45 Best Things to Do in Seattle: Sights, Day Trips & Hotels

The best things to do in Seattle include Pike Place Market for food and local crafts, the waterfront for walks beside Elliott Bay, Chihuly Garden and Glass for art, and a ferry ride for a different view of the city. Add one skyline viewpoint, then choose museums and neighborhoods around your interests.

Seattle rewards a mix of city sights and time on the water. A morning at the market, a ferry crossing, and a neighborhood walk reveal more variety than buying tickets for every observation deck.

This guide keeps useful descriptions and recommendations from our original contributors, with visitor information checked in September 2026. Their first-person passages describe earlier visits, not a claim that every contributor returned for this update.

Use the list as a menu, not a checklist: Fremont and its Troll belong on one walk, while Seattle Center is the campus around several separately ticketed attractions. Bainbridge, Bremerton, Snoqualmie Falls, Boeing, and Victoria need their own travel time.

Choose your Seattle highlights

Times below are editorial planning estimates, not guaranteed tour durations unless explicitly stated. Check linked operator calendars for your date; prices, access, and service can change.

1. Sky View Observatory

Recommended by Julie from Ruhls of the Road

The Columbia Center offers visitors a 360-degree, birds-eye view of the Emerald City.

You can view the Seahawks and Mariners stadiums, Pike Place Market, and of course, the world-famous Seattle Space Needle.

The Sky View Observatory is located right in downtown Seattle close to Seattle’s famous public library.

You head to the base of the Columbia Center, take the elevator to the 73rd floor, and come out with a view over Seattle and its waterways.

The best part about visiting the Sky View Observatory is getting a new perspective on Seattle and seeing its landmarks from above.

If possible, it is best to visit the Sky View Observatory as either the first or last stop on your journey.

If it is the first, you can point out all the fun things you have planned for the coming days. If it is the last, you can reflect on all of the awesome experiences you’ve had in this beautiful city.

2. Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Ferris Wheel is the brainchild of businessman Hal Griffith. It has been his long-term dream to see a Ferris wheel towering above the Seattle skyline, and so he put this vision into action in 2012.

Its enclosed gondolas make this a waterfront option beyond the summer months, although operations can change with the weather.

3. Olympic Sculpture Park

Add Olympic Sculpture Park to your notes. Spanning a total of nine acres, this park is filled with outdoor sculptures and a quiet waterfront, under the management and ownership of the Seattle Art Museum.

One of the sculptures you can see in this green art space is Echo, a larger-than-life female head by Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa.

4. Bainbridge Island ferry

Recommended by Derek from Robe Trotting

While the city has so much to offer, part of what makes Seattle so amazing is how easy it is to escape into its surrounding natural beauty and slower pace of life.

One way to do this is to take “the boat” for a day trip to Bainbridge Island. The scheduled ferry ride from Seattle takes about 35 minutes and gives views of the Seattle Waterfront as the city recedes behind you.

While the views are enough to justify the trip, the island itself has plenty to offer. If you only came on foot, walk up the hill to Winslow and wander around the small town.

Those with a car will be able to adventure further for some of Bainbridge Island’s natural beauty.

On the north of the island is the Bloedel Reserve, a botanical garden worth allowing several hours for. Check its admission and reservation arrangements and plan transport beyond Winslow.

On the south of the island is Fort Ward Park, a former military base turned into a marine park. Leave enough time for exploring and the return ferry.

5. Ballard Locks

The Ballard Locks, officially named the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, acts as a linkage between Puget Sound and Lake Union.

This water passage located within the Lake Washington Ship Canal allows small and big boats to pass from one point to the other while still efficiently obstructing saltwater flow from seawater.

Aside from boats, migrating fish make their way through this area, too. A separate fish ladder is made for salmon to get to the other side during migration.

There are underwater viewing windows for those who wish to see the fish coming and going; sightings depend on the season.

Within the area, you can also find the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. A visit to this garden is one of the top things to do in Seattle for free.

6. Explore Fremont

Recommended by Hayley from Hayley on Holiday

If you want to see a different side of Seattle, head to Fremont. This Seattle neighborhood brings together public art, vintage boutiques, and neighborhood cafes.

Head to see the Fremont Troll, sitting under the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The troll, which is clutching an actual VW Beetle, grew out of a neighborhood art competition in 1990.

