Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The city is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Seattle is also recognized for its vibrant music scene, delicious seafood, and remarkable landmarks. If you’re planning on visiting Seattle, you’re in for a treat! We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Seattle that will make your trip unforgettable.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions Located in The Best Things to Do in Seattle:
1. Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic landmark and is one of the top tourist attractions in the city. It has an observation deck that rises 520 feet high, providing a stunning 360-degree view of the city. The Space Needle is open year-round, and the cost of admission is $32 per person.
2. Pike Place Market
The historic Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination in Seattle. The market has been around since 1907 and is home to over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and arts and crafts. One of the highlights of the market is the famous fish toss, where fishmongers throw large salmon across the market to each other.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is a beautiful and unique exhibit that showcases the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The museum features eight rooms, including a glasshouse with a 100-foot-long sculpture. Visitors can also stroll through the outdoor garden and admire the beautiful glass sculptures. The cost of admission is $32 for adults and $19 for children.
4. Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a museum that explores the history and culture of popular music, science fiction, and other forms of pop culture. The museum features exhibits that showcase iconic items like Jimi Hendrix’s guitar and the original Star Trek Enterprise. The cost of admission is $34 for adults and $28 for children.
5. Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel located on the waterfront, providing riders with stunning views of Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and the city skyline. The cost of admission is $14 for adults and $9 for children.
6. Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is home to over 800 species of marine life found in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can observe sea otters, sea lions, sharks, and many other marine creatures. The aquarium is also a leader in marine conservation efforts. The cost of admission is $34 for adults and $24 for children.
7. Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre park located on the waterfront that houses outdoor sculptures from artists around the world. Visitors can stroll through the park, admiring the artwork and enjoying the scenic views of Elliott Bay. Admission is free.
8. Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s oldest neighborhood and is home to historic architecture, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Visitors can take a guided tour of the underground tunnels that were used to rebuild the city after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.
9. Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a public sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. The sculpture was created by four artists in 1990 and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a photo with the giant troll hand while sitting on the Volkswagen Beetle it holds.
10. Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a small park located on the south side of Queen Anne Hill, providing one of the best views of the city skyline. Visitors can sit on the park’s benches and enjoy the panoramic views of Seattle and Mount Rainier. Admission is free.
Best Things to Do in Seattle:
1. Visit the International District
The International District, or “the I.D.,” is a vibrant neighborhood that showcases the city’s diverse culture. Visitors can stroll through the neighborhood, admiring the beautiful Japanese garden, Chinese gate, and Vietnamese market. The neighborhood is also home to some of the best Asian cuisine in the city.
2. Explore the Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle waterfront is a bustling area that offers a variety of activities. Visitors can take a ferry to nearby islands, watch the boats in the harbor, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants.
3. Go on a Hike
Seattle is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it an ideal destination for hiking. Visitors can take a short hike to the top of Discovery Park’s viewpoint or embark on a longer hike in the Olympic or Cascade Mountains.
4. Visit the Fremont Neighborhood
The Fremont neighborhood is one of the most eccentric neighborhoods in Seattle. Visitors can see the Fremont Troll sculpture, grab a coffee at the world’s first Starbucks, or visit the Fremont Sunday Market, which features local vendors selling arts, crafts, and food.
5. Tour the Boeing Factory
The Boeing Factory is located in Everett, just a short drive from Seattle. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and watch the assembly of Boeing’s 747, 767, 777, and 787 planes.
6. Take a Ride on the Seattle Monorail
The Seattle Monorail is a mode of transportation that runs from downtown Seattle to the Space Needle. Visitors can take a ride on the monorail, which provides a unique view of the city, and disembark at the Space Needle.
7. Visit the Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a popular tourist attraction that is home to over 850 animals from around the world. Visitors can observe animals like lions, giraffes, and grizzly bears in their natural habitats.
8. Go Wine Tasting
The Washington wine country is just a short drive from Seattle. Visitors can take a day trip to the wineries and vineyards and enjoy wine tours and tastings.
9. Attend a Seattle Mariners Game
The Seattle Mariners are Seattle’s Major League Baseball team. Visitors can attend a game at T-Mobile Park and enjoy the ballpark’s beautiful views of the city skyline and Puget Sound.
10. Visit the University of Washington Campus
The University of Washington is one of the top universities in the United States and is located in Seattle. Visitors can tour the beautiful campus, which features stunning buildings and gardens, and view the famous cherry blossoms in the spring.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best time to visit Seattle?
A: The best time to visit Seattle is from June to August when the weather is warmer and drier. However, this is also the busiest time of the year for tourism, which means prices will be higher.
Q: What is the cost of living in Seattle?
A: Seattle is known for its high cost of living. Prices for food, housing, and transportation can be expensive compared to other cities in the United States.
Q: What is the public transportation like in Seattle?
A: Seattle has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, light rail, and a monorail. Visitors can purchase an Orca Card, which provides unlimited access to all forms of public transportation.
Q: What is the food scene like in Seattle?
A: Seattle is known for its delicious seafood, coffee shops, and craft breweries. The city is also home to many restaurants that specialize in international cuisine, such as Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean.
Q: Is Seattle a safe city to visit?
A: Seattle is generally considered a safe city to visit. However, visitors should exercise caution in tourist areas and crowded places to avoid pickpocketing or other minor crimes.
In conclusion, Seattle is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a mix of stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious food. From iconic landmarks like the Space Needle to eccentric neighborhoods like Fremont, Seattle has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to The Best Things to Do in Seattle, and we’re sure you’ll love this beautiful city as much as we do!