Choose from 50 Fun Things to Do in Seattle
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Chateau Ste Michelle Vineyards
Many of us regularly sip wine at home with a good meal, but for those wanting to know the history behind the rich liquid inside the glass, the Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards opens its gates to visitors. The French style winery dispels the myth that good wine can only be produced in warm climates and proves that great wines can most definitely come from Washington state. It is located in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains in the Columbia Valley, where warmer temperatures and less wet weather allow the vines to flourish. With over 100 years of tradition to look back on, Chateau Ste. Michelle prides itself on combining old world winemaking with modern innovations and thus operates two modern wineries for both red and white wine.
There are regular guided tours and tastings held, which give insight into the bottling and fermentation process and refine the palette as well as show how to properly smell, swirl and taste wine. Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards is especially well known for their Rieslings, and special culinary events pair the fine wine with appropriate foods. Afterwards, the extensive as well as beautiful grounds invite for a stroll among peacocks and ducks or a picnic on the extensive grassy areas.
Practical Info
Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards can be visited daily between 10am and 5pm. The winery is located about 20 miles outside of Seattle in Woodinville and is best reached by car.
Address: 14111 NE 145th Street, Woodinville, Washington 98072, USA
From $ 98
Chittenden Locks & Fish Ladder
Learn about the annual phenomenon of salmon spawning at Seattle’s Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, known locally as the Ballard Locks, where three types of Pacific salmon pass through the fish ladder during the summer months on the way upriver to their spawning grounds.
The Basics
The Ballard Locks are one of the most-visited attractions in Seattle, and there are several opportunities to visit on a city tour or even a boat cruise. If you go on your own, free walking tours are available on-site and last about an hour.
During spawning season, sockeye, chinook, and coho salmon climb the Lake Washington Ship Canal Fish Ladder. You can watch this impressive feat either from underwater tanks or from above, where nets keep the fish from jumping too high and stranding themselves on the pavement.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Even during peak spawning season, there is no guarantee you’ll see salmon in the fish ladder due to low tides or low salmon numbers.
- Water can be purchased at the visitor center; food is not usually available but picnics are allowed if you’ve purchased food from one of the nearby eateries.
- Free parking can be found in the neighborhoods on the north and south sides of the locks, and metered parking is available at the north main entrance gate.
How to Get There
The locks are located about 15 minutes north of downtown Seattle, across the Ballard Bridge in the neighborhood of Ballard. Via public transport, take bus 29 or 44.
When to Get There
The best time to visit is during the salmon spawning season, from mid-June to September. The grounds are open every day; the visitor center is open daily from May to September and Thursday through Monday from October to April. For maintenance, the small locks are closed for two weeks in March, the large locks are closed for two weeks in November, and the fish ladder is closed for about two weeks in May.
Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden
Located outside the locks’ northern entrance, the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden hosts free concerts on summer weekends and features walking trails that wind through trees and flower gardens. A small museum and visitor center document the history of the locks.
Address: 3015 NW 54th Street, Seattle, USA
From $ 47
Chinatown-International District
Often simply referred to as the ID, the Chinatown-International District is the multiethnic center of Seattle’s Asian community. The neighborhood is also one of the city’s oldest, its rich history highlighted by museums, festivals, and cultural centers. Many visitors come for the food—dim sum, banh mi, sushi, and more.
The Basics
History and culture are major draws in the Chinatown-International District. Some highlights include Kobe Terrace, a small terraced park showcasing an urban community garden and Mt. Fuji cherry trees; the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience; and annual cultural festivals such as the Lunar New Year celebration and Bon Odori, a Japanese Buddhist festival.
Plan to get lost here, exploring the streets on foot and taking in the sights and sounds. Maybe you’ll stumble across a dim sum parlor you just have to try, find a boutique worth browsing, or wander the aisles at the Uwajimaya superstore shopping for noodles and tea. The Chinatown-International District is also a popular swing-by on city tours. Chinatown Discovery Tours and the Wing Luke Museum offer tours centered around food and history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- History buffs, foodies, and families enjoy trips to this neighborhood.
