Top Things to Do in Seattle Washington
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Seattle Washington will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. You will find landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Seattle Washington.
READ A Perfect Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park
Top 5 Things to Do in Seattle Washington
- Pike Place Market
- Space Needle
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Pop Culture
- Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Seattle Washington
- Head to the top of the Space Needle
- Watch the fish fly at Pike Place Fish and rub the nose of Rachel the Pig for luck
- Photograph the Fremont Troll at N 36th St Aurora Ave N
- Explore the houseboats around Lake Union.
- Catch a Mariner or Seahawks game
- Check out the Giant Pacific Octopus at the Seattle Aquarium
- Ride the Great Wheel on Pier 57
- Hop on an Argosy Harbor Cruise of Elliott Bay and the Seattle waterfront
- Wander around Pioneer Square and take an underground tour
- Learn latte art at the Seattle Barista Academy
- Add your gum to the wall along Post Alley
- Take a tour of the Theo Chocolate Factory
- Take a ride in a seaplane
- Wander through Chinatown
- Pay your respect to Bruce Lee at the Lake View Cemetery
Best Museums in Seattle Washington
- Check out the outdoor art at Olympic Sculpture Park
- See the Black Sun sculpture at Volunteer Park
- Explore the sculptures at the Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Check out the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
- Visit the Museum of Pop Culture’s Sky Church, an immersive audio-visual space with a giant LED screen
- Browse the Seattle Art Museum exhibits
- Check out the Pacific Science Center butterfly house
- See the artifacts and fossils at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Explore Asian Pacific American culture at the Wing Luke Museum
- Browse classic and contemporary art at the Frye Art Museum
- Tour Seattle’s Tech World at the Living Computers: Museum + Labs
- Play vintage games at the Pinball Museum
- Learn about the 1890 gold rush at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Discover Nordic culture and history at the National Nordic Museum
- Take a ferry to Whidbey Island and browse the art galleries
Outdoor Activities in Seattle Washington
- Take a walk along the water at Centennial Park
- Splash around in the International Fountain
- Spend the day at Alki Beach
- Listen to the wind sing at Sound Garden
- Check out the oyster farms along Chuckanut Drive
- Take a cruise through the Ballard Locks into Puget Sound
- Watch the salmon run the fish ladder at the Ballard Locks
- Hike the 4.5-mile lighthouse loop at Discovery Park
- Relax in a Japanese garden at Kubota Garden
- Check out the conservatory and city views at Volunteer Park
- Walk through the Washington Park Arboretum, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Enjoy a sunset picnic at Golden Gardens
- Check out the futuristic Amazon Spheres glass domes that house an indoor rainforest
Shopping in Seattle Washington
- Shop the stalls of the Fremont Sunday Street Market or the Ballard Farmers Market
- Shop for souvenirs at Pike Place Market and along the waterfront
- Browse the curated book selections at Elliott Bay Book Company
- Visit the original Nordstrom for high-end shopping and a bit of Seattle history
- Pick up locally made gifts and gourmet items at Made in Washington’s locations around town.
- Browse the boutiques on Capitol Hill
Where to Eat in Seattle Washington
- Eat a Seattle dog and chowder fries
- Get a coffee from the original Starbucks or take a coffee tour
- Take a foodie tour of Pike Place Market
- Watch master roasters and sample exclusive coffee blends at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery
- Treat yourself to a tasting tour at the Seattle Chocolate Factory
- Head to Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to watch cheesemaking and taste their famous mac & cheese
- Grab a burger at Dicks Drive-in
- Splurge on a meal at Canlis, ART, Capital Grille, Aqua, or Kincaid’s
Seattle Washington Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Pay respect to Nirvana at The Central Saloon
- Take a craft brewery tour
- Go wine tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
- Sip craft cocktails at Canon, Unicorn, Hazlewood, Bourbon & Bones, Bathtub Gin & Co.
- Enjoy rooftop cocktails at Smith Tower, The Pink Door, Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails, The Nest, Altitude Sky Lounge, or Rooftop Resort
- Listen to live jazz at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley
- Get your karaoke fix at Rock Box
- Catch a live cabaret performance at The Pink Door or a concert at The Crocodile
- Dance the night away at Kremwerk, BPM, Foundation, Club Sur, The Crocodile, or Q Nightclub
Best Lookouts and View Points in Seattle Washington
Skyline views from Kerry Park, Alki Beach, Volunteer Tower, and Gas Works Park Hill
Ocean views from West Point Lighthouse, Seacrest Park
Downtown Seattle from Dr. Jose Rizal Park, Hamilton Viewpoint Park
Mountain views from Sunset Hill Park
Best Selfie Spots in Seattle Washington
Interesting places to take selfies around Seattle include the retro monorail, Post Alley, Seattle Public Library, Waterfall Garden Park, The Fremont Rocket, Pier 62, Lenin Statue, International Fountain, and Sonic Bloom Sculptures at the Museum of Pop Culture.
Day Trips from Seattle Washington
- Visit Snoqualmie Falls
- Have lunch in a café and do some shopping on Bainbridge Island
- Head to the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth
- Go hiking in Mount Rainier National Park
- Spend a day exploring the wineries and tasting rooms of Woodinville Wine Country
- Enjoy beachcombing on Whidbey Island
- Go whale watching or kayaking at the San Juan Islands
Check the Seattle Washington Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Seattle Washington
Couples may enjoy a dinner cruise on Puget Sound, wine tasting in Woodinville, a couples spa day, or an upscale meal at Canlis.
Things to Do in Seattle Washington with Young Children
The Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Center Playground, and Seattle Children’s Museum are great activities for young children.
Things to do in Seattle Washington with Teenagers
Teens may enjoy the Museum of Pop Culture, the Seattle Great Wheel, watching the fish fly at Pike Place Market, the Seattle Underground Tour, or a family karaoke night.
Bookmark and Pin 100 Things to Do in Seattle Washington, a Bucket List City
Plan Your Trip to Seattle Washington
Why Visit Seattle Washington
Seattle Washington had approximately 38 million visitors last year. Seattle is located between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The city is famous for being the home of the first Starbucks and the birthplace of grunge. You will also find the Space Needle, flying fish, gum wall, outdoor sculptures, seaplanes, lush green forests, houseboats, and a strong coffee culture.
How Many Days in Seattle Washington is Enough
3 days in Seattle Washington is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Seattle Washington Safe for Solo Travelers
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Seattle Washington is medium, with an increase in mugging and gun violence. Check their website for more information.
Best Time to Visit Seattle Washington
The high season is June-August. You will find mild weather, 75 degree weather, little rain, and whale-watching season. Shoulder season in Seattle is from April to May and September to October. Expect wind and rain during the spring. Rain and snow are common in the winter, expect temperatures in the 30s and 40s.
How to Get to Seattle Washington
Several airlines fly nonstop to the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. A nonstop flight from LAX to SEA is 3 hours; a nonstop JKF to SEA is 6.5 hours. Prepare for your flight!
How to Get Around Seattle Washington
Seattle’s Airport is 14 minutes from downtown. The Link Light Rail is the fastest and easiest way to get from the airport to downtown Seattle. Another option is the Seattle Streetcar. Shuttle service, bus, taxi, and Uber are also available.
Where to Stay in Seattle Washington
What Should I Budget for Seattle Washington
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $205 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
Booking Resources for Seattle Washington
Washington Travel Guide
Pick up a Washington Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Seattle Washington Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Seattle Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it; get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!