Bordering the waters of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountain Range, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Seattle! Whether you’re visiting or you’re a year-round resident, we’ve rounded up a list of our Emerald City must-dos.
Imagine sipping on the perfect cup of coffee while strolling beneath the iconic Space Needle. Then, breathe in the salty sea air as you kayak through bioluminescent waters or search the ocean for orca whales. Finally, lace up your hiking boots and discover breathtaking Pacific Northwest views in Mount Rainier National Park.
Sound like the perfect adventure? We think so, too! Keep reading to discover even more one-of-a-kind things to do in Seattle!
1. SAVOR A CUP OF JOE
What’s your go-to coffee order? Flat white? Caramel macchiato? No matter how you like your joe, Seattle is the best place to sip on your favorite caffeinated beverage! For an in-depth look at Seattle’s famous coffee culture, don’t miss this guided walking tour. You’ll learn about the roasting process while savoring some of the city’s best brews!
2. TAKE A DONUT TOUR
What does your coffee need? A scrumptious donut, of course! During this Downtown Donut Tour, you’ll dig into Seattle’s yummiest treats. Satisfy your sweet tooth as you travel to 4 different donut shops. From classic glazed, to more innovative flavors like pumpkin cheesecake, you’ll taste a variety of heavenly pastries!
3. VISIT A LOCAL PRODUCE STAND
Strawberries and blueberries and blackberries, oh my! With its wet springs and arid summers, Washington is one of the best places to enjoy fresh berries. And beginning in late spring, berry stands begin to pop up along the streets. Experience one of these produce stands for yourself and bite into the most juicy, tart, and sweet berries you’ve ever tasted!
4. EXPLORE THE PIKE PLACE MARKET
Founded in 1907, the Pike Place Market is considered the “soul of Seattle”. Today, the market is home to over 200 independently owned shops and restaurants. Explore this iconic marketplace on your own or book a guided tour! Whatever you do, don’t miss the Pike Place Fish Market. You’ll have a blast watching fishmongers toss massive salmon through the air!
5. VISIT THE SKY VIEW OBSERVATORY
Sure, Seattle is impressive from the city streets. But from above? Now that’s a magical view. At Sky View Observatory, you’ll enjoy an immersive elevator ride to the 73rd floor of the iconic Columbia Center. The result? 360-degree views from over 900 feet above the streets. On clear days, you’ll spot Mt. Rainier, Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and more!
6. GET CRAFTY
If you’re always up for a good craft, Seattle is definitely the place to be. Try your hand at botanical art, mosaics, watercolor painting, and more. No matter the creative experience, you’ll take home a handmade masterpiece (and all the skills you need to keep crafting).
7. BLOW BUBBLES AT THE GUM WALL
Speaking of photo ops, don’t miss out on the infamous Post Alley Gum Wall! Located near the Pike Place Market, this quirky brick wall is known for the colorful pieces of gum stuck to its surface. For a one-of-a-kind selfie, blow a bright pink bubble in front of the wall or add a piece of gum to this gooey masterpiece.
8. GO SKYDIVING
Skydiving near Seattle? Say less. Beginning just 20 minutes outside the city, you’ll board a small aircraft and embark on a 12 to 15-minute flight with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Rainier, Seattle, Puget Sound, and beyond, Then, it’s time to fly! With an expert instructor behind you, you’ll experience either a 30 or 60-second freefall before gliding peacefully back to earth.
9. EXPLORE PIONEER SQUARE
Pioneer Square is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Seattle. Cobblestone paths give way to gorgeous Romanesque Revival buildings and bright, green parks add a vibrant touch to this urban jungle. Step inside one of the many cafés, ride to the top of Seattle’s first skyscraper, or relax by a 22-foot artificial waterfall in Waterfall Garden Park.
10. BOTTLE YOUR OWN WHISKEY
Located in the heart of Downtown Seattle, Copperworks is an award-winning distillery, offering some of the most flavorful, delicious, and innovative whiskeys around (plus stunning views of the city’s waterfront). Enjoy a guided tour and tasting or get hands-on with a one-of-a-kind blending or bottling experience.
11. RIDE TO THE TOP OF THE SPACE NEEDLE
Because you can’t visit Seattle and not go to the Space Needle! This 605-foot-tall spire was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Today, it features an awe-inspiring observation deck and a rotating restaurant. Take a ride to the top and get a bird’s eye view of the Emerald City. On a clear day, you’ll even get an unparalleled look at Mount Rainier!
12. ADMIRE THE CHIHULY GLASS EXHIBIT
Located just next door to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is full of enchanting glass masterpieces. Walk beneath a 100-foot-long red and orange sculpture, marvel at whimsical swirls of yellow glass, walk beside purple, botanical-inspired pieces, and so much more. You have to see this exhibit to believe it!
