Things to do in Seattle 

Seattle is a city that caters to both urban enthusiasts and nature aficionados. Situated with the ocean on one side and majestic mountains on the other, Seattle offers a plethora of enjoyable activities.

Beyond its undeniable natural allure, Seattle's vibrant food scene, rich art culture, and thriving music scene provide compelling reasons to visit this Pacific Northwest metropolis—right now. Having called Washington state home for a significant part of the year, we've embarked on numerous trips to Seattle, during which we've jam-packed our weekends with enjoyable (and often budget-friendly!) pursuits. We're thrilled to share all of our cherished Seattle gems with you! Some of these gems are the quintessential tourist "must-dos," while others are local secrets that won't be found in your typical guidebooks.

THE SPACE NEEDLE 

Every great city deserves an astonishingly tall structure that serves overpriced champagne, doesn't it? Well, in Seattle, we have the Space Needle. Originally constructed as a centerpiece for the 1962 World's Fair, it offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From this vantage point, you can gaze upon the majestic Cascades, the picturesque Olympic Mountains, and more. Over the years, the Space Needle has undergone several renovations to truly dazzle visitors. Now, it features tilted glass walls, aptly named "Skyrisers," that give you the sensation of floating in the air, as well as a rotating glass floor that can make your head spin. And, of course, there's a cafe for that all-important refreshment.

GUM WALL

Seattle boasts an array of peculiar attractions and fantastic photo opportunities, but perhaps the most renowned and easily accessible one is the Post Alley Gum Wall.

Although far from being a hidden gem, the Gum Wall is a delightfully eccentric attraction worth exploring during your Seattle visit. Moreover, it's conveniently located just around the corner from Pike Place Market, making it practically impossible to overlook

Pike Place Public Market

Undoubtedly one of the most renowned farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Place is an essential experience when visiting Seattle.

The standout attraction at this market is the lively fishmongers who skillfully toss the day's fresh catch to one another whenever a customer places an order. I vividly recall visiting Pike Place as a child and being thoroughly impressed by this spectacle. It brings me joy to note that nearly two decades later, they're still in the business of flinging those fish. Don't forget to have your camera ready to capture these airborne aquatic acrobatics because it's truly a remarkable sight!

Gas Work Park

Seattle is a city renowned for its abundant green spaces, and it proudly carries the moniker "Emerald City."

When it comes to finding parks for picnicking and people-watching, you won't be short of options. However, if you're in search of a park that stands out from the rest, there's one with more personality than most.

Situated on the northern shores of Lake Union, this park occupies the former site of the Seattle Gas Light Company plant. It's cooler than it may initially sound, believe us. The historic plant structures remain largely intact, though they've acquired a touch of graffiti "art" over the years, adding a dash of color and character.

On a beautiful day, Gasworks Park comes alive with people flying kites, indulging in leisurely picnics on the sprawling lawn, and relishing the distinctive perspective of Seattle that often eludes tourists.

Kerry Park

For breathtaking vistas of the iconic skyline, complete with the famous Space Needle, Kerry Park is the ultimate destination. The best part? It won't cost you a dime! (Yep, it rhymes!)

At Kerry Park, you'll be treated to an expansive, panoramic view of the Seattle skyline, with the majestic Mount Rainier gracing the horizon on clear days (if you're lucky!).

Despite the grandeur of the views, it's worth noting that this park is nestled on a small piece of land, so you won't need to spend more time here than it takes for your camera's shutter to snap. Just like that, you've captured one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Seattle!

Alternatively, if you're in the mood for some leisurely time with a killer view, Kerry Park also makes for an ideal setting for a picnic!

Original Starbucks - ThE FIRST EVER STARBUCKS

This highly-publicized coffee shop is among the tourist attractions that could be bypassed (in our view). Unless you're an ardent admirer of the mega-chain, you might find it a tad vexing to discover the line snaking around the block. It's still cool tho ;)

Seattle Great Wheel - Ferris Wheel 

The Seattle Great Wheel, also known as the Ferris wheel, is positioned on the Seattle Waterfront along Elliott Bay, serving as an iconic fixture in the city's skyline.

Whether you're traveling with children or simply nurturing your inner child, step into one of the gondola cars and get ready for a breathtaking cityscape. What sets the Seattle Ferris wheel apart is its location above the water, offering riders a truly distinctive perspective.

Snoqualmie Falls 

Snoqualmie Falls is incredibly accessible, with paved paths just a stone's throw from the parking area, making it a pleasant destination for travelers of all kinds. However, because of its closeness to the city and ease of access, it often experiences significant crowds. Additionally, despite its awe-inspiring beauty, it's a brief visit as it doesn't require any hiking.

Molly Moon 

This one simply is just my all-time favorite ice cream place in Seattle and I would highly recommend ANYONE to try it! 

Molly Moon's not only going to satisfy your taste buds but also align with socially responsible choices. At least, that's how I'm justifying our multiple visits!

Boeing Factory 

My brother was absolutely thrilled about visiting the Boeing Factory in Everett, and his inner enthusiast was in full view during the tour! However, even for someone like me who isn't an engineer, it was undeniably fascinating to witness the construction of these enormous aircraft, piece by piece.The tour itself was quite educational, and towards the end, there were plenty of interactive exhibits, including a walkthrough section featuring the International Space Station, which was built by Boeing. This museum is an excellent choice for families and provides an enjoyable activity in Seattle, conveniently just a short drive north of the city center.

Seattle Pinball Museum

This museum could very well be Seattle's finest interactive museum (especially considering it's brimming with pinball machines!). The founders had a straightforward mission: to share the joy of vintage pinball games with the public. Visitors can select from their impressive collection of over 50 pinball games to enjoy.

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Volunteer Park Conservatory serves as a delightful refuge on one of Seattle's famously rainy days. Home to a diverse array of plants from across the globe, it offers the ideal indoor sanctuary for a leisurely hour of exploration—an excellent choice for a rainy day activity!

Rattlesnake

If you're yearning to break free from the city and get your adrenaline flowing, the Rattlesnake Ledge hike could be the perfect choice. This 5-mile round-trip adventure boasts an impressive elevation gain of almost 1,500 feet and rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the lake below. A mere 40-minute drive from downtown Seattle to the parking area, this hike can be comfortably completed in just half a day.

Ski Resorts - Crystal Mountain Ski Resort or Stevens Pass Ski Resort is great!

If you happen to be in Seattle during the winter season, you're in for a treat because there are fantastic skiing and snowboarding opportunities not too far from the city center.

Mount Rainier National Park

This is quite possibly our most cherished U.S. National Park. Its nearness to Seattle allows for convenient day trips, but if you have the luxury of time, consider allocating a few days here—trust us, it's an experience you won't want to miss!Whether you're seeking family-friendly adventures, immersion in arts and culture, outdoor pursuits, guided sightseeing, or unforgettable animal encounters, this picturesque region offers boundless entertainment opportunities. Seattle Attractions is dedicated to assisting visitors in discovering the most enjoyable activities tailored to their preferences, allowing them to delve into the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that our splendid city has to offer. We hope you have a fun and safe trip traveling our beloved Seattle :)