Are you planning a trip to the Emerald City and are wondering about the best things to do in Seattle?
This major city in Washington State is packed with all sorts of activities from exploring nature to eating delicious seafood and seeing the original Starbucks! No matter what type of traveler you are, you can enjoy all that Seattle has to offer.
I recently lived just a few hours south of Seattle and spent quite a bit of time there on my weekends, and have been able to explore so much of this city!
In this post, I’ll share my favorite activities and what I recommend checking out during your time in Seattle, Washington!
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Best Things to Do in Seattle, Washington
See Seattle from Above in the Space Needle
One of my favorite ways to see Seattle is from above. Being able to admire the buildings and all of the surroundings is by heading up in the Space Needle and looking down on the city!
The Space Needle towers above the rest of Seattle at 605 feet tall and offers 360-degree views from three viewing platforms. There’s both an indoor and outdoor observation deck. There’s even a revolving glass floor, called The Loupe, which was installed as the world’s first and only of its kind!
From the top, you can see everything from the city’s skyscrapers to Puget Sound, and the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Grab a Bite to Eat at Pike Place Market
Seattle’s original farmers market is located right along the waterfront and is one of the most popular places to visit during your time in the city.
The market spans a huge downtown section and often has over 500 local vendors selling everything from fresh fish to fresh flowers, handmade art, and delicious food to eat while you browse.
During my last visit, my favorite stop was Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, where I ordered some of the most delicious mac and cheese I’ve ever had! After all, it is called the ‘World’s Best’ mac and cheese!
You can either explore the market on your own or book a tour and have a local Seattleite show you where the best places to grab a bite are.
Take a Day Trip and Go Hiking
If you’re looking for a way to stay near Seattle but want to escape the city’s bustle, consider a day trip to go hiking!
There are tons of hikes near Seattle that are within an hour or so drive. You’d really be surprised what you can see with just an hour’s drive from the city!
A few of my favorite hikes nearby include Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Pilchuck, Kendall Katwalk, Heybrook Lookout, and Wallace Falls.
All of these hikes are doable as shorter day hikes and take less than an hour to get to. Plus, they provide you with some of the most amazing views of Washington’s alpine lakes and towering mountain ranges!
If you have a little more time, you could even head into Mount Rainier or Olympic National Parks, although these are a bit further away.
Visit the Original Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you’re a coffee lover, then you’re not going to want to miss stopping at the Original Starbucks in Seattle. Located just a short walk up the road from Pike Place Market, this is where the first ever cup of Starbucks coffee was sent out the door.
You’ll find the same great drinks on the menu that you love, but it’s just something about being in the first ever Starbucks building that makes this place so special.
But if you’re hoping for just a quick coffee run, you may want to think again. Because the line here is almost always out the door and down the block. Everyone and their mother who visit Seattle are hoping to see the original Starbucks Roastery and Reserve, so be sure to plan some extra time. While it’s worth the stop (if you love coffee), you will need quite a bit of time to stop in.
See the Fremont Troll
If standing in line for a cup of Starbucks coffee isn’t your thing, then maybe visiting the Fremont Troll, which is a bit more off the beaten path, will be up your alley.
This unique concrete troll was built right underneath the George Washington Memorial Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.
This massive troll has huge hands, one of which is tightly gripping a real Volkswagen Beetle. It was built because this particular area was once used as a dumping ground, and the city wanted to improve the bridge, rather than have it continue to worsen.
You can actually climb on top of the troll, which is what we did during our visit to snap a few pictures.
Take in the Iconic Views at Rattlesnake Ledge
If you’re up for a short day trip, head on over to Rattlesnake Ledge for one of the most popular hikes close to Seattle. It’s a bit long and has quite the elevation gain, but if you’re up for the challenge, the views at the top will reward you!
The hike to Rattlesnake Ledge is 5.3 miles long and leads you to an overlook of Rattlesnake Lake. As you look down into the valley, you’ll see the bright blue water and the surrounding mountains.
Rattlesnake Ledge has become one of my favorite hikes for watching sunrise, since there often aren’t many people there, and it’s just so beautiful!