- Be prepared for a lot of walking, as the neighborhood’s many charms are best experienced on foot.
- Plan your visit around a festival or summertime night market for an even richer experience.
How to Get There
The Chinatown-International District is east of 4th Avenue South, with the main thoroughfares being South Jackson Street, South King Street, and 12th Avenue South. The area can be reached with a variety of public transportation options, including numerous buses, the Link Light Rail, and the Seattle Streetcar.
When to Get There
There’s no bad time to visit the Chinatown-International District. It’s an active neighborhood of residents and workers, so its almost always bustling and busy, with plenty to see and do. The neighborhood is particularly lively around annual festival times: the Lunar New Year, in January or February, and Bon Odori, which takes place in July.
Chinatown-International District Restaurants
A slew of exciting dining options await visitors who want to experience the district with their taste buds. Fill up on dim sum—including the beloved soup dumplings, or xiao long bao—at local favorite Dough Zone Dumpling House. Or, dine at century-old sushi house Maneki, which reopened after Japanese internment closed many restaurants for good during World War II. Save room for dessert at Bambu, which serves massive mounds of ice cream topped with fruit and sauces.
Address: Seattle, Washington, USA
From $ 42
Belltown
Just north of downtown and packed with boutiques, restaurants, and bars, the vibrant Seattle neighborhood of Belltown bustles with activity day and night. The densely populated area is considered one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the United States, making it an ideal place to explore on foot.
The Basics
Belltown is home to some of the best retail and dining options in the city, and shops and restaurants anchor its high-end residential skyscrapers. At night the streets come alive with extracurricular activity.
Head to the Olympic Sculpture Park to view massive art installations with a waterfront view or take a mixology class with some of the neighborhood’s top cocktail minds. Belltown is an easy stroll from Pike Place Market and downtown, so those on a hop-on hop-off tour can explore the neighborhood from there.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Young adult travelers will enjoy Belltown more than visitors with young children.
- The best way to explore Belltown is on foot, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Choose a half-day walking tour to explore the neighborhood and its dining options.
How to Get There
Belltown is located along the waterfront north of downtown. The neighborhood is accessible on foot from downtown, by car, or by Seattle city bus. Dozens of bus routes serve the neighborhood.
When to Get There
Belltown is a busy neighborhood, though its sidewalks are less crowded on weekend mornings. The neighborhood hosts several fun local festivals, including the Belltown Chalk Art Festival and the Belltown Crush Block Party, both typically held in August.
Where to Find the Best Belltown Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Belltown heats up. Bars and nightclubs abound, so if you’re looking for a place to blow off some steam, the options are plentiful. Catch a concert at the Crocodile, try tiki drinks at Navy Strength, tuck in to a cocktail at dimly lit Mr. Darcy’s, play pinball under neon lights at Shorty’s, or dance to EDM at Foundation Nightclub.
Address: Seattle, Washington, USA
From $ 70
Johnston Ridge Observatory
There are a few viewpoints along the road leading from highway I-5 to Mount St. Helens, but the best (and closest to the volcano) is the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is at the end of State Route 504, and the visitor center overlooks not only the yawning crater of Mount St. Helens but also a huge swath of the blast zone. Exhibits walk visitors through what happened on the morning of May 18, 1980, as well as the scientific history that led up to that enormous eruption. There are trails that begin at the Observatory for day hikes, including a half-mile trail that offers great views into the crater.
Johnston Ridge is named for the volcanologist David Johnston, who was surveying changes in Mount St. Helens in May of 1980 when it finally erupted. He was never found.
Practical Info
Because of the elevation of Johnston Ridge, the Observatory is not open year-round. It typically opens in mid-May and stays open until late October, operating from 10am-6pm daily during that season. Inclement weather can alter the opening and closing dates, so find out if it's open before you set off.
