Seattle is like its own planet in the Pacific Northwest. Its gravitational pull is hard to avoid as the biggest city in the region, enticing with a broad selection of outdoor and indoor attractions alongside a vibrant community. I find something new that adds to the sparkle of the Emerald City with every visit, especially in the summer, when the entire city shines after winter's frequent drizzles. Visitors may conjure the image of the Seattle Space Needle when envisioning a trip to Seattle. And this 605-foot spire is well worth the visit, especially the surrounding Seattle Center, home to other attractions like Chihuly Garden and Glass and Climate Pledge Arena. But peel Seattle back beyond these renowned tourist destinations, and the city has so much more to explore.
You'll never see everything in a single day or weekend. I once stayed for an entire month and felt pressed for time. That's because between seaside parks, underground tours, immersive museums, and iconic spots like Pike Place Market, things to do in Seattle span all hours of the day and throughout the year. Seattle is a high-tech hub in a spectacular setting, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, forested islands, and wave-lapped beaches. It’s also Washington State’s undisputed cultural capital, with a vibrant art scene and cosmopolitan dining that draw creative transplants from around the globe. Whether strolling Pike Place Market, sipping coffee at the Original Starbucks, gliding up the Space Needle, or taking a day trip to Mt. Rainier National Park, the best things to do in Seattle are yours to discover.
