Fun Things to Do Around Seattle

The Space Needle stands as Seattle's most recognizable landmark. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this futuristic tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, surrounding mountains, and Puget Sound.

• Ascend 605 feet to the newly renovated observation deck with its rotating glass floor.
• Dine at the revolving SkyCity Restaurant for a meal with ever-changing views.
• Visit at sunset for spectacular views of the city as it transitions to night.
• Explore the surrounding Seattle Center with its museums, gardens, and entertainment venues.

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers' markets in the United States. This vibrant marketplace is filled with local vendors, craftspeople, and the famous fish throwers who entertain crowds with their theatrical seafood handling.

• Watch the iconic fish throwing at Pike Place Fish Market.
• Visit the original Starbucks store, opened in 1971.
• Explore the lower levels with unique shops, antiques, and the Gum Wall.
• Sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local specialties from market vendors.

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a nonprofit museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Housed in a spectacular Frank Gehry-designed building, MoPOP celebrates the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture.

• Explore extensive exhibits on music, science fiction, fantasy, horror cinema, and video games.
• See iconic artifacts from Seattle's music scene, including items from Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix.
• Participate in interactive exhibits where you can create your own music or film experience.
• Attend one of many special events, from film screenings to live performances.

Seattle is known as the Emerald City for good reason. Its abundant parks and green spaces offer peaceful retreats within the urban landscape. From sprawling forested areas to waterfront parks with mountain views, Seattle's natural settings are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Explore Discovery Park, Seattle's largest green space with forest trails, meadows, and beaches.
• Visit Gas Works Park for its unique industrial ruins and panoramic city views.
• Stroll through Washington Park Arboretum's 230 acres of plants from around the world.
• Relax at Green Lake Park with its popular 2.8-mile walking path around the lake.

Seattle tourism isn't complete without experiencing the city's renowned coffee culture. As the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle takes its coffee seriously, with independent roasters and cafes throughout the city offering unique brews and atmospheres.

• Visit the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market to see where it all began.
• Tour the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an immersive coffee experience.
• Explore neighborhood cafes like Victrola, Caffe Vita, and Espresso Vivace.
• Take a Seattle coffee tour to learn about the history and culture of the city's favorite beverage.

Seattle is home to a diverse array of museums and cultural institutions offering things to do in Seattle for art lovers, history buffs, and science enthusiasts alike. From contemporary art to aerospace innovation, the city's museums showcase its unique cultural landscape.

• Marvel at the colorful glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Explore aviation history at the Museum of Flight, one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
• Visit the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) for its diverse collection spanning global cultures.
• Experience hands-on science exhibits at the Pacific Science Center.

Seattle's food scene is a delightful mix of Pacific Northwest ingredients, international influences, and innovative culinary techniques. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table restaurants, the city offers fun activities in Seattle for every food enthusiast.

• Sample fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and other local seafood at waterfront restaurants.
• Explore the diverse food vendors at Pike Place Market for local specialties.
• Visit the International District for authentic Asian cuisine from Chinese to Vietnamese.
• Take a food tour through neighborhoods like Ballard or Capitol Hill to discover local favorites.

Surrounded by water on multiple sides, Seattle offers numerous opportunities for maritime adventures. From kayaking on Lake Union to ferry rides across Puget Sound, water activities are essential Seattle experiences that showcase the city's stunning natural setting.

• Take a Washington State Ferry to nearby Bainbridge Island for a day trip.
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Union for unique city views.
• Join a whale-watching tour to spot orcas and other marine wildlife.
• Cruise through the Ballard Locks to witness the engineering marvel connecting Puget Sound to Lake Washington.

Seattle's character is defined by its diverse neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality and attractions. From quirky Fremont to historic Pioneer Square, exploring these areas provides insight into the city's multifaceted culture and community spirit.

• Visit Fremont, the "Center of the Universe," with its famous troll sculpture and Sunday market.
• Explore Capitol Hill's vibrant nightlife, diverse dining scene, and LGBTQ+ community.
• Wander through historic Pioneer Square with its underground tour and art galleries.
• Discover Ballard's Scandinavian heritage, craft breweries, and Sunday farmers market.

One of the best aspects of Seattle tourism is the city's proximity to incredible natural wonders. Within a short drive, visitors can experience mountains, forests, waterfalls, and islands that showcase the Pacific Northwest's breathtaking landscapes.

• Visit Mount Rainier National Park to see the iconic 14,410-foot volcano.
• Explore Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to beaches.
• Take a ferry to the San Juan Islands for whale watching and island exploration.
• Visit Snoqualmie Falls, a 268-foot waterfall just 30 minutes from Seattle.

Seattle offers diverse shopping experiences, from mainstream retailers to independent boutiques and artisanal markets. The city's creative spirit is reflected in its unique shops, where visitors can find everything from handcrafted goods to outdoor gear.

• Browse local artisan crafts and goods at Pike Place Market's many shops.
• Explore the boutiques and vintage stores in Ballard and Capitol Hill.
• Visit flagship stores of Seattle-born brands like REI and Nordstrom.
• Shop for unique souvenirs at the Made in Washington stores.

Seattle is home to passionate sports fans and several professional teams. Attending a sporting event is one of the most exciting things to do in Seattle, offering visitors a chance to experience the city's community spirit and competitive energy.

• Catch a Seattle Seahawks NFL game at Lumen Field, known for its "12th Man" fan experience.
• Watch the Seattle Mariners play baseball at T-Mobile Park.
• Experience the excitement of Seattle Kraken hockey games at Climate Pledge Arena.
• Attend a Seattle Sounders FC soccer match with their enthusiastic fan base.

Throughout the year, Seattle hosts a variety of festivals and events celebrating the city's diverse culture, art, music, and food. These seasonal celebrations offer unique fun activities in Seattle that showcase the community's creativity and passions.

• Experience the Northwest Folklife Festival during Memorial Day weekend.
• Attend the Seattle International Film Festival, one of the largest in the country.
• Celebrate Seafair, a summer tradition with parades, hydroplane races, and air shows.
• Visit during the holiday season for festive markets and the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival.

Exploring Seattle doesn't have to break the bank. The city offers numerous free and low-cost attractions that provide authentic Seattle experiences without the high price tag. From scenic viewpoints to community events, budget-conscious travelers have plenty of options.

• Visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) to watch boats and salmon for free.
• Explore Seattle's many parks and beaches at no cost.
• Take advantage of free museum days, such as first Thursdays at many Seattle museums.
• Walk the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park along the waterfront.