If you are looking to plan a truly spectacular vacation filled with culture, innovation and an abundance of delectable delights, then Seattle is the perfect destination. Filled with captivating cultural centers, magnificent museums and some of the Northwest's most renowned restaurants, this incredible city has something for everyone.
With a verifiable plethora of exciting opportunities to choose from, visitor's days are filled with vibrant scenic views and amazing activities. Exploring the city’s rich range of offerings will lead you on a unique adventure that will make this an unforgettable getaway.
Here are a few of most recommended attractions that will help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
Playing a central role in Seattle for well over a century, the Pike Place Market is one of the city’s most iconic destinations. For locals, this central marketplace is the go-to spot for locally caught fresh fish from their world-renowned fish market, stunning flowers from local farms, regional and sustainably grown produce as well as a wide selection of delicious artisan goods.
If you’re looking for a quintessential representation of Seattle’s quirk and charm, then look no further than the Pike Place Market Gum Wall. It all started in the 1990s when local performers and patrons began sticking their used gum to the Wall of Unexpected Productions. However, it is now a beloved art piece and a cherished photo-op destination for locals and tourists alike.
The marketplace is also home to many specialty food shops, retail stores and even a crafts market. Pikes Place also hosts some of the area’s most unbelievable restaurants, bakeries and breweries, making it a foodie's dream come true.
Of course, if you’re having a hard time deciding where to eat and explore, you might want to check out this sensation 2-Hour Signature Food Tour of Pike Place Market, which takes you through all the delicious backdoors of one of the city’s most beloved sites.
There is nothing more iconically Seattle than the incredible Space Needle that undeniably defines the city skyline. One of the city’s most distinct and recognizable landmarks, a visit to the Space Needle is an experience unlike any other. Visitors can ride the site's high-speed elevator 605 feet up to the upper level, which offers floor-to-ceiling glass window panoramic views of the city and the magnificent mountain ranges surrounding the area. If that isn’t enough, guests can also hop aboard The Loupe, the world’s only rotating glass floor.
While you’re there, grab a drink at the Loupe Lounge. Located directly on the revolving Loupe, this iconic bar and lounge offers signature showstopping cocktails showcasing the incredible distilleries and breweries in the Pacific Northwest.
While you may be able to find world-renowned artist Dave Chihuly’s work in over 200 museums across the globe, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in the beauty and magnificence of this one-of-a-kind installation. The artist’s colorful and whimsical creations blend perfectly with nature, creating an absolutely dazzling destination.
The gardens themselves are pristinely maintained, with sculptures hidden throughout. At the heart of this unique gallery lies the museum’s focal point, a 40-foot glass building bursting with beautiful botanical pieces all around.
Dedicated to showcasing the wonder of modern culture, the MoPop is a spectacular museum designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry and filled with exceptional exhibits ranging from an in-depth look at science fiction to interactive experiences with some of the world’s most recognizable artists.
Their collection of memorabilia from some of the most iconic fantasy films in history is certainly one of the most popular exhibits in the museum and guests from around the world are often left speechless when their given up-close looks at pieces from artists like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana.
Locally known as the SAM, this renowned museum is widely recognized as one of the region's best collections, if not the entire West Coast. Room after room is filled with exquisite pieces ranging from the ancient world to modern contemporary masters.
With nearly 25,000 pieces, the SAM showcases works from artists from around the world. It has been heavily praised for its dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous art alongside classic global artists.
One of their principal and most popular collections is their Asian Art exhibit, where guests can see pieces rarely seen outside their original region.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life, then a visit to Gas Works Park will be an ideal escape. Originally an industrial gasification plant used to power the city, this iconic park is now one of the most beloved and revered green spaces in all of Seattle.
The iconic mechanical structures rising out of the grassy hills give the park a distinct steampunk feel, making this a great destination for photographers and anyone looking to get that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
The stunning views of Lake Union and the beautiful Seattle skyline have also made this a popular place for picnics, hikes and other outdoor activities.
Courtesy of Visit Seattle
7. Fremont Troll
North 36th Street, Troll Ave N., Seattle, WA
Based on the idea of a troll under the bridge from Scandinavian folklore, the Fremont Troll is a quintessential part of Seattle. A symbol of Fremont’s artistic spirit, this quirky troll holds onto a real VW Beetle with a California license plate. Originally designed to fit a time capsule inside the car, the sculpture is now recognized as one of the city’s most precious locations.
The iconic site has been seen in various movies and television shows and is a great place to get a few snaps to remember your trip.
While the site is easily accessible by bus or train, several Seattle Tours also bring you to visit this endearing site, including this AAA-recommended three-hour city tour.
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 206.684.4075
With nearly 12 miles of picturesque trails through scenic forests and stunning open meadows, Discovery Park is a verifiable urban oasis and the largest park in the city. Visitors are often left stunned by the array of stunning ecosystems throughout the park, including two miles of protected tidal beaches, captivating ocean cliffs, fantastical forest groves and mesmerizing meadows with beautiful and relaxing streams.
The park is also home to an Environmental Learning Center, which offers guests a unique environmental education experience throughout the year.
If you’re hoping to find some of the most amazing views in all of Seattle, you’ll certainly find them at Kerry Park. Also known as Franklin Place, this beautiful destination offers stunning views of Downtown Seattle, the Space Needle and Mount Rainier and is the perfect place to unwind after a day wandering through the excitement of the city.
This is definitely one of the most spectacular places to take in the city, especially at sunset when the views look like they’re straight out of a cinematographical masterpiece.
Located on the marvelous Pier 57 along the Seattle Waterfront, the Great Wheel is one of the biggest Ferris Wheels in the country and is the perfect destination for more fun-loving visitors. Guests are taken up 175 feet in fully enclosed gondolas, where they are guaranteed to see some of the city’s most spectacular views of Elliott Bay.
If you’re looking for a place to spend an evening, then take advantage of the Seattle Great Wheel light shows. Covered with over 500,000 LED lights, this magnificent display lights up the sky and creates a captivating cityscape every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
Visit Seattle / Rachael Jones
11. Smith Tower
506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 206.624.0414
Travelers hoping for the opportunity to step back in time will love a visit to Smith Tower. A stunning skyscraper with a colorful historical past, this iconic Seattle building has connections to rum runners, gun-slingers, typewriters and Chinese royalty.
Not only is the building itself filled with unbelievable architecture and artifacts, but it’s also home to the Observatory Bar, one of the most beloved lounges in the city. Its unique speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and mouthwatering hand-crafted cocktails have made this a dream come true for passionate cocktail enthusiasts from around the world.
Take advantage of this AAA Observatory Access Ticket, which will help you gain access to every bit of this unique experience.
These picturesque and pristine botanical gardens are a great way to enjoy a flourishing natural environment in the city's heart. Part of the University of Washington, these unique gardens offer 230 acres of lush landscape, a diverse array of plants and innumerable walking paths where guests can lose themselves in the park's beauty.
On the south end of the Arboretum, guests can find a stunning Japanese garden sanctuary with winding stone pathways leading to mindfully designed and seasonally changing installations.
A peaceful escape from busy city streets, this exquisite garden is a great way to end your stay in this charming city.
Seattle is known for its unique blend of art, culture and nature and has quickly become one of the country’s most desirable destinations. Making the most of its unique and exciting attractions is the best way to immerse yourself in everything this beautiful city offers.
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