art to date, with interior galleries featuring a variety of his work in the medium. The pièce de résistance is the glasshouse, with a vibrant 100-foot-long sculpture in hues of red, orange, and yellow suspended from the ceiling.
Photo: Pacific Northwest Ballet
6. Pacific Northwest Ballet
Among the top echelon of dance companies in the world, Pacific Northwest Ballet performs a variety of classical and modern shows in Seattle Center’s beautiful McCaw Hall. Under the creative direction of renowned dancer Peter Boal, Pacific Northwest Ballet offers transformative performances that are sure to impress. Don’t miss its recently revamped version of The Nutcracker, an annual holiday tradition.
THINGS TO DO IN DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
Downtown Seattle buzzes with life. It offers a vibrant mix of culture, commerce, and urban charm. From towering skyscrapers to hidden gems, there’s always something to discover.
Explore world-class shops, savor fresh seafood at historic markets, or take in stunning Puget Sound views. Art lovers will find inspiration in museums and galleries. While history buffs can uncover the city’s rich past.
Experience the heart of the Emerald City, where excitement and adventure are around every corner.
Photo: Tiffany Von Arnim
7. Pike Place Market
From the iconic market sign and Rachel the Piggy Bank to the gum wall, the original Starbucks cafe, well over 225 local artisans selling their wares, the famous fish-tossing tradition, and music-playing street performers, there are enough sights and sounds at Pike Place Market to pack a day (or more). The market added its historic MarketFront expansion in 2017, featuring an open-air plaza and fantastic views of Elliott Bay.
Photo: SAM Exterior | Hayden Campbell
8. Seattle Art Museum – three ways
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is the city’s largest museum dating back to the 1930s and housing a varied collection of artwork that spans multiple eras and geographic regions. Take the time to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor extension of the museum that’s open to the public for free about a mile away at the waterfront. And don’t miss exploring SAM’s Asian art collection at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, located just east of downtown in Capitol Hill.
Photo: Jan Uy
9. Central Public Library
You’ve never seen a library quite like this—Seattle Central Library’s architecturally distinct structure boasts enough glass to cover more than five football stadiums. Head to the 10th floor for a light-filled reading room with peekaboo views of Elliott Bay, or take a self-guided cell phone tour by dialing 206-868-8564*.
Photo: Smith Tower
10. Smith Tower
Visit the city’s first skyscraper, built in 1914, and ride the historic, manually operated elevators to the 35th-floor observatory, where 360-degree views await. Displays tell the tale of characters who made Smith Tower what it is today, while the tower’s Prohibition-themed Temperance bar serves themed cocktails.
Photo: Joe Mabel
11. Seattle Aquarium
Down at the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront’s Pier 59, learn all about salmon, meet a few adorable sea otters, and greet the various sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean, from puffers to giant clams. Watch scuba divers feed the fish, gawk at sharks swimming overhead in the underwater dome, and even touch a sea anemone.
Photo: Tiffany Von Arnim
12. Washington State Ferries
A ride across Puget Sound aboard one of 22 Washington State Ferries vessels is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the bow of the boat as you cruise to the nearby communities of Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. This is one of those cases where the journey is as much fun as the destination.
Photo: Stuart Mullenberg
13. Seattle Great Wheel
Although it was only built in 2012, the Seattle Great Wheel has quickly become a fixture of the city’s skyline—plus it adds an entirely new sightseeing perspective, thanks to its location perched on the end of Pier 57. Enjoy three revolutions around in one of the air-conditioned gondolas to see the city, water, and mountains on the horizon.
Photo: Dave Nakayama
14. The Museum of Flight
Aviation buffs, take note: The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space collections in the country, with an overwhelming number of things to see—like a Boeing lunar rover and an Air Force One from the Eisenhower era—and do, including NASA space shuttle trainer tours and flight simulators.
