10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Seattle, Washington
If you’re planning a trip to
Seattle, Washington, you’re in for a treat. This Pacific Northwest city in
King County has a little bit of everything: water, mountains, coffee, music, and some very unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the USA.
Whether it’s your first time in Seattle or you’ve been here before, this easy guide walks you through
10 of the best things to do near Seattle so you can make the most of your visit.
1. Ride to the Top of the Space Needle
You can’t talk about Seattle travel without mentioning the
Space Needle. It’s the city’s most famous landmark and one of the top things to do in Seattle for first-time visitors.
Take the high-speed elevator up 520 feet to the observation deck. On a clear day, you’ll see:
- Downtown Seattle’s skyline
- Mount Rainier in the distance
- Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound
- The Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges
There’s also a glass floor (yes, you can look straight down) that slowly rotates. If you’re a little nervous about heights, you can take your time and walk along the edge instead of rushing out to the middle.
Tip: Try visiting close to sunset so you get both daytime and nighttime city views in one visit.
2. Stroll Through Pike Place Market
Just a short walk from the waterfront,
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the country. It’s busy, colorful, and full of local flavor.
Some fun things to do here:
- Watch the famous fish-throwing at the seafood stands
- Pick up fresh flowers or local produce
- Grab a bowl of clam chowder or a fresh-baked pastry
- Browse handmade crafts and art from local makers
If you love people-watching, this is your spot. Grab a coffee, find a bench with a view of the water, and just take it all in.
Travel tip: Go earlier in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
3. Explore the Waterfront and Seattle Great Wheel
Head down the hill from Pike Place Market and you’ll reach the
Seattle waterfront, another must-see area for visitors.
Things to do along the waterfront:
- Ride the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas
- Visit the Seattle Aquarium to learn about marine life of the Pacific Northwest
- Walk along the piers for views of ferries and cruise ships
- Enjoy fish and chips at one of the local spots by the water
On a sunny day, the waterfront feels almost like a small seaside town. Even if you only have one day in Seattle, try to fit in a stroll along the piers.
4. Take a Ferry Ride Across Puget Sound
One of the simplest and most scenic things to do near Seattle is to ride a
Washington State Ferry. These ferries are part of everyday life for locals, but they also make a great low-cost cruise for visitors.
Popular routes from downtown Seattle:
Stand outside on the deck as you leave the city. You’ll get incredible views of:
- The Seattle skyline behind you
- Snowy mountains in the distance
- Possibly seals or even orcas if you’re really lucky
Bainbridge Island, in particular, is great for a half-day trip. Once you arrive, you can walk into the small town area, grab ice cream, visit local shops, or just wander along the waterfront.
5. Wander Through Chihuly Garden and Glass
Right next to the Space Needle in Seattle Center, you’ll find
Chihuly Garden and Glass—one of the city’s most beautiful indoor-outdoor attractions.
This museum showcases the glass artwork of Dale Chihuly, a famous artist from Washington State. Inside, you’ll walk through rooms filled with:
- Colorful blown-glass sculptures
- Glass “gardens” that feel almost otherworldly
- A huge glasshouse with a hanging sculpture and a view of the Space Needle
Even if you’re not usually into art museums, this one feels different. The shapes and colors are bold and fun, and it’s very easy to enjoy without any background knowledge.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting the Space Needle, look for combo tickets that include Chihuly Garden and Glass to save some money.
6. Discover Museums at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is like the city’s playground: lots of attractions in one area. Besides the Space Needle and Chihuly, you’ll find a few great
Seattle museums here.
Two standouts:
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Focused on music, movies, video games, and pop culture. Seattle is the home of grunge, so you’ll see exhibits on Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
- Pacific Science Center – A hands-on science museum that’s fun for kids and adults, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and sometimes live science shows.
If the weather turns rainy (and in Seattle, it often does), spending a few hours in these museums is a great backup plan.
7. Relax at Kerry Park for the Classic Skyline View
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Seattle’s skyline with the Space Needle in front and Mount Rainier in the background, there’s a good chance it was taken from
Kerry Park.
This small park on Queen Anne Hill offers:
- A picture-perfect view of downtown Seattle
- Sunset views that are hard to beat on clear days
- A great spot for simple, quiet moments
It’s not a big place—you won’t spend hours here—but it’s one of the best free things to do in Seattle. Bring a light jacket (it can get breezy) and your camera or phone.
If you’re visiting with someone special, this is a lovely spot for a romantic evening view.
8. Get Outside at Discovery Park
Need a break from the city? Head to
Discovery Park, the largest park in Seattle, located in the Magnolia neighborhood.
This park has:
- Miles of easy walking trails
- Forest, open meadows, and cliffs
- A lighthouse and beach along the Puget Sound
You can choose a short stroll or a longer loop, depending on your energy. It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs, enjoy some Pacific Northwest nature, and maybe spot an eagle or two.
If you like hiking but don’t have time to drive far into the mountains, Discovery Park is a great compromise right in Seattle.
9. Take a Day Trip to Snoqualmie Falls
About 30 miles east of Seattle, still within King County, you’ll find
Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most famous waterfalls.
The falls drop nearly 270 feet into a rocky river below, and you can enjoy them from easy-to-reach viewpoints. There’s:
- An upper viewpoint very close to the parking area
- A lower viewpoint reached by a trail (check conditions before you go)
- A lodge nearby where you can grab a bite or a drink with a view
If you have access to a car, this is an excellent half-day trip from Seattle. The drive itself takes you through green, forested areas and gives you a feel for the landscape just outside the city.
10. Experience Ballard: Locks, Breweries, and Waterfront Vibes
The Ballard neighborhood offers a very “Seattle” mix of maritime history, food, and local culture.
Highlights include:
- Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) – Watch boats move between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the ship canal. There’s also a fish ladder where you can sometimes see salmon swimming upstream.
- Golden Gardens Park – A sandy beach area with views of the Olympic Mountains. Great for sunsets and evening walks.
- Ballard’s restaurants and breweries – This area is known for its craft beer and cozy spots to eat. It’s a fun neighborhood for an evening out.
If you want to see how locals spend their weekends, Ballard is a good place to explore.
Planning Your Seattle Itinerary
You might be wondering:
How many days do I need in Seattle? That depends on what you want to see, but here’s a simple guideline:
- 1–2 days: Focus on downtown, Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Space Needle, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
- 3–4 days: Add Discovery Park, Ballard, a ferry ride, and a museum like MoPOP.
- 5+ days: Include a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls and maybe other nearby outdoor spots.
No matter how long you stay, you’ll find plenty of
fun things to do in Seattle that fit your pace and interests.
Share Your Seattle Experience
Have you been to Seattle before? Which spot was your favorite—the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Snoqualmie Falls, or something totally different?
Or are you planning your first Seattle trip and still deciding what to do?
I’d love to hear from you.
- Drop a comment with your questions or your own travel tips.
- Share this post with a friend or family member who’s dreaming about a Pacific Northwest getaway.
The more we share real experiences and honest tips, the easier it becomes for everyone to plan a memorable, stress-free trip to beautiful
Seattle, Washington.
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