Must Visit Attractions in Seattle Washington

Seattle, the Emerald City is famous for Gray Skies and drizzling rain. But is that it. Ahh No. There is much more fun and adventures to go on.  Looking at the geography of Seattle, it is located between the saltwater Puget Sound (an arm of the Pacific Ocean) to the west and Lake Washington to the east and just 100 miles away from Canada. 

It is popular with tourists and much loved by its locals. Seattle the Washington State’s largest city is home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area.

If you’re coming to Seattle for weekend trip or a vacation, you need to understand first that you have an array of places to choose from in terms of things to do. You will need some ideas or guide to plan your trip and make it memorable. 

Unique Places to Visit in Seattle Washington
View of Lake Union from Space Needle Observation Deck. Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington
View of Lake Union and Seattle Downtown from Space Needle Observation Deck.

The rich landscape of mountains, sea, rivers, forests, lakes and fields surrounding Seattle makes it rich enough to lend itself to numerous outdoor activities like Camping, Hiking, Sailing, Skiing and Bicycling.

Here are 30 things to do in Seattle. This is just a brief list of the many Places and activities, but it gives you a good feel for what gems Seattle has to offer. Whatever activities you decide on, you’ll have a blast in Seattle no matter what time of year you are here! Seattle has thousand of famous Instagram hot spots.

But Remember City is famous for gray skies and rain. To Enjoy uninterrupted pleasure of tour, I will recommend to carry Light Weight Water Proof Rain Jacket or Stylish Trench Coat. You won’t like to spoil your photos in wet or boring rain coats. I always carry my bright red light weighted rain jacket in my back pack. Let’s explore the best things to do in Seattle

1. Seattle Waterfront

The Central Waterfront of Seattle is multifaceted harbors in the world. It runs from the Pioneer Square shore to past Downtown Seattle, Bell town and end at Broad Street site of the Olympic Sculpture Park. The waterfront is well designed to provide the opportunity to reveal Seattle’s man-made seaport charm and natural beauty of Puget Sound’s water. The Waterfront part is mostly urbanized portion and great sightseeing place for tourist on foot. There are lots of things to do, many sights to see and hundred places to stop for food. 

Seattle WaterFront
Seattle WaterFront
Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington Seattle Waterfront
Seattle Waterfront

Seattle WaterFront Shuttle – Free to hop

If you are in no mood to walk or tired, then ride Seattle’s Free Shuttle and hop on or off at any of the 15 stops near downtown attractions along Seattle’s historic Waterfront. Tourists visiting downtown Seattle can hop on any of the three lines free shuttle – North loop, East loop and South loop covering the major attractions from Pioneer Square to the Seattle Center.

Free Waterfront Shuttle Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington
Free Water Front Shuttle Ride

The shuttles are an easy option for tourists on foot or tourist opting for park and ride.   The Free Shuttle route is well designed to connect to light rail and Amtrak arriving passengers

Address – Waterfront Park, 1401 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA, USA

2. Space Needle

The Space Needle – a landmark of the Pacific Northwest and an icon of Seattle is standing at height of 605 feet.  The observation deck at height of 520 feet offers panoramic view of surrounding areas, nearby Piers and distant view of the Mount Rainier on clear sunny day.  Visitors can enjoy the view of Space Needle from ground or can buy the ticket and can reach the top of the Space Needle Observation deck by elevator for splendid views of the Seattle area.  You can even eat at the rotating restaurant, SkyCity at the Needle.

Address – 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Observation Deck of Space Needle
Space Needle glowing at Night. Seattle Downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington
Space Needle glowing at Night.
Space Needle Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington
Space Needle with Blue Skies
Cruise docked at Pier Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle, Washington
View of Cruise docked at Pier from Observation Deck at Space Needle

3. Seattle Festivals – Check Calendar for Festivals at Seattle Center

Seattle has many festivals throughout the year. After visiting Space Needle, We happen to run in to Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival  Hawaiian festival that has  musical songs, dance performances, food, and vendors of traditional arts and crafts at Seattle Center. There are lot of things to do in and around the Space Needle (Seattle Center), so budget extra time here when you see it.

Make sure to check the calendar to see what’s going on when you come for your trip to Seattle. Festivals – NorthWest Folklife,  Seafair, Capitol Hill Block Party, Fremont Oktoberfest and much more.

