Ideally located between the beautiful Pacific Ocean on one side, and the majestic Mount Rainier on the other, Seattle is a treasure cove of activities. Of course, famous Seattle attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market standout, but that’s not all. There is more to Washington’s largest city than what meets the eye. Trust me when I say this, but you will have a tough time picking out things to do in Seattle if your stay is limited to just a few days. While our curated list covers ten great things to do in Seattle, there are hundreds more. From enjoying some of the best coffee and eateries in the country to going on a vintage shopping spree, the choices are endless. At the end of the day, it’s all down to what you wish to explore in the Emerald City.
1 Visit the Space Needle
Constructed in 1962 as part of the World’s Fair, Space Needle is a Seattle attraction that has grown from being a city landmark to one of the iconic representations of the Emerald City. With a whopping height of 605ft, the Space Needle is also the fourth tallest observation tower in the United States. The attraction also offers an unparalleled view of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Ranges, and the Puget Sound, along with a 360-degree view of the Seattle Skyline, a visit to the Space Needle observation deck is one of the top things to do in Seattle.
2 Explore the Discovery Park
Spanning over 500 acres of urban greenery, this Seattle attraction is perfect for those seeking some exploration, or trails to burn off some extra calories. With more than 11.81 miles of walking trails along the Puget Sound, and probably the largest collection of wildlife, birds, and marine animals on display, the park ranks top among the best places to visit in Seattle. The Discovery Park also features a lighthouse at West Point, and a national recreational trail called the Discovery Park Loop Trail.
3 Breakdown Aeronautics at Boeing Future of Flight Museum
Owned by leading airplane manufacturers Boeing, the Future of Flight Museum is a haven for the aviation nerds. From witnessing how the wide-body aircraft like the legendary Boeing 747, 767, 777, and 787 are assembled to unraveling state-of-the-art aviation technologies, the museum has it all. The Future of Flight Museum is also the only commercial aircraft assembly unit that offers such a tour in all of North America. Make sure you have time to spend on this exclusive Seattle attraction for some top things to do in Seattle.
4 Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Closed gondolas, VIP perks that include premium photo booths and stereo system, plus a majestic view of the emerald city all make taking a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel a mesmerizing experience. Located along the Alaskan Way of Pier 57 on Elliot’s Bay, the 175-foot Giant Wheel provides some of the best views of both the Seattle Skyline and the Olympic Mountains. This Seattle attraction also operates up to midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. Make sure to schedule a trip and enjoy this ride during your visit to the Emerald City.
5 Shop at the Iconic Pike Place Market
Like its famous counterpart, the Space Needle – Pike Place Market is yet another Seattle attraction which started as a small city landmark and developed into one of the most famous marketplaces across the world. Visiting Pike Place Market, regardless of whether it is to shop, or simply roam around is a definite top thing to do in Seattle. Established in 1907 as a farmer’s market, Pike Place Market today is a buzzing street market spanning over 17 acres of land. The Market district features everything from florists, eateries, fish mongrels, to bakeries, and butcher shops. If you are traveling in your own car, it would be ideal to reserve a parking spot next to the Pike Place ahead of your visit to avoid roaming around in circles, looking for a parking spot.
6 Witness Glassblower Art at Chihuly Garden and Glass
There is a strong connection between the art of glassblowing and Seattle. So, what better place to witness this art than from the grandmaster himself. Dedicated to one of the world’s best glass blow artist Dale Chihuly, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a top-notch Seattle attraction. Divided into three segments, the museum features a garden, glasshouse, and interior exhibits. There is also a café, outdoor dining spaces, and even a multi-use theatre available inside the museum. The art museum also features some of Chihuly’s largest suspended sculptures that span more than 100-ft in height.
7 Groove at the Museum of Pop Culture
What makes Seattle attractions different from the rest of the world, is undoubtedly the creative brilliance most of the projects have. The Museum of Pop Culture is one such example as it is a space where different worlds meet and co-exist. Founded by the co-founder of Microsoft, Paul Allen in 2020, the museum features numerous exhibits, interactive stations, and even sound sculptures. If you are seeking interactive activities, then the Museum of Pop Culture is definitely your answer.
8 Go Vintage Shopping at Fremont
If you are someone who prefers shopping for vintage collections, then Fremont at Seattle is the place to be. Public art, quirky shops, and numerous pop restaurants all make it an ideal destination for always finding the top things to do in Seattle. No words can convey the atmosphere of Fremont, as one simply has to visit the quirky neighborhood and feel the curated boutiques and their exclusive accessories.
9 Visit the Seattle Art Museum
For the artists and art lovers, the Seattle Art Museum is undoubtedly the must-see Seattle attraction. With one of the largest permanent collections of Native American artwork across the country, the museum also provides one of the best history lessons into the magnificent story of how the Emerald City came into being. The museum also provides free entry on the first Thursday of every month, so it would be wise to plan accordingly if you are available during this time.
10 Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Seaward Park
Seaward Park is your go–to Seattle attraction when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities. Spanning over 300 acres of lush greenery, adjacent to the Bailey Peninsula and Lake Washington, the park features a car-free walking trail and tennis court. There is also a large parking lot and numerous green picnic spots located across the park, making it an ideal spot to engage in fun things to do with kids in Seattle. You can also access the beach and boating activities at Seaward Park.
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Renee is your go-to travel guru! With 15 years of wanderlust-fueled writing, she’s your go-to guide for all things travel and driving-related. When she’s not behind the wheel or jet-setting across the country, you’ll find her binge-watching movies/series or listening to true crime podcasts.