Seattle Things To Do

Seattle
Things To Do

EXPLORE/ SEATTLE

Things To Do in Seattle

Seattle is a vibrant destination offering a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and unique urban experiences. Nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the city boasts stunning waterfront views and lush greenery. Top attractions include the iconic Space Needle, which provides breathtaking panoramic views, and Pike Place Market, a historic marketplace filled with fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and the famous flying fish vendors. For art and culture lovers, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Seattle Art Museum offer fascinating exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Discovery Park, kayak on Lake Union, or take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic getaway. The city's thriving coffee culture, led by the original Starbucks, and its diverse food scene, featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine, make it a paradise for foodies. Seattle also serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest, with easy access to Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands for incredible hiking, wildlife watching, and whale-watching excursions. Whether you're into music, tech, nature, or dining, Seattle offers something for everyone.

things to do

Space Needle

Space Needle

 
The Space Needle is Seattle's signature landmark, its silhouette easily recognizable to Seattle natives and visitors alike. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle underwent renovations not too long ago that make it the only building in the world with a rotating glass floor. The Space Needle is open daily at 9am, and the elevators will quickly whisk you up to the top for amazing views of Seattle and the Puget Sound. The Space Needle also houses the Loop Lounge featuring cocktails and small bites.
Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park

 
A visit to Gas Works Park in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle is a must. You'll have splendid views of the Seattle skyline, and maybe even get to see a hot tub boat motoring by or a float plane landing in Lake Union. The park has a number of paved paths to walk on, including the ability to walk through the old gasification plant, and features a great playground for children. Gas Works Park is right off the Burke Gilman trail, and a walkable distance from the Fremont Troll, as well as all the restaurants and shops in Fremont.
Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

 
Pike Place Market is perhaps best known for the fish throwing at the Pike Place Fish Market, however there are numerous other interesting vendors, restaurants and shops located throughout the market. In operation since 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the United States, and supports over 160 craftspeople, 70 farmers and 60 buskers.
Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park

 
The Olympic Sculpture Park is run by the Seattle Art Museum and at nine acres is the largest green space in downtown Seattle. The park features a wide variety of sculptures from various artists, and is a great place to unwind after a day spent exploring the city. The park is open from dusk until dawn every day of the year, and there is no cost to enjoy the park.
Monorail

Monorail

 
The Monorail debuted in 1962, one month before the World's Fair, and was financed and constructed by the private company Alweg Rapid Transit Systems, who were able to recoup their costs and generate a profit by transporting 8 million people during the 6 months of the World's Fair. It is now owned and operated by the city of Seattle, and runs half a mile from Westlake Center to Seattle Center with no intermediate stops, and is a convenient way to access Seattle Center from downtown Seattle.
The Great Wheel

The Great Wheel

 
The Seattle Great Wheel is a kids' favorite activity down by the waterfront. All ages will enjoy the scenic views as the full enclosed gondolas go up to 180 feet in the air. The Seattle Great Wheel lights up at night, with light shows on the weekend. Each gondola seats up to eight people, and parties of six or less may be required to combine with other groups when the lines are long. For your own gondola, go during off hours and reserve the one VIP gondola.
Gum Wall

Gum Wall

 
Who knew a wall plastered with chewed gum could be a tourist attraction, but given its location within Pike Place Market, this gum mural is a quintessential tourist stop. While the origins of the gum wall can be traced back to the early 1990's when patrons and performers stuck their gum to the wall, the provenance of the thousands of pieces of gum added throughout the years are more hazy. And don't forget your gum, as the wall needs constant additions!
Ballard Locks

Ballard Locks

 
Located in the Ballard neighborhood, the Hiram H. Chittenden Locks are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seattle, with over a million visitors per year. In addition to watching boats rise and fall within the locks, there is a large botanical garden that makes a perfect place to a picnic, a visitors center with exhibits about the locks and a fish ladder complete with a viewing area where you can watch the salmon migrate.
Things to Do in Ballard
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