The 50 Best Things to Do in Seattle
Seattle is one of the most unique cities in the world. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has an incredible city life with great restaurants, breweries and iconic buildings and being tucked between the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains gives easy access to the outdoors for nature lovers.
Being local to Seattle, we are often asked about the best things to do in Seattle. It’s hard to pick the top things to do in Seattle and the nearby area, but we tried our best to narrow it down! Our goal is to provide not only the typical touristy attractions, but also the top hidden gems and day trips from this incredible city. We’ve divided this list into Hidden Gems, More Touristy and Day Trips to help you plan a trip to Seattle!
We highly recommend staying in downtown Seattle as the city has so much to offer and is very walkable. Depending on the week, you can score great hotel deals with waterfront views! We use Booking.com for their ease of booking and flexible cancellation policies.
Hidden Gems
1. Ballard Farmers Market
The Ballard Farmers Market is one of the largest and most highly rated farmers market in the United States! The Ballard Farmers Market is open every Sunday, year-round, and operated along the historic cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW between Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue from 10AM-2PM. The market sells exclusively local Washington produce, and is a great place to grab lunch. Try a local salmon hash, fresh powdered doughnuts, fresh kombucha, Indian curry to-go, or brick fired pizza. On a hot summer day, make sure to get the famous Seattle Pops!
2. Walk around the Ballard Neighborhood
Ballard is a cute neighborhood in Northwest Seattle, about 20 minutes from downtown. This hip waterfront neighborhood had become one of the most desirable neighborhoods for younger Seattlites. With tons of indie shops, local breweries, and highly rated restaurants, Ballard is a fun neighborhood to explore. There are still many remnants of Ballard’s historic past as a Norwegian fishing village along the waterfront. Make sure to get Salt & Straw for their monthly ice cream flavors, grab a beer at Reuben’s Brewery and oysters at Walrus and the Carpenter.
3. Alki Beach
The up-and-coming West Seattle neighborhood is starting to explode with coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Along the Northern side of West Seattle is Alki Beach which brings a beachy vibe to this Pacific Northwest city. With unobstructed views of the Seattle skyline, walking paths, bonfire pits, and plenty of spots to post up for a beach day, Alkai Beach has so much to offer. After a day on the beach, Marianation Ma Kai is a great local’s spot for Hawaiian-Korean Fusion with an outdoor patio boasting Puget Sound and Seattle Skyline views.
4. Kayak in the Puget Sound
Although the Puget Sound might be too cold for swimming most of the year, kayaking can be a fun way to explore the water surrounding downtown Seattle. Alki Kayak Tours, on the Northern point of West Seattle is a great place to rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore The Sound. There is plenty of parking along the roadway and Alki Kayak Tours charges $20/hour for most of their rentals. We suggest renting for two hours to give enough time for exploring and relaxing on the water.
5. Best Vegan Ice Cream on Earth
The West is well known for hippies and vegans and Seattle does not disappoint! In one of the most earthy cities in the US, Seattle has it’s fair share of hippies and vegan treats. Frankie and Jo’s is a plant based ice-cream shop with three locations (Ballard, University Village, and Capital Hill). There is sometimes a summer pop-up shop at Alki Beach as well. This is hands-down Seattle’s best ice cream even when compared to Seattle’s non-vegan ice cream options! Make sure to try their Chocolate Tahini Supercookie in a cone. Do not be surprised if you leave with a couple of pints to-go.
6. Discovery Park Urban Hike
Discovery Park, located in the Magnolia neighborhood just West of downtown Seattle, sits along the Puget Sound and offers incredible urban-hiking, views of the Olympic Mountains, and beaches. Discovery Park is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Seattle city life and to catch a breath of fresh air and a sunset. This 534-acre park offers 11.81 miles of hiking trails to explore. We suggest hiking down to the West Point Lighthouse to catch the sunset over the Olympics.
