First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (2025)

I’ve lived in Seattle for over a decade. It’s safe to say I know a ton of the best things to do here!

You won’t need another guide to figure out what to do in this dynamic city. I’ll cover the most popular attractions, outdoor activities, and hidden gems. I’ll also include culinary highlights, budget-friendly ideas, and (of course) things to do when it’s raining.

I update this post often. Check back on return visits for even more ideas to add to your itinerary. Use this guide and my article on where to stay in Seattle to help you plan the perfect Pacific Northwest trip!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

64 Best Things to Do in Seattle

Capitol Hill

Eat, bar-hop, and shop in a dynamic, historic, and classic Seattle neighborhood.

First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (1)

📍 Google Maps

Capitol Hill is among the best neighborhoods in Seattle. This historic spot is an epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Come here to spend time in nature, explore a foodie paradise, grab unique souvenirs, or drink and party with the locals.

On the north end of the Hill, you’ll find Volunteer Park, cute boutiques and cafes, and historic homes along Millionaire’s Row.Further south around the Pike/Pine Corridor is where you’ll find the nightlife — bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Some of Seattle’s best restaurants are in this neighborhood, with options for everything from Thai and Ethiopian cuisine to vegan fare and juicy burgers.

For a foolproof plan, grab dinner at Annapurna Cafe and ice cream at Molly Moon’s before heading to one of the area’s many bars. Or, if you’re more like me, end the night browsing the shelves at Elliott Bay Book Company.

Pike Place Market

Explore the famous hundred-year-old market.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (3)

Pike Place Market is Seattle’s iconic market in the heart of downtown. ’ve been here countless times, yet I never get tired of it. It’s one of the city’s top attractions and one of the best things to do and see in Washington State.

Take your time wandering. The market has hundreds of vendors selling produce, handmade goods, art, flowers, and more. Don’t neglect the shops beneath the main arcade either. Here, you’ll find Golden Age Collectibles, which is one of the oldest comic book shops in the country.

To taste your way through the market, check out this fun Pike Place Market food tour I went on! The guide is a chef, and I had such a fun time that I added it to this list in its own entry below.

If you’re not too squeamish, snap a picture in front of Seattle’s grossest local landmark: the gum wall. Afterward, wander through Post Alley for even more delicious treats (you won’t regret a bottle of Rachel’s ginger beer).

🚌 How to Get There: Avoid driving to Pike Place Market! Your GPS may direct you down the pedestrian-friendly cobblestone road in front of the market. Here, you’ll move at a snail’s pace and the frustration will build. Not the best way to start a visit. It’s easier to walk to the market from a downtown hotel or take a bus along 3rd Ave and get off at Pike or Pine St.

Discovery Park

Hike through the largest park in the city.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am -11:30 pm daily

A trip to Discovery Park is a good way to feel like you’re leaving the bustling city behind without actually exiting city limits. Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park at 534 acres. It takes up the entire northwestern end of the Magnolia neighborhood.

Come here if you want to wander through a forest, go bird watching, explore along the bluffs, or have a picnic. The trails are well-maintained and good for hikers and non-hikers alike. You’ll find plenty of great views throughout.

Wander to the beach to see West Point Lighthouse and search for sea lions. Bring a snack and stay to watch a magnificent sunset over the Olympic Mountains.

Alki Beach

Lounge away the day on a beach.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 10:30 pm daily

Seattle isn’t anyone’s top beach destination, but visiting in warmer months necessitates a trip to Alki Beach in West Seattle. This beach has it all — a sandy area for beach bumming, volleyball nets, fire pits, a lengthy boardwalk, and lots of dining.

Rent a kayak to explore from the water. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and their pups resting on the shore if you visit during pupping season. Or grab a meal from one of the beachfront eateries, lounge on the sand, and watch the ferries.

Alki Beach is for everyone – families, solo travelers, couples. Expect it to be crowded on super hot days, but the lively atmosphere more than makes up for it.

Seattle Center

Explore the cultural center of the city.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-7200 | Website| 👉 Grab Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass combo tickets

The Seattle Center is home to many of the city’s great attractions. It’s also one of the most family-friendly spots in the city.

Ride to the top of the Space Needle and admire the view while you stand on the revolving glass floor. Afterward, check out the Museum of Pop Culture. This contemporary museum features pop culture memorabilia, science fiction and fantasy exhibits, and an immersive music experience.

Enjoy the Artists at Play playground with kids. Check out a laser show at the Pacific Science Center or catch a Kraken game at the Climate Pledge Arena. Whatever you choose, the Seattle Center is a must-do experience, especially for first-time visitors and those with children.

🚝 How to Get There: I recommend using the monorail to get to the Seattle Center, especially if you’re staying downtown. Catch it at the Westlake Center Mall station. It drops visitors right between the Museum of Pop Culture and the Space Needle. Plus, it’s a good excuse to hop on this fun ‘60s Space Age-inspired ride.

Coffee Tourism

Sip Seattle’s favorite beverage.

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📍 Google Maps| 👉 Book a Seattle Coffee Tour

Seattle knows a thing or two about coffee. I mean, it’s the coffee capital of the United States for a reason!

There are hundreds of coffee shops in Seattle.Whether your drink of choice is a simple drip or a latte with a dairy-free milk alternative, you’ll quickly learn what makes a quality drink and why Seattleites are obsessed.

Want a local coffee expert to help you understand the coffee craze? I suggest booking a Seattle Coffee Tour.

On the tour, you’ll sample several pours and learn about everything from the roasting process to the sustainable coffee movement. You’ll also get to explore one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city (see the first entry on this list). And you’ll get an intro to the city’s music scene (see entry below).