Address – Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA, USA

Live Aloha  Seattle Festival Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Hawaiian Festival at Seattle Center Area

4. Fun Exhibits at Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center has many exhibits – Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time, Tropical Butterfly House, Insect Village, Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool, Kids Works, Animal Exhibits, Adventures in 3Dimensions, Science Playground and many more.  You need to get ticket for this. If you planning to visit IMAX theater or planetarium show, then you many need longer time.

View from Space Needle Observation deck Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Pacific Science Center (Looking like inverted Umbrellas from Observation deck at Space Needle

5. Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit

Opened in 2012, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit in the Seattle Center showcasing the studio glass of Dale Chihuly, a well-respected glass sculpture and artist hailing from Tacoma, Washington. The exhibit features some of Chihuly’s marvellous pieces, including a 100-foot long sculpture.

Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit.

6.  Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium situated on Pier 59, appropriately right on the Elliott Bay, is best place to explore the wonders of the underwater world.  The Aquarium exhibit is famous for playful sea otters, octopuses, luminous moon jellies.  Visitors get to touch live Sea Star fish, Urchins and more creatures in Tide pool exhibit.  The Underwater Dome’s 360 view gives magnificent touch of Washington ‘s wild coast and inland seas. The Daily diver shows, and animal feedings are very popular among tourists with family and children.

Visitor can enjoy a fresh-baked treat, espresso drink, sit-down lunch, local microbrew or glass of Washington wine—the view from Seattle Aquarium deck at Café.

 Address – 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Seattle Aquarium
Touching Sea Life in Tide Pool at Seattle Aquarium Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Touching Sea Life in Tide Pool at Seattle Aquarium
Star Fishes at Tide Pool in Seattle Aquarium Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington  Places to visit in Seattle
Star Fishes at Tide Pool in Seattle Aquarium
Jelly Fish in Seattle Aquarium Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Jelly Fish in Seattle Aquarium

7. Seattle’s Great wheel

Check Out Downtown Views on the Great Wheel. Seattle’s Great wheel is 175-foot-tall giant ferris wheel which provides a spectacular view of Elliot Bay, Down town and much more.  A ride in fully enclosed glass gondolas on the Seattle Ferris wheel gives an unobstructed view of surrounding from above, lasts about 25 minutes and consists of three revolutions.   

At one point during the ride, you will find your gondola over the water.  It is perfect romantic spot for mid air marriage proposal. But beware if you are afraid of height, then you can avoid this ride. 

Seattle Attractions for Tourists and Locals Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
The Seattle Great wheel Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
The Seattle Great wheel

8. Cruise Terminal at Bell Street Pier 66

The Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises which offers sailing trip and vacation packages to Alaska.   This place is free to walk in and watch the huge luxurious Cruises.   Pier 66 is an easy walk to the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium and the Great Wheel.

Norwegian Pearl Cruise departing from the Pier Seattle Downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Norwegian Pearl Cruise departing from the Pier.
Bell Street Harbor Pier Walking Bridge  Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Bell Street Harbor Pier Walking Bridge

9. Watch Seattle Sounders, Seahawks and Mariners at Safeco and Century Link field.

For sports fans, this is the much happening place to be. The two sports arenas where the team plays are located right next to each other and are surrounded by many bars and restaurants.

Cheers for Seattle Sounders Century Link Stadium Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Cheers for Seattle Sounders
View of Century Link field from down street Must visit places in Seattle Downtown
View of Century Link field from down street
View of Safeco Field from outside on Lovely Sunny Day in Seattle Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
View of Safeco Field from outside on Lovely Sunny Day in Seattle..

10. Take a ride in Argosy Cruise to Tillicum Excursion

Argosy Cruises Tillicum Excursion is an attraction located on the Blake Island that features a traditionally prepared roasted fish buffet meal with a Northwest Native American performance enhanced by technology. Blake Island is a Marine State Park with acres of land for camping and 5 miles of saltwater beach shoreline.  The only way to reach Blake Island is to take ride in Argosy Cruise/tour Cruise or private boats.

 A trip to Tillicum Village on Blake Island is a unique way to learn about Native American culture and tribes that called this region of Seattle, a home for thousands of years. A 40 minute ride on Cruise gives unique experience of viewing Seattle downtown and the waterfront.

