Seattle is a hub for cultural activities and has grown from its wild surroundings into an energetic, forward-looking city at the forefront of innovation. Attractions & Things to Do in Seattle, WA a city where there are many opportunities to relax and unwind with various adventures when in town.
One popular tourist attraction in Seattle is the Space Needle. This iconic rotator is a must-see for any visitor to the city. It’s just one part of the larger Seattle Center, which comprises many other top places to visit. Highlights include Chihuly Garden and Glass, as well as institutions like that.
Popular travel destinations in Seattle include the downtown waterfront at Pike Square Market, Pioneer Square, where visitors can find museums, boat rides, and revolutions on the Seattle Great Wheel.
But even beyond the popular tourist destinations, there are more activities to do in Seattle including highly-rated beaches and outdoor parks.
Depending on whether you want to visit Seattle in the Summer or the Winter, when will be the best time. This is because in the Summer, Seattle is absolutely packed with people.
With this helpful Chicago travel guide, you can look up information on the top attractions, things to do and more in the Emerald City.
1. Seattle Center & the Space Needle
The Seattle Center, home to the iconic Space Needle and the Monorail, originated as an event area during the 1962 World’s Fair. It has since been turned into an entertainment complex with theaters, sports facilities, and restaurants.
Seattle features many great attractions, including the Museum of Pop Culture and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. The best radio station, KEXP, also operates out of a studio in the Seattle Center. Music fans often have reason to visit during concerts and other times.
Taking the elevator to the top of Seattle’s Space Needle is a quintessential experience for tourists. From high up, you can see the cityscape, Elliott Bay, and Mt. Rainier by taking the Gravity Well walkway up to the Observation Deck.
In summer, one of the best things to do in Seattle is taking an early morning view of the Space Needle. In winter, the Seattle Center has weather-appropriate events such as Winterfest that families can enjoy.
Address: 400 Broad Street, Seattle, Washington
2. Pike Place Market
This busy market is a tourist destination all year round, with rates going up during the seasons. There are many sellers on the two floors of this picturesque market.
There are 80 different restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores that each provide a wide variety of local cuisine.
In addition to ample choices of dining places, there are more than 200 proprietor-operated shops that range from antiques and collectibles to bookstores and quirky specialty shops. The shopping area also includes a crafts market with 225 local and regional creators.
It’s possible to spend all day at Pike Place Market, but typically it’s only a part of a tourist day. The market is in the central downtown area and surrounded by several other places to visit. Within a short walk, visitors can also check out the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57.
Address: 1st and Pike Streets, Seattle, Washington
3. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle and is located on a point inside the sound on the Magnolia neighborhood. It includes coast, forests, and meadows, offering a true escape from the city. The park provides habitat for wildlife.
As the westernmost vantage point of the park and a popular photo destination, West Point Lighthouse is a visitor’s favorite. There are also great views of Olympic Mountains here, as the Loop Trail and Beach Trails are the two most popular routes.
An environmental learning and outdoor education center educates visitors on the park, along with programs for all ages. The network of trails is expansive and suffuses throughout the park, so signage is fairly easy to navigate. However, newcomers should print out their map in advance.
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, Washington
4. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle Center’s Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum receives highly positive reviews, focusing on the work of Tacoma native Dale Chihuly. The museum has exhibits that showcase innovative glassblower Dale Chihuly’s work; they also display many of his works in the museum’s collections as well.
Chihuly’s work thrives on glass being an purely artistic medium and creating sculptures that will captivate onlookers. In addition to eight galleries, visitors can admire one of his largest works in the Glasshouse, which changes color as the moving sunlight changes above.
The Art Plaza offers plenty of space for visitors to sit and enjoy glassblowing demonstrations. Adjacent to the Greenhouse, the art plaza offers intriguing opportunities to experience the entire garden while also having a chance to view Chihuly’s work.
The Chihuly Museum also features an informative video presentation about the artist’s life, craft and American glass making traditions. The museum is open seven days a week.
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington
5. Go Underground in the Pioneer Square Historic District
With a towering totem pole, Pioneer Square is the historical heart of Seattle. Among the Victorian style buildings, the Smith Tower stands out for its imposing height (42 floors). There are observation decks on the 35th floor that are ideal for sightseeing.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which is located in the city of Seattle, recalls the surge of prospectors that left for the Yukon during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. This monumental event brought new prosperity to Seattle where the city was named “The Gateway to the Gold Fields.”
To experience a different perspective of yesteryear, book a tour on the underground city via Underground Tour with Bill Speidel. This 75-minute tour shows how the present city streets were established after the 1889 Great Seattle Fire, and discusses the legacy of the almost forgotten below ground sidewalks.