Prefer some quick recommendations? A few of my current favorite shops are Olympia Coffee, Herkimer Coffee, and Hello Em. At all of these, you can grab a coffee and spend some time lounging while you savor your drink.

Live Music Shows

Catch epic shows at historic, intimate, and popular venues.

📍 Google Maps

Seattle is steeped in grunge music history. While you may not find as much of that today, the energy that turned Seattle into a city of phenomenal live shows remains.

Try to catch a show at one of Seattle’s many live music venues, whether or not you consider yourself a music aficionado. A few popular spots are Neumos in Capitol Hill, the famous Crocodile in Belltown, and the WAMU Theater at Lumen Field.

Showbox SoDo is one of my favorites and it’s great for people who prefer a smaller venue. The historic Moore Theatre has hosted some of the best concerts (and comedy shows) I’ve seen. For a more refined venue, check out performances at The Triple Door.

Seattle Art Museum

Check out a diverse and beautiful museum.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 654-3100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday | Entrance: $29.99 adults, $19.99 students & teens (15-19), $24.99 seniors (65+) & military, free for children 14 and under

The Seattle Art Museum in downtown is hard to miss with the 48-foot-tall Hammering Man sculpture outside its entrance.

The inside is striking – look up when you walk in to see one of my favorite sculptures, Middle Fork. The museum boasts thoughtfully curated temporary exhibits and a large permanent collection with African, European, Islamic, and Indigenous art.

The entirety of the SAM exists beyond the downtown building, though. The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park along the waterfront are also part of the SAM. Combined, they make up three of Seattle’s best museums.

Sites and Attractions

Downtown Waterfront

People watch and wander along Seattle’s lively waterfront.

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📍 Google Maps

The waterfront is a great place for people-watching. Plus, it has a handful of the city’s major landmarks. You’ll almost always see people meandering along the pathway to and from Olympic Sculpture Park.

Come here to jog, catch the ferry, or grab seafood from Ivars. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel (pro tip: do this at sunset). Visit the Seattle Aquarium to see otters and puffins, and feel sea anemones in the touch tank.

I always recommend stopping by Ye Olde Curiosity Shop to find some strange gifts and eclectic wares. Expect to see mummies and a whole lotta’ taxidermy at this spot.

The waterfront undeniably touristy. But I think it’s worth visiting, especially with the addition of the Pike Place Overlook Walk. The Overlook has made it super easy to get to and from the market, and added more spots to sit to admire the Sound.

Argosy Cruises

Cruise through Puget Sound in style.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 623-1445 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7:30 pm daily (hours change seasonally) | Entrance (Harbor Cruise): $45.38+ adults, $40.72+ senior (65+), $29.09 youth (4-12), free kids (3 and under) | 👉 Book a Harbor Cruise with Argosy Cruises

Argosy Cruises is a tour company that operates from the waterfront. All tours have live narration. There’s also a bar on board, so you can enjoy cocktails, and other beverages, and snacks while you cruise.

A boat tour in this city is a must. You’ll have views of the skyline from right on the Sound and may catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier on clear days.

Argosy’s Harbor Cruise is a great way to learn about the city’s past and present. Or choose its Locks Cruise, which will take you through north Seattle, where you’ll learn about the Ballard Locks, Gasworks Park, and Seattle’s floating home community.

Museum of Flight

Get up close and personal with aircraft.

Go to the Museum of Flight if you’re a flight enthusiast or want to understand the origin of one of Seattle’s lesser-known nicknames: Jet City. It’s located in south Seattle, right on the border of Tukwila.

The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the country. It’s packed full of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits for anyone wanting to learn about the history of flight. Budgeters, take note: You can enjoy this museum for free on the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 9 pm.

Seattle Aquarium

Get familiar with marine life in the Pacific Northwest.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 386-4300 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 6 pm daily (last entry 5 pm) | Entrance: $36.95+, adults, $22.20+, youth (4-12), Free, kids 3 and under (entrance fee changes daily & seasonally; discount for WA residents)

In town on a rainy day or visiting with kids? The Seattle Aquarium is the best place to spend a lowkey morning or afternoon. It’s right along the waterfront, just a short walk from the Great Wheel.

Inside, you’ll find a touch tank full of sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, sea anemones, and more. Come to see fish, octopus, and sharks. And look out for my favorites: the harbor seals, river otters, and puffins. Visit the new Ocean Pavillion expansion, too. It offers a unique look at marine life and ecosystems around the world.

You’ll have ample opportunities to learn about the animals and the aquarium’s conservation efforts during the daily talks and presentations.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Learn about the latest brewing methods from the worldwide coffee giant.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 624-0173 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily

Starbucks is the coffee giant most people think of when they come to Seattle. A visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a great stop for the biggest fans.

Prepare for an elevated Starbucks experience here. The Reserve offers tours and tasting flights. It also has an extended menu with cocktails, artisanal pastries, sandwiches, and unreleased coffees you won’t find in other stores.

👉 Local Tip: You can also visit the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market (despite popular belief, it’s not actually the first Starbucks – that no longer exists!). But expect long lines and drinks at the market location. Only have time for one? I recommend choosing the Reserve Roastery over the original.

Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center

Admire the view from the tallest building in Washington state.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 386-5564 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Thurs-Sun, Closed Mon-Wed | Entrance (Standard Experience): $25, adults, $19, youth (5-13), free, children 4 and under

The Space Needle isn’t the only place in the city to soak up those beautiful views. The Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center is the perfect place to capture views of the city, mountains, and Sound.