7. Walk Green Lake
Green Lake is center to the he Green Lake neighborhood, just North of downtown Seattle. This cute, secluded neighborhood doesn’t feel like you’re minutes away from a major downtown city. Green Lake has a well maintained 2.8 mile walking and biking trail which wraps around the entire lake. On the Northern side of the lake, there is a small area with shops and cafes. Make sure to stop at Retreat for a creative iced-coffee drink and an avocado toast.
8. Ferry to Bainbridge Island
In Seattle and the surrounding areas, ferries are a common form of public transportation to navigate the peninsulas and islands. For a fun ferry experience, jump on to the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry to explore Bainbridge island for half a day. Leave your car parked on the Seattle side, and walk on to the Bainbridge-bound ferry for $8.50/person. Bainbridge Island has a cute walkable downtown area many restaurants, wineries, and cafes. Make sure to get the lavender ice cream at Mora Iced Creamery.
9. Try the Best Coffee in Seattle
Seattle, the birthplace of Starbucks, has the best coffee scene in the US (we might be a little biased!). With so many local roasters and coffee shops claiming to be the best coffee in Seattle, there can be a lot of noise for out-of-towners to sift through to find the best coffee in Seattle. We are home-baristas in the making with an espresso machine and various pour over methods and have tried all of the local Seattle roasters. The best coffee in Seattle, without a doubt, is Elm Coffee. With their flagship café and roastery in Pioneer Square, and a small satellite café in South Lake Union, Elm Coffee serves up the best single origin Ethiopian and Kenyan roasts you can find in Seattle. Coming in a close second place is
Seattle Coffee Works, which has a few locations around the city including Ballard Coffee Works. They have some of the best nitro cold-brew you can find in Seattle and is a great afternoon treat on a hot summer day.
10. Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9-acre outdoor area on the Southern side of downtown Seattle along Elliot Bay. It’s a great way to quickly escape the crowds at the nearby Pike Place Market and relax near the water. You can also walk or bike along the Elliot Bay Trail which has great views of the Olympic Mountains and West Seattle.
11. Catch a Sunset at Golden Gardens
A beautiful beachfront, off the beaten path in Northwest Seattle is Golden Gardens. Locals will post up on the grass and beaches for warm weekend days to picnic, swim and play games with friends. With a small harbor of sailboats, Golden Gardens is a beautiful area to catch the sun setting over the Olympic Mountains.
12. Gasworks Park
Gasworks park is a small urban park in the Fremont neighborhood with a grassy knoll overlooking South Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. Gasworks park is a great place to bring a blanket and some food on a warm summer day. This park is nearby downtown Fremont, which has several highly rated restaurants, and it’s nearby the famous Fremont Troll.
13. Bike along The Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman is one of the longest urban bike trails in the US. This 19.8 mile trail runs from Western Seattle on the Puget Sound, along Lake Union, through Fremont and Gasworks Park, past the University of Washington, and along Lake Washington to its most Northern point. There are even connecting trails that can take you to and from downtown Seattle. If you don’t have a bike, pick up one of the many pay-as-you-go e-bicycles around the city and ride a section of this well-maintained trail.
14. Airbnb Experience Tour
Recently, we found Airbnb experiences as a fun way to explore places that we go. In this case, even our own city! Seattle has many different Airbnb experiences and it’s a fun way to explore what makes the city unique, and even learn something new. We have done both a coffee roasting experience and a portrait photography class downtown. Explore Airbnb Experiences in Seattle for current offerings and read the reviews.
15. Walk the Fremont Neighborhood
Fremont is a popular neighborhood on the North shore of Lake Union, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Seattle. Home of the famous Fremont Troll, underneath the bridge, and Gasworks Park, Fremont is a fun neighborhood to walk through and offers a cute downtown with storefronts and restaurants. Make sure to get gelato at Fainting Goat Gelato and make reservations at Joule for a unique Korean-fusion brunch.