There are many more interesting public artworks to check out in Fremont, such as Waiting for the Interurban (look at the dog’s face), the Fremont Rocket, and the statue of Lenin.

Another one of the best things to do in Fremont is visiting the Fremont Sunday Market, with vendors selling food, second-hand wares, and handmade items. Theo Chocolate’s former Fremont store has closed, so its old shop and factory-tour recommendation no longer applies.

7. Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum has three main locations: the Olympic Sculpture Park, the downtown Seattle Art Museum, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. They are in different parts of the city.

The museum calendar includes temporary exhibits, lectures, and artistic programs. Check the current lineup before choosing your visit date.

The downtown museum suits visitors who want to spend time with art rather than rush between photo stops. Do not assume an exhibition described in an older guide is still showing.

8. Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field

Recommended by Chris from Toone’s Travel

That makes it a good place to grab a drink, try a Seattle Dog, and cheer on the Sounders with the home crowd.

These dedicated Sounders fans treat every game as do-or-die, making for a charged atmosphere inside what is now called Lumen Field.

The drum beats echo around the stadium throughout the entire match as chants from the Sounders Army ring out and urge the players to keep pressing.

If your schedule permits, make your way to Pioneer Square before kick-off to get the supporters’ experience. Check the matchday guide for the March to the Match gathering and timing.

The pre-match gathering can be as much a part of the experience as the game itself; its timing and entertainment depend on the fixture.

It’s a family-friendly environment and gives you a feel of just how expansive yet tight-knit the Seattle Sounders community is.

Maybe you’ll get lucky, and their sworn enemy, the Portland Timbers, will be in town!

9. Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square brings together Seattle’s early commercial history, galleries, brick buildings, and places to pause between sightseeing stops.

There is a First Thursday Art Walk happening at Pioneer Square on the first Thursday of each month. This walk is self-guided and is a way to meet fellow art enthusiasts in Seattle.

10. Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus

Recommended by Margie from DQ Family Travel

Seattle is a large metropolitan city located in the Pacific Northwest filled with plenty to do for people of all ages. One of the best ways to learn about a city when you first visit is to take a city tour.

On her earlier family visit, Margie liked the hop-on, hop-off trolley’s flexibility and open-air design. The current City Sightseeing service uses buses, so check the route and operating season rather than expecting that same trolley.

When our family first visited during our San Francisco to Seattle drive, we wanted something that would let us learn about the city’s history and culture as well as the flexibility to get off at any of the stops if it interested us.

Parking was another reason the family chose the tour: it let them move between stops without repeatedly finding a space.

We visited popular sites like the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit, the Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market during our day in Seattle.

11. Museum of Flight

If you are looking for aviation experiences in Seattle, head over to the Museum of Flight, a non-profit museum dedicated to air and space. It is separate from Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, so do not book one expecting the other.

The aircraft displays are the main reason to come. Check the current experiences calendar for guided access, simulators, or activities that need a separate ticket.

Families should check age and access conditions for any add-on experience instead of assuming every activity is included in admission.

Should you wish to have your entrance fee waived, go during the first Thursday of the month when the museum offers free admission from 5 to 9 p.m., not throughout the day.

12. Chihuly Garden and Glass

Recommended by Lizzie from Lizzie Lau Travels

I first saw Dale Chihuly’s work exhibited at the Dallas Arboretum several years ago and was blown away by the size and scope. When I heard that the PNW native had an eight-gallery exhibition in Seattle, I had to check it out.

Located at the base of Seattle’s Space Needle in Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is best paired with time around the campus. A dry day helps because the glass sculptures are both indoors and out.

The indoor exhibits are expertly lit up against black backdrops in otherwise dark rooms, and the colors barely seem possible.

The Glasshouse is like an enormous greenhouse filled with red, orange, and yellow glass flowers suspended from the ceiling.

The Glasshouse is surrounded on three sides by the outdoor garden, an Alice in Wonderland / fantastical acid trip version of hundreds of plants and flowers, some too big to photograph easily. It is well worth the price of admission.

You can see the whole exhibit in about one to two hours. Compare the current admission price with a package deal to do the Space Needle as well if both are on your itinerary.

13. Washington Park Arboretum

Enjoy 230 acres of greenery as you stroll through Washington Park Arboretum. This botanical garden is home to various trails that showcase nature’s colors as seasons change.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Seattle today, a trip to the Arboretum is definitely worth your time.