Address: State Route 504, Toutle, Washington, USA
From $ 263
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest public park and although the green space offers over 11 miles of trails, the shorter Loop Trail is perfect for those wanting a quick taste of the scenery. Connecting to the other trails designed for further exploration, it follows the perimeter of the park, taking hikers through second-growth forests consisting of maple, alder, cherry, fir and cedar trees, open meadows and along sandy beaches littered with gnarly driftwood. The park is also a great place to get a view of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, as well as to catch a glimpse of the diverse wildlife. Seals, sea lions, chipmunks and over 270 species of birds have made their home in and around the 534 acres of the park and just like the visitors coming here for a quick respite, have found somewhat of a sanctuary from the active city.
On the land of the park you can also find the Daybreak Star Cultural Center, a foundation providing social and educational services to Native Americans, as well as the incredibly picturesque West Point Lighthouse. The latter is also known as the Discovery Park Lighthouse and is a historic building that has been in operation since 1881. Perched on the very westernmost tip of the peninsula in the midst of windswept grass and a rocky beach full of driftwood, it makes for a stunning photo opportunity.
Practical Info
Discovery Park is located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle and opens daily from 4am to 11:30pm. Parking is available, but it is also easy to get there with bus numbers 33 and 24.
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Boulevard, Seattle, Washington 98199, USA
From $ 89
EMP Museum
If Seattle takes credit for the birth of the grunge movement and thus leading garage bands into what is now all-star rock fame, then it only serves as fair that the museum dedicated to all things rock and roll be located in Seattle’s boundaries. For a city that loves music, the Experience Music Project was a foregone conclusion. Attached to and now incorporated with the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, a trip to the EMP Museum offers more than an introspective into passing memorabilia – it’s a look at the outreaches of our collective imagination made manifest by rock gods and science fiction greats. Designed by wildly famous architect Frank Gehry and funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the surreal jellyfish-like structure is as much a part of the interest in the museum as the exhibits themselves.
Practical Info:
The EMP Museum is located at 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, in the Seattle Center, next to the Seattle Space Needle. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day of the week. Tickets to the EMP Museum are $20 at the door, $15 online. (https://estore.empmuseum.org/store/index.asp)
Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
Hours: Every day 10am - 5pm
Admission: $20 at the door, $15 online
From $ 75
Ballard District
Seattle’s hip, thriving Seattle waterfront neighborhood of Ballard is home to landmarks such as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (commonly known as the Ballard Locks), Golden Gardens Park, the Nordic Heritage Museum, and the Shilsole Bay Marina. It also boasts some of Seattle’s best restaurants, pubs, shops, spas, and parks.
The Basics
Since 1853, this historic Scandinavian neighborhood, also known as Snoose Junction, has been cultivating its fashionable image—and now you can walk Ballard’s busy tree-lined streets and see how all the hard work has paid off. Most Seattle highlights tours include a stop at the impressive Ballard Locks and a stroll through this bustling neighborhood. Watch the Ballard Locks open and allow ships through, explore the Nordic Heritage Museum, shop the ever-popular Market Street, or enjoy the eclectic restaurants and pubs on Ballard Avenue. Golden Gardens’ sandy beach, along the Puget Sound, is a great place for kids to run around and wade. Look out for unique curio shops and try to catch the Ballard Farmers Market, a Seattle staple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ballard has become known as a foodie hot spot, so a restaurant stop is a must—with reservations, of course.
- If cycling—a popular pastime in Seattle—you can pass over the ship canal between Ballard and Magnolia.
How to Get There
To get to Ballard from downtown Seattle, drive north on 1st Avenue, veer left at the foot of Queen Anne Hill, then continue northward until you cross the Ballard Bridge. Turn left onto NW Market Street.
When to Get There
Seattle’s rain-soaked reputation is mostly valid, but not from June through September, which are the best months to visit. In Ballard, ships pass through the locks year-round, regardless of weather. Be prepared to wait in line for brunch when the farmers market, open 10am to 3pm on Sundays, draws crowds to the neighborhood.