13. MAKE YOUR OWN GLASS MASTERPIECE
Feeling inspired by the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit? Learn how to create your own glass art with a Private Glass Blowing Lesson! You’ll step inside a professional hot shop and learn from an experienced instructor. Watch in awe as you transform a hunk of molten glass into a one-of-a-kind paperweight, cup, bowl, plate, or small vase!
14. SOAR OVER THE PNW IN A HOT AIR BALLOON
Get ready to cross a major bucket-list adventure off your list: hot air ballooning over the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re floating at sunrise or sunset, you’ll be rewarded with some of the region’s most breathtaking views. We’re talking about Seattle’s shimmering skyscrapers, scenic farmlands, sparkling waterways, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.
15. TRY FLOAT THERAPY
In between sightseeing stops, treat yourself to some R&R with a float therapy session! You’ll feel all of your stress melt away as you step inside a state-of-the-art floatation pod. Your pod will be filled with warm, soothing water and over 1000 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt. You’ll feel weightless as you float in this incredible, anti-gravity pod.
16. EXPERIENCE THE PARANORMAL
By day, Seattle is a vibrant and bustling city. But what happens when the sun goes down? Uncover the city’s haunted past with a bone-chilling ghost tour! You’ll visit some of Seattle’s spookiest places including Pioneer Square, the Pike Place Market, and more. As you wander down dark streets, don’t forget to snap a few photos. You just never know what might appear!
17. CATCH A SALMON
Seattle’s waterways are home to a variety of salmon. From massive Kings to bright red Sockeyes, salmon fishing is a fun, year-round activity. So, grab a line and see what you can catch! In addition to salmon, you might reel in a halibut, albacore tuna, or even a colorful rockfish!
18. PADDLE THROUGH GLOWING WATER
Experience one of nature’s most magnificent light shows with this Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure! Beginning near dusk, you’ll kayak out into the Salish Sea. Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, you’ll be amazed as the water begins to glow around you. Dip your paddle into the water and watch as it sparkles with every movement. If you look closely, you may even spot illuminated fish darting around.
19. WATCH FOR WHALES
With its cool temperatures and abundant salmon population, the Salish Sea is the best place to spot wild Orcas in North America. On this San Juan Islands 3-Day Kayaking & Camping Adventure, you’ll paddle through prime whale habitat! If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the region’s 85 resident Orcas as they dip and dive through the waves. Not up for an overnight trip? Check out one of these shorter (but no less exciting) kayak tours from Friday Harbor.
20. FIND A TIDE POOL
Seattle’s rocky shores make it one of the best places to view tide pools! At low tide, gaze into these enchanting underwater worlds. Watch as colorful crabs skitter across rocks, discover purple and orange sea stars, and stare at sticky green anemones. Some of the best tide pooling areas near Seattle include Golden Gardens Park, Constellation Park, and Saltwater State Park.
21. SAIL ACROSS LAKE UNION
Located just northeast of Seattle’s city center, Lake Union is a gorgeous place to soak up some waterfront views. Enjoy a beautiful sail across the lake and past its vibrant floating home community or take in a breathtaking sunset. For a truly unforgettable day, don’t miss this fun, hands-on Intro to Sailing Lesson!
22. TAKE A RIDE ON A FERRY
Whether you’re looking to make a quick trip to Port Angeles, or just want to get out on the water, Seattle’s ferry system will get you there! One of our favorite ferry destinations is the San Juan Islands. Departing from Anacortes, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour ferry ride before arriving in Friday Harbor. From here, you can choose to grab a bite to eat, book a whale watch tour, or take a whimsical hop-on hop-off trolley tour!
23. DRIVE A SUPERCAR
Got a need for speed? Get behind the wheel of your dream supercar – think the Ferrari 488 GTB, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, or the iconic Lamborghini Huracan. No matter the car, you’ll take on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic road tracks (just like a real life racecar driver)!
24. HIKE THE HOH RAINFOREST
If you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest before, then the Hoh Rainforest should be at the top of your to-do list! Located within Olympic National Park, you’ll be absolutely enchanted by this forest. Walk beneath ancient trees and marvel at the blankets of neon green moss hanging from their branches.
25. MARVEL AT VOLCANOES
Washington is home to 5 active volcanoes. From the well-known Mount St. Helens to the peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, these sleeping giants offer some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. Discover these volcanoes on a guided tour or lace up your hiking boots for a stunning hike!
26. CHASE WATERFALLS IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Known as one of the rainiest places on Earth, Olympic National Park is also one of the best places to chase waterfalls. Watch as water rages through moss-covered forests before cascading down mist-covered rocks. Some of our favorite Olympic waterfalls include Sol Duc Falls, Merriman Falls, and Murhut Falls.
Want to explore more incredible Seattle experiences? Click here to discover your next grand adventure in the Emerald City!