Welcome To Tillicum Board
Argosy Cruise Tillicum Excursion
Argosy Cruise

11. Musuem of Pop Culture (MOPOP)

Musuem of Pop Culture is famous for in-depth exhibitions and hands on experience on various diverse musical instruments. Exhibitions include: Prince, Nirvana, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Indie Games, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, Sound Lab, Horror, Sci-Fi Hall of Fame, A Queen Within, and Guitar Gallery.”

The exterior architecture of the building is fusion of colors and appear to change the look when viewed when viewed from different angles, reminding audiences that music and culture is constantly evolving. MoPOP is next to Seattle Space Needle and Monorail. The Seattle CityPass includes a visit to this musuem.

Museum of Pop Culture Seattle Washington
Museum of Pop Culture
Monorail route from Museum of Pop Culture building Seattle Washington
Monorail route from Museum of Pop Culture building

12. Ride in Monorail

Seattle Center Monorail is famous landmark that is used by thousands of visitors every day. The Monorail provides unique fun and a quick transport between Seattle downtown and Seattle Center that is home to Seattle Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture and many theatrical and cultural experiences

Seattle Center Mono Rail
Seattle Center Mono Rail

Alweg Monorail Seattle Washington
Alweg Monorail Seattle Washington

13. Check out the Gum Wall

This famous gum wall is located just under Pike Place Market next to the Market Theater. I know some of you may find this gross, even am not liking this. But this is famous place among tourist and is free to walk in. You can skip this if you don’t like.

The city has cleaned it twice and it just keeps filling up, now they accept it as a tourist attraction and embrace its popularity.

Gum Wall with gum art. Seattle downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Gum Wall with gum art.

14. Olympic Sculpture Park

The Sculpture park is free to wander in and contains dozens of interesting sculptures along with great views of Elliot Bay. The Sculpture of 46-foot-tall face of a girl is installed by Seattle Art’s Museum at Olympic Sculpture Park.  The Sculpture is after a girl named “Echo,” a nymph from Greek mythology who was deprived of speech, except to repeat the last words of another.  It looks as she is welcoming the tourists arriving from the ferries and Cruise.

Echo at Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Downtown  Best places to visit in Seattle Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Echo at Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Downtown
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle downtown
At Olympic Sculpture Park

15. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic and famous farmers market in America.  This century-old public market houses dozens of stalls and shops for farmers with fresh produce, artisan goods, locally made cheese and many more things that you can find as per your interest ,  all overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront.

Address – Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St #500, Seattle, WA, USA

Must Visit Attractions in Seattle Washington
Seattle Public Market Center
Pike Public Market at Seattle Downtown. Seattle attractions and Century old farmers market
Pike Public Market
Inside Pike Public Market at Seattle Downtown. Must visit places in seattle.
Inside Pike Public Market

Don’t miss these tasty shop stops when at Pike Place.

Beecher’s Cheese Shop – Here you can sample the famous delicious handmade cheese or any other dairy related things.  Try this place for lunch as they serve hot paninis.  This stop is having apparently one of the world’s best Mac ‘N’ Cheese that Oprah loves. 

Beecher's Handmade Cheese. People viewing cheese making process through glass window
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. People viewing cheese making process through glass window

If you’re lucky you might even be able to watch them making the cheese through the window out front. Find this at the corner of Pine Street and Pike Place

Cheese Making going on . View through Glass Window
Cheese Making going on . View through Glass Window

Le Panier – Le Panier is a French-style bakery in Pike Place Market.  It is famous for fresh baked bread, pastries, sandwiches and traditional French recipes.  This is good stop for Breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Le Panier

Pike Place Chowder – Must visit place for Seafood lovers.    Pike Place Chowder is Seafood Restaurant famous for Clam Chowder, Smoked Salmon Chowder and many other seafood options.  This is not place for Vegetarian people like me.

16. The Original Starbucks

This is one of the most popular tourists stops for Starbucks fans and lovers. To grab your favorite specialty coffee be ready to stand in a line that moves around the block.  If you are not diehard fan of Starbucks, then you can glance inside the Original shop to see if the line is too long then you can venture out too many other Seattle’s amazing coffee shops near by the place.

Address -102 Pike St., Seattle, Washington 98101.