The Ballard Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known simply as the Ballard Locks, are one of the neighborhood’s top draws. The locks allow boats of all sizes to pass between Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Between each step of the locks, the water level drops as much as 26 feet (eight meters) and exchanges salt water with fresh water. The passage is also important to the area’s fish populations, including salmon and steelhead trout; there is a fish ladder and an observation window where visitors can watch the fish passing through.
Address: USA
From $ 70
Kerry Park
Perched on a slope atop Queen Anne Hill is Kerry Park and one of the best views in Seattle. Not only can you see the buildings of downtown, but also Bainbridge Island, the iconic Space Needle, and the boats crossing Elliott Bay. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the summit of Mount Rainier in the background.
The park is a peaceful open space to soak up the views, and is popular with photographers. It’s particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, or just after dusk when the city lights have emerged. Many of the photographs you see of the Seattle skyline are taken at this park. There’s a steel sculpture titled “Changing Form” in the center of the park that’s also worth seeing.
Visit the park on a multi-hour tour of Seattle to hit all the highlights of the city, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
Practical Info
You’ll find Kerry Park at the corner of 2nd Avenue W. and W. Highland Drive. Free street parking is typically available. Opening hours are from 6am to 10pm daily.
Address: 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, Washington, USA
Hours: 6am–10pm daily
From $ 42
Alki Beach
This picturesque beach on the shore of Elliott Bay runs a narrow 2.5-mile strip between Alki Point and Duwamish Head. Known as the site of the first white settlers in Seattle, its sandy shores attract as many cyclists, joggers and bladers as beachcombers and sun worshipers and storm chasers. Public restrooms, picnic areas, an art studio and bathhouses make it the perfect destination for a day of outdoor fun with family and friends. And impressive views of the Puget Sound and Seattle skyline make it one of the most scenic strips of sand in Washington.
Practical Info
The beach is open to the public from 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Parking is available along Alki Avenue SW. Water temperatures range from 46 to 56 degrees year round, making its beautiful blue waters perfect for a chilly swim.
Address: Seattle, Washington, USA
Hours: Open to the public from 4:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
From $ 89
Deception Pass State Park
Comprised of the lands and shores between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, Deception Pass is the most visited state park in all of Washington state. Beaches, tide pools, and trails offer access to its seafront areas, and there are also lots of freshwater activity options on the park’s three lakes. Boating, swimming, and fishing are possible in both areas.
The park is especially known for its excellent hiking options, with over 30 miles of trails through its scenic wilderness. Horse and bike trails, as well as numerous camping facilities, offer even more ways to enjoy the forested outdoors.
Wildlife is also frequently spotted in the many coves and cliffs. Deer, elk, foxes, and otters are often seen, as well as a variety of fish and birds. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge is also worth a visit, seamlessly blending in with its natural surroundings and particularly beautiful at sunset.
Practical Info
You’ll find Deception Pass State Park nine miles north of Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. It’s about 1.5 hours from Seattle. Island County Transit offers free bus routes that travel throughout the park, or there are many parking lots if you’re driving. Entrance to the park costs $10 per car.
Address: 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Washington, USA
Hours: Open 6:30am-dusk
Admission: $10 per car
From $ 118
Fremont District
Seattle’s funky, irreverent, and always colorful Fremont neighborhood is a vibrant place to explore. The area bills itself as the “Center of the Universe,” and it’s a hotbed of interesting landmarks. Visitors stroll along the scenic Ship Canal and grab coffee, artisan chocolate, craft beer, or a full dinner at one of Seattle’s best restaurants.
The Basics
It’s easy to fill up a day in Fremont with intriguing stops such as the Fremont Troll, a giant concrete statue hiding under the Aurora Bridge; the massive Lenin statue with its quirky history; and a 50s-era Cold War rocket now posing as an art installation. Shops, restaurants, and pubs round things out. Each of these sites is within walking distance of each other, making for an accessible outing.
Take a tour of the area—on foot or via minibus—or combine a visit with a private glass-blowing class or stops at the Space Needle, Boeing Factory, and Pike Place Market.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A range of travelers, including families, will enjoy a visit to Fremont.