6. Learn about Puget Sound at the Seattle Aquarium
The non-profit Seattle Aquarium operates on the downtown waterfront from Seattle’s Pier 57, just a short walk from the Great Wheel. They feature several live animal exhibits and educate everyone about the importance of nearby Puget Sound.
Window on Washington’s Waters is the first exhibit guests encounter in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s main building. Set in a 120,000-gallon tank with a 40-foot wide window and bench seating, this large tank appeals to visitors. Several staff members offer information on the exhibit and answer any questions in order to increase knowledge about this big amphibian!
The next Things to Do in Seattle is the aquarium is the touch tanks. Here, kids and adults can put their fingers through the sea anemones.
The upper and lower tank designs will allow guests to observe various marine operators, including seals, sea otters, and penguins.
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington
7. Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is a public zoo in Seattle, Washington that houses many threatened and endangered species from around the world. From Asian and African elephants to snow leopards, jaguars, lemurs, and grizzly bears the zoo is immensely popular with families due to its naturalistic exhibits.
Browse the schedule for programs, animal feedings, and educational lectures, or stick around until closure because many animals will ride out the day in their enclosures. If you’re here during the summer, consider visiting early or stay until closing.
For a real treat, visitors can book an animal encounter tour in a safe, comfortable environment where they can experience the zoo’s most fascinating wildlife up close. Participants are encouraged to interact with the animals using structured data and machine learning by feeding them food or playing with them.
Address: 601 N 59th Street, Seattle, Washington
8. MOHAI: The Museum of History & Industry
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) provides visitors with insights into the past while setting a strong foundation for Seattle’s current status. The museum also documents the events that once helped to make Seattle what it is today, as well.
The exhibit explores how geography and cultural events shaped us, such as the Klondike Gold Rush, which is when Seattle became a famous destination. The exhibit depicts what it would be like to see the city from an authentic Tang periscope that still shows 360-degree views of Emerald City.
The third major gallery of the museum is called “Innovation and Technology” and it explores how local innovators in the region have created new technologies. There is an interactive exhibit where you can get a sneak peek at the concepts that are being explored, or you might just want to see some of the historic objects on display in their permanent collections. These all attractions and Things to Do in Seattle, you must visit.
Near MOHAI, there is The Center for Wooden Boats. This non-profit community attraction provides water recreation and maritime travel for the public with workshops, boat trips, and rentals as well.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, Washington
9. Watch Boats Pass at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)
These locks northwest of Seattle Center are also known as the Ballard Locks. These fascinating works of engineering help keep the saltwater of Puget Sound separate from the freshwater of Lake Washington. They also help regulate water levels. The Ballard Locks act as a dam to help level out the lake’s level, which otherwise would fluctuate with the changing tides.
The Ballard Locks also provide a “boat elevator” for vessels looking to transfer between Puget Sound and the Red River. This is available to personal sailboats, as well as much larger cargo ships. Compared to similar bridges in other cities, this is one of the most unique experiences you can enjoy – and there’s nothing like it anywhere else in North America.
The Ballard Locks provide the only access to Lake Union on the Seattle side
Visitors can tour the fish ladder, one of many ways that salmon come upstream past Seattle to spawn in lakes. The nearby carl S. English Jr Botanical Garden provides a more subdued option for visitors to recuperate as they enjoy well-tended gardens.
Tourists can take a narrated sightseeing cruise along the canal which offers various views of iconic attractions like the Space Needle, the Great Ferris Wheel and even the houseboat community featured in “Sleepless in Seattle.” The tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes transportation back to the starting point.
Address: 3015 NW 54th Street, Seattle, Washington
10. Take a Water Taxi to Alki Beach Park
Next Things to Do in Seattle Alki Beach Park is the site of both a rich land-based history, first encountered by white settlers in 1851, and a beautiful coastal location that is consistently filled with visitors on nice weather days.
But with ample space for volleyball nets and a parking-challenged downtown Seattle, overcrowding is not always the biggest issue on summer weekends. Instead, getting from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle to Alki Beach Park requires extra patience.
Just before low tide, one can explore tide pools right off the coast of Alki. There’s a 2.5-mile long concrete pathway on which you can walk, and benches and local businesses line that route as well, providing plenty to explore.
11. Wander the Galleries at the Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is a world famous art institution with a convenient location near Pike Place Market. It’s a great place for casual observers or enthusiasts.
The museum houses an extensive collection of artwork from many different cultures. There are a few permanent pieces situated on the middle three floors and rotating exhibits on the bottom floor. Some displays include works by Asian artists, African artists, Native American artists, and European artists.
The Seattle Art Museum features a number of different art facilities: the Olympic Sculpture Park to the north, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park.
