Seattle is a lively city on the West Coast of the United States. Located in the state of Washington, the city sits on the waterway of Puget Sound and is a gem of the pacific northwest. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests, there is no shortage of scenic things to do in Seattle. Make the most of a trip to this beautiful city by checking some of these ten items off your Seattle travel bucket list.
10 Ride The Seattle Center Monorail
The Seattle Center Monorail connects the Seattle Center to the downtown Westlake Center and is a mile-long route. It’s also a designated historical landmark for the city and travels at a maximum speed of 45 mph. The train route takes passengers on a scenic journey above the city roadways, weaving through the high rises and bypassing traffic. Riding the monorail is extremely affordable, with one-way tickets for adults costing just $3.25.
9 Explore The Chihuly Garden And Glass Museum
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit inside the Seattle Center, next to the infamous Space Needle. This unique and visually stunning exhibit was designed to showcase the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The exhibit is full of bold, bright colors, blooming flowers, and demos to teach visitors about the properties of glass. The exhibit is akin to an ultra-modern art gallery with awe-inspiring glasswork installations. Admission for adults is $35 per person, but there are special discounted tickets available daily before 11 AM.
8 View The Seattle Skyline From Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a small public green space in the city of Seattle and offers a scenic viewpoint of the city Skyline from the south side of Queen Anne Hill. The best time to take in this incredible view of the city is at sunset or sunrise when the lighting is soft, and the colors of the sky over the water are breathtaking. Travelers should bring their phones or cameras to capture the experience and the city’s natural beauty.
7 Sail Across Puget Sound On A Ferry
Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean and is the body of water that Seattle backs onto. Travelers can experience the scenic wonder of Puget Sound by boarding a Washington State Ferry and getting out on the water for a different view of the city. From Seattle, there are two ferry options, including the Bainbridge Island route and the Bremerton ferry service. The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island takes 35 minutes to cross Puget Sound, while the ferry to Bremerton takes 60 minutes.
6 Ride The Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is a large Ferris wheel on Pier 57. The Ferris wheel is covered in 500,000 LED lights and is illuminated in a colorful light show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. On holidays there are unique light shows to celebrate the occasion, and the Seattle Great Wheel can be hired for custom light shows for the purpose of marriage proposals, gender reveals, and more! Admission tickets for adults to ride the Seattle Great Wheel are $17 per person.
5 Go Kayaking On Lake Union
Lake Union is a freshwater lake that is within the city limits of Seattle, Washington. This gorgeous body of water is part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to explore via kayak. There are multiple locations where travelers can rent kayaks for a few hours or the day to explore Lake Union and appreciate the beauty of Seattle from a new perspective. Travelers can check out the Northwest Outdoor Center, Moss Bay, or Agua Verde Paddle Club for affordable local kayak rentals.
4 Tour Wineries In Woodinville Wine Country
Approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle, travelers can explore a different side of the region’s natural beauty by taking in the scenic views of Woodinville Wine Country. There are more than 130 state wineries in this region, and travelers can choose from a variety of wine tasting passes, starting at just $45. Visitors who want to see and taste the best of the region all year round can purchase the Passport to Taste 2022, which is valid for the full calendar year, for just $89.99.
3 Take A Seaplane Tour
Kenmore Air is one of many seaplane tour operators in the area, offering travelers a chance to view Seattle from the sky. These tours take off from the terminal at South Lake Union and fly above the signature landmark of the city, the Space Needle. Bookings are modifiable for up to 24 hours before the flight, and prices start at $121 for a 30-minute scenic flight departing from Lake Union.
2 Take A Day Trip To Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most scenic and breathtaking destinations in the United States, and it’s just a couple of hours outside Seattle. The icon of the park is Mount Rainier, which stands at 14,410 feet above sea level and is also an active volcano. Travelers taking a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park can explore hiking trails throughout the park and look for wildlife, which is abundant in this beautiful region.
1 Visit The Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks, also called the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are a Seattle attraction on the west end of Salmon Bay. Named Ballard Locks for their proximity to the Ballard neighborhood, these locks are a picturesque spot within the city to watch small boats and ships transfer from Puget Sound to Lake Union and Lake Washington. It’s known as the busiest locking system in the country and was established in 1917.