T-Mobile Park
15. T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field
Cheer on the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, one of baseball’s prettiest ballparks (with gourmet food, to boot!), or root for the Seattle Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Reign FC at neighboring Lumen Field, known for its boisterous atmosphere. Both stadiums offer behind-the-scenes tours during the offseason and when the teams are away.
Photo: Kerry Park | David Newman
16. Kerry Park
This picturesque Queen Anne spot looks down at the Seattle skyline from the north. It’s the ideal place to get the quintessential view of the city, featuring the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown skyscrapers, and (on clear days) Mount Rainier.
Photo: Bjørn Giesenbauer
17. Pioneer Square
Seattle’s original downtown is full of beautiful old buildings in Romanesque Revival style, underground tours that take you beneath the streets to see the remains of the city’s first buildings, and an ever-growing slate of hip shops and restaurants. Take an afternoon or more to explore Pioneer Square‘s ivy-covered buildings and pop into bars, boutiques, and hidden gems, like Waterfall Garden Park.
Photo: Helen Cook
18. Chinatown-International District
The ornate Chinatown Gate welcomes you to this diverse neighborhood, where the food scene is incredible. After eating your fill of everything from pho to sushi, visit Wing Luke Museum, dedicated to the Asian Pacific American experience; practice your pinball game at the Seattle Pinball Museum; and shop for Japanese snacks and cute gifts at the Uwajimaya supermarket.
Photo: Civil Air Patrol
19. Ballard Locks
In Lake Washington’s Ship Canal sits the century-old Ballard Locks, where you can watch the water levels rise and lower to create a “boat elevator” for boats and even kayaks passing between freshwater lakes and the salt water of Puget Sound. The on-site botanical garden and fish ladder are also worth a visit.
Photo: GaHoward
20. South Lake Union
The always bustling Lake Union, located just northeast of downtown, hosts a variety of seaplanes and boats of all kinds, including the floating home from Sleepless in Seattle. Get out on the water at The Center for Wooden Boats, which offers rentals and tours. And explore the area’s burgeoning restaurant and bar scene.
Courtesy Kenmore Air
21. Kenmore Air
If you want to get a better look at the city, the views from Kenmore Air’s Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour are unbeatable. Board the floatplane at Lake Union for an exhilarating takeoff, leisure flight, and gentle landing back on the water.
Ed LaCasse
22. Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Known as MOHAI, this museum on the shores of Lake Union encapsulates what Seattle is all about, with a dash of smart history, a dose of technology, and quirky artifacts around every corner (think a pink truck with toes). Permanent exhibits showcase everything from the city’s maritime history to modern tech innovations.
Photo: Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
23. Starbucks Reserve Roastery
You won’t have trouble finding a Starbucks here in the company’s hometown, but you’ll want to seek out this special Starbucks experience on Capitol Hill. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a Willy Wonka–esque coffee wonderland, where you’ll find exclusive beverages, various brewing methods, a coffee library, and more.
WHAT TO DO OUTSIDE OF SEATTLE
Beyond Seattle’s city limits lies a world of adventure. Lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling waters beckon explorers. You can hike scenic trails, spot wildlife, or kayak in crystal-clear lakes.
Charming small towns offer a taste of local life. Breathe in the fresh air as you discover hidden waterfalls. Sip wine at picturesque vineyards. Or enjoy the peace of a quiet beach.
The natural wonders surrounding Seattle will amaze you. Get ready to experience the Pacific Northwest’s wild beauty outside the city limits.
Photo: David Newman
24. Woodinville Wine Country
Western Washington’s wine outpost is in Woodinville, a charming town just a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle. There are more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms pouring there (including Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state’s first winery), ensuring something for every palate.
Photo: Boeing
25. Boeing Future of Flight
Boeing Future of Flight is one of Washington state’s premier aerospace attraction and experiences, 25 miles north of downtown Seattle. It is located in Mukilteo at Paine Field. Guests are welcome for the Gallery, Sky Deck, and Boeing Store.
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