Seattle is one of America’s most exciting and unique cities, offering up plenty of things to do, places to eat, and incredible views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with the whole family, there is something for everyone in Seattle. From Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, here are the top 10 things to see and do in Seattle.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is a 605-foot (184 m) observation tower in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World’s Fair, which drew over 2.3 million visitors. The Space Needle has since become an icon of the city and a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the Space Needle for views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Space Needle also has a revolving restaurant, SkyCity, that offers 360-degree views of Seattle.
There are three main vantage points atop the Space Needle, each providing unparalleled panoramic views in every direction: the 520-foot-high outdoor observation deck, the 500-foot-high observation level with a revolving glass floor, and the internal observation deck.
In 2018, the Space Needle unveiled The Loupe, the first-ever rotating glass floor. Views of the Space Needle’s distinctive design, elevators, and the city below are available for the first time ever through the Loupe.
In 1999, the Space Needle was recognized as a national historic landmark. An elevator ride to the tower’s 520th and highest level takes 43 seconds.
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9-acre outdoor sculpture park located on Seattle’s central waterfront district along Elliott Bay. The park opened in 2007 as part of a revitalization effort for the city’s industrial waterfront area. The park features over 20 site-specific works by renowned modern and contemporary artists including Alexander Calder’s Eagle sculpture and Richard Serra’s Wake.
The Seattle Art Museum is the owner of the Olympic Sculpture Park and is responsible for its upkeep. It is located directly adjacent to both Myrtle Edwards Park and Centennial Park, both of which are owned and maintained by Seattle Parks & Recreation and the Port of Seattle, respectively.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a historic public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is one of the oldest continually operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. Pike Place Market is a place of business for many farmers, craftspeople, and merchants. It is a place where people can come to shop, eat, and relax.
The Market opened on August 17, 1907, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Seattle. The Market is home to more than 200 businesses including farmers, craftspeople, merchants, fishmongers, flower sellers, bakeries, cheese shops, cafés, restaurants, souvenir stores, and more. Pike Place Market also features a variety of street musicians playing a wide range of music.
Pike Place Market is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours vary by season and day of the week. During peak times (May – October), the Market is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sundays. During the winter (November-April), the Market is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a must-see for any fan of pop culture. From its stunning architecture to its vast collection of artifacts, MoPOP is a feast for the eyes and a paradise for pop culture junkies.
MoPOP was founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, and since then it has become one of the premier destinations for pop culture aficionados. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from popular culture, ranging from vintage video games and movie memorabilia to contemporary art and fashion.
In addition to its many exhibits, MoPOP also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and panel discussions with industry experts. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just a casual observer, MoPOP is sure to have something that will interest you.
Seattle Art Museum
Founded in 1933, the Seattle Art Museum is a world-renowned art museum located in downtown Seattle. With a collection of over 25,000 works of art, the museum offers something for everyone. From paintings and sculptures to photography and installations, the museum has something for everyone.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also features temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Past exhibitions have included everything from modern art to ancient Egyptian artifacts. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something at the Seattle Art Museum.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the SAM Remix events. These 21+ events offer a chance to explore the museum after hours while enjoying live music, DJs, and special programming.
The Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks are a set of locks in Seattle that allow boats to pass from the freshwater of Lake Washington into the saltwater of Puget Sound. The locks were built in 1917 and are a popular tourist destination. Visitors can watch boats pass through the locks, learn about the history of the locks, and walk or bike along the nearby trails.
The Ballard Locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provide a vital link between the two bodies of water. The locks are essential for keeping the level of fresh water in Lake Washington at a consistent level, as well as providing passage for boats to navigate between the two waters.
The locks can be accessed from both sides and have a total lift of 10 feet. There is also an interactive visitor center that offers a variety of programs and exhibits about the locks, their history, and how they work.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is one of Seattle’s most popular parks, and for good reason. With over 500 acres of land, Discovery Park has something for everyone. There are miles of trails to explore, a beach to relax on, and even a lighthouse to climb. And if you’re looking for a great place to take photos, Discovery Park is definitely the place to be.
Not only does Discovery Park have a stunning view of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, but it also has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the city. From eagles to blue herons, you can find a variety of birds and mammals throughout the park. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, coyotes, raccoons, and even bobcats!
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil place to take a stroll or an exciting adventure in nature, Discovery Park is sure to please you.
Safeco Field
Safeco Field: Home of the Seattle Mariners, this stadium offers a great game day experience with views of the cityscape and Elliott Bay. There is also a museum on site that chronicles the history of the team and the ballpark.
The ballpark opened in 1999, replacing the Kingdome as the home of the Mariners. It has a seating capacity of 47,476 and features amenities such as a retractable roof to accommodate Seattle’s unpredictable weather.
Safeco Field also offers great views from all levels and the upper deck is angled so that fans can still see the field without obstruction. There are also several restaurants and concession stands throughout the stadium for dining options before or during games.
Safeco Field is well-known for hosting special events like concerts, charity events, and other celebrations. The Mariners have also hosted post-season games at this stadium since 2001, making it one of only two stadiums in Major League Baseball (MLB) to host a post-season game every season since its opening. With regular season games available from April – September each year and exciting postseason action, there’s something for everyone at Safeco Field!
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is a world-renowned zoo located just north of downtown Seattle. The zoo covers 92 acres and is home to more than 1,000 animals from over 300 species. Woodland Park Zoo is a leading conservation organization, committed to saving animals and their habitats around the world.
Some of the must-see attractions at Woodland Park Zoo include the award-winning African Savanna exhibit, where visitors can see lions, zebras, and antelopes roaming in an expansive grassland habitat; the Tropical Rainforest exhibit, which features a 40-foot waterfall and many exotic birds; and the newly renovated Humboldt penguin exhibit. The zoo also offers educational programs, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park is one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and Puget Sound, stroll through the tranquil gardens or explore the historic water tower. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art from Asia.
Other attractions include the Volunteer Park Conservatory, which features tropical and desert plants from around the world. The park also features tennis courts, a children’s playground, and open green spaces perfect for picnics or a game of Frisbee. On Sundays during the summer months, there is an outdoor market with local vendors selling handmade goods.
Conclusion
From spectacular views to fascinating historical sites, Seattle is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best restaurants or unique activities and attractions, this city has it all. We hope our list of the top 10 things to see and do in Seattle has given you some ideas on how to make the most out of your visit. Enjoy exploring everything that Seattle has to offer!