In Seattle, apart from your cruise, you can find many simple and helpful activities that highlight the city’s best attractions and make it easy to plan your whole trip. With its rich culture, natural beauty, and unique waterfront experiences, the city offers many ways to make your trip even more special. From famous landmarks and local food to peaceful parks and maritime adventures, there is something for every type of traveler.
In this guide, we are going to explore some of the best Seattle activities to enjoy before or after your cruise.
Iconic Landmarks: Explore Seattle's Signature Sights
Seattle has many well-known places that are easily accessible and full of history. These popular spots help you enjoy nice views of the city, explore busy markets, or relax by the water. Some of the most iconic landmarks include:
Space Needle
Start your visit with Seattle’s most famous structure, the Space Needle. From its top deck, you get a full 360-degree view of the city. The tower stands high above Seattle Center and gives you clear views of downtown, the waterfront, and even nearby mountains.
It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and became a popular place among visitors who want great views of the city. If you want to avoid long lines, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. From the top, you can take clear photos during both daytime and evening.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market offers a mix of local food, handmade items, and live street performances. It was opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest markets in the United States. The market still feels lively and exciting today, with many food stalls and cafes around.
As you walk through the stalls, you can try fresh fruits and seafood and watch local artists show their work. You can also enjoy the famous fish-throwing show, which many visitors love to see. If you want to avoid the busiest time, try to visit in the morning on a weekday.
Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel sits right on the waterfront at Pier 57 and gives you a special view of the city from the waterfront. The Ferris wheel is 175 feet tall and has enclosed weatherproof gondolas, so you can ride comfortably in any weather.
From the top, you will see downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, and ferries moving through Elliott Bay. If you want to enjoy city lights, try riding in the evening when the skyline is beautifully lit up. For clear views of the water and nearby mountains, go during the day.
Seattle’s Rich Cultural Scene
To explore Seattle’s creative side, you will find many great options. The city’s museums include music, art, movies, and interactive exhibits that make learning fun and easy. If you have a few hours, you can add one or two of these stops to your plan on your trip:
Museum of Pop Culture
You can start with the Museum of Pop Culture, which is a fun and interactive museum focused on music, movies, and video games. You can walk through rooms filled with famous costumes and props from popular films and TV shows. As the museum changes its exhibits often, you will find every visit new and exciting.
If you want to enjoy the museum with fewer people around, try going in the early morning. Before you visit, make sure to check the museum’s website before you go so you know what exhibits are currently available.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is located just a few steps from the Space Needle and displays beautiful glass art made by Dale Chihuly. In the Glasshouse, you will see a huge 100-foot sculpture hanging above you, which looks impressive in both sunny and cloudy weather.
To enjoy your visit more, try to arrive when the museum opens so you have more space to move around and watch the short videos of Chihuly’s work. You can also watch a live glass-blowing demonstration to see how the artwork is made.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is located downtown and shows artwork from many different time periods and places around the world. Inside the museum, you can view European paintings, African sculptures, and modern American art.
You can walk through large, open galleries and spend time exploring special exhibits that change during the year. If you want to save money, try to visit on the first Thursday of the month when the museum offers free admission.
Indulge in Seattle’s Culinary Delights
For your culinary experience, Seattle gives you many simple and enjoyable ways to try fresh local food and great coffee. You can easily fit these food stops into your schedule and explore the city’s flavors during your visit.
Fresh Seafood Experiences
Seattle is well known for its seafood, especially salmon and oysters. You can find many restaurants near the cruise terminals that use fresh, local ingredients, so it is easy for you to enjoy a tasty meal before you board.
If you want a classic seafood experience, try visiting Elliott’s Oyster House in downtown right next to Argosy on the Pier 55 dock. If you have extra time to explore the city, visit neighborhoods like Belltown or Ballard. These areas have smaller, locally owned restaurants that serve excellent seafood in a more relaxed setting.
Coffee Culture Exploration
Seattle is famous for its coffee and rich coffee culture. If you want a unique experience, visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill, where you can try unique drinks and watch how coffee beans are roasted and brewed. You will also find many smaller local cafes throughout the city.
There are many cozy coffee shops in Seattle, where you can enjoy high-quality artisanal coffee prepared by skilled baristas. It is easy to plan a quick coffee stop while walking through the city, especially if you want a warm drink to start your day before heading to your cruise.
Foodie Walking Tours
Food walking tours are a fun and easy way for you to explore Seattle’s food scene. These tours take you to several tasting stops where you can try small samples of local favorites like chocolate, pulled pork, and clam chowder.
A guide walks with you, explains the history of each food, and shares information about other places you can eat later. Most tours take about two to three hours and usually cost between fifty and sixty dollars per person. It is a good idea to book in advance, especially during the busy season.