16. Burlesque show at the Pink Door
The Pink Door, located in a small alley, a block away from Pike Place Market is accessed by an unmarked pink door. This eccentric Italian restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Seattle and requires a reservation unless you’re up for waiting 2+ hours to be seated. On Sunday nights the Pink Door has a burlesque show in the front dining area which provides a dining experience to remember. If you do need to wait for a table, there is an amazing wine bar across the alleyway called The Tasting Room which offers local Washington wine tastings.
17. Walking Brewery Tour
The Pacific Northwest is well known for it’s hoppy craft brewed IPAs. Seattle is no exception. There are so many great breweries in Seattle, each with their own unique seasonal craft brew. The most dense brewery neighborhood is Ballard and it can be fun to spend an afternoon and evening on a walking brewery-tour. Here are some great breweries in the Ballard neighborhood to try a walking beer tour:
· Reubens (Ballard)
· Populuxe Brewing (Ballard)
· Peddler Brewing Company (Ballard)
· Urban Family Brewing Co (Ballard)
· Stoup Brewing (Ballard)
· Fair Isle Brewing (Ballard)
· Bad Jimmy's Brewing Co (Ballard)
18. Night Photography
Seattle is a fun city for night and street photography. With colorful lights, historic alleyways and iconic buildings, shooting at night is a fun way to break away from the touristy crowds and see a different side of this city at night. Read more about our Top Seattle Night Photography Spots.
19. Rooftop Bar
Contrary to popular belief, the weather is actually pretty great in Seattle MOST of the time! And, you cannot beat the summers. Enjoy a summer night or a beautiful spring or fall evening with a drink at a rooftop bar with a view. We suggest mBar to look at Lake Union, or Nest for views of the Pugent Sound, Seattle Waterfront, and the Olympic Mountains. Make sure to grab a reservation as these places book-up on warm Friday and Saturday nights.
20. Chill at a Local Cocktail Spot
Although Seattle is most well-known for its craft beer scene, Seattle also has several amazing cocktail bars. For a unique light dinner and Southern-influenced craft cocktail bar, head to Witness in the Capital Hill neighborhood. At 10PM on Saturday nights, one of the bar tenders will stand up and give a funny sermon.
Another local, and old-school, cocktail bar is Zig Zag Café, located underneath the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market. Being so close to the tourist hot-spot in Seattle, Zig Zag Café and surprisingly been kept a local secret.
21. Amazon HQ
Most of the tall buildings in downtown Seattle and the South Lake Union neighborhood are home to Seattle’s largest employer, Amazon. These areas are packed during the weekdays with Amazonians walking between buildings and grabbing coffees, lunch and happy hour. Recently, Amazon built an interesting botanical garden office in two giant spheres in downtown Seattle. If you’re lucky enough to know an Amazon employee, you can visit the Seattle Spheres. For everyone else, there is a small museum at the base of the Spheres which anyone can enter. Also, explore the nearby streets to see if you can find Amazon’s famous “free banana” stand which hands out free bananas all day!
22. Restaurant Scene
Seattle is a foodie’s paradise. There are so many incredible restaurants and James Beard award winning chefs in the Seattle area. Below are some of our favorites. Trust us, it is hard to narrow down to these few options:
Homer: If we had to pick our favorite restaurant in Seattle, this would be it. Small, veggie forward, Mediterranean tapas. Homer doesn’t take reservations, so get there at 4:40PM to line up before they open at 5PM.
The Pink Door: Hidden in an alleyway, with no sign and marked only with a pink door, The Pink Door is where we take all of our out-of-town guests. This eclectic Italian restaurant has great food and drink, but make sure to grab a reservation a couple weeks in advance.
The London Plane: Want to grab an Instagram worthy brunch? The London Plane’s bright airy vibes are just as good as their food. Make sure to get the cinnamon role and a cup of their coffee, roasted by Elm.
Bar del Corso: We are in a never ending debate about the best pizza in Seattle. It’s either Bar del Corso’s traditional Italian wood fired pizza, or Serious Pie. Bar del Corso’s pizza is slightly thicker and there are more side plate offerings. Try them both and let us know what you think.