Some argue that Sky View Observatory has even better views than the Space Needle and that may be true. It’s in the tallest building in the state. Plus, you can capture the Space Needle in your photos from here.

Ride to the top during sunset to see the city come alight in the evening. Capture photos of Mount Rainier and the Olympics on clear days. The Sky View Observatory also has a bar and cafe with tasty cocktails and a small food menu, enticing visitors to linger for a while.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Take a tour of the original city beneath Pioneer Square.

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The Underground Tour is a popular attraction that even locals love. It takes visitors on a journey through the original city before the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 decimated it.

Your guide will take you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square where you’ll see original storefronts, sidewalks, and toilets (yes, really). All the while, you’ll learn the history of the underground city the current one was rebuilt upon.

Woodland Park Zoo

Watch and learn about adorable animals and Seattle’s conservation efforts.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 548-2500 | Website | Hours (change seasonally): (May 1-Sept 2) 9:30 am – 6 pm daily; (Sept 3-April 30) 9:30 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $22.46+ adults, $13.46+ children(ages 3-12) (entrance fees change daily)

Want to see penguins, red pandas, rhinos, and Komodo dragons? Visit the Woodland Park Zoo. This conservation-focused zoo is the perfect place to see and learn about a variety of adorable animals and their habitats.

Woodland Park Zoo is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids year-round, but it’s also a great place for animal lovers of all ages. Come during several fun community events throughout the year.

Visit during the WildLanterns light show during the holidays and attend various ZooTunes concerts during the summer. Beer and cider lovers, Brew at the Zoo is your event.

Climate Pledge Arena

Watch epic concerts and cheer for two of Seattle’s beloved sports teams.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (17)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 752-7200 | Website

The Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle Center is one of the city’s best concert, event, and sports venues. It’s where Seattle’s NHL team, the Kraken, and its WNBA team, Seattle Storm, play. Don’t pass up a visit even if you aren’t a sports fan. There are some epic concerts and events that happen here, too.

Book tickets to see big names (past acts have included Fall Out Boy, Macklemore, Arctic Monkeys, and Madonna). Or check out everything from comedy tours to wrestling shows.

Climate Pledge Arena lives up to its name by committing to eco-friendly practices. It’s a certified zero-carbon arena dedicated to zero waste and water conservation.

What to Do Outdoors

Golden Gardens Park

Spend time on Seattle’s prettiest beach.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 10:30 pm daily

Golden Gardens is one of the most beautiful beaches in Seattle, located in north Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to go for lounging, barbecuing, and swimming on really hot days.

In cooler seasons, you can explore the park’s trails, listen and watch for seals, enjoy a bonfire, or search for sea creatures in the tide pools. Whatever season you visit, make sure to stay for sunset. It’s spectacular.

Green Lake

Hang out by the most popular lake in north Seattle.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: Open 24 hours

On a sunny day, Seattleites flock to Green Lake Park in north Seattle. Jog, walk your dog, or stroll along the 2.8-mile loop surrounding the lake.

Come here to play baseball, soccer, tennis, basketball, or ultimate frisbee. The park has plenty of shady trees for a picnic (or mid-afternoon nap) and a wading pool and play area for kids.

Go swimming or rent stand-up paddle boats, kayaks, and water bikes from the Greenlake Boathouse to get out on the lake. And you’re not far from food if you get hungry. The restaurants and cafes bordering the east side of the lake make it easy to grab a lunch or snack as needed.

Hiking

Hike a nearby mountain.

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Washington Trails Website | 👉 Book a Mount Rainier Day trip Tour on Fare Harbor

Seattle is close to many mountains and several national parks, so it makes sense that hiking is such a popular activity here. There are plenty of city parks to hike through, but venture out further for a challenge. You can find several great hikes within an hour’s drive from the city.

New hikers wanting to tackle a mountain should check out Rattlesnake Ledge, a popular hike with a well-maintained trail and a great payoff. Try Mount Si for more of a workout or take on Mailbox Peak if you’re conditioned enough for a strenuous climb.

Want other options? Check out my article on the best hikes near Seattle to find others that might fit your taste and experience level.

⛰️ Want to hike around Mount Rainier? I recommend booking this epic Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour to get up close to Washington’s iconic mountain. It’s a great way to skip the stress of planning a trip yourself. Plus, breakfast and lunch are included, and you’ll get plenty of time out of the van to hit some beginner-friendly trails!

Lincoln Park

Find a troll, swim, and wander among giant trees in a West Seattle park.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 11:30 pm daily

Lincoln Park is a large park in West Seattle that’s usually less crowded than other city parks, even on sunny days.It’s a great place to exercise.

Come here to run along the waterfront — the path will take you all the way to Alki Beach. Look out for the troll, Bruun Idun, while on this path. You’ll find it tucked away in the trees. Or stop by Colman Pool in the summer to swim in a heated, outdoor, saltwater pool.

The forest part of the park is relaxing and full of birdsong. It’s great for easy hikes or walks. There’s a decent-sized playground for kids here, too.

I personally love being down by the water on the pebbly driftwood-laden beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch people fishing or spot seals offshore and herons during low tide.

Volunteer Park

Visit an art museum or plant conservatory, and watch summertime music and plays in the biggest park in Capitol Hill.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (23)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily

Volunteer Park is a good spot for practically everything. Want culture? Visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Love nature? Wander around tiny ponds with ducklings, or check out the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Visiting with kids? There’s a giant playground and wading pool to keep them entertained.

As with most parks in this city, summer is a great time to visit. The park has free concerts and Shakespeare in the Park performances during the season. You’ll also see people picnicking in grassy meadows, playing ultimate frisbee, or LARPing.

