Seattle WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Seattle, Washington.
1. Pike Place Market
HISTORIC PUBLIC MARKET
Pike Place Market is a bustling historic market established in 1907 and is one of Seattle's most iconic attractions. Visitors can enjoy lively fish-throwing displays, explore local produce stands, and sample artisanal foods from a variety of vendors. The market also features specialty shops, craft stalls, and the original Starbucks location.
2. Space Needle
ICONIC OBSERVATION TOWER
The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognizable landmark, standing 605 feet tall and offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the tower features the Loupe Lounge with its rotating glass floor for a memorable dining experience. Its futuristic design and prime location make it a must-see for visitors.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
GLASS ART EXHIBITION
Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the breathtaking glassworks of artist Dale Chihuly in immersive indoor galleries and a lush outdoor garden. The exhibition highlights vibrant, intricate glass sculptures that fuse art and nature in a unique setting next to the Space Needle. Visitors can also enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations and a well-curated gift shop.
4. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
MUSIC & POP CULTURE MUSEUM
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is dedicated to celebrating creativity in music, science fiction, and popular culture. Interactive exhibits feature legendary artists like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as iconic film and gaming memorabilia. The museum's striking, Frank Gehry-designed building is itself a work of architectural art.
5. The Museum of Flight
AVIATION & SPACE MUSEUM
The Museum of Flight is home to one of the largest collections of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Its interactive galleries feature everything from early biplanes to the supersonic Concorde and a retired Air Force One jet. The museum offers engaging exhibits on aviation and space exploration for all ages.
6. Washington State Ferries
SCENIC FERRY RIDES
Washington State Ferries offer travelers a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience with scenic rides across Puget Sound. Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and local wildlife from the decks. The ferries also provide vehicle transport and easy access to nearby islands and coastal towns.
7. Kerry Park
CITY VIEWPOINT PARK
Kerry Park is renowned for its postcard-perfect, panoramic views of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier on clear days. The small, terraced park is a favorite spot for photographers and couples seeking the city's most scenic outlook. Its elevated location on Queen Anne Hill makes it a tranquil urban retreat.
8. Alki Beach
URBAN BEACHFRONT DESTINATION
Alki Beach stretches along West Seattle's waterfront, offering sandy shores, walking and biking paths, and stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy beach volleyball, kayaking, or simply relax at cafés and casual eateries lining the strip. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
9. Seattle Great Wheel
WATERFRONT FERRIS WHEEL
The Seattle Great Wheel is a prominent Ferris wheel located on Pier 57 along the city's waterfront district. Riders enjoy sweeping vistas of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline from enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Its colorful nighttime light displays add a dynamic feature to the waterfront area.
10. Fremont Troll
WHIMSICAL PUBLIC SCULPTURE
The Fremont Troll is a quirky and beloved public sculpture nestled under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. Created in 1990, the sculpture depicts a giant troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. It has become a popular photo spot and symbol of the city's playful, artistic spirit.
11. Olympic Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART PARK
Olympic Sculpture Park, operated by the Seattle Art Museum, is a free public park featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures set along the waterfront. Visitors stroll through nine acres of landscaped grounds where art and nature blend seamlessly. The park offers sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
12. Seattle Aquarium
MARINE LIFE CENTER
The Seattle Aquarium is located on Pier 59 and showcases the rich marine life of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring sea otters, octopuses, and touch tanks with local tide pool creatures. The aquarium's underwater dome provides a unique 360-degree view of native fish and marine habitats.
13. Canlis
FINE DINING LANDMARK
Canlis is a renowned fine dining restaurant that has been a Seattle staple since 1950, offering a refined menu that highlights Pacific Northwest ingredients. The restaurant's elegant hilltop setting provides sweeping city and lake views, ideal for special occasions. Canlis is celebrated for its impeccable service and award-winning cuisine.
14. University Village
UPSCALE SHOPPING CENTER
University Village is an open-air shopping complex featuring a curated mix of high-end retailers, local boutiques, and popular dining venues. Lush landscaping, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and frequent events make it a vibrant community destination year-round. It's a favorite spot for both shopping and relaxed, al fresco dining.
15. Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)
HISTORIC CANAL LOCKS
The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, connect Puget Sound with Seattle's lakes and are a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Visitors can watch boats navigate the locks, observe migrating salmon at the fish ladder, and stroll through lush botanical gardens. The site is both a working waterway and a peaceful urban park.