Original Starbucks at Seattle Downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Original Starbucks at Seattle Downtown
Starbucks Seattle
Starbucks Seattle

17. Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room

Again, if you’re a fan of Starbucks or not put a visit to their tasting room on your Seattle Itinerary.  The facility gives you a behind the scenes look at how Starbucks operates. It has gorgeous copper roasting basins and some of the best baristas in the city and it not only serves up specialty, small-batch coffee, but a stop here is an experience in itself. 

Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington

18. Rachel Ginger Beer

This stop is must try for Ginger Beer lovers who loves cocktails with bright lemons, sparkling water, fruit purees, juices and tea.  Ginger beer is similar to Root beer with no alcohol in it.  They also do growlers and to-go cups if you don’t have a long time to stop.

Rachel's Ginger Beer and Post Alley at Pike Place in Seattle Down town. Must visit places at Seattle.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer and Post Alley

19. Post Alley

This place is just next to the Pike Place Market and has a many eatery.  At lunch time it is most crowded place.  

20. Smith Tower

Smith Tower is a century old skyscraper in Pioneer Square in Seattle. Smith Tower offers visitor an experience to an Observatory with an open-air observation deck, 360-degree views of Seattle with featured tickets and tour options. Tourist gets the world class experience of historic Otis elevators that takes up to thirty-fifth floor Observatory.

Address – Smith Tower, 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, USA

Smith Tower observatory in Seattle downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Smith Tower

21. Gas Works ParkVisit the Strangest Park

Gas Works Park is the strangest park in Seattle and is among one of the Strange Public parks in the world.  This historic park is the former Seattle Gas Light Company plant located on north shore of Lake Union and is one of the most unique free things to see in Seattle.   People come here to relax and hangout while enjoying the view of Lake Union, Water homes, distant view of Space Needle, sailors and kayaks.   Children enjoy flying kites from Kite Hill in the park.

Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

Metal Remnants at Gas Works Park, Strangest Park in Seattle, Must visit places in Seattle, Free Public Park
Metal Remnants at Gas Works Park
Enjoying Flying kite at Kite Hill, Gas Works Park, Seattle
Enjoying Flying kite at Kite Hill, Gas Works Park, Seattle
View of old rustic metal at historic Gas Works Park ,
View of old rustic metal at historic Gas Works Park

22. Fremont Troll

The Troll is a colossal statue located under Aurora Bridge. Visitor can notice Troll is tightly clutching a Volkswagen Beetle in its hand.  I will suggest stopping at Fremont Troll for few Instagram photos on the way to Gasworks Park.  Only few parking spots available so better walk from nearby place.  It is 15 minutes’ walk from Gas Works Park to Fremont troll.   This is an interesting place to visit in free and am sure Kids would love it.

Address: N 36th St, Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Check the Volkswagen Beetle clutched in his hands at Fremont Troll, Under Aurora Bridge, Seattle famous Instagram Spots
Check the Volkswagen Beetle clutched in his hands at Fremont Troll

23. Ride the Ducks of Seattle – Ride an Amphibious Vehicle

Take a tour of Seattle riding a World War II amphibious vehicle which are much updated and upgraded to carry passengers.  The tour last about 90 minutes with driving through all of the city’s hotspots in 60 minutes and then drive straight into Lake Union for a splash in water for  30 minutes. There are daily duck boat tours. 

Address: 516 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington

24. The Seattle Center Water Fountain

Little Spray park for kids to enjoy in Summer and free too.

West Lake Bust stop at Seattle Downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
West Lake Bust stop at Seattle Downtown
Horse Carriage at West Lake Bus stop, Seattle Downtown
Horse Carriage Ride at West Lake Bus stop, Seattle Downtown

  25. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation visitors center

Free admission, and a short trek across the street from the center.

26. Fyre Art Musuem is always free.

Address – 704 Terry Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104

27. Golden Gardens Park

A waterfront park in Ballard, Golden Gardens Park has wetlands, beaches, hiking trails, picnic and playground areas.  If Seattle is enjoying a beautiful Sunny day, head to Golden Gardens Park and enjoy relaxing on beach sand and soaking in sun with views of sailors sailing in blue water of Puget sound and Olympic Mountain range in the background.