If you do decide to take the hike, I would recommend visiting the first ledge but then continuing on the trail, since there are two more upper ledges with just as fantastic of viewpoints, but far fewer crowds!
Enjoy the View of Seattle at Kerry Park
One of my favorite parts of big cities is actually getting out of the city and seeing it from a distance. With all of the lights making the city sparkle, it’s really just a magical experience. And at Kerry Park, you can experience just that!
Kerry Park is located perfectly on the outskirts of Seattle on a hill. It’s the best place for watching the sunset and sunrise and like I mentioned before, I loved visiting Kerry Park and seeing the city lights after dark. Last time I was in Seattle, I went and visited the park 3 times in one weekend because I loved it so much!
You can see everything from the Space Needle to Elliott Bay and even glimpses of Mount Rainier when the sky is clear.
Look for Marine Life at Alki Beach
There aren’t a ton of places around Seattle where you can get to know the Pacific Ocean’s wildlife, but one place in particular has been more known than others for it.
At Alki Beach in Seattle, you can sit back and watch for some of the harbor’s marine life such as harbor seals, sea lions, and harbor porpoises. These creatures are commonly seen splashing off shore and during birthing season, mama harbor seals often leave their pups on the shore while they go hunt. Please be sure to respect these animals and keep your distance.
While it isn’t as common, sometimes you might even spot a whale in the distance, so bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled! Orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales are the most commonly seen here.
Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
Another fun thing to do in Seattle is to take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, which sits right on the waterfront of Elliott Bay on Pier 57.
This giant ferris wheel allows you to get above the city and take in the views from a new perspective. Rather than seeing the views from the crowded Space Needle, you can enjoy them privately in your own ferris wheel gondola.
There are even options for things like a private Great Wheel dinner, where you can enjoy a 4-course dinner inside of the gondolas for one of the most unique dining experiences in the city.
The Great Wheel also has light shows every weekend, where you can watch as the ferris wheel lights up with over half a million LED lights!
Enjoy Freshly Caught Seafood
If you like seafood, then you’re in exactly the right place. The Pacific Northwest is known for having some of the best seafood, and you can enjoy some of it right here in Seattle.
Whether you like a fancy lobster platter or you prefer they dump your crab legs right out on the table in front of you, there’s a place for you.
When we visited, we grabbed a bite to eat at the Crab Pot and it was such a fun experience. They put a bucket of fresh boiled seafood in front of you and you use a few tools to crack into it. Don’t forget to put on the bib they give you – you’re going to need it!
A few other great options include Elliott’s Oyster House, The Walrus and the Carpenter, and Pike Place Chowder for the best clam chowder on the coast!
See the Incredible Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
Located almost directly underneath the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is one of the most unique places to see locally made art.
The exhibitions were created by an artist named Dale Chihuly. He created beautiful pieces of blown glass art that are colorful, bright, and unique.
There are a few different exhibitions and places to see the art including the garden and eight different galleries. The Glasshouse is the main area for viewing, where you can see a stunning 100-foot-long sculpture of bright reds, oranges, and yellows formed into beautiful flowers. They’re placed right in a glass building, so the light from outside fills the room and makes the sculpture stand out even more.
Grab Locally Made Ice Cream at Salt & Straw
After you’ve filled up on seafood at the waterfront’s locally-made food at Pike Place Market, I hope that you’ve saved room for dessert. Just a few blocks up the street is Salt & Straw.
This local ice cream shop sells some of the creamiest, most delicious ice cream I’ve ever had! The unique flavors are one of the main draws since they change frequently and some aren’t like flavors I’ve ever heard of before.
A few are classics and stick around like their salted malted chocolate chip cookie dough (my favorite!) and the chocolate gooey brownie. But when it comes to their rotating menu, that’s what you’ll want to try! When we visited they had an ice cream flavored like Arbequina olive oil!
Go on a Whale Watching Tour
Whale watching has become one of my favorite things to do, and in Seattle, you can easily embark on a whale-watching tour to see the resident whales!