Serious Pie: For personal sized, ultra-thin-crusted wood fired pizzas, check out Serious Pie. If you arrive before 3PM, they also serve their famous biscuits. There is one location downtown, and one in South Lake Union. We can’t decide between the pizza at Serious Pie and Bar del Corso, but one thing is for sure.. Serious Pie has the best crust in town.
Ba Bar: If you’re in the mood for pho, look no further. Ba Bar offers some of the best Vietnamese street-eats and with a few different locations, there’s a good chance you’re close to one of them.
Lola: For a classic Mediterranean, Greek influenced dinner on a cozy street corner I downtown Seattle, look no further than Lola.
Junebaby: Hands down one of the most unique dining experiences you can have. Chef Edouardo Jordan (of Salare, bar Sajor, The French Laundry) has won many awards, and Junebaby is a modern twist on southern comfort food. Make sure to get the fried chicken sandwich.
Il Nido: Chef Mike Easton is well known for his pasta. With the unfortunate closure of his lunch spot, Il Corvo, he has turned his full attention to West Seattle’s Italian dinner experience of Il Nido. It will be the best pasta you’ve ever had.
Bamboo Sushi: This Portland sushi joint has finally opened a location in Seattle! We had been counting down the days for the Seattle opening of Bamboo Sushi and it’s finally here. You HAVE to try the Green Machine (it’s a veggie role, but 1000% worth it).
23. Vegan Doughnuts at Mighty O’s
We love Mighty-O’s donuts so much. Not because they are vegan (we actually noticed there’s not really any signage saying they are), but because they are DELICIOUS! We recommend getting their seasonal flavor, whatever it may be - it is especially delicious come fall when their seasonal flavors usually have something to do with pumpkin, cinnamon, or some other spices. Mighty-O’s has many locations around Seattle so check Google Maps to see which one is closest to you.
24. Kayak or SUP on Lake Union
On a warm day in the summer (or a cooler day if you are up or it) rent Kayaks or Paddleboard on Lake Union. There is a gorgeous view of the city from the lake. You can also rent a boat if you choose. The Northwest Outdoor Center is a great place to rent Kayaks and SUPs on Lake Union.
25. Cherry Blossoms at University of Washington
You don’t need to go all the way to Tokyo to see beautiful Cherry Blossoms - check them out in the spring at University of Washington! Generally the cherry blossoms are blooming between the last week of March and the first week of April. They are so gorgeous on the UW quad. Go early in the morning for less crowds, as this is very popular.
26. Visit a Danish Café
Have you ever heard of the Danish-coined term Hygee? It means the art of being cozy, and the ‘cozy contentment’ you feel from enjoying the simple things. It really is a feeling, and Seattle on a rainy day is the best place to practice some Hygee. Look no further than Café Hagen, a true danish cafe with amazing food and coffee options. Try their brunch boards (on the weekends from 9:30am-3pm only).
27. Cute Pastries and Brunch at The London Plane
The London Plane is an iconic eatery near Pioneer Square with great pastries, coffee, food, and even fresh flowers that they sell in bouquets. Even on a cold or rainy day in Seattle, there is plenty of beautiful light through the large windows at this spot, creating an awesome ambiance.
28. Visit Kirkland
Located just on the other side of Lake Washington, Kirkland gives a beachy vibe to this typical PNW city. Walk around Kirkland to see a cute small town situated on the shores of Lake Washington. Head to the beach and play some beach volleyball, or relax on a sunny day and watch the boats sail by.
29. Vegan Tasting Menu
As you can tell we are both foodies and love healthy eats. Where else can you enjoy a 5-star vegan tasting menu dinner? Harvest Beat does it very well. They only have one seating each night and their ingredients are all sourced locally and thoughtfully. We highly recommend this experience for those who enjoy veggies! Reservations are required as they only have two seatings per night.