- Wear comfortable shoes for a day of walking.
- Fremont can get busy, so be prepared for crowds if you visit in summer or on a weekend.
How to Get There
Fremont sits about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Downtown Seattle. There are public parking lots and plenty of street parking. Several bus lines stop in the neighborhood, including the 28, 5, 40, and 26.
When to Get There
Fremont is a popular place to visit on weekends and summer days. To avoid the crowds, visit on an out-of-season weekday, or get an early start to your day. In fall, trees along the Ship Canal turn a vibrant yellow, making for a scenic stroll. In spring, flowers bloom profusely throughout the neighborhood.
Where to Find the Best Food in Fremont
Fremont’s diversity of restaurants has something for everyone. There’s excellent farm-to-table Italian fare at Agrodolce, healthy grain bowls at Eve, exciting Northwest cuisine at Manolin and The Whale Wins, and modern twists on Korean dishes at Joule.
Address: USA
From $ 22
Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory
At the Future of Flight Aviation Center, visitors can learn about the history and the future of aviation design. The Boeing factory tour is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness jet assembly, view 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner planes as they’re being built, learn about the history of Boeing’s planes, and test your own aircraft designs at the educational Future of Flight Aviation Center museum. The Boeing tour is the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America, and even better, Boeing is the largest aerospace company in the world.
The Basics
The Boeing factory is a popular attraction for visitors to Seattle, offering a behind-the-scenes look at airplane manufacturing. Check out the interactive exhibits in the Airplane Design Zone, get a virtual tour of a 787 flight deck, peek inside a jet engine, and visit the Aviation Center Gallery, where you can modify, test, and finalize your own aircraft design at touchscreen computers before printing off the final schematic to take home as a souvenir. At the factory, you can walk above the work floor with a Boeing representative who offers insight into the inner workings of large-scale jet assembly. Travelers to Seattle can head to the Everett-area facility on a half-day tour that includes a tour guide and roundtrip transportation from Seattle hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes—the Boeing factory tour involves walking about 1/3 mile through a tunnel and climbing two steep flights of stairs.
- Individuals must be at least 4 feet tall (122 cm) to take the tour, and children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- All tours are given in English.
- With advance notice, special accommodations are available for wheelchair users.
- Restrooms are not available during the factory tour.
- Travelers can upgrade to a tour that includes a visit to the Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection at nearby Paine Field (Snohomish County Airport). You’ll see aviation artifacts and dozens of aircraft in various states of restoration for display.
How to Get There
The Future of Flight Center is located about 25 miles (40 km) north of downtown Seattle in Mukilteo, Washington, near Everett. From the I5, take exit 189.
When to Get There
The site is open daily, year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the last tour of the day is at 1:30pm. Boeing tours operate daily every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:30am, with the last tour at 5pm. During this period, the Future of Flight facility is open from 8am to 7pm.
Address: 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275, USA
Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm
Admission: Adults: $15.50; Children: $8
From $ 75
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
In July 1897, a year after local miners literally stuck gold in the Klondike Region of northwestern Canada, a local Seattle newspaper got wind of the news and published a headline stating simply “Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold!” It triggered an exodus of hopeful prospectors that is today known as the Klondike Gold Rush. The hopes of riches beyond imagination jump started wild dreams in over 100,000 people, who all sold their farms, homes and businesses in the midst of an economic depression to head north to the Yukon gold fields. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in downtown Seattle commemorates and preserves the stories of those brave people taking part in the “Last Great Adventure”, many of whom underwent the long voyage in vain, and explores the city’s crucial role in the events.
The Seattle unit of the Klondike Gold Rush Park is part of an international cooperation between the United States and Canada, with other sites being located in historically important locations. The Seattle portion of the park is soaked in history as well, as the old Cadillac Hotel where the museum is now located, served as a major outfitting and departure point during the stampede following the gold news. The museum functions as an interpretative center and also offers up helpful information on how to visit its sister units and trails.
