America’s Pacific Northwest is a wonderful spot to visit for a vacation, particularly the city of Seattle, Washington. Seattle is one of the best US cities for a day trip, but vacationers can stay in the city for days and not run out of exciting things to do.
Another reason Seattle is such a great travel destination is it is one of the few places in the US that travelers can visit without a car.
Seattle is full of delicious restaurants, beautiful parks, interesting museums, and fun tourist attractions. Below is a list of the top ten places to see when visiting Seattle, Washington.
10 Kerry Park
A wonderful first activity to do in Seattle is visit Kerry Park. This small public park offers incredible views of Seattle’s downtown. Visitors can also spot the majestic Mount Rainier from this location. Kerry Park is also a great free attraction for travelers on a budget.
Visit Kerry Park during sunset to get some stellar pictures of the skyline set against orange and pink skies.
- Address: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119
- Hours: 6 am-10 pm daily
9 The Seattle Great Wheel
When in Seattle, vacationers should visit Pier 57 and ride the towering Seattle Great Wheel. Stretching 175 feet into the sky, this beautiful Ferris wheel offers a smooth ride with spectacular views of Seattle’s downtown and Elliot Bay. At night, the Seattle Great Wheel is lit up with over 500,000 brightly colored LED lights, and unique light shows take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
- Hours: 11 am-9 pm daily
- Cost: Adult (12-64)- $17, senior (65+)- $15, child (3-11)- $12
Upgrade to the Glass Bottom VIP Cabin for a ride in a luxury gondola with a glass floor, leather seats, and a stereo system. The cost is $50 per person.
8 The Gum Wall
Among the quirky things worth trying in Seattle is sticking a piece of gum to the famous (yet gross) Gum Wall. This unique alleyway first became a gum dumping spot in 1993 when concertgoers would stick their gum on the wall while waiting to enter the Market Theater. Today, this wall of gum is a notable part of Seattle, where visitors from far and wide come to gawk at this strange attraction and add their own chewed-up piece of gum to the collection.
- Address: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
7 Seattle Aquarium
A more traditional and equally exciting top place to see in Seattle is the Seattle Aquarium. This attraction is only a 2-minute walk from the Seattle Great Wheel and is known for its amazing variety of marine life. The Seattle Aquarium is home to around 12,000 animals, including tufted puffins, otters, seals, seahorses, jellyfish, and a giant octopus. The aquarium is also dedicated to the protection and restoration of the marine environment, as well as educating the public through exhibits, events, education programs, and activities.
- Address: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
- Hours: 9:30 am-6 pm daily
- Cost: $20.95- $31.95 per person
6 Kubota Garden
An outdoor attraction in Seattle worth visiting is the Kubota Garden. This public Seattle park spans 20 acres and features 11 ponds, 2 red bridges, and 140 different types of maple trees. A map of the garden is posted on the park’s website. Some guests enjoy taking a self-guided tour, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, and taking time for calm self-reflection. Other travelers prefer to learn about Kubota Garden from a guide during a group tour. Fill out a tour request form at least three weeks prior to visiting to secure a spot on a group tour.
Kubota Garden is free to enter, but guests are welcome to leave a donation in the box next to the information kiosk.
- Address: 9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
- Hours: 7:30 am-8 pm
- Cost: Free
5 Washington Park Arboretum
Another beautiful park to visit in Seattle is Washington Park Arboretum. Visitors describe this botanical garden as a quiet escape from the busy city. Washington Park Arboretum features lovely plants year-round. Winter is the best time to admire the Chinese red birch, while the Azalea Way trail is ablaze with orange, yellow, and red trees during the fall season.
Another way to enjoy the garden is by biking along the paved paths and admiring the vast collection of plants.
- Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E, Seattle, WA 98112
- Hours: Open from dawn to dusk daily
- Cost: Free
4 Puget Sound
Another thing people do for fun in Seattle is visit Puget Sound. This Pacific Ocean inlet is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities. Some people enjoy kayaking along the sound, while others prefer a day of fishing.
Sailing across Puget Sound on a ferry is one of the most scenic things to do in Seattle. Washington State Ferries is the largest public ferry system in the United States and the best way to explore Puget Sound.
Never taken a ferry before? Check out the Washington State Department of Transportations’ “First-time riders” guide to learn what to expect.
3 The Space Needle
No trip to Seattle is complete without a stop at the Space Needle. People visit this 605-foot tall attraction for its spectacular observation deck and unique rotating glass floor. This unique structure that marks the Seattle skyline offers panoramic views of the downtown and beyond. Visitors enjoy looking out through the floor-to-ceiling windows and snapping some pictures of the landscape, as well as taking photos of the Space Needle itself.
- Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Hours: 10 am-8:30 pm daily
- Cost: Adult (13-64)- $32.50-$39, senior (65+)- $28-$33, child (5-12)- $24-$29
2 Chihuly Garden And Glass
See some of the best art in Seattle by visiting the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Located right next to the Space Needle, this museum houses many of artist Dale Chihuly’s glass creations. A visit to Seattle’s Chihuly Garden and Glass is worth it for a number of reasons, including a large number of galleries and stunning outdoor garden area. The juxtaposition of the neon-colored glass sculptures with the natural flowers and greenery creates a magical and unique landscape.
Attend a Community Hot Shop to learn about the glassblowing process and watch a live demonstration.
- Address: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Hours: 10 am-6 pm daily
- Cost: $17.50- $30 per person
1 Pike Place Market
One of the most popular attractions in Seattle is Pike Place Market. This lively marketplace was founded in 1907 and is one of the oldest public markets still in use in the United States. This expansive market is home to over 220 shops and restaurants. Over 150 craftspeople and over 70 farmers sell their goods at Pike Place Market.
There are several things to know before visiting Pike Place Market, such as where to park and whether to bring cash. It is also important to know the best day to visit Pike Place Market, which is Tuesday or Wednesday in the morning before the market becomes crowded.
- Address: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101