Volunteer Park is a 10-minute walk from the shops and restaurants along busy 15th Ave E. But you can also walk a couple of blocks across the street to Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry for baked goods, breakfast, and lunch.

Lake Union Park

Rent a hot tub boat, pea boat, or take a donut-shaped boat out for a spin on the water.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 11:30 pm daily

You have to get out on the water if you visit Lake Union Park — it’s the best way to experience it!

The most budget-friendly way to do this is to visit the Center of Wooden Boats. Rent a free pea boat and take it out for a few hours. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, or other boats from there for a reasonable fee.

Want a more unique experience? Rent a donut boat with friends and take some donuts aboard to bring it full circle. If you’re here in the cooler months, you need to do a hot tub boat rental. The latter is incredibly relaxing in the rain (learned from experience).

Washington Park Arboretum

Stroll through a peaceful arboretum.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 543-8800 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily

Venture out to the Washington Park Arboretum to see one of the most beautiful spots in Seattle.

You’ll wander through hundreds of trees and plants in different themed gardens, including a woodland garden, a rhododendron glen, and a Japanese garden. Enjoy the vibrant colors in the fall and pretty blooms in the spring and summer. In winter, the garden is filled with delightful scents and unexpected pops of color.

Explore on your own or take one of the Arboretum’s walking or tram tours. These allow you to ask questions and learn about the plants that make up this oasis in the middle of the city.

Gas Works Park

Picnic in daisy fields in a hilly park backdropped by hundred-year-old gas plant buildings.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily

Gas Works Park may be Seattle’s coolest park. The park’s old gasification plant buildings look like something from a steampunk movie. It seems like a strange contrast against the picturesque daisy fields in this scenic little north Seattle park. But somehow, the combo works.

Come here on a warm spring day to picnic and lounge while capturing photos of the skyline across Lake Union. There’s virtually no shade at Gas Works, so it’s not ideal for super sunny days (although, it will be packed by mid-morning for the annual 4th of July party).

But if you happen to be here on a windy day, bring a kite and you’ll be golden. The biggest hill here is aptly named Kite Hill. That should give you a good idea of the park’s kite-flying prospects.

Cherry Blossoms in the University District

Go flower peeping at the University of Washington.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 543-9198 | Website

Early spring is one of the best times to visit Seattle because you’ll have the opportunity to catch cherry blossoms blooming all over the city. But, more specifically, you can see their glorious display in the University District.

Visit the Quad on the University of Washington campus to see these pretty pink flowers contrasted against the gothic architecture of the UW buildings. Bloom times vary from year to year, but you can usually expect to see most trees in peak bloom from mid-March to early April.

Free & Cheap Stuff to Do

In addition to the activities in this section, you can also read my complete list of free things to do in Seattle for more budget-friendly Seattle ideas.

Ballard Locks

Check out the ships, seals, and salmon at the locks.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 780-2500 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily

The Ballard Locks are where saltwater Puget Sound connects to freshwater Lake Washington. You don’t have to pay a thing to see this cool feat of engineering.The Locks are open year-round and are one of the top things to do in Ballard.

There’s lots to do in addition to watching the boats pass through the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Watch the chunky seals lazing around, picnic on the nearby grassy spaces, or check out the salmon fish ladder. Afterward, walk over to Sloop Tavern to play pool, eat fish and chips, and throw back a couple of beers.

👉 Pro Tip: The best time to see the salmon at the fish ladder is from mid-June to September. I highly recommend visiting at this time if you want to learn about the salmon run.

Kerry Park

Find the best (free) view in the city.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-4075 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily

In a city this pretty, you might wonder if it’s possible to get a view of the skyline, Puget Sound, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier. Lucky for you, Kerry Park exists! Go to this pocket-sized park to see all of the above at once.

There is a massive hill leading up to this park in Queen Anne, so I highly recommend driving or taking a bus up the hill to save your legs and lungs from the effort.

The small park can get crowded during summer. But it’s worth waiting out the crowds to capture some beautiful postcard-worthy photos, especially at sunset.

T-Mobile Park

Root for the Mariners.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 346-4000 | Website

You don’t have to spend much to see the Mariners play at T-Mobile Park! One of the best ways to watch is to get cheap tickets and then go down to The Pen to watch the game from center field.

There are plenty of surrounding bars and places to grab a drink or bite to eat afterward to save a couple of bucks. You’ll pay a premium on food and drinks inside the park unless you utilize the value menu.

My recommendation? Order a Seattle dog from one of the hot dog vendors outside the stadium before or after the game, and then head to Fast Fashion Brewing for a delicious IPA. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.

Seattle Ferries

Take a day trip to an island.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 808-7977 | Website | Entrance (walk & bike on prices for Bainbridge and Bremerton): $10.25, adults, Free, youth 18 and under, $1 surcharge for bikes (ages 19 and over only)

Don’t leave Seattle without riding the ferries. It’s cheap to walk or bike on (under $11 roundtrip) and you have a few options for places to go. Bainbridge Island and Bremerton are the two most popular spots if you’re leaving from Colman Dock.

While riding the ferry, go out on the deck where you’ll have fantastic views of mountains on one side and the Seattle skyline on the other. Bring a coat — it gets very chilly when the ferry is in motion!

Ferry rides to Bainbridge, Bremerton, or Vashon Island make for fun and easy day trips from Seattle. They’ll give you a bit of a break from the big city and let you see and experience some great surrounding communities.