Address: 1300 1st Ave, Seattle, Washington
12. Take a Trip to The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a gem for aviation enthusiasts and those learning about flight history. The museum houses wide range of planes, learning experiences, and items from the industry’s past. Entry is not limited to the general public, but some options require pre-paid tickets or high-end packages.
The outdoor display features the museum’s largest plane collection, including the first jet Air Force One and the B-17, an aircraft that served as a bomber during World War II. The antique plane collection is on display in the Great Gallery while the Lear and Space galleries give insight into space travel: its history and future. If you are interested in Museum of Flight so Things to Do in Seattle, WA
Aviation buffs and history enthusiasts will enjoy the Personal Courage Wing, which is dedicated to remembering the important role of air support in World War I and World War II. The museum displays 28 restored fighter planes, personal stories of pilots, and interactive experiences like a flight simulator. Located in the barn that once held the fledgling Boeing Airplane Company, these collections explore the earliest days of flight.
Those interested in Boeing and its aircraft line will want to check out their Seattle facility for a day. This tour includes multiday transportation plus a 90-minute tour of the assembly plant, as well as many fun exhibits.
Address: 4097, 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, Washington
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13. Whale Watch from Seattle
The city’s defining waters of Puget Sound are surrounded by a wild habitat that provides residents and visitors with the opportunity to see the largest mammals in the area.
Whales of many varieties have been known to migrate to the area from in and around Seattle during their summer migration periods. Orca whales are among those who have been seen with the most frequency.
Tourists who reside in Seattle and have never seen a whale can use information on the Orca Network to identify whales in their region of interest. Along the western banks of Seattle, like Alki Beach and Golden Gardens, there are plentiful places to see whales from shore. With some patience, as well as some help from resources like the Orca Network, you are more likely to find whales from the shore of Seattle.
There are several whale-watching boat tours in Seattle, and in the past, boats have been known to contribute to declining orca populations. When booking a whale-watching tour, make sure you research a company with long track record of responsible practices.
14. Get Lost at the Washington Park Arboretum
Covering 230 acres of land in the Madison Park neighbourhood northeast of downtown, the Washington Park Arboretum is the best Things to Do in Seattle to get away from urban life. It’s co-managed by the city of Seattle and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and it’s always accessible to members of the public, without charge.
Among the expansive green space, the arboretum maintains several specific gardens. At its center is the historic heart of the park, Azalea Way – a 2.5-acre plot devoted to New Zealand native plants. Visitors can also expect to encounter Japanese maples and various other plants along varied paths including Rhododendron Glen, which winds through lush greenery down towards a pond.
Self-guided and guided tours are available at the arboretum as well as guided excursions, which take guests on a one hour tour. The Graham Visitors Center near the northern border is a great place to get information about trails in the park.
15. Catch the Sunset at Gas Works Park
A shimmering view of boats and buildings offers a panacea to sore eyes, while Gas Works Park also offers some eye-catching pieces of infrastructure.
They used to be a coal gasification plant before becoming a park. The site is still marked by many of its historic features that are set into public art now. Some of the old building was even incorporated into playground equipment and park structures.
A wide flat piece of land with a paved trail is at an elevated point where people gather to enjoy the view. Blankets and towels are scattered around the area while visitors watch people swim, play in the water, or take a scenic walk near the shore of ornamental ponds. As evening arrives and more sunlight begins to fade away the area takes on this otherworldly look as these final rays reflect off of the lakeside waters.
16. Walk around Green Lake
Green Lake is an approximately 260-acre lake north of downtown. A popular residential area of the same name borders the eastern and northern edges of the water, and a 2.8-mile multi-use paved trail circles the entire lake, connecting several places to spend the day.
East Green Lake Park is a popular place near the water where people go to play volleyball, swim, and relax. It offers sandy shoreline and ample green space that is perfect for people to explore in the warmer months. Boats can be rented too!
On the north side of Green Lake, near East Green Lake, West Green Lake Beach offers a similar experience. The southern end of it allows you to connect with more parks and zoos as there is paved multi-use trail on that end.
17. Find Fun at the Museum of Pop Culture
The MoPOP is a top tourist attraction in Seattle’s Center. It’s vibrant colors and quick structure are hard to miss when visiting this central tourist district.
MoPOP is located in downtown and focuses on telling the story of modern culture. It features exhibits that range from three levels and span over hundreds of artifacts that include clothes, guitars, and a constant parade of memorabilia. It is among other subjects including horror movies, sci-fi, and 90s grunge band Nirvana. And new exhibits are continually on display at their museum. these all attraction are Things to Do in Seattle ,WA
The museum is opendaily. You can spend a few hours wandering through the eye-catching, interactive displays. The museum also hosts events on occasion, including “100 Horror Films to See Before You Die.”