Check out the seasonal tour maps at the Arboretum’s website to know which tree species are in full bloom during your visit.

Head south for the separately ticketed Seattle Japanese Garden if you want to extend your walk. Free access to the Arboretum does not include that garden.

14. Pike Place Market

Recommended by Christine from Don’t Forget To Move

More than just a place to pick up lunch, Pike Place is a whole experience. Food stalls, craft sellers, and small shops make it worth taking your time.

This market is a piece of Seattle history. We recommend starting your day off with a visit to Rachel, the famous bronze Pike Place Pig.

Next up, check out the fish stand straight across from Rachel to see the famous fish tossing.

When someone orders a fish, you may hear the workers start to holler and see a fish thrown from the ice toward the counter. It is playful, but this is a working business rather than a show with guaranteed performances.

When you’ve had your fill of fish smells, head downstairs to the Gum Wall in Post Alley. This little alley is covered in pieces of gum that visitors have stuck on the walls, making it a short photo stop during your market visit.

Besides these notable attractions, it’s worth spending an afternoon just wandering around the market.

There are different stalls in different areas, including fresh flowers, produce like delicious fruits and veggies, cheeses, meats, and, of course, fish!

If it’s a warm day, you can pack a picnic and eat in the adjacent park looking over the water.

We also recommend visiting the craft area of the market where local artisans sell their handmade pieces perfect for souvenirs, and joining one of the food tours in Pike Place Market!

15. Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture, or MOPOP, explores music and popular culture inside a building designed by Frank Gehry. The architect was not the museum’s founder.

Allot a few hours to explore what MOPOP is about and the exhibitions that interest you. Check the current lineup rather than planning around older exhibit descriptions.

Check out the MoPOP Shop and see a large display of memorabilia in line with the current exhibits at the museum. Shop for a souvenir or two or start a pop collection of your own.

16. Snoqualmie Falls day trip

Recommended by Sierra from Free to Travel Mama

While Seattle offers many activities within the city, sometimes a trip to the landscape outside it is the right addition to your itinerary.

Snoqualmie Falls is outside Seattle, so treat it as a separate outing and allow for traffic rather than relying on an optimistic half-hour drive.

Renting a car is the easiest way to visit these beautiful cascades, but tours are also available.

Head east on I-90 toward Snoqualmie, with forested scenery replacing the downtown streets.

You will soon arrive at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington.

Snoqualmie Falls offers a paid parking area next to the viewpoint or a free lot across the street with a pedestrian bridge. Check the signs before leaving your car.

Entrance to the falls is free. Start with the upper observation decks to see the rushing water from different vantage points.

The path between them is paved and easy to stroll. The Salish Lodge sits at the top of the falls, which adds to this place’s charm.

If you wish to see the waterfall from below, follow the designated lower trail when open. Allow extra time for the uphill return.

Stay on the boardwalk and marked paths rather than heading down to the river.

Pack a picnic and stay awhile!

The waterfall is both peaceful and powerful, and a rewarding way to spend an afternoon outside Seattle.

17. Seattle Center

Seattle Center is a 74-acre campus originally developed for the 1962 World’s Fair.

The campus gives families room to pause between ticketed attractions.

The Seattle Center Monorail connects Westlake in downtown Seattle with Seattle Center. It is a way to reach the campus, not a shuttle between its attractions.

The Space Needle is the campus’s most recognizable landmark, with glass viewing areas that provide a very different experience from walking the grounds below.

18. Live music at The Crocodile

Recommended by Alexa from 52 Perfect Days

Seattle is the home of grunge and has loads of cool bars, pubs, and clubs. One of the most notorious is the Crocodile Bar (locally known as “The Croc”).

The Crocodile’s history includes Seattle’s grunge era, but today’s venue is in a different building from the old club. Come for the current lineup rather than expecting the original Nirvana stage.

Today the club features hip-hop, rock, electronic, folk, singer/songwriters, metal, punk, and avant-garde.

The current address is 2505 1st Avenue in Belltown. Doors, show times, and age restrictions are specific to each event.

19. Space Needle

The Space Needle’s glass viewing areas make the experience different from a conventional observation deck. Visibility still determines how much of the surrounding landscape you can see.

From downtown, take the Seattle Center Monorail to Seattle Center, then walk to the Space Needle.

A visit to this tourist destination is highly recommended, especially if you plan to celebrate something special with your loved one.