Golden Gardens Beach on Sunny day, Must Visit places at Seattle
Golden Gardens Beach on Sunny day

28. Enjoy the Ferry ride to Bainbridge Island

Take the Washington State Ferry across the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. CNN named it as the second-best place to live in the United States.  The old fashioned but modern living and thinking town has dense forests, parks, gardens, reserves, wildlife and hills making it a favorite for outdoor lovers.

Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington

29. Snoqualmie Waterfall

The Waterfall famous for opening credits of David Lynch’s television series Twin Peaks (1990-1991) is real.  The Snoqualmie Falls are 268 feet high, nearly 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington State’s most popular scenic attractions that can be reach in 40 minutes from downtown Seattle. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the see and feel the Falls every year.  The historic Salish Lodge has plenty of lunch options and offers a breathtaking view of the falls due to prominent location next to the very fall.

Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Snoqualmie Falls

At Snoqualmie Falls, Tourist and visitors can explore a view of waterfall from above and lower Observation deck.  A small trail takes to the river and lower observation deck to get the view of waterfall from lower point on ground.

Lower Observation Deck at Snoqualmie Falls, near Seattle. Must visit places and things to do in Seattle
View from Lower Observation Deck at Snoqualmie Falls

30. Northwest Railway Museum

Take a ride in Antique Train at Snoqualmie Valley Rail Road at Northwest Railway Museum.

The Northwest Railway Museum is a railroad museum in Scenic Snoqualmie.  It has a small historical center with some hands-on activities for little ones.  There are a few cars and engines to explore in free outside the museum.  Big and small kids enjoy the proximity to the Engines, train car and the equipment.

Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie near Seattle, Ride in Antique train at Snoqualmie Rail road.
Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie near Seattle
Ride in Antique Train at Northwest Railway Museum ,Snoqualmie
Ride in Antique Train at Northwest Railway Museum

31. Visit Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the largest Tulip Festival in North America and most popular Instagram hot spot. Skagit Valley in Mount Vernon is famous for thousand acres of colorful fields blooming with Tulips, Daffodils and Lilies fields. It is at one hour drive time from Seattle.

If you planning to visit Seattle in month of mid April or May, then mark your calendar for visit to Skagit Tulip Fields in Mount Vernon. During Tulip Festival, Visitor get opportunity to tour the various Tulip fields and farms, eat local cuisines and buy freshly cut tulips for home or gifting purpose.

Lovely Pink Tulips bloomed in Skagit Valley Fields Must Visit Places in Seattle Washington
Lovely Pink Tulips bloomed in Skagit Valley Fields

32. Visit Sequim Lavender Festival

Sequim is a town located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. It’s considered to be the lavender capital of North America. Sequim Lavender Festival is a 3-day event that is held at Downtown Sequim in Sequim, Washington, United States. 

Every July, the Sequim Lavender farmers and growers organize the Sequim Lavender Festival that is attended and visited by tourists from all over the world.  During Sequim Lavender Festival, Visitors get opportunity to tour the Lavender Farms and fields with their pets, Pick your own Lavender bunch, Bike or drive to fields near by, enjoy the Sequim Street Fair, enjoy and taste various foods and drinks with flavors of Lavender.

Carrie Blake Community Park
Address202 N Blake Ave, Sequim, WA 98382

Aromatic Lavender Fields at Sequim Washington
Aromatic Lavender Fields at Sequim Washington

33. Skiing, Snow Boarding, Snow Tubing near Seattle

There are many Skiing, Snow Boarding options and resorts near Seattle that offer fantastic skiing at distance of 1- 2 hours drive from downtown.  

  •   Stevens Pass Ski Resort – 90 minutes away
  • Crystal Mountain Ski Resort – 2 hours away.

Crystal is the largest Ski Resort in Washington state. This is more upscale than other two resorts.

  • The Summit at Snoqualmie – 60 minutes away

This place is just off the highway and is closest to Seattle.   Apart from Skiing, this place offers Snow Tubing. When the Skiing season is off or not yet started, this place is popular among locals for Snow boarding, Snow Tubing and playing in snow.

Skiing at Snoqualmie Summit, Near Seattle, Must Visit Places at Seattle. Seattle Attractions. Things to do in Seattle
Skiing at Snoqualmie Summit, Near Seattle
  • Mount Rainier National Park – 2 hours away.

