Top Things to Do in Seattle

So, you’re headed to Seattle, the Emerald City? Surely you will want to see Seattle’s most popular sites. But, you don’t want to miss these additional spots.

Pike Place

Ok, let’s start off with one of the most popular of places, Pike Place Market. PIKE not PIKES ;). This market is best known for flying fishing and being home to the original Starbucks. However, there is so much more to see and experience. Take your time walking through the 9 acres that make up the market. Here you will find some of my favorite eats, treats, and art.

◈ Hungry? Try Pink Door or Cutters.

The Space Needle

Now, let’s cover the other popular tourist attraction- the Space Needle. With it’s newly renovated glass floor and walls, the Space Needle is a must see. However, if heights aren’t your thing and/or you’ve done something similar, then maybe you don’t need to pay for tickets to go up inside the tower. Sometimes, just seeing the actual needle and going in the gift store is enough.

If you do want to go up, buy tickets in advance or get to the area early and prepare to look around while you wait for your reserved time. One way to kill time is to walk next door to…

Pro tip: I have to bring attention to the Seattle CityPASS. I get no kickback from this, but I can’t believe how good of a deal this is. The CityPASS gets you access to;
◈Space Needle
◈Seattle Aquarium
◈Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
◈Museum of Pop Culture OR Woodland Park Zoo
◈Chihuly Garden and Glass OR Pacific Science Center

Chihuly Garden and Glass

If you aren’t familiar with his work, Dale Chihuly is known for his incredible glass artwork. While his work is world-renowned, his most popular pieces can be seen in several places around the city (outside of Chihuly Garden. The blown glass ceiling installation at Bellagio in Las Vegas is another great example of his work.

Gas Works Park

Relax and watch the seaplanes land on beautiful Lake Union. In my opinion, this is the best of both worlds. Not only is this a perfect little preview of the outdoors in the PNW (Pacific Northwest), but you also get an excellent view of the city skyline.

The Fremont Troll

Seattle is known for their grunge, coffee, and art scene (see Chihuly.) The Fremont Troll is a great representation of the quirky side of Seattle. This massive troll lives under Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood.

If you watched ABC‘s show Once Upon A Time, then you might have seen something similar to the troll. However, this guy is a lot bigger and doesn’t mind if you climb aboard for a picture or two.

Alki Beach

Alki Beach in West Seattle gives you true beach vibes, while also feeling like you are in the city. Walk, bike, or skate down the long stretch of beach and enjoy the view of majestic the Cascade Mountains. Or, perhaps sticking your toes in the sand, while soaking in a killer view of the Seattle skyline is more your speed. Regardless, the options are endless.

◈ Hungry? Try Cactus, Salty’s or Mission Cantina.

Starbucks or the Reserve Roastery

If you want to stop at the original Starbucks in Pike Place, you may have to wait in a line. Plus, the coffee shop is so small that there is literally no where to sit. However, they do offer unique Pike Place trinkets, like mugs, shirts, and ornaments that you can only get at the original store.

If you are looking to relax and enjoy a different Starbucks experience, check out the Reserve Roastery on famous Capitol Hill. Here you can try specialty drinks like coffee cocktails, mocktails, and flights. Even if you don’t drink coffee, it is worth the experience.

The Pier

Pier 55: Argosy Cruises

For a great sightseeing tour of the Seattle Sound, check out Argosy Cruises. All tours run from one to five hours.

Pier 57 (Miner’s Landing): Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington

This entire pier is worth the trip, especially if you have kids or like rides. I recommend walking up and down each of the piers. However, Pier 57 is special because of Seattle’s Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington. The Great Wheel is the giant Ferris wheel that extends out over the water. Wings Over Washington is a ride created by the same folks who created Soarin’ Over California for the Walt Disney theme parks. Essentially the ride is the same, except you fly all over Washington State.

Pier 59: Seattle Aquarium

See the Seattle sea life at the Seattle Aquarium. That basically is all you need to know!

◈ Hungry? Try Ivar’s.

Kerry Park

This is one of the most photographed places of Seattle. Why? On a clear day, there is no better view of the city, the sound, and Mount Rainier. This is an excellent spot to soak it all in.

Seasonal: University of Washington’s cherry blossoms

Folks from all over flock to the University of Washington in the spring to catch a glimpse of their cherry blossoms. After seeing it for myself, I understand why.