20. Seattle Ice Cream Cruise (seasonal)

Recommended by Marcie from Marcie in Mommyland

Seattle’s Ice Cream Cruise is a short, family-friendly narrated boat trip. The operator’s published 2026 Sunday season ended September 27; check for the next public sailing before planning around it.

The current departure is Dock 9 at Fishermen’s Terminal, with a route along the Ship Canal toward Lake Union. The older Lake Union Park departure described in some reviews is no longer the place to board.

On Marcie’s earlier visit, when the captain was not talking, passengers could listen to oldies music.

It is a short, 45-minute boat ride, useful for exploring Seattle with kids or if you are looking for an activity that will not take up your entire day.

On Marcie’s earlier visit, there was an indoor space set up with chessboards, checkers, and other games. Confirm current amenities if these are important to your group.

You can still enjoy your ice cream treat and look out the window. Or put on a rain poncho and head out on the deck.

Lake Union Park can be a separate stop, but it is not beside the current departure dock. Do not assume you can walk straight from the cruise into MOHAI.

At Lake Union Park, the Museum of History & Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats provide other ways to explore the waterfront.

21. Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center brings science to your fingertips through various exhibits and shows at Seattle Center.

This nonprofit science center began with the 1962 World’s Fair and remains a place for curious visitors to explore.

One of the permanent exhibits at the Pacific Science Center is the Tropical Butterfly House.

22. Seattle scenic seaplane flight

Recommended by Taylor from Travel Outlandish

It’s all about perspective. And seeing a city from high above is certainly one way to gain a new one.

Seattle has some familiar icons, especially for people who watched Frasier, but there is more to take in from above. The skyline is marked by the Seattle Great Wheel and the Space Needle.

There are more distinct bodies of water than you might expect, with Lake Union, Lake Washington, and Elliott Bay shaping the city.

There can be mountain peaks in the distance if you take to the skies on a clear day. Views and the route depend on the weather.

Kenmore Air currently advertises its Seattle Scenic flight from Lake Union as a 25-minute trip. Check the fare and check-in instructions for your date.

Everyone gets a window seat, so you won’t even have to throw elbows for some of the city’s best views.

23. Seattle Central Library

One of the best things to do in Seattle is to let the day go by as you lose yourself inside the wonderful world of books.

Take a trip to Seattle Central Library and enjoy an afternoon of me-time surrounded by books within the 11-floor building.

See the Books Spiral for yourself, spanning several levels of nonfiction books. The library’s auditorium is separate from the spiral.

The floors are designed to flow continuously, incorporating the Dewey Decimal System onto floors or sections.

You might just not see that you went a floor higher with how the place has been efficiently designed!

From the outside, the Seattle Central Library is a true sight to behold. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, together with local architects, created an iconic building that redefines what a library should look and feel like.

24. Smith Tower

Smith Tower offers views of the Seattle skyline from a historic downtown setting. It is an alternative to adding another modern observation deck to your trip.

Complete your experience with a trip to the Observatory Bar. This is one of the many things to do in Seattle if you wish to enjoy some local bites and refreshing drinks while with good company.

Book a current self-guided or guided observatory experience to explore the tower’s history, architecture, and significance. Do not assume special rooftop events are included in ordinary admission.

25. Bremerton by Washington State Ferries

One of the fun things to do in Seattle is to ride the Washington State Ferries. They are under the Washington State Department of Transportation and are one of the biggest ferry systems worldwide.

Walk through or bring your own vehicle as you travel to your Seattle destination in the most scenic way possible.

For a different route from the Bainbridge crossing above, consider the Washington State Ferries sailing to Bremerton from Seattle.

One of the best ferry Seattle destinations serviced by Washington State Ferries is Bremerton.

It is a pleasantly walkable town. While you are there, pay a visit to the Puget Sound Navy Museum and explore the massive USS Turner Joy.

26. Alki Beach

If you think of what to do in Seattle that involves the whole family, spending a day under the sun at Alki Beach is a fun idea.

The park has sand, a waterfront path, and views across the water. Puget Sound stays cold, so plan for beach time and a picnic rather than comfortable swimming temperatures.

Beach volleyball, kite flying, and walking the waterfront give the family options without going into the water.

27. Seattle Underground tour

Recommended by Niki from Chasing Departures

Under the streets of downtown Seattle, another city is hiding.

