Top Destinations in Seattle

1. Space Needle

The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic landmark and one of the tallest buildings in the city. Standing 605 feet tall, the observation deck offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of Seattle’s skyline, the Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and Mount Rainier. Visitors can enjoy interactive displays that showcase the history of the Space Needle and its role in Seattle’s identity. The Sky City Restaurant, located at the top, offers a rotating dining experience for those who want to dine while enjoying the views.

2. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is a bustling marketplace that dates back to 1907, making it one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the U.S. This vibrant market is home to an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, local produce, artisanal goods, flowers, and unique crafts. One of the market’s most famous attractions is Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers throw fish to each other in an entertaining show for customers. Visitors can also see the original Starbucks Coffee shop, watch street performers, and shop for handmade goods. Post Alley is another must-see area, home to the famous gum wall, a quirky and colorful attraction.

3. Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located at the base of the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the stunning glass art of artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit includes a combination of indoor galleries featuring large glass sculptures and installations, as well as an outdoor garden that integrates glass art with natural surroundings. The glass sculptures are vibrant and intricate, reflecting light in different ways depending on the time of day. A standout feature is the Glasshouse—a 40-foot-high glass ceiling filled with over 1,000 hand-blown glass blossoms.

4. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must-visit for anyone interested in the world of music, movies, video games, and pop culture. Located near the Seattle Center, the museum features ever-changing exhibits on everything from Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain to science fiction, fantasy, and gaming. The Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic exhibit explores the art and worlds behind franchises like *The Lord of the Rings* and *Star Wars*. MoPOP also offers interactive experiences, including a music lab where you can try playing musical instruments and a Sound Lab to explore the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

5. Seattle Center

The Seattle Center is a dynamic urban park located in the heart of the city. Home to a variety of cultural institutions, it includes the Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. The park also offers many outdoor spaces, fountains, and gardens for visitors to enjoy. The International Fountain is a popular spot for visitors, especially in summer, where water jets spout rhythmically to music. The Seattle Center Armory houses restaurants, shops, and local events, making it a hub of activity.

6. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is one of the top art destinations in the Pacific Northwest. SAM’s diverse collection includes works of art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, with a focus on indigenous and contemporary works. In addition to the main museum, SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park offers an outdoor art experience with sculptures set against views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. The park is open year-round and features temporary installations and exhibits. SAM also hosts rotating exhibits, including contemporary art and special collections.

7. Seattle Aquarium

Located on Pier 59 on Seattle’s waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium offers a glimpse into the marine life of the Puget Sound. Visitors can see sea otters, harbor seals, and a variety of fish species. The aquarium’s Underwater Dome allows guests to view a 360-degree display of the aquatic life native to the Pacific Northwest. The Tidepool Exhibit is another highlight, where visitors can touch starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins. The aquarium also focuses on conservation efforts, educating the public about the local marine ecosystem.

8. Discovery Park

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, encompassing 534 acres of lush forests, meadows, and beaches along Puget Sound. Located on the Magnolia Bluff, the park offers a variety of trails, from easy walks along the waterfront to more challenging hikes through dense woods. Visitors can enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, or explore the West Point Lighthouse, which has stood since 1881. Discovery Park is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species spotted within the park’s boundaries.

9. Seattle Great Wheel

Situated on Pier 57 along the waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Seattle’s skyline and surrounding water. The wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas, and visitors can enjoy a 15-minute ride while taking in views of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Space Needle. At night, the wheel lights up with colorful LED lights, creating a spectacular sight from the waterfront.

10. The Seattle Underground Tour

Seattle’s history comes alive on the Underground Tour, which takes you below the streets of Seattle to the original city level that was once destroyed in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. The tour explores the old storefronts and passageways that existed before the city was rebuilt. It’s a fascinating look into Seattle’s early days and its rise from the ashes after the fire. The tour is both informative and entertaining, with guides sharing stories of Seattle’s quirky past.

11. Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder

The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, connect the Puget Sound to Lake Washington. Visitors can watch boats pass between the two bodies of water or observe the Fish Ladder, which allows salmon and other fish species to swim upstream to spawn. The fish ladder is particularly busy during the summer and fall when the salmon migration peaks. There is also a visitor center with educational exhibits about the fish migration process and the surrounding ecosystem.

12. Seattle Japanese Garden

Located in Washington Park Arboretum, the Seattle Japanese Garden is a peaceful retreat that showcases traditional Japanese landscaping. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, cross picturesque bridges, and enjoy koi ponds, waterfalls, and carefully designed plantings. The garden’s serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for relaxation, meditation, or photography.

13. Washington State Ferries

A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a ride on one of the Washington State Ferries. These iconic ferries offer an easy way to explore the surrounding islands, such as Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and Whidbey Island. The ferry ride provides stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline, and the surrounding waters. Bainbridge Island is especially popular for its charming small-town feel, art galleries, and excellent dining options.

14. Kerry Park

Located on Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers one of the best panoramic views of Seattle. From this small park, visitors can capture an iconic photo of the city skyline with Mount Rainier towering in the background. It’s a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike, especially during sunset when the city lights reflect on the water.

15. Pike Place Chowder

No visit to Seattle is complete without a stop at Pike Place Chowder, located in Pike Place Market. This cozy eatery is known for its delicious, award-winning clam chowder and other soups, such as the lobster bisque and New England clam chowder. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the fish tacos or crab rolls. The chowder is a Seattle favorite and an essential part of the market experience.