More Touristy
30. Visit the Top of The Space Needle
The Space Needle is easily one of the most iconic symbols of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. This 605ft observation tower in Seattle City Center was built in in 1962 and stands out amongst the Seattle Skyline just West of downtown. Walking around the Space Needle you can visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Jimmy Hendrix inspired Museum of Pop Culture. For $35 you can visit the rotating observation deck on top of the Space Needle which is a fun experience and a great way to see Seattle and the surrounding areas.
31. Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is an icon of downtown Seattle, situated on Pier 57 over the Puget Sound. The Seattle Great Wheel is covered with over 500,000 lights and at night you can view the LED shows. Tickets to ride on the Great Wheel are $15 for adults and is a fun way to see the Seattle Skyline, especially near sunset.
32. Visit the Top of The Columbia Tower
This 76-story structure is the tallest building in Seattle and the state of Washington. The Sky View Observatory at the top of the Columbia Tower is a great place to grab a drink with unobstructed views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Cascade Mountains, and the City of Seattle. Make sure to get tickets in advance.
33. Visit the Top of THE Smith Tower
The Smith tower was built in 1914. At the time, a 38-story ‘skyscraper’ was considered impressive! The Smith Tower has become an icon of Seattle. The tower’s Observatory and Bar has an open air bar, which is a wonderful way to spend an evening with 360-degree views of Seattle. Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance.
34. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is the number one tourist spot in Seattle. If you’re up for facing the crowds, it is a fun place to visit small storefronts selling everything various things like candles, seafood, flowers, and tea. It’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the market and trying unique tasty treats. Make sure to walk by the original Starbucks storefront, watch how cheese is made at Beecher’s Cheese and try clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder. To escape the tourists, head below the market to get a cocktail at Zig Zag Café, or grab dinner (reservation required) at The Pink Door (an unmarked eccentric Italian restaurant).
35. Ballard Locks
Located along the water separating downtown Seattle and North of Seattle (Ballard and Fremont) and what locals call “the cut” is a series of locks that raise and lower to allow boats to enter in to South Lake Union from the Puget Sound. It’s a neat area on the South side of Seattle to walk around and see the fishermen coming in to unload their catches.
36. Kerry Park
If you’ve ever seen a photograph of the Seattle skyline, Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel and Mt. Rainier it was most likely take from Kerry Park. This small grassy field in Seattle’s Upper Queen Anne neighborhood boasts some of the most iconic views of Seattle. For an intimate, fancy dining experience, check out Edin Hill’s tasting menu nearby in Queen Anne.
37. Gum Wall
Underneath Pike Place Market is a small alleyway coated with colorful, chewed gum. One of the most touristy and visited spots in Seattle, it’s worth visiting this alley the quick two-minute photo before you realize how gross it is to be surrounded by thousands of people’s chewed bubble-gum!
38. Seattle Underground Tour
If you want to learn more about the history of Seattle and see some of the remnants of the original city, below the Seattle downtown that we know today, the Seattle Underground Tour for you. The tour starts in Pioneer Square and takes you underneath the City while you learn about Seattle’s historic past. There is also a night version of this tour which may people rave about.
39. First Starbucks
Did you know Starbucks was founded in Seattle?! Check out the first ever Starbucks location right near Pike Place Market. They even have the original logo and signage. You can also check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a more upscale Starbucks experience in the nearby Capital Hill neighborhood.
Day Trips
40. Snoqualmie Falls
The Cascade and Olympic Mountains have hundreds of beautiful waterfalls, most of which require a hike to access. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Snoqualmie Falls is one of the largest, most spectacular waterfalls and doesn’t require a hike. A short 30-minute drive East of Seattle, you can pull right up to this powerful waterfall to view it from above. For those with an adventurous side, you can hike down to the base of the falls for another view of this majestic waterfall.