During the mid-1800s, the city was built just like any other city of the era, at ground level and made of wood.

A few decades later, the Great Seattle Fire burned 31 blocks of downtown Seattle to the ground.

When the buildings were rebuilt, insurance companies and the city required them to be made of brick or stone not to burn as easily.

After the fire, street levels in Pioneer Square were raised, leaving parts of the old streetscape beneath today’s sidewalks.

Following the regrade of the city, pedestrians would have to use a series of ladders to access the various shops of Pioneer Square while businesses were still on the original ground floors of their building.

Some former sidewalk areas became enclosed beneath the new level, with glass pavement lights admitting light from above.

In the early 1900s, even though many of the businesses had moved to the upper level, many pedestrians would still use the underground walkways.

Now, you can book tours and wander through surviving passageways and old shop entrances beneath Pioneer Square.

Check the operator’s age guidance and access conditions: stairs and uneven surfaces make this different from a flat neighborhood walk.

He’ll tell you tales of the city’s founders, the merchants, and some of the crimes that took place below the streets of Seattle.

28. Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park

The T-Mobile Park in Seattle is one of the top places to go in Seattle. It is the home of the Seattle Mariners playing at the Major League Baseball.

When it comes to food, you will never run out of well-loved and adventurous choices.

It is best to take the Link Light Rail and the bus instead of bringing your own vehicle, as locals point out how challenging parking can be around the area.

29. Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium now spans Pier 59, Pier 60, and the Ocean Pavilion. Allow time for the full campus rather than planning around the older six-exhibit description.

Its current regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. Confirm holiday exceptions before your visit.

Reserve a preferred entry time and keep your ticket: it covers the campus and is scanned when entering or re-entering Pier 59 and the Ocean Pavilion.

30. Seattle Japanese Garden

At the south side of Washington Park Arboretum is the Seattle Japanese Garden, with a carefully composed landscape that rewards a slow visit.

Paths frame views of water, planting, and stone, making a slower visit more rewarding than a quick circuit.

Tea programs are a separate reason to plan ahead; check the calendar for dates and booking requirements.

Do not assume a tea ceremony is running whenever the garden is open or included in general admission.

31. Kerry Park

Kerry Park is one of Seattle’s most useful photography stops, with the Space Needle framed against the city.

The views from the park draw photographers for the skyline of Seattle and sunsets at Elliott Bay. Mount Rainier is visible only when conditions allow.

Aside from its photogenic spots, Kerry Park is also a great place to take your loved one out on a romantic date.

After enjoying the park to the fullest, explore the outskirts of the Queen Anne neighborhood and discover sweet spots for food and shopping.

32. Walk around Green Lake

Recommended by Gina from Evergreen and Salt

Green Lake is one of Seattle’s neighborhoods north of downtown, with its namesake lake as the main appeal.

In Green Lake, you’ll find craftsman-style houses and trendy eateries, but the main appeal of this area of Seattle is the lake it’s named after.

Green Lake is centrally located in the neighborhood and has a paved walking path that goes all the way around the lake.

The path is 2.8 miles long and makes for a leisurely place to walk or get in a scenic jog. Follow current markings and share the route considerately rather than assuming it is completely separate from cyclists.

If you’re visiting Seattle for fun, an amble around the lake to soak in the pretty scenery is best, followed by a visit to a nearby eatery for lunch or dinner.

There is also a playground next to the Green Lake Community Center, a bonus for families traveling with young children. The community center is also likely where you’ll start your walk.

There is a parking lot near the community center. This lot can fill up fast, especially on weekends, so check nearby street restrictions rather than assuming parking is free or unlimited.

A car is not essential: check the current transit route to your chosen starting point around the lake.

33. Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

The Museum of History and Industry, or MOHAI, is one of the top museums in Seattle. It is a great way to learn about the rich history of the city interactively.

Its permanent displays include True Northwest: The Seattle Journey and the Bezos Center for Innovation.

Check before traveling: on September 30, 2026, MOHAI’s official visitor page still displayed an emergency water-main repair closure notice. It also announced Thursday–Monday opening from October 1, so confirm reopening directly rather than relying on its earlier daily schedule.

34. A performance at Benaroya Hall

Benaroya Hall is worth considering for an evening performance as well as its architecture. The concert itself gives a visit a purpose beyond looking into the lobby.

Benaroya Hall is home to the Seattle Symphony. Choose a performance from the current calendar before planning the rest of your evening.

