Seattle is a city full of amazing views, culture, and a lot of fun things to do. This vibrant city offers many adventures and activities where you can see the skyline from the top of the Space Needle, take a cruise ride on Elliott Bay, or enjoy fresh seafood at Pike Place Market. If you are a traveler who likes to explore new adventures or wants to experience some authentic local culture, there are many things to do in Seattle.
In this guide, we are going to share some of the top Seattle activities and places to visit, and explore so you can enjoy the best of what the city has to offer.
Embrace Iconic Views from Above
Seattle has some amazing views, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is by looking at the city from above. To enjoy the iconic views from above, the city has two great places, the Space Needle and the Sky View Observatory.
Space Needle Visit
The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most famous buildings and is a must-see for anyone who is planning to visit the city. This structure was built in 1962 and is 605 feet tall. From the top of the Space Needle, you can see breathtaking views of Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and nearby mountains.
The observation deck from which you can enjoy these stunning views has big glass walls and an open-air area. Also, one of the coolest parts about the Space Needle is The Loupe, which is a glass floor that slowly turns while you stand on it. This glass allows you to see straight down to the ground.
Apart from these views, there are also digital screens and exhibits that tell you interesting facts about Seattle’s history. If you want a smooth experience, try to visit it in the morning or on a weekday, when the weather is clearer and it is less crowded.
Sky View Observatory
Another iconic location from which you can have amazing views of Seattle is the Sky View Observatory. It is located on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center and is the highest public viewpoint in the Pacific Northwest. It is nearly 900 feet tall and gives you amazing 360-degree views of Seattle and more.
From here, you can see the Space Needle, downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains, on a clear day. It is a calm and spacious place, so you can enjoy the views without the crowds. There is also a cafe and bar where you can grab a coffee, snack, or glass of wine while taking it all in.
Interestingly, at the Sky View Observatory, you can also organize private events with your friends and family. The Sky View is a quieter alternative and offers wider views, great if you want to relax and take your time enjoying the scenery.
Immerse Yourself in Waterfront Wonders
For your waterfront adventures, there are plenty of options. However, the two must-do experiences in Seattle are the Argosy Locks Cruise and the Seattle Great Wheel. You can enjoy a boat ride through the city’s canals or take in stunning views from high above the bay.
Argosy Cruises
A ride with Argosy Cruises is a fun way to see Seattle from the water. The Locks Cruise is a 2-hour trip that takes you through the city’s busy waterways. One of the highlights of the Locks Cruise is that you get to experience the Ballard Locks, where you will see boats lifting up or down between the fresh water and the salt water.
You will also get amazing views of the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. On the cruise deck, snacks and drinks are also available for refreshment. The cruise is great for both families and elderly visitors and is a fun and relaxing way to explore Seattle.
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a big Ferris wheel located at Pier 57. The wheel is 175 feet tall and allows visitors to experience amazing views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium, T-Mobile Park, and even Mt. Rainier when the sky is clear. The ride is smooth and operates all year long.
Each gondola can fit up to eight adults, and the ride lasts about 10 to 20 minutes. Interestingly, more than 300 people can ride the Great Wheel at the same time. It is a fun and easy ride for everyone, even kids or the elderly, and is a great way to enjoy the view from above.
Dive into Vibrant Cultural Experiences
Apart from the city’s beautiful views and scenery, Seattle is also famous for its culture and popular places like Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture. Here's what you can look forward to when you visit these two must-see spots.
Pike Place Market
A visit to Seattle is not complete without going to Pike Place Market. This famous market has been a big part of the city since 1907. Today, it’s one of the busiest and most exciting public markets in the US. You will find hundreds of sellers offering fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade jewelry, old comic books, and cheeses made by locals.
You can also try local food like Beecher’s mac and cheese, tasty pastries from Piroshky Piroshky, and fresh fruit samples. There are also nice spots to sit and enjoy a drink, like beer from Old Stove Brewing or ginger beer from Rachel’s. At night, the market becomes more lively with bars and late-night food places around Post Alley and MarketFront.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) is a great place to visit if you enjoy music, movies, video games, or science fiction. It was started by Paul Allen, one of the founders of Microsoft. The museum holds over 85,000 artifacts from all areas of pop culture. The building has a cool and unique design.
You can see famous guitars from Jimi Hendrix and props from movies like Blade Runner and The Lord of the Rings. You can also play music in the Sound Lab and explore fun exhibits. The museum also has hands-on activities, workshops, and live events, so it is a great place for people who enjoy pop culture.
Explore Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures
For nature lovers and outdoor fans, Seattle also has many places to explore outside the streets. For example, two of the best spots for outdoor adventures are Discovery Park and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the biggest green space in Seattle and is a great place to relax without leaving the city. It is located in the Magnolia neighborhood and spans across 534 acres. The park has forest trails, open meadows, and beautiful views of Puget Sound. You can go for an easy walk or take a longer hike with small hills. On clear days, you can also see Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
Also, there are many popular spots in the park, such as the West Point Lighthouse. There are multiple walking trails, including the 4.4-mile loop that takes you around the park and to the lighthouse. Along the way, you might also see wildlife, beaches, and peaceful wooded areas, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is located in the Seattle Center, close to the Space Needle. It shows the beautiful glass art of Dale Chihuly, a famous artist known for his innovative and detailed designs. The place has both indoor and outdoor areas, and the main feature is the Glasshouse, a long glass building with a 100-foot-long hanging sculpture.
The sculpture looks different as the natural light changes during the day. The museum is easy to walk through. It looks amazing both during the day and at night when the lights shine on the glass. It is a peaceful and creative spot that’s very different from other outdoor places in Seattle.
Savor Seattle’s Culinary Scene
A short trip to Seattle is not complete without enjoying its famous coffee and local food. The city has a strong coffee culture and offers a mix of global flavors and local dishes.
Coffee Culture
Seattle is often called the coffee capital of the US, and that’s for good reason because this is the city where iconic franchise Starbucks first started. All around Seattle, you will find small coffee shops, local roasters, and baristas who make coffee with care and creativity. There are several places, such as C & P Coffee, Zeitgeist, that give you a true coffee experience.
For many people in Seattle, coffee is a part of their daily life. Some people grab a quick cup before work. Others sit and relax with a book in a quiet cafe. Therefore, in Seattle, coffee is not just about getting energy; it is also about enjoying the moment and feeling comfortable.
Local Dining Hotspots
Apart from its coffee culture, Seattle also offers a wide variety of delicious food. The city is known for fresh seafood like Dungeness crab, oysters, and salmon, thanks to its location near the ocean. You can enjoy a relaxed meal by the water or try something new at smaller restaurants around town.
For a rooftop experience to remember, make reservations for a pre-dinner drink at Firn in the Populus Hotel. Sitting above Pioneer Square, this new hot spot has exquisite cocktails and a great vibe.
At Crawfish House in White Center, you can enjoy Viet-Cajun seafood. Seattle also has many creative restaurants, like MariPili Tapas Bar serves Spanish dishes made with local ingredients, and Archipelago offers Filipino-American food. So, no matter what kind of food you enjoy, Seattle has something for every taste and budget.
Experience the Best of Seattle in Every Moment
From stunning views to fun cultural places and peaceful nature spots, Seattle mixes busy city life with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. First-time visitors and those coming back will find something special in each place mentioned in this guide. With so many ways to enjoy the sights, food, and stories of the Emerald City, you’ll leave seeing Seattle in a whole new way.
Ready to see Seattle from the water? Book your Argosy Cruises Tour today for a front-row view of the skyline, mountains, and maritime life that define the city.