Beacon Food Forest

This open-harvest, volunteer-run food forest fights food insecurity and hosts fun community events.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 684-0264 | Website | Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily

Beacon Food Forest is a community gem. This 7-acre, volunteer-run garden grew out of a grassroots project to create a local food ecosystem. It provides food for the community and helps to counteract food insecurity. You’ll find it on the west side of Jefferson Park and it’s open year-round.

The food forest is almost entirely open harvest (minus the food bank plot and city P-Patches). Visitors are invited to take what they need and leave some for others.

I think one of the most special things about the food forest is how it connects the community. Attend some of the work parties to help maintain the garden and get to know the people who continually sustain this resource.

Other events have included dinners made with foraged ingredients and crafting parties. Sometimes, there are even kid-focused events to help children learn about the natural world.

Fremont Troll

Take a photo with a troll beneath a bridge.

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📍 Google Maps

Visit the eclectic Fremont neighborhood to see Seattle’s famous troll beneath the bridge. The Fremont Troll was originally built during an art contest the neighborhood held to help revitalize the area under the bridge.

Sure, seeing the troll, climbing it, and snapping some photos only takes a few minutes. But after you do this, wander west along N 36th St to explore cool local shops, or check out the neighborhood’s other quirky art installations.

Want the best experience possible? Do this on a Sunday! That way, you can also check out the Fremont Sunday Street Market. It’s an awesome flea market where you’ll find all manner of interesting wares and yummy food truck bites.

Frye Art Museum

Admire art at a completely free museum.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 622-9250 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wed & Fri – Sun, 11 am – 8 pm Thursday, Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

The Frye Art Museum in the First Hill neighborhood is completely free to visit. It’s well worth it to get a feel for the city’s art scene, particularly if you’re on a budget. Here, you can see the private art collection of the Frye family. It’s a mixture of 19th-century paintings and sculptures.

In addition to the permanent collection, the Frye Art Museum has rotating temporary exhibits from contemporary artists that change every few months. There’s always something interesting to see whether you’re interested in sculpture, mixed media, or other art forms.

Seattle Central Library

Check out an architectural beauty.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 386-4636 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Friday – Monday, 10 am – 8 pm Tuesday-Thursday

Seattle’s downtown public library is a notable building. The Central Library is 11 stories high and made of glass and steel. It’s a starkly beautiful structure smack dab in the middle of downtown.

Are you an architecture or book lover? Make a quick trip here. The inside is worth checking out. It has several cool features like a book spiral and a completely red floor that’s great for impromptu photoshoots.

👉 Read Next: Check out my complete guide on how to do Seattle on a budget to find out even more ways to explore the Emerald City cheaply!

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Learn about Seattle’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush at this free museum and national park site.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 220-4240 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday, Closed Monday & Tuesday | Entrance: free

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is one of Seattle’s lesser-known museums, but it’s a must-see for history buffs on a budget. This free museum and national park site is in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood.

It’s filled to the brim with information on this niche part of history. Learn how the gold rush transformed the city, causing one of Seattle’s largest population booms to date. Follow the stories of real prospectors and read through papers of the time. Try out several interactive exhibits — including one that reveals your weight in gold!

Prefer someone to guide you through the information? Volunteer park rangers are available for tours (and they have plenty of pins for kids collecting their junior ranger badges).

Cool and Unusual Attractions

Fremont Solstice Festival

Watch a colorful parade, peruse an epic craft market, and witness a naked bike ride at this annual summer solstice festival.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: every June, Summer Solstice weekend

Two words describe the annual Fremont Solstice Festival: pure fun. The event is put on by the Fremont Arts Council to celebrate community, art, and the start of summer.

The festival’s most notable event? The naked bike ride. It’s pretty much what it sounds like. Bold and free-spirited people cover themselves in body paint before hopping on bikes and kicking off the parade. The procession continues with wildly creative human-powered floats.

But the festival is more than just a flashy parade. Hang out at the fair to peruse stalls full of jewelry, art prints, handmade ceramics, and more. Eat and drink your way through various food stands and beer gardens.

Dance to live music. Watch street performers. Feel the positivity permeating the air at this uniquely Seattle fest. It’s one you don’t want to miss!

Kenmore Air

Take a flight tour of Seattle or two of the state’s active volcanoes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (866) 435-9524 | Website | Tickets (depends on chosen flight tour): $119/person for a 25-minute flight departing from Lake Union | 👉 Book a Seaplane Tour

What better way to take in Seattle’s beauty than from the air? Kenmore Air offers seaplane and wheelplane rides departing from one of four terminals: Lake Union, Boeing Field, Kenmore, or Tacoma. There are several different tours you can take depending on which terminal you leave from.

Take the scenic Seattle tour from Lake Union to see several of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and the University of Washington campus from above. Or you can take the Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens tour from Boeing Field to see the two active volcanos up close.

This is the perfect excursion for the person who adores the window seat! You’ll also have a narrated tour of what you’re seeing to help cement this experience.

Georgetown

Explore Seattle’s gritty, cool, and eclectic neighborhood.

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📍 Google Maps

Georgetown is in the running for the coolest Seattle neighborhood. Its gritty and edgy vibe makes it feel somewhat like Seattle’s neighbor to the south, Tacoma.

You’ll find restaurants, cafes, dispensaries, breweries, and bars throughout. But most of the action is along Airport Way S.

Peruse vintage clothes at The Barn Owl or check out graphic novels at Fantagraphics. Grab sweet treats from Matcha Man Ice Cream and Tayaki, then pop over to Deep Sea Sugar and Salt for the most delectable cakes and cupcakes.

Visit on a Saturday or Sunday to see the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall. There, you’ll find a little market where vendors set up shop in transformed trailers. Poke around and you’re sure to find something you can’t leave without.