35. Kubota Garden

A trip to the 20-acre Kubota Garden brings a quieter landscape into a family visit to Seattle.

The name is taken from Fujitaro Kubota, a self-taught gardener who established the Kubota Gardening Company after migrating to the United States.

The Kubota Garden history dates back to 1927, when Kubota began creating the landscape. It combines Japanese garden traditions with the Pacific Northwest setting.

The hills, valleys, waterfalls, and streams have become public sights to behold for anyone who travels to the city. A visit to the Kubota Garden is one of the top things to do in Seattle for free.

36. South Lake Union

South Lake Union is a useful place to slow down around Lake Union Park, with boats and seaplanes giving the waterfront its character.

A visit to the park is one of the many things to do in downtown Seattle for free.

South Lake Union is also the location of the Museum of History and Industry or MOHAI, part of the cool places in Seattle, Washington.

For hands-on maritime activities, check the Center for Wooden Boats calendar rather than relying on an old festival date.

37. Volunteer Park Conservatory

Volunteer Park Conservatory is a greenhouse that rewards a closer look at its plant collections.

The conservatory is located at the north end of Volunteer Park, with its Palm House acting as a main point of interest once you arrive.

Its historic glasshouse setting is part of the appeal, so leave time to look at the structure as well as the plants.

38. Victoria, BC: an international side trip

Recommended by Ashley from Wild Hearted

A side trip to Victoria, British Columbia, can work if Seattle is part of a longer visit to the Pacific Northwest. It is an international excursion, not a casual extra between city sights.

A day trip is possible on suitable sailing dates, but the time on the water and border procedures leave a limited sightseeing window. An overnight stay makes a less rushed visit.

The Victoria Clipper departs downtown Seattle for Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Confirm both sailings before booking activities ashore.

Make time to walk around the Inner Harbour and choose one additional activity, such as afternoon tea or a museum. Butchart Gardens needs its own transfer and more time than a quick downtown stop.

This gives you a taste of Vancouver Island without pretending the whole city fits into a few hours.

With an overnight stay, there is more room for Chinatown, the Royal BC Museum, or another excursion.

Check the travel-document rules for your nationality and permission to re-enter the United States, as well as the ferry’s check-in instructions.

39. Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll turns the space beneath the Aurora Bridge into a public-art stop.

It fits into the Fremont walk above rather than needing a separate half-day itinerary.

Steve Badanes and his team created the troll, which appears to emerge from the ground clutching a Volkswagen Beetle.

Head to Troll Avenue for the sculpture, then continue exploring Fremont on foot.

40. Frye Art Museum

A journey to the Frye Art Museum is one of the fun, free things to do in Seattle. A lot of events are held in its vicinity.

Check the museum calendar for public talks, tours, and art-making programs; the older daily-tour schedule should not be assumed to apply.

41. Center for Wooden Boats

The Center for Wooden Boats is located at the South Lake Union, one of the top Seattle destinations to visit.

Admission to the museum is free, while boat rentals, lessons, and some programs have their own charges or reservations.

The Center for Wooden Boats grew out of Dick and Colleen Wagner’s collection of small boats and their wish to share time on the water.

They called it a living museum, offering an immersive experience to those who visit, look at the boats, and take part in its maritime programs.

Check the current free-program and sailing calendars before coming specifically for a boat trip. Museum entry does not guarantee a sailing place.

42. Gum Wall

If you are heading to the Pike Place Market, chances are you have seen this quirky installation that is truly colorful from afar – yet a closer look might just cause you to step back.

It might just be one of the dirtiest tourist attractions you have ever been to.

The Gum Wall sits in Post Alley beside Pike Place Market, with layers of chewed gum covering sections of the brickwork.

While some pieces of gum are randomly placed and piled on top of one another, others have been arranged into shapes and messages.

Keep your distance for a photograph and continue into the market. This is a brief curiosity, not a reason to cross the city on its own.

43. Boeing Future of Flight and factory tour

Boeing Future of Flight is in Mukilteo, outside Seattle. Its current factory tour is an 80-minute guided visit focused on the Everett factory and the 777/777X assembly line, rather than the old list of 747 and 787 production.

Check the height rule before booking for a family: every factory-tour guest must be at least 4 feet (122 cm) tall, and children cannot be carried to meet the requirement.