Mount Rainier National Park is favorite destination for Snow Hikers, snow boarder and Skiers. It is the best place for people looking for solitude. You need to bring your own Skiing gears and equipment or you can rent it from the stores before entering the National Park.

Skiers skiing from Panorama Point/Skyline trail
View of Skiers skiing from Panorama point /Skyline trail

34. Hiking near Seattle

If you want to escape the city and explore the nature, then Seattle offers tons of hiking adventures destinations.   Seattle is surrounded by mountains, water, lush evergreen forests and blessed with thousand acres of park land making it perfect destination to explore the wilderness of Pacific North West.  

Rattlesnake Ledge – This is a 4-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 1160 foot and offers spectacular view of Snoqualmie Valley, Rattlesnake lake below and distant view of the Mount Si.  This hike could be easily done in half day. There are no Rattlesnake at this place, just the name.

Rattlesnake Ledge at Rattlesnake Recreation Area
Rattlesnake Ledge

Franklin Falls – Franklin Falls is famous easy and short hike less than 2 miles round trip with view of water falls. Hike to Frozen Franklin Falls is famous and popular thing to do in Winter snow.

Franklin Falls Snoqualmie,Most Popular destination in Summer for locals in Seattle.
Franklin Falls near Snoqualmie Summit
Frozen Franklin Falls Seattle Washington
Partially Frozen Franklin Falls in February 2019

Explore thousands of hiking trails and find the current trail conditions on the Washington Trail Association website.

35. Mount Rainier National Park 

Enjoy a Day trip to Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is an active, stratovolcano at altitude of 14410 feet, the tallest in Cascade volcanic arch. Mount Rainier National Park is a treasure chest in Pacific North West with many trails, glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, panoramic view of valleys and mountain and the Epic view of Snow-covered glaciated Mount Rainier.  As I said in my other blog post, your trip to Seattle will be meaningless without seeing Mount Rainier National Park. Do read on “Must Visit Places at Mount Rainier National Park”.  Mount Rainier makes for an amazing day trip to explore the great outdoors.

View of Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park
View of Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park

Save Time and Save Money with CityPASS

If you want to see and enjoy all the iconic things in Seattle like the Chihuly Gardens and Glass, Seattle Aquarium, Space Needle, Musuem of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, Argosy Cruises, the Museum of Flight and Pacific Science Center, you might want to look into getting the Seattle CityPASS.  There are many options of places to visit. You can buy it online.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Enchanting view of Mount Rainier from AirPlane Window
Enchanting view of Mount Rainier from AirPlane Window

Seattle is a great place to fly to. The Seattle Tacoma International Airport also called as Sea-Tac is a nice airport with new lounges and inter-terminal trains. The light rail connects the airport to downtown, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington with trains every 10-20 minutes. If you are flying to Seattle, then keep an eye on the air plane window during last few minutes of your journey before descend. You don’t want to miss this mesmerizing view of Mount Rainier from your air plane.

Seattle Monorail

If you’re planning of exploring downtown, you can easily take the light rail from the airport to anywhere in downtown, and you won’t need a car.  But if you are planning to get out of the downtown area you might need a drive.   

Here are few recommended Seattle hotels.  You can read the reviews and book hotels for your stay.

High-End/Luxury Hotel – The West Inn Seattle.  The best Seattle has to offer. Perfect for the business traveler or a weekend splurge.

The West Inn Seattle in Seattle Downtown Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
The West Inn Seattle

Mid-Range/Couple Stay:  Mildred’s Bed & Breakfast -Lovely B&B in a great location

Budget/Social Hotel:Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle.  Little away from Pike Place Market, this hostel has a social atmosphere and a good breakfast.

 

If you have visited to Seattle and you think I can add more places here, please feel free to comment below. I would love to visit them and add to my list.

Disclaimer: There may be some affiliate links on this page, which means when you click, I get a tiny percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you. This allows us to keep updating the site for great travel tips, so feel free to click away!

Pin it for Later…

Free things to do in Seattle Visit Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Must Visit  Attractions in Seattle Washington
Seattle's Unique Attractions that are free to visit and famous hot instagram spots

This post may have affiliate links meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, I may get very small commission at no extra cost to you.