Outdoor Adventures: Seattle's Natural Beauty
If you want outdoor adventure without leaving the city, Seattle has many natural spaces and parks. These spots let you experience the natural side of the Pacific Northwest, even if you only have a few hours before boarding.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle, where you can take short walks or longer hiking routes, depending on how much time you have. You can walk through forest paths, open meadows, and calm beaches with beautiful views of Puget Sound, and enjoy wildlife.
If you want to explore the park, try the loop trail, which is about two to three miles and also gives you a nice view of the West Point Lighthouse. However, if you are short on time, follow one of the shorter paths that lead directly to the beach and take less than thirty minutes.
Kerry Park
Kerry Park is small, but it gives you one of the best views in Seattle. Located on Queen Anne Hill, it allows you to look directly over the city, with the Space Needle right in the center of the skyline. On clear days, you can also see Mount Rainier in the background, which makes this a great place to take photos.
If you want beautiful colors in the sky, try to visit at sunset when the city lights start to come on. Early mornings are also a good choice if you like a quieter visit. The park is close to downtown, so you can easily get there and also combine it with other nearby activities during your trip.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach gives you a long, beautiful waterfront where you can walk, relax, or join fun activities. You can rest on the sand and watch boats go by while enjoying the views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. If you want to try kayaking or paddleboarding, you can easily rent equipment from nearby shops.
You will also find many local restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance, so it is easy to grab something to eat or drink during your visit. This makes Alki Beach a great place to relax before heading back to the cruise terminal or exploring more of the city.
Unique Maritime Experiences Beyond Your Cruise
Now for your water adventures, Seattle offers several activities that give you a closer look at the city’s maritime history. Many of these experiences are located near the cruise terminals and can easily fit into your plan.
Argosy Cruises' Harbor Tour
The Argosy Harbor Tour is a relaxing boat ride that gives you a great view of Seattle from the water. During the one-hour cruise through Elliott Bay, a guide talks about the city’s history and points out famous landmarks like the Space Needle. You will also hear interesting stories about local history and the importance of Puget Sound.
You can grab a seatstand on the open deck to take in the views and snap some photos of the skyline. The short tour fits easily into your day. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, especially during busy cruise season, to skip long lines.
Ballard Locks Visit
A trip to the Ballard Locks is a great way to continue your maritime experience. The locks connect the freshwater of Lake Union with the saltwater of Puget Sound, and you can watch boats move through as the water levels change. If you want a guided option, you can take the Argosy Locks Cruise, which takes you through the locks where you experience a boat elevator first-hand.
If you visit in late summer, you can also watch salmon swimming up the fish ladder during their yearly migration. This mix of engineering and nature makes the Ballard Locks a fun and educational stop for visitors of all ages.
Waterfront Walks and Maritime Museums
Seattle’s waterfront has easy walking paths where you can take a relaxed walk and enjoy great views of Elliott Bay. If you want to learn more about the city’s maritime history, visit the Center for Wooden Boats nearby. This hands-on museum lets you see classic wooden boats and learn about Seattle’s boatbuilding traditions.
You may even take a short ride on a restored wooden boat, but it depends on the season. This museum, along with other attractions along the waterfront, is a great way to experience Seattle’s strong connection to the sea.
Start or End Your Cruise on a High Note!
Exploring Seattle before or after your cruise is a great way to experience the city’s best sights and flavors. Visit famous landmarks like the Space Needle, enjoy fresh seafood along the waterfront, walk through scenic parks, and learn about local history on a harbor tour. Each experience adds another layer to your trip and gives you a true sense of what makes Seattle unique. Start or end your cruise with a relaxed and enjoyable visit that makes your overall journey even more meaningful.
Book your Argosy Harbor Tour today to enjoy a relaxing boat ride, stunning city views, and fascinating stories about Seattle’s history. Reserve your spot now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these activities typically take?
Most of these activities can be completed in one to three hours. Walking and harbor tours usually take around two hours, while visits to parks or museums can be shorter or longer depending on how much time you want to spend.
Are these activities easily accessible from the cruise terminal?
Yes, many of the attractions are located within a short drive from the cruise terminal. You can easily reach several popular spots nearby without spending much time traveling.
Should I book tickets in advance for these attractions?
Yes, booking tickets in advance is a smart idea, especially during the season. This helps you avoid long lines and makes sure you get your preferred time for tours or museum visits.
What is the best way to get around Seattle?
You can get around Seattle using rideshares, taxis, public transportation, or by walking between nearby attractions. These options make it easy to reach parks, neighborhoods, and waterfront areas.
Are these activities suitable for families with kids?
Yes, most of these activities are suitable for families with kids. Parks, museums, and harbor tours all offer engaging options for children and provide plenty of space to explore and enjoy.