Phones, cameras, and bags cannot go into the factory tour; lockers are provided. Arrange special accessibility requirements with the operator in advance.

For the excursion with transport from Seattle, check dates below. Confirm your selected option and access needs before booking.

44. Gas Works Park

The Gas Works Park in Seattle, WA, is a public park frequented by locals and tourists alike. A visit to this park is one of the free things to do in Seattle.

The park is named as such because its location previously housed the Seattle Gas Light Company. A lot of its fixtures can still be seen around the Gas Works Park.

Some of the activities you can readily partake in at the Gas Works Park include kite flying, frisbee playing, and yoga practicing.

Although the park overlooks Lake Union, swimming and water access are prohibited here.

45. Waterfront Park

One of the many fun things to do in Seattle, especially with the entire family, is to visit the Waterfront Park.

The rebuilt waterfront is open, with public spaces linking downtown and Elliott Bay, including Overlook Walk and Pier 58. The old advice that the park is closed until 2024 is obsolete.

Where to stay in Seattle

These four hotels from the original article provide bases for central sightseeing. Compare the total including taxes, any fees, and parking rather than treating a room-only headline rate as the final price.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

Enjoy an urban escape in the Pacific Northwest as Four Season brings you to the heart of downtown Seattle.

The Seattle Art Museum is nearby, while Elliott Bay lies below the downtown streets. Location is a strong reason to consider this hotel.

Compare bay-view room categories carefully: the exact outlook depends on the room booked.

The Charter Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Charter Seattle is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and provides a downtown base for exploring Pike Place Market and the surrounding streets.

Choose the room category for the space and outlook you want, then compare the total rate including any parking and optional extras.

The State Hotel

The State Hotel is close to Pike Place Market, making it a practical choice for a stay focused on the market and waterfront.

The State Hotel was opened in 2019 after the original building (from 1904) was renovated after sitting largely unoccupied for over 30 years.

The design is both tasteful and functional, mirroring the beauty and essentiality of city living.

When evening comes, Ben Paris offers an on-site restaurant and bar; check the current menu instead of expecting a particular cocktail from an older visit.

Thompson Seattle

Floor-to-ceiling windows are part of Thompson Seattle’s appeal. Choose a room category that explicitly includes the view you want.

The Nest is a reason to consider an evening at the hotel, with a rooftop setting overlooking Elliott Bay. Check opening times and reservation requirements separately from the room booking.

Getting to Seattle and around

From SEA Airport, Link light rail connects the airport station with downtown. Add terminal walking time, waiting, and the final hotel walk to the train journey; check airport rail connections and service alerts before traveling.

The full adult Link light rail fare is USD 3 each way as checked in September 2026. See Sound Transit fares and payment options for concessions and current terms.

Within Seattle, group nearby places rather than repeatedly crossing town. Allow for hills between the waterfront and downtown and on visits to Queen Anne or First Hill; use current bus routes or a targeted transfer for farther stops.

When to visit and how to plan costs

Summer generally offers a drier starting point for outdoor plans, while winter itineraries benefit from more indoor options. Visit Seattle’s climate information provides seasonal context, not a forecast for your trip.

A realistic three-day Seattle itinerary

Day 1: Market and waterfront: Browse Pike Place in the morning, make a brief Post Alley stop, and continue to the waterfront. Choose the Aquarium or Pioneer Square for the afternoon rather than adding both to a long museum visit.

Day 2: Seattle Center: Choose two main visits, such as Space Needle and Chihuly, or MOPOP. Add Kerry Park in good visibility if time allows, and leave enough travel and entry time if booking an evening performance or game.

Day 3: Ferry or neighborhoods: Choose Bainbridge Island or a Fremont and Lake Union day. Boeing, Snoqualmie Falls, and Victoria are alternatives or extra excursion days, not additional stops to squeeze into this plan.

More Pacific Northwest trip planning

For extra days, browse our Seattle day-trip guide. Continuing south into Oregon? Use our things to do in Portland guide to plan the next city stop.

For a longer trip, explore our United States travel guides.

Seattle travel FAQs

Updated September 30, 2026. Ride the Ducks and the closed Starbucks Reserve Roastery are no longer current visit recommendations; seasonal activities require a date check.

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Pauline Joie

Pauline has a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and is a professional content writer. She specializes in writing about travel and food. Pauline spent most of her career life in Dubai and is a Travel Expert for the United States and Costa Rica.

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