Practical Info
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park can be found on the northwest corner of Second Avenue South and South Jackson Street. The unit opens daily from 10am to 5pm in the winter months and from 9am to 5pm in summer. Different interpretative programs and videos are scheduled throughout the day.
Address: Skagway, Alaska 99840, USA
From $ 89
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Glass artist Dale Chihuly, famous for his whimsical sculptures, was born in Tacoma but has left his mark on Seattle. Fans can revel in his colorful creations at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum at Seattle Center. The facility includes a 100-foot (30-meter) glass sculpture, theater, and Chihuly retrospective plus an outdoor garden.
The Basics
Fans of glass artist Dale Chihuly can get an overview of his career and take in his many sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass. The museum’s centerpiece is a 40-foot (12-meter) glass-covered building with Chihuly’s famous flower-like sculptures hanging from the ceiling. The Exhibition Hall covers his career and showcases his monumental work. The Theater screens videos about his art, and the sculpture garden allows visitors to take in the art in a well-appointed outdoor space.
Visitors can choose to visit as a self-guided experience, or opt for a private tour package. The museum sells stand-alone tickets and packages that combine a trip to the iconic Space Needle. Groups of 15 or more people are eligible for a discounted ticket price.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-visit for general art fans and admirers of Dale Chihuly’s work.
- The museum and the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
- The museum includes a small cafe and a gift shop with apparel, accessories, garden items, and jewelry.
- An adult must accompany visitors under 14 years old.
- Large strollers are not permitted in the galleries.
How to Get There
Chihuly Garden and Glass is located near the Space Needle, north of Seattle’s downtown core. There is street parking in the area, as well as parking garages nearby. The museum is accessible via the monorail, which connects to downtown. Numerous city buses stop nearby, including routes 2, 4, 13, and 24.
When to Get There
Chihuly Garden and Glass is at its busiest during summer weekends. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early on a weekday, or coming in the colder months. Your ticket allows you to enter more than once in a day, and the glass is beautiful when illuminated by sunlight as well as at night, when it shines dramatically under the dark sky.
Other Nearby Attractions
Attractions near Chihuly Garden and Glass include the Seattle Children’s Museum, Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Museum of Pop Culture. All of these, including numerous restaurants and park spaces, are part of the complex known as the Seattle Center.
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Hard Rock Cafe Seattle
The Hard Rock Cafe Seattle opened in early 2010, and it remains the only cafe in the popular chain in the state of Washington.
Seattle's Hard Rock Cafe is located in the heart of historic downtown, near the famous Pike Place Market. The building in which the restaurant is housed is historic, too, as well as environmentally designed, and the memorabilia on display is largely Seattle-specific.
The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle, like all restaurants in the chain, features a traditional American menu, and an on-site Rock Shop where you can buy all kinds of Hard Rock Cafe merchandise. The Seattle location also features a music venue on the second floor, called the Cavern Club after the Liverpool basement club where The Beatles got their start.
Practical Info
The Seattle Hard Rock Cafe is located on Pike Street. The restaurant is open Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am; and the Rock Shop is open Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. The Cavern Club's hours and calendar varies.
Address: 116 Pike Street, Seattle, Washington, USA 98101, USA
Hours: Open Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am
From $ 32
Fishermen's Terminal
Fishermen’s Terminal is the home port of most of the North Pacific and Puget Sound fishing boats, many of whom spend several months on the open sea before returning to Seattle. It doesn’t come as a surprise, that one of the main attractions of the terminal is the fresh fish. On big boards, the catch of the day – be it salmon, halibut or crab – is advertised and ready to be taken home and thrown in a pan. But those who can’t wait that long can also get their seafood fix at one of the restaurants right at the port. Chinook’s, Bay Café and the Highliner Pub offer great views of the Fishermen’s Terminal and are also popular hangout spots for the crews.