Smith Tower

Savor cocktails in Seattle’s first skyscraper.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 624-0414 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm Mon – Wed, 12 pm – 8 pm Thurs & Sun, 12 pm – 9 pm Fri & Sat | Entrance: tickets begin at $15 for a self-guided tour & Observatory Bar access

The Smith Tower was the city’s very first skyscraper and the tallest building west of the Mississippi for some time. Book a self-guided or talking tour of this beautiful historic building where you’ll be transported back to the 1920s.

After getting a good rundown of the history, it’s time for my favorite part: the Smith Tower Observatory Bar on the top floor. Looking for an impeccable ambiance, delicious food, well-made cocktails, and incredible 360-degree views of Seattle? You’ll find all of them here.

White Center

Watch live wrestling, drink IPAs, eat tacos, and go rollerskating in one of the most underrated neighborhoods in Seattle.

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📍 Google Maps

White Center isn’t technically part of Seattle since it’s an unincorporated community. But it’s close enough, cool enough, and has plenty of spirit, so it deserves a place on this list.

White Center feels a bit like Capitol Hill did over a decade ago. Come here for great Mexican food from Taqueria La Fondita. Sip IPAs at Future Primitive. Enjoy themed roller skating nights at Southgate Roller Rink.

Check out Lariat Bar, a lively wrestling-themed bar. Go to Seattle’s only movie bar, 2 Fingers Social, which also has monthly(ish) burlesque shows. No matter where you go in the neighborhood, you’ll see plenty of quirky art murals by local artist Pazuzu.

Visit during the White Center Block Party in the summer. You’ll find sociable locals, great food, live wrestling, one-of-a-kind art vendors, and all-around great vibes.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Admire intricate glass sculptures.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 753-4940 | Website | Hours: generally 10 am – 7 pm daily, varies based on private events (see website) | Entrance: $29-37.50 adults, $22-28, youth (5-12), children 4 and under free | 👉 Grab Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass combo tickets

Sure, Chihuly Garden and Glass is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, but the exhibits are unique to Seattle and so stunning that they’ll stop you in your tracks.

This attraction is on the pricier side and best reserved for people who appreciate art and intricate, creative sculptures. You won’t regret a visit if you want to see one of the most colorful and pretty places in Seattle.

Take your time wandering through the garden and greenhouse, and do your best to catch a live glassblowing demonstration.

Seattle Pinball Museum

Play pinball at a non-traditional museum.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 623-0759 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Thursday – Monday, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday | Entrance: $23 adults (age 15+), $20 kids (7-14); no children under 7 permitted

Not much of a traditional museum fan? Not to worry. The Seattle Pinball Museum is anything but traditional. At this museum-arcade hybrid, you’ll be surrounded by the museum’s collection of pinball machines from as early as the 1930s and up to the present day.

It’s not just about seeing the machines, though — you get to play them all, too! If you’re someone who really enjoys interactive museums, it doesn’t get much more interesting and interactive than this.

Bathtub Gin

Grab a drink in a secret bar.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (42)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 728-6069 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 2 am daily

Seattle has a thing for speakeasies — you’ll find quite a few around the city. Bathtub Gin & Co. is one of my favorites. It’s tucked away in an unassuming alley in Belltown. You’ll have to knock on the door to be let in, but only when there’s room for you.

Once inside, take in the cozy multi-level bar with exposed brick walls. The cocktails are strong and the drink menu rotates often. Naturally, the gin-based ones are the winners.

Connections Museum

Check out one of the most unusual museums in Seattle.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (44)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 767-3012 | Website | Hours: Only open Sundays 10 am – 3 pm | Entrance: free ($2-$5 donation suggested)

The Connections Museum is a little-known niche museum in Georgetown that’s perfect for those interested in technology, telecommunications, and how the two have evolved over the years. Note that it’s only open on Sundays.

The museum has dozens of interactive and informative exhibits. They show the extent of the work that went into developing, maintaining, and operating the equipment that kept the city connected in the early years of telecom.

The tours offered are crucial to getting the most out of this visit, so don’t pass them up. The information is dense — I’d recommend leaving kids behind for this one.

What to Do on a Rainy Day

KEXP

A local radio broadcast station with a coffee shop and record store. Come for live music shows, DJ sets, and a free coffee tasting.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 520-5800 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun

Music lovers will want to get plugged into KEXP. Even better if you also happen to love coffee.

KEXP is a radio broadcast station which was founded at the University of Washington in the ‘70s. It hosts live shows and sets by local DJs in a huge space with a coffee shop and a tiny record store.

KEXP is right next to the Seattle Center, making it a convenient stop when you’re checking out that attraction. The space has plenty of seating, so it’s a good option for remote work. Caffe Vita, the coffee shop, serves delicious drinks and even hosts free coffee tastings on the first Friday of every month.

The Light In The Attic Record Store is packed with surprising finds that’ll interest vinyl collectors. There are plenty of used records at great prices. I highly recommend tuning into recordings of KEXP’s live shows on its YouTube channel to get an idea of what to expect before visiting.

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)

Learn all about the city’s beginnings and niche history at a museum right by Lake Union.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 324-1126 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25 adults, $19 student, free children 14 & under; free first Thursdays between 5 pm – 8 pm

There’s loads to uncover at The Museum of History and Industry. You’ll learn all about Seattle’s history, starting with the Indigenous tribes of the area. Learn about the Denny Party settlers, the city’s Prohibition history, its technological boom, and much more.

One of my favorite exhibits is the one that explains how Seattle’s natural geography was altered to make it liveable. The musical explaining the history of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 is a crowd-pleaser, too.

