Top Ten Things to Do When Visiting Seattle for the First Time
Whether you’re coming to Seattle for business and are looking for a few fun things to do while you’re here, or you’re coming purely for pleasure and have plenty of time to explore the area, there’s no shortage of amazing adventures and one of a kind attractions to keep you busy. Seattle has all of the museums, restaurants, and unique attractions that one might expect from a big city, but it’s also surrounded by some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring outdoor landscapes that you’ll want to lose yourself in while you’re here.
From whale-watching or hiking the mountain trails, to shopping at Pike Place Market or heading to the top of the Space Needle, there’s something for everyone in this magical place. We’ve gathered together for you a list of our “must-see” sights and attractions you’ll want to check out, but keep in mind, though, that this short list just scratches the surface of what this eclectic city has to offer – once you’ve been here, you’ll never stop coming back, and you’ll never run out of things to see and do each time you return!
Recommended Products:
1. Enjoy the View from the Top of the Space Needle
Like something right out of “The Jetsons”, Seattle’s iconic Space Needle tops just about anybody’s must-see list of attractions in the Emerald City. Towering 600 feet above the city, this one of a kind structure was built over 60 years ago for the 1962 World’s Fair, was featured a year later in the Elvis Presley flick, “It Happened at the World’s Fair”, and has been a top destination for visitors to the area ever since. Ride to the top in a glass elevator and enjoy 360-degree views that can’t be beat! The Observation level offers a café and Sunset Bar, or head down a floor for the Loupe Lounge with its rotating glass floor that lets you watch the world go by below. The experience is unbelievable!
2. Shop Till You Drop at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a true Seattle treasure, with its buskers and artisans and farmers and eateries and souvenir shops – not to mention the flying fish and Rachel the Pig! If you come to Seattle, you HAVE to come to Pike Place Market – there’s no two bones about it. Sure, it does get crowded, but so do most places worth visiting. As you wander through the hundreds of shops and booths, you’ll find everything from fresh flowers and fresh fish, to movie posters and local art, and everything in between. Have lunch overlooking Elliot Bay, and enjoy live music in the street from one of many buskers who may be out and about. There’s so much to see and do at the Market that you’ll easily fill an afternoon or more here!
3. Take a Day Trip to Majestic Mount Rainier
If your trip to Seattle will last for a few days or more, then you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to take in the majestic splendor of Mount Rainier. About a two hour drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier makes a wonderful day trip. Whether you like hiking, climbing, camping, or just enjoying nature’s beauty, this is a destination not to be missed. You’ll find spectacular waterfalls, old growth forests, wildflower meadows, and so much more. Many points of interest can be accessed quite easily, while others may require a hike. You’ll want to plan ahead for a trip to the mountain, however, as the park does now require reservations during the peak summer months.
4. Wonder at the Wonder of Snoqualmie Falls
Just a half hour drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls claims its spot as the second most visited natural attraction in Washington state after Mount Rainier, and it’s no wonder why! Boasting a stunning drop of 268 feet over granite cliffs into a deep, blue pool below, this scenic wonder is also known for its appearance in the television series “Twin Peaks”. Visiting Snoqualmie Falls is easy and free, unless you want to pay the $7 to park in the lower parking lot near the base of the falls. Otherwise, park up top and enjoy the spectacular view from above, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hike the 1/2-mile trail to the bottom.
5. Go on a Whale Watching Tour on the Sound
Orcas are a beloved treasure in the Puget Sound, particularly the resident orcas who live here year-round, so if you happen to be visiting from late spring to early fall then you’ll want to book a whale-watching tour with one of several operators in or near Seattle for the chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can also see gray whales, humpbacks, minke whales, and other marine life on these tours, as well as take in spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Tour lengths range from just a few hours to all day, and include everything from small boats to large vessels, so there’s something for everyone. Bring a warm jacket along, as it can get cold out on the water, especially while in motion!
6. Spend a Sunny Afternoon Kayaking
A favorite summertime activity in the Seattle area for both locals and tourists is kayaking, and with all the waters surrounding Seattle, you’ll find just the right spot for you. Kayak rentals are available from various private rental outlets at all the lakes, as well as at other locations along the Puget Sound. Beginners might do best in the calm waters of Lake Union, where you’re surrounded by views of the city; more seasoned paddlers might want to head out into the Sound on a sea kayak. Either way, it’s an experience you’ll remember for years to come.
7. Take a Ferry Trip across the Sound
In Washington state, we ride the ferries to get from one side of the Sound to the other, or to get to various islands around the Sound, but we also ride them for the experience. Nothing beats being out on the water, especially when surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Pacific Northwest. Some of the more popular ferry destinations are Whidbey Island, Vashon Island, or Port Townsend, so you can work a day trip into your plans if you have the time, or just take the ferry trip for the ride itself. Have your camera at the ready, as you never know when you’ll catch sight of a passing eagle or whale!
8. Soar to New Heights on the Great Wheel
At a whopping 175 feet tall (just 12 feet shy of Niagara Falls!), Seattle’s Great Wheel is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West coast, and one of Seattle’s most popular attractions. Built in 2012, the wheel sits at the end of Pier 57 and juts 40 feet out over Elliot Bay. The wheel carries 42 enclosed gondolas, each holding up to eight passengers. Or, you can splurge a little and get yourself and your companion(s) tickets for the VIP gondola. Either way, the views are spectacular, and it’s a great way to take in the bay and surrounding areas.
9. Take in the City Views on a Harbor Tour
Because Seattle is a waterfront city, the best way to take in the city’s skyline is from the water, and no better way to do it than with a harbor tour. Argosy is one company that makes that easy with their one-hour Harbor Cruise, a narrated tour where you’ll learn facts and history of the Emerald City while you take in views of the skyline, the working shipping port, seasonal wildlife, and more as you cruise around Elliot Bay. The ship departs from the end of Pier 55, right down in the center of all the action along the Seattle waterfront.
10. Visit Seattle’s Original Neighborhood at Pioneer Square
Love history? Then a visit to Pioneer Square is a must when you come to Seattle! This is where it all started, and you can begin your time in this historic district with an Underground Tour which will take you beneath the streets to explore the original city, before fire destroyed it and it had to be rebuilt. When the tour’s done, head to the 35th floor of the iconic Smith Tower, which for many years was the tallest building west of the Mississippi, and enjoy panoramic views of Pioneer Square, Safeco Field, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Grab some lunch in one of the nearby eateries, and take a stroll through the Klondike Gold Rush Museum, a hidden treasure tucked away in the historic Cadillac Hotel building. Round out your day in Pioneer Square with a little shopping – indie galleries and boutiques abound, and you’ll no doubt want to treat yourself to a little something (or two or three) to remember your trip by.