At the very center of Fishermen’s Terminal, hundreds of names are inscribed on a big bronze and stone memorial to commemorate all those who have died at sea and to serve as a reminder of the dangers of commercial fishing. Every month, a memorial service is held and new names are added to the list. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the blessing of the fleet, an annual event held in March at the start of the halibut fishing season or attend the Fishermen’s Fall Festival in September. But even if you’re there on a regular day, a walk on the docks through the rows and rows of moored commercial fishing boats can be very impressive.
Practical Info
Fishermen’s Terminal is located on Salmon Bay in the Interbay neighborhood just west of the Ballard Bridge. It is open year-round from 8am to 4:30pm and can be reached by taking the metro D Line or bus numbers 31 and 33.
Address: 3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
From $ 60
Bainbridge Island
A half-hour’s ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a relaxing side trip in Puget Sound. The quaint downtown area stretches just a few blocks from the ferry terminal down Winslow Avenue, which is lined with art and antique shops, clothing boutiques, and cafés and restaurants, many of which focus on using regionally-sourced ingredients in their farm-to-table cuisine.
Aside from the small commercial district, the majority of the island is residential or rural, dotted with small bed and breakfasts and even a few vineyards. The main draw of visiting, other than simply rest and relaxation, is the outdoor activities. Hiking and biking are popular, with miles of trails traversing the rolling hills. Other activities popular with locals and visitors include kayaking, whale-watching, and viewing other wildlife like deer and bald eagles. Kayak and bike rentals are both available year round as temperatures are fairly mild any time of year; summers are warm and winters are chilly, but rarely colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ferries from downtown Seattle run multiple times a day, all year round, and cost just a few dollars (more if you plan to bring a car), making Bainbridge Island an ideal day or weekend side trip from Seattle.
Address: USA
From $ 149
Gas Works Park
Locals flock to Seattle’s Gas Works Park for its grassy hills and steampunk-esque former gas plant structures. Set at the northern end of Lake Union, visitors come to fly kites, picnic, watch sailboat races, and take in skyline views. This National Historic Landmark appeared in the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You.
The Basics
Gas Works Park isn’t usually on the docket for many tourists, but it’s a worthwhile diversion as one of Seattle’s most beautiful parks. You might spend an afternoon or evening here, taking in the sunset over Lake Union from the top of Kite Hill. Or, watch a Tuesday night Duck Dodge, the summertime sailboat races that draw scores of boats. Many visitors bring lawn chairs and a picnic, or fly a kite when the breeze off the lake is strong enough. At the very least, this is a great spot to photograph the Seattle skyline, laid out as a backdrop against sparkling Lake Union.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Gas Works Park is free to enter.
- Parking is also free in the provided lot . If you come on a busy summer evening, be prepared to find street parking, which may have a 2-hour limit.
- While there are a handful of picnic tables, they tend to be occupied during peak times. Be prepared by bringing your own supplies.
- The park has public restrooms.
How to Get There
Gas Works Park is located at the northern end of Lake Union, near the Fremont and Wallingford neighborhoods, off Northlake Way. It is easily accessible by car or bus numbers 31 and 32. Cyclists can reach the park using the Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs alongside the park.
When to Get There
Gas Works Park is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily. It’s worth a visit any time of year, but the park shows off Seattle at its best on summer evenings. At dusk, the city’s skyline and the lake are stunning. However, this can also be the busiest time to visit. If avoiding crowds is your priority, stop by during the day, or go on a weekday.
Fourth of July
Gas Works is especially popular on the Fourth of July. Each year, Seattle launches an incredible fireworks show from a barge in Lake Union, and the park is one of the best viewpoints in the city. Admission is free, but you can purchase reserved seating in advance. Ahead of the show, there are food vendors, live music, a beer garden, pie-eating contests, sack races, and exhibit booths.
Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington 98103, USA
From $ 75
Elliott Bay
Many know Seattle to be located upon the Puget Sound, but the specific body of water upon which Seattle sits is none other than the great Elliot Bay. And because Elliot Bay is the most prevalent source of water when visiting Seattle, it is part-and-parcel to the inner fabric of the “city by the sound.” From the original Duwamish peoples that lived here, to the locals