The museum is right by Lake Union. After visiting, grab something from the gift shop and then wander outside to rest by the lake and watch the seaplanes take off.

McCaw Hall

Watch a moving opera or inspiring ballet performance.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 733-9725 | Website

Look no further than McCaw Hall if you want to catch a classic show in a beautiful space. It’s the venue for the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Go for a more casual Sunday morning viewing or dress up for an evening show. McCaw Hall has an on-site restaurant and a well-stocked gift shop. Check the event calendar before you go to see what’s playing! The Nutcracker is a family favorite that runs annually starting in late November through December.

Beacon Cinema

Enjoy underground and offbeat movies in a cool and intimate theater in Columbia City.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 420-7328 | Website | Entrance: tickets start at $12.50

The Beacon Cinema has only been part of Seattle’s indie movie theater scene for about five years, but it’s already become a staple. The programming is offbeat and interesting. The theater is small and intimate. And it feels like a hidden gem since it’s in south Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood.

Major film fans will adore this theater. Regular movie-goers will also have a good time… if you’re okay with odd and underground showings. But that’s the fun of it — come to The Beacon Cinema to discover your new favorite art film.

A few movies I’ve seen here include Dario Argento’s Deep Red and Tenembre, and Hideaki Anno’s Gunbuster. But you can also catch a few classics, like a Halloween showing of The Exorcist.

Board Game Cafes

Play board games over brews.

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Seattle has several board game shops where you can buy new games or rent them from the store’s collection to play in-store.

Of these, Mox Boarding House is the largest and most well-known. It has a great selection of games and a tasty food and drink menu. Mox also hosts tournaments and other game nights for new and experienced gamers.

Another option is Meeples Games in West Seattle. This board game cafe is smaller, but perfect for families with younger kids. It’s a bright and welcoming space with a good selection of snacks and drinks. Come here to play games among friendly and laid-back locals.

The Triple Door

Enjoy burlesque performances, live music, and happy hour deals at a historic Vaudeville theater.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 838-4333 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 4 pm – 10 pm Friday-Saturday, Closed Mondays

The Triple Door in downtown Seattle originally opened as a Vaudeville theater in 1926. Today, it’s a must-visit theater for anyone who loves performance art and intimate dinner shows. But it still retains some of the charm from that bygone era.

The Triple Door has two stages. The Mainstage hosts larger shows and touring acts. The MQ (Musiquarium) Stage is a lounge with a laid-back atmosphere, local acts, and happy hour deals.

Snag tickets to one of the Triple Door’s big shows where you’ll sit in a cozy U-shaped booth and enjoy a Southeast Asian-inspired dinner during the show. Or visit the MQ stage for a casual evening of live music and delicious drinks.

Elliott Bay Book Company

Find a great read from Seattle’s favorite bookstore.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 624-6600 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm daily

Elliott Bay Book Company is a must-visit for book lovers. In addition to stocking just about any book you could want, this large store in Capitol Hill has a cafe and hosts author readings and other bookish events.

Elliott Bay has a huge selection of books, but you’ll also find notebooks, puzzles, chocolates, bags, and other reading-related gifts. It’s a good place to kill a couple of hours. But make sure you plan accordingly — it’s very easy to get lost among the stacks of mysteries, memoirs, and graphic novels.

Central Cinema

Do dinner and a movie in a cozy indie theater in the Central District.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 328-3230 | Website | Hours: Vary depending on showing | Entrance: $12 general admission, dinner & drinks sold separately

Central Cinema is one of the best places for dinner and a movie because you can do it all in one spot. This indie theater plays classic, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing movies. And while the movie plays, you’ll be served beer, wine, dinner, and dessert right at your seat.

Looking for something a little different? Central also has non-traditional movie events. Attend Hecklevision screenings (talking and jokes are welcomed and encouraged during the show!) or themed sing-a-long nights.

Parents, bring your kids on Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm when Central has its free cartoon happy hour for kids.

Food and Drink

Pike Place Market Food Tour

Taste your way through Seattle’s number one attraction.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 682-7453 | 👉 Book a Chef-Guided Food Tour

One of the best ways to get familiar with Pike Place Market is through its culinary scene! The market boasts tons of bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and food stands. Booking a chef-guided food tour is a great way to try a lot of them all at once.

You’ll get to skip the lines and taste generously portioned samples on this visitor and resident-friendly tour. Come hungry! Creamy, flavorful clam chowder; light and fluffy biscuits; chewy, salty cheese curds; and so much more await you.

Between snagging your samples and leading you through the maze-like market, your guide will also share stories of the market’s history. After the tour, they’ll suggest nearby attractions and let you in on other great places to eat in Seattle.

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream

Eat delectable, locally-made ice cream.

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📍 Google Maps (multiple locations) | Phone: (206) 294-4389 | Website | Hours: varies depending on location, generally 12 pm – 10 pm daily

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Molly Moon’s when you’re craving ice cream. This local, woman-owned Seattle institution has standout permanent flavors.

In my humble opinion, the salted caramel and honey lavender are perfection. But try the rotating seasonal flavors, too! Molly Moon’s sources ingredients locally. The mouthwatering scent of its fresh, in-house baked waffle cones will greet you when you approach the shop (in fact, you can smell it from a block away).

There’s a reason you’ll find Seattleites lined up for this ice cream, even in the depths of winter — it’s really that good.

Seattle Breweries

Check out some of the best breweries in the area.

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Seattle’s brewery scene is impressive and there are fantastic places to grab a beer in every neighborhood. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or something in between, you’ll be happy with your selections.