There are a few different types of whales in Puget Sound and Salish Sea including orcas, humpbacks, minke, and gray whales. The most commonly seen are orcas and humpbacks, which are often seen in peak season from June through September.
Several whale-watching companies operate near Seattle in towns like Everett, Anacortes, and Edmonds.
When I went on my most recent whale-watching tour, we saw 3 Bigg’s orcas and it was such a fun experience. These whales are so unique and seeing them in the wild is fascinating.
Wander the Seattle Art Museum
Love museums? Then stopping at the Seattle Art Museum will be a perfect addition to your Seattle itinerary. This is one of the many museums in Seattle and is one of the most popular.
There are tons of beautiful art exhibitions inside to admire that are constantly changing as new artist’s work comes in. Just a quick wander through the museum will leave you with a greater appreciation for art and its creators!
Catch a New View at the Sky View Observatory
If you’ve already visited the Space Needle and taken a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel but just can’t get enough of those aerial views, then head to the Sky View Observatory.
This is the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest, situated on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center and standing at 902 feet tall. That’s almost 300 feet taller than the Space Needle!
From the top, you can see everything from the Cascade Mountains and Mount Baker to Mount Ranier, Elliott Bay, and even the Space Needle.
The Sky View Cafe and Bar is open at the top of the observatory, so you can grab a drink or a bite to eat and enjoy the view.
Enjoy the Sculptures at the Olympic Sculpture Park
Situated right on the waterfront in Downtown Seattle, the Olympic Sculpture Park is a great way to spend some time outdoors while still experiencing the best of Seattle. This space is a part of the Seattle Art Museum.
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre piece of land that is filled with beautiful sculptures and artwork created by award-winning artists.
It’s pretty unique and really quite different from any other place in Seattle. It sometimes feels like you’re on the outskirts of Seattle because there are typically fewer people here than in other parts of downtown.
Add to The Gum Wall
This somewhat gross (okay, let’s be honest, very gross) alley has become a tradition and must-do for anyone visiting Seattle. It’s honestly completely unexpected, and I was shocked when I first saw it!
Located in an alleyway just a short walk from Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall is just as it sounds – a wall filled with used gum. And you can stop by and add yours to the ‘masterpiece.’
This was started back in the 1990s when performers at a nearby improv theater, Unexpected Productions, would stick their gum on it before performing. And I guess it’s just stuck ever since!
Hike to Snoqualmie Falls
Another beautiful waterfall hike close to Seattle is Snoqualmie Falls. This waterfall can actually be reached without much of a hike at all, since it’s all paved and just takes a quick walk to get to.
The 270-foot waterfall can be viewed from the observation deck, which is free to visit. If you want to get a closer look, you can hike down the steep hill to the base of the falls. This is a longer trek though, and is difficult! So be prepared.
The waterfall is actually used for renewable hydroelectricity, and you can see some of the features of that as you walk to the base.
Watch the Sunset at Discovery Park
Another beautiful spot to visit and watch the sunset is Discovery Park. This large nature park has plenty to do from hiking to biking and wildlife watching.
It’s the largest city park in Seattle and is located right on the point of Shilshole Bay and Elliott Bay. The West Point Lighthouse might be the most popular landmark in the park, and you can take a quick hike there to look out over the ocean and watch the sunset!
While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the views of the rugged cliffs, sand dunes, and beautiful tidal beaches.
Go Skiing at The Summit at Snoqualmie
Planning a visit in the winter and looking for things to do in Seattle in the cold? Head on over to the Summit at Snoqualmie! This is the perfect place to be in winter because when it’s raining in the city, it’s typically snowing on the slopes!
This means that you’ll have perfect powder days and you can hit the slopes for some amazing skiing and snowboarding. I spent tons of time skiing in Washington and Oregon when I lived there, and having a ski resort this close to Seattle is so incredible!
It’s about a 1-hour drive to reach the ski resort, but it’s all along an interstate, so reaching it is fairly easy, even in the winter.
Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Just across Elliott Bay from Seattle is Bainbridge Island. It’s just a short ferry ride to reach the island which is known for its natural beauty and for being the crown jewel of Puget Sound.
This adorable island is perfect for a day trip from Seattle and has plenty to do for everyone. From gardens to city parks and beaches, there’s plenty for outdoor lovers, and others might enjoy the historical museums, local shopping, and delicious restaurants that serve locally made food.
Ferries leave fairly often throughout the day and take about 35 minutes to arrive, so it’s easy to come and go as you please!
Enjoy the Immersive Experience at the Museum of Pop Culture
If you’re a fan of pop culture, then the Museum of Pop Culture will be the perfect activity in Seattle for you! Here you can enjoy seemingly endless exhibits of today’s pop culture from music to movies and everything in between.
Take a step into the Sound Lab where you can record your own song and see the process that our favorite musicians take to create their magical music. Or check out the fantasy exhibits where you can see the behind-the-scenes of the world’s favorite movies like Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz.
The entire museum is filled with unique exhibits that really teach us about our favorite artists, actors, and actresses from yesterday, today, and the future.
Take in Nature at the Washington Park Arboretum
There are plenty of green spaces right in Seattle for exploring Washington’s nature without ever leaving the city. But the Washington Park Arboretum is one of my favorites!
This large space is an oasis of beautiful greenery along the shores of Lake Washington, which is the second-largest lake in the state.
Around the park, you’ll find tons of walking trails that lead you through the wide collection of plants, flowers, and more. There even is a Japanese Garden which you can also visit, that has nature that resembles what you find in Japan.
I would recommend visiting during the spring, because that’s when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and it’s a stunning landscape of bright pink.
Wander Around the Seattle Waterfront
Another way to spend some time in Seattle is to just wander along the waterfront. There’s so much to do down here, from grabbing a bite to eat to riding the Great Wheel and watching for marine life. Many of the things on this list are located right on the waterfront, and just wandering along it will give you plenty to do!
There are several piers along Elliott Bay that you can walk along and look into the water. A new Park Promenade was recently added, where you’ll find a bike path and a dock to view Elliott Bay from.
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Take a Ride on Wings Over Washington
If you want to see certain parts of Washington but won’t be able to get there on this visit, one of the best ways to experience them is by taking a ride on Wings Over Washington.
This unique ride is found right in downtown Seattle on the waterfront, and allows you to strap in and take a flight over Washington, without ever leaving the city!
Fly over places like Snoqualmie Falls, Puget Sound, through Olympic National Park, watch as whales breach in front of you, and fly straight into Mount Saint Helens’ crater on this immersive ride.
Best Time to Visit Seattle
If you have a choice on when to visit Washington, I’d recommend it to be during the summer or fall months of June through September. These are the warmest and have the nicest weather.
After all, Seattle isn’t called the Rainy City for no reason, and they do see quite a bit of rain in the winter months. So Visiting during summer is your best chance of being able to see everything that you’re hoping for without the weather causing any sort of fuss.
How to Get Around Seattle, WA
Luckily, Seattle is pretty easy to get around, especially if you’re planning to do most of the things on this list. Because most of these are located near each other in Downtown Seattle and along the waterfront, you can really get by with just walking!
If you want to embark on any hikes or see other places like Alki Beach or Discovery Park, you will need a car. I recommend renting one so you can come and go as you please, but there are also taxis, Uber, and Lyft in Seattle if you need them.
Wrap-Up: Seattle Things to Do
Seattle is filled with so many great things to do, and you could spend weeks here without ever fully completing everything! Whether you’re an outdoors lover or you prefer to wander through museums, there is something for everyone.
My favorites include hiking at Rattlesnake Ledge, eating seafood along the waterfront, and riding Wings Over Washington. But that’s just among the beginning of what to do in Seattle.
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Kassidy is an avid hiker and explorer who has lived in Washington, but is currently based in Minnesota. She loves the Pacific Northwest and returns often to explore! You can follow her adventures over on her blog, The Hiking Helper.
