Things to Do in Seattle, Washington

By now everyone knows that there are more things to do in Seattle than ride the elevator up to the top of the Space Needle. If you do find yourself at the top, look out over the city in all directions and enjoy the view. Then, take the elevator down again, because you need to quit looking and start experiencing the fun things to do in Seattle. Things to do in Seattle Washington vary greatly, for it is one of America’s most unique and interesting cities. You can spend a lot of money on amazing Seattle luxury hotels or ultra-hip restaurants, spend a little on great beer from local breweries, or even find some free things to do in Seattle. No matter what your budget will allow, there is an endless amount of fun things to do in Seattle. Here you’ll find the best things to do in the Emerald City as part of your Washington vacation.

Pike Place Market

One of the most famous things to do in Seattle Washington, Pike Place Market is your chance to buy local produce, fish, flowers, art, and much more. For a quintessential Seattle experience that is also one of the best free things to do in Seattle, a walk around the market seeing the workers throw fish and listening to street musicians play is definitely worth an afternoon.

Smith Tower

Those interested in historic architecture should visit Smith Tower in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of downtown Seattle. The Chinese Room is an unforgettable place to set up a corporate meeting or celebration of any kind, and the observation deck is worth the few dollars to ride to the top of Seattle’s first skyscraper. For some, a visit to Smith Tower will be one of the more memorable and fun things to do in Seattle.

Breweries

Seattle prides itself in its microbreweries, where some of the most unique and tasty beers are brewed and served. Names like Red Hook, Elysian, Pyramid, and Maritime Pacific make up a tradition worth tasting in Ballard, Fremont, or Woodinville. Every bar or restaurant worth visiting in Seattle will have at least one of these on tap, but a trip to where the beer is made is one of the great rainy day things to do in Seattle Washington.

Experience Music Project

Any list of things to do in Seattle for the music lover must include a trip to Experience Music Project, a groundbreaking place to truly take in the past, present, and future of music. With architecture that is daring to say the least, and music from the past and present taking center stage, Jimi Hendrix would be proud of the EMP, himself a native Seattleite.

Seattle Art Museum

While on the topic of museums, the Seattle Art Museum must be mentioned as an excellent place to visit, or rather, places. The SAM, as it is known, includes the main downtown location, as well as the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and the SAM gallery. A visit to any or all of these will inspire creativity within you, and is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Seattle.

Seattle Parks and Woodland Park Zoo

Yes, it rains a lot here. But take it from a local: there is a peaceful quality to the Seattle rain, and when the sun shines in Seattle, it is the greenest place you can find (thanks to all that rain). No matter the weather, take a chance to enjoy some naturally-focused things to do in Seattle Washington. Discovery Park is one of the most loved urban parks in the nation. Enjoy views of Puget Sound, a picnic on the hillside, or the miles of walking trails that make this one of the great free things to do in Seattle. Next, experience wildlife at Woodland Park Zoo, a major zoo located in the heart of Seattle. Woodland Park Zoo gives you an up close encounter with wildlife, and with interactive options for kids, families will find this one of the most fun things to do in Seattle.

Safeco Field and Qwest Field

Seattle has, in recent years, become quite a sports town, with fans of the Mariners (MLB) and Seahawks (NFL) being ranked among the most raucous in the nation. As far as concert and sports venues, both teams boast great places to watch games and experience events. The Mariners’ Safeco Field is one of the most beautiful places to see a baseball game in the country on a pleasant evening from April through September. The Seahawks have the loudest stadium in the NFL, so bring your earplugs and cheer along, but bring your credit card… a Hawks game is far from being among the free things to do in Seattle.

Kirkland

Kirkland is a thriving city on the “East Side” (of Lake Washington), and is home to excellent places to eat, drink, and enjoy live music. Get off the beaten path of Seattle attractions and visit Kirkland, an up-and-coming town that will not disappoint as one of the most fun things to do in Seattle.

Neighborhoods

Like many major cities, Seattle has distinct neighborhoods that each has a flavor of their own. If you want to enjoy one of the most authentic things to do in Seattle Washington, just spend a day taking a tour of the different neighborhoods, enjoying the attractions that make each of them famous Pacific Northwest destinations