Want to go brewery hopping? Ballard is a good place to start. There, you’ll find a bunch of independent Seattle breweries all within about a mile of each other. The area is known as the Ballard Brewery District. Check out Stroup, Reuben’s, and Lucky Envelope to get started at the best.

Seafood

Taste some of the best seafood you’ll ever have.

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Seattle is known for its abundance of seafood. You can’t go wrong with Seattle’s favorite fish: salmon. Whether you get it smoked, grilled, or prepared another way, you’re guaranteed the good stuff.

Try some clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder or Ivars, and get your hands on some Dungeness crab at all costs. Oyster lovers have a lot to choose from and can get started at The Walrus and The Carpenter.

A final seafood delicacy to try at least once? Geoduck. It may look weird, but that’s even more reason to try it! I promise you, it tastes delightful.

The Ave

Find cheap eats throughout the U-District.

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First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (58)

📍 Google Maps

The Ave is the area in the U-District along University Way NE. It runs roughly between NE Pacific St and NE Ravenna Blvd. This strip features shops, bars, and, best of all, delicious and reasonably priced eats.

Sample cuisine of all types from Thai to Chinese to Mediterranean. This is one spot foodies don’t want to miss out on. Come during the University District Arts Fair in May when the area comes alight with festivities and food vendors. Just know it gets crowded and can be quite hectic at this time!

International District

Take a food tour through the tastiest spot in the city.

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📍 Google Maps

Go to the International District if you’re craving a sampling of some of the yummiest food in Seattle. There, you’ll find hole-in-the-walls, cafes, delis, restaurants, and more. It’s super easy to take yourself on a self-guided food tour here.

Stop at E-Jae Pak Mor for delectable Su Khao Thai. Visit Harbor City Restaurant for dim sum and Fuji Bakery for Japanese-French baked goods (try the beef curry balls and ube malasada).

I adore Hello Em’s Vietnamese coffee with egg foam and Saigon Deli has some of the most delicious and affordable banh mi in the city.

Cafe Salem

Indulge in some delicious Ethiopian eats.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 328-0404 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily

Seattle’s large Ethiopian population means grabbing some of this cuisine is a must when you visit.

Many of Seattle’s great Ethiopian restaurants are in the Central District and Capitol Hill. I recommend starting with Cafe Salem for a tasty meal in a cozy location. New to Ethiopian food? Order the meat or veggie combo to sample some of the best options. It’ll come with plenty of injera to help you savor every last bite.

Dick’s

Grab burgers and milkshakes at a no-frills Seattle landmark.

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📍 Google Maps (multiple locations) | Phone: (206) 632-5125 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 2 am daily

Burgers, milkshakes, and fries are what you’ll get at Dick’s. This popular local joint has cheap and quick eats. It’s open late and is a Seattle classic that even Sir Mix-a-Lot rapped about. Try it at least once after a night of drinking and dancing.

Zig Zag Cafe

Sip some of the best craft cocktails in the city at this romantic and cozy spot in Pike Place Market.

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📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 625-1146 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am daily

Zig Zag Cafe is one of the best places in Seattle for complex and delicious craft cocktails. It’s close to Pike Place Market but feels less touristy than the city’s main attraction.You’ll find just as many locals as out-of-towners at Zig Zag Cafe.

Dim lighting, ample seating, and friendly bartenders make this an appealing spot for many groups. It’s one of my favorite places to go with my husband when we want great drinks in a romantic, yet low-key setting.

Zig Zag Cafe is known for its drinks. You can’t go wrong with any, but I always say yes to its tequila-based cocktails. I also suggest giving the food a try. The menu rotates but has included bites like kimchi deviled eggs and mushroom pappardelle.

Teriyaki

Dine on Seattle’s comfort food.

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Bring an appetite for teriyaki to Seattle — you won’t be disappointed. Seattle is considered one of the places in the US to get the best of it.

I suggest starting with Toshio’s Teriyaki on Rainier Ave or Nikko Teriyaki in West Seattle. But don’t limit yourself. Whether you get it from a little hole-in-the-wall closest to where you’re staying or seek it out from further afield, you’ll find out that you can’t go wrong with teriyaki in Seattle.

Pho

Warm up with a tasty bowl of pho.

One of the best meals to enjoy on a rainy day? Pho. Seattleites know this and it’s pretty obvious by the abundance of great pho places in the city.

You can find incredible pho in many different neighborhoods. But two of the best places to get started are Pho Bac Sup Shop and Mekong Village.

Asean StrEat Food Hall

Pig out on Southeast Asian cuisine at a colorful indoor food court in Westlake Center.

First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (64)

First time in Seattle? These are the 63 "can't-miss" attractions, according to a local (65)

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 695-2510 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Sun-Thurs, 11 am – 9 pm Fri & Sat

Asean StrEat Food Hall is one of my favorite food spots in downtown Seattle. This indoor food court at Westlake Center is perfect for a quick, tasty, and generously portioned meal at a good price.

Come here on a cold or rainy day to order a variety of Southeast Asian dishes for lunch or dinner. The food court is filled with twinkling lights, colorful baskets, and bright food stands. It all gives the illusion that you’re somewhere much warmer than the Pacific Northwest.

Asean StrEat Food Hall has sweet and savory options. Order a mussel pancake, shrimp fritters, Khao Soi, and Burmese lamb curry. Sweet treats include Korean “croffles”, honey toast, and mouthwatering dessert crepes.

***

Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the world and, one of the best places to visit in Washington. I have no doubt you’ll have fun trying out the myriad of things to do in this city.

Want more local insights to help prepare for your trip? Read about my tips for visiting Seattle next!

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