12 Can’t-Miss Spots in Seattle for Every Traveler
Chantelle KincySeattle is one of the best cities to visit on the West Coast. There, I said it. Sure it is constantly cloudy and rains about half the year, but that’s just part of its charm! Some things that Seattle is best known for (besides its weather) are the Space Needle, its amazing views of Mount Rainier, and is the birthplace of Starbucks.
So those are some things that Seattle is known for, but what is there to do in this city? Let’s get into the top 12 things to do in Seattle!
1. Visit the Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic building. If you want a great view of the city and the surrounding area, this is the place to go. At over 600 feet tall, this building might not be the tallest in Seattle, but it is definitely the most unique.
It was made for the 1962 World’s Fair and designed to look like a UFO. And, believe it or not, it spins around! The observation deck offers panoramic views of Seattle and Puget Sound.
You can also go down one level and stand on the rotating glass floor!
2. Go to the Original Starbucks Location at Pike Place Market
If you are a fan of coffee, then Seattle is a place you need to visit. There are so many cute cafes around the city, but the one that stands out the most is the first Starbucks location. It was opened in 1912 and is in Pike Place Market, right on the water’s edge.
Pike Place Market is one of the top places to visit in Seattle, so while you’re at this special market, make sure to grab a Starbucks at the mother of all Starbucks!
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
When I visited Seattle, this was my favorite place. If you like glass blowing or art, this will be your heaven on earth. I’ll admit that before coming here, I had never been interested in the art of glass blowing, but since coming here, it’s something that I’m constantly thinking about.
Dale Chihuly is arguably the best glassblower in the world, and after visiting this museum and glass garden, you’ll see why. Eight exhibits here will leave you in awe and be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
4. Museum of Pop Culture
Looking for a place to escape the rain? Head to the Museum of Pop Culture! This is one of the best places in the world to learn about what led to the music, movies, and art we all love today.
Some of the top exhibits are the Guitar Gallery, Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Films. You can hide in this museum and let the storm pass while learning all about pop culture.
5. The Seattle Great Wheel
It seems like every city these days has a Ferris wheel. They’re a good way to view the city, relax with a loved one, and feel just a touch of adrenaline. The Seattle Great Wheel stands at 175 feet and was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast when it was built.
The Seattle Great Wheel is right on the water, and the best time to ride it is at sunset or night. You can reserve a spot online and even book a four-course meal to enjoy on the Wheel!
6. Take a Ferry Ride
If you are looking for a unique perspective of the city, try taking a ferry ride. I feel that seeing the city from the water is how Seattle was meant to be seen. You can either book a ferry to one of the nearby islands, like Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, and Vashon Island, or take a ferry tour along the Seattle coast.
The islands near Seattle are incredible on their own, but the views from the ferry on the way to the islands are even better than the islands themselves.
7. Make a Day Trip to Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is one of the most iconic mountains in the world. It’s considered an active volcano but has an eruption cycle about once every thousand years. If you are lucky enough to be in Seattle on a clear day, go to Mt Rainier National Park immediately. You won’t regret it!
Here, you will get the best views of Mt Rainier and be able to see this monster volcano from a close and personal point of view.
8. Kerry Park
Kerry Park is another great place to get a view of the city. It’s located on Queen Anne Hill and is the perfect place to go with your family to have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. On a clear day, you can get an amazing shot of downtown Seattle and Mt. Rainier together.
This is a relatively small park and only one square block, but it is well worth the trip for the views alone.
9. Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium has over 400 species of animals and is one of the most popular attractions in Seattle. The cool thing about this aquarium is that it’s not all just fish and sea life. There are over 12,000 mammals as well!
There are 6 major exhibits to view here, featuring everything from local sea animals to coral reefs to birds and other land animals.
10. The Museum of Flight
This museum will amaze aviation lovers. Some of the top exhibits are the Home Beyond Earth exhibit, Untold Stories: World War II at 75 exhibits, and even a Kids Flight Zone exhibit!
This museum has so much history to learn that it will keep you and your family entertained for hours.
11. Go to a Seafood Restaurant
Seattle is one of the world’s culinary capitals, and it’s best known for its seafood. Some of Seattle’s most famous seafood restaurants include The Crab Pot Seattle, Salty’s on Alki Beach, and Ivar’s Acres of Clams.
There are thousands of other seafood restaurants in Seattle, but if you go to one of these restaurants, you’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime.
You can also get fresh seafood from the market and try your hand at cooking it yourself.
12. Fremont Troll
Last up, we have probably the weirdest thing on this list: the Fremont Troll. This 18-foot 6.5-ton bridge troll statue has been located under the Aurora Bridge since the 1990s. It’s one of the most famous sculptures in Seattle, and it just feels so random yet cool.
It’s holding an actual Volkswagen Beetle and was created by four local Seattle artists. If you like quirky/off-the-beaten-path/hidden gems, then this is a place that you’ll want to stop by.
