Things to do in  Seattle

Seattle’s landmark Space Needle, one of the most distinctive icons in the Pacific Northwest, rises 605 feet (184 meters) above the city. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and once the tallest structure in the western US, the tower features indoor and outdoor observation decks offering 360-degree views over the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains.

Restored buildings in brick and stone flank the tree-lined streets of Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood—the city’s original downtown and a National Historic Landmark District. Today, it’s a hub for art and nightlife, known for its galleries, clubs, and wine bars. Plus, on the Pioneer Square waterfront, manmade Pioneer Square Habitat Beach is a haven of native plants in the heart of the city.

With more than 200 stalls brimming with products drawn from land, sea, and local art studios, Pike Place Market is among the oldest public markets in the USA. It’s a great place to shop, but it’s more than a classic Seattle souvenir stop. Its charismatic, fish-throwing seafood vendors and quirky landmarks also rank among Seattle’s most beloved sights. Whether you’re buying or simply people-watching, this is a spot to rub shoulders with residents and tourists alike.

For views of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier, the hilltop Kerry Park (Franklin Place) is hard to beat. Popular with photographers, Kerry Park looks out across the city skyline, the leafy streets of the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood, and Puget Sound, where you can spot ferries leaving the Seattle waterfront for the San Juan Islands.

When a city has an enviable location on a large body of water, like Puget Sound, the waterfront becomes a top attraction. This is definitely true in Seattle, where the nearly 20-block stretch along the water is home to restaurants, hotels, markets, shops, and more than a dozen piers.

One of the oldest national parks in the United States, Mt. Rainier National Park was established in 1899 to preserve the wilderness surrounding Mt. Rainier. Encompassing 369 square miles (956 square kilometers) of old-growth forests, wildflower meadows, glacial scenery, and wildlife, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.

One of Seattle’s cultural treasures, Chihuly Garden and Glass blends the futuristic and the natural. With a soaring glass display building and carefully designed gardens filled with colorful sculptures, the entire space highlights the ambitious artistry of Dale Chihuly, whose work focuses primarily on towering glass sculptures and glass-working traditions from around the world. Even on a gray Seattle day, the place remains awash in colors, light, and beauty.

The evergreen forest at the top of the Snoqualmie Falls provides a perfect contrast to the white water that plunges 270 feet (82 meters) into the pool below. This popular sightseeing and picnic spot outside of Seattle offers a tranquil spot to escape the city's hum. If you’re looking for luxury after spending some time in nature, the Salish Lodge & Spa is situated directly next to the falls, with several restaurants on-site.

Olympic National Park covers a huge swath of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. It encompasses rugged coastline, towering mountain ranges, temperate rainforests, and wildflower-filled lowland meadows. Home to some of the largest stretches of old-growth forest in the US, along with black bears, cougars, and dozens of bird species, this misty Pacific Northwest park is the ultimate outdoor escape.

The Seattle Great Wheel is a can’t-miss icon that speaks to the fun-loving nature of the city’s residents. One of the biggest Ferris wheels in North America, the Seattle Great Wheel features enclosed gondolas that afford spectacular coastal views. At its highest point, it stands at 175 feet (53 meters), lit up with 500,000 lights that shine over downtown and Elliott Bay.

Seattle’s funky, irreverent, and always colorful Fremont neighborhood is a vibrant place to explore. The area bills itself as the “Center of the Universe,” and it’s a hotbed of interesting landmarks. Visitors stroll along the scenic Ship Canal and grab coffee, artisan chocolate, craft beer, or a full dinner at one of Seattle’s best restaurants.

More than just the second-largest lake in all of Washington State, Lake Washington defines Seattle as a city intimately tied to the water. Residents and visitors alike come to Lake Washington to connect with the natural beauty of the landscape, which includes views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains.

Often simply referred to as the ID, the Chinatown-International District is the multiethnic center of Seattle’s Asian community. The neighborhood is also one of the city’s oldest, its rich history highlighted by museums, festivals, and cultural centers. Many visitors come for the food—dim sum, banh mi, sushi, and more.

Just north of downtown Seattle, the glacially carved freshwater Lake Union is ringed with houseboats—including the one made famous by the movieSleepless in Seattle—and home to numerous recreational opportunities. The lake is a true urban gem, contributing to Seattle’s high standard of living.