41. Rattlesnake Ledge Hike
Rattlesnake is one of the Seattle area’s most popular and accessible hikes. Although it can be crowded mid-day, we have climbed to the top of Rattlesnake Ledge several times in the evenings to catch the sunset and hike back down with headlamps. This 4-mile hike is no walk-in-the-park. It’s a great workout and the top of Rattlesnake offers incredible views of the valley, Rattlesnake Lake, and Mt. Si. Please be careful at the top of Rattlesnake Ledge, especially when it’s icy, as people have slipped off the rocks and fallen off the ledge.
42. Visit a Washington Winery
Everyone has heard of a Napa Cab and an Oregon Pinot, but have you heard of Washington wines?! We have found Washington to have some of the most underrated wine in the country and visiting wineries and tasting rooms much more accessible than Napa Valley. Woodinville, WA is a small countryside town, 20 minutes Northeast of Seattle with several beautiful wineries. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is one of the more popular vineyards to visit nestled on a beautiful estate with live concerts in the summer. JM Cellars is another cozy winery we recommend on a brisk fall day.
43. Day trip to Mt. Rainier National Park
Did you know that parts of Mt. Rainier National Park are less than a 2 hour drive from Seattle? It’s true! One time in July we even went to hike at the park after work, finishing meetings downtown Seattle at 3pm, and on the trail by 6pm. This is only recommended for long summer days and a sunset hike if you are comfortable hiking back with headlamps. In general, try to visit Mt. Rainier on a weekday for less crowds.
44. Day trip to Leavenworth
On the list of places 2 hours from Seattle, Leavenworth is definitely a favorite. Check out this Bavarian town for some brews, pretzels, gorgeous leaves in the fall and amazing Christmas Lights during the holidays. Shop for Christmas year round at the Kris Kringl Shop. Stop by Lake Wenatchee on your way for a gorgeous lake view.
45. Day trip to North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is probably one of the most underrated National Parks. It is 3 hours from Seattle, but we’ve done it in a day multiple times. If you like nature and scenic drives, viewing Diablo Lake and it’s beautiful green color is worth the drive in itself! There are also many amazing hikes in the area. In the summer, stop for organic berry ice cream at Cascadian Farm Organic.
46. Find Golden Larches in the Cascades in Late September to Early October
What are larches you might ask? Well, the western larch and the subalpine larch are both native to Washington State. For a couple short weeks in Late September and Early October, these trees turn a beautiful shade of gold. The golden larches have become a bit of an obsession in the PNW, and many people complete their ‘larch march’ and refer to this season as ‘larch madness’. It is what it sounds like, and can be very crowded as people try to find larches. The larches only change color on north-facing slopes between 2,000 and 5,500 feet of elevation. Therefore, these golden beauties can only be seen in certain mountainous areas, a couple of hours minimum outside of Seattle. Can you find them?
47. Day trip to Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park (ONP) is a little longer a day trip, so you can consider a weekend trip as well. Hurricane Ridge in ONP is 3 hours from Seattle, and easier on driving as you can take the ferry across the Puget Sound. If you have more time, check out Hoh Rainforest, or camp on the many beach along the Pacific Ocean!
48. Day trip to see Tulips in April
Another natural wonder that you do not have to travel half way around the world to see - Tulip season. In fact, travel just over an hour north of Seattle and you will find beautiful tulip fields! The Skagit tulips can give you a taste of being in the Netherlands. Generally, the best blooms are during the entire month of April. Check here for their status.
49. Skiing in the Cascades
If you are a skier visiting Seattle in the winter you are in luck. There are 3 ski resorts less than 3 hours from Seattle, and one less than an hour. The Summit at Snoqualmie is 50 minutes from Seattle (in no traffic!). Also check out Steven’s Pass and Crystal Mountain Resort, but make sure to look up the status of opening and ticket sales/capacity at these ski resorts prior!
50. Day Trip to Bellingham
Bellingham, located 90 minutes from Seattle, is a quaint little town between Seattle and Vancouver located on Puget Sound. With a Portland-ish vibe, there are great coffee shops and breweries to be explored. Be sure to check out Aslan Brewing Co and enjoy a fantastic meal (one of the best brewery food scenes we’ve found) and their great beer.