35 thoughts on “Must Visit Attractions in Seattle Washington

  1. I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for
    my mission.

  2. Wow this is such an in depth look at all the cool stuff to do in Seattle. I loved visiting the glass garden and Pikes Market but I definitely missed out on many of the outdoor activites like visiting Mt. Rainer and skiing. Will save this post for when I return

  3. Krazy Kabbage

    I’ve never been to Seattle so it was really exciting to read this and look at all of your photos – wow so many things to do! I’ll have to go one day!

  4. Webb of Learning

    I heard that Seattle was beautiful! I have been wanting to go. This list seems to have everything. I’ll be checking this before I *eventually* go.

  5. Mary

    I always have wanted to go to Seattle and you have such great suggestions here. I cant wait to make it there and check out all of your tips. Thanks

  6. Madi Rowan

    I’d love to go to Seattle! I would really like to go to the top of the Space Needle!

    -madi xo

  7. I would love to go to Seattle, it’s on my list of places to visit when we win the lottery! It seems like there are so many things to see there, and you described even more than I imagined.
    It’s a far cry from Southampton in the UK, which is also a large port and the cruise capital of the UK. We have a lot of amazing history here though going back thousands of years.

  8. I’m from Seattle, and you were spot on with recommendations! I am also going to share this with a friend who suffers from PCOS and lives in Seattle–I hope she enjoys!

  9. Mary

    Such an amazing descriptive list of things to do in Seattle. I feel like this is a full description of places to stay, eat and do. Thanks for the awesome advice.

  10. We hope to visit Seattle in the next few years. This is a great overview. I laughed when I got to the Duck tours. We’ve been taking tours in a lot of the cities we visit because it’s a quick overview of what to see. We’ve haven’t done any Duck tours yet though.

  11. happylittletadpole

    Another great pos and places I have yet to visit in Seattle! The Fremont Bridge Troll is a must! One additional gem I reccomend adding to the list, is the Boeing Museum of Flight. It is HUGE and a really phenomenal museum. I went a couple months ago and they had a space exhibit which was also incredible!

  12. We love visiting Seattle when we visit my son who is attending college there. Gum Alley was a big hit with my teenagers! You hit all the important spots here and I even learned of a few new ones for my next visit.

  13. I spent the day in Seattle recently and came across the UPS garden waterfall park. If you haven’t seen it, it’s hidden in pioneer square. One of those random things that I never knew existed. Great article. Thanks for the read.

  14. I have always wanted to visit Seattle. I didn’t realize there was so much to do in the city. I am thinking I will have to plan a trip for next summer.
    I will probably skip the gum wall…ew!

  15. Seattle has not been on my travel list before but it now is. I would especially like to go to one of the festivals you mentioned. The city is much more lively than I thought it was.

  16. Chihuly and ginger beer! Thats 2 reasons for me to visit. I recently visited a Chihuly exhibit in London, and would love to visit more of them worldwide. Seattle looks like a really fun city.

  17. Blairvillanueva

    I think I need more than a month to fully explore at least half of what you mentioned. Seattle is a gorgeous city. That aquarium place is one of my favorite.

  18. Seattle really looks lovely though its image is drizzling city. I loved that ride Seattle’s Free Shuttle and hop on or off at any of the 15 stops near downtown attractions and it is great thing to do for free of cost. I would love to see and have a coffee at original Starbucks. That facade of monorail museum looks very interesting and unique.

  19. Tamshuk Saha

    This is a long list and it is great that there is so much to see and do in Seattle. My personal favourites would be the Seattle harbourfront, the Pike Place market and the festivals. Especially the festivals and market because they appeal to me so much anywhere I go. Great article and a well compiled list.

  20. Daniel Kiteski

    Seattle Washington is the best place to spend the winter holidays, and this post couldn’t come on a better time as I am planning my winter trip to Seattle this year. I would love to visit the museum that you have mentioned.

  21. So many fun suggestions! I took my daughter to Seattle last year and we had so much fun exploring the city. She especially loved the children’s museum!

  22. Parent On Board

    Great post. I remember visiting Seattle when I was a teen and the city definitely left an impression. There was so much fun stuff to do there. The weather can get you but it’s still a great place to visit.

  23. Wow! I did not know Seattle is original Starbucks before this is new knowledge for me. And Its seem like there are so many things to do there, your described even more than I saw every blog. I’d love to visit one day. Thanks

Leave a Comment in below text box