Address: 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, Washington
18. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Seattle’s new Ferris wheel is a 175-foot-tall giant wheel in large viewable from Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium. For many, taking a revolution by this large wheel is a quintessential downtown experience.
The Great Wheel spins seven days of the week. Depending on crowd size, a ride on the Great Wheel takes about 20 minutes. In that time, a revolving view of Elliot Bay and downtown keep the ride captivating. Although the wheel spins on rainy days, blue skies offer the best experience.
The Great Wheel is one of the many tourist attractions at Miners Landing with a carousel, Wings over Washington, and other goods available to purchase at the pier.
19. Sunbathe on a Seattle Beach
The marine landscape of Seattle offers a few incredible shorelines to enjoy. The saltwater of Elliot Bay and Puget Sound provides access to lapping waves, while the freshwater of Lake Washington has a calm, balmy feel all along its edge. While one side is sandy beach, the other is rocky but this dichotomy doesn’t detract from either setting.
Puget Sound offers many quality beaches, with Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park both hosting sandy stretches to fill your beachgoing desires. The sights at Discovery Park are collectively awe-inspiring, with a beach bisected by a lighthouse.
There is a nice area on the east side of Seattle, one of the shoreline beaches, that is great for swimming. There are lifeguards and there are even designated swimming platforms. They have a large area to lay down a blanket with plenty of green space around it.
20. Picnic at Volunteer Park
In the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Volunteer Park features a century-old conservatory with tropical plants and trees. There are also simple attractions within the park like walking trails, sports facilities, a children’s play area, and picnic grounds.
It’s a lovely park to wander through, and the water tower offers a circular staircase that provides a 360-degree view. The park is also a great place to enjoy a picnic or casual hangout with friends.
There is rich green space that also includes the Asian art museum, which has beautiful Asian artwork and textiles.
Address: 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, Washington
21. Explore the Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is free and open to the public year-round, positioned at the edge of Elliott Bay. Visitors can also enjoy a glass bridge titled Seattle Cloud Cover and wireframe Eye Benches made from recycled materials.
One of the most significant features of Parc Jean-Nohain is its artwork, which underwent an environmental transformation from a brownfield site to a green space that includes a habitat for salmon and employs sustainable practices like collecting storm water.
Western and Broad streets act as the main entrance to the park, which predominantly includes a “Z” trail that leads to the waterfront. There is also a PACCAR Pavilion providing art, a café, and window seats.
The Seattle Art Museum is the park’s manager. Its collections include artwork from all over the world and throughout history, as well as an extensive collection of Native American art in its Northwest Collection Gallery.
Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, Washington
22. Head to the International District
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is located in the International District, east of Pioneer Square. This museum charts the history of Asian immigration and is named after Wing Luke, a Chinese American first elected official in Washington. There are many things to do here as well.
Want a fun and different activity? Take a visit to the International District! There are plenty of cultural centers, such as the Seattle Pinball Museum, for you to explore. This Smithsonian Institution museum does more than just tell the story of pinball machines, it tempts you with all sorts of games that will keep your entire family entertained.
23. Meet the Fremont Street Troll
The Fremont Street Troll was originally an art piece paid for from public funds and intended to beautify a street that previously was composed of landfill and trash. The city put new paint on it over the years, and now it is recognized as a tourist attraction.
“The most popular thing to do at the troll” is to take a photo of yourself on the sculpture. It’s impressive in person and you don’t need to take a long walk. You can see it under Aurora Bridge, five miles north of downtown.
24. Dive into the Living Computers: Museum and Labs
The Living Computers Museum and Labs is a cool space for geeks with standard features such as displays, interactive lab stations, and touchable objects from the past.
Their expansive vintage collection includes some of the first personal computers, as well as exhibits that explore the lives and work of the geniuses who revolutionized and expanded personal computing beyond, including Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Paul Allen.
The museum’s philosophy is that visitors cannot fully appreciate technology without experiencing it. With interactive exhibits, visitors can experience cutting edge virtual reality, simulate the self-driving car drive, and even program a game to their own specifications. Other topics include robotics, artificial intelligence, and Big Data.
Address: 2245 1st Ave S, Seattle, Washington
25. Experience Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall is Seattle’s premier arts venue, as it seats 2,500 for Seattle Symphony concerts. It is downtown and across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. You will find the large glass art sculpture by Dale Chihuly in the lobby and like his works of art in other locations, it features prominently in the renovated lobby.
Benaroya Hall presents a variety of shows and performances, but it is best known as the home of the Seattle Symphony. Some of its most notable events include folk performances and lively speaker series. Spectacular 2,500-seat auditoriums alone enhance the experience at Benaroya Hall.
Address: 200 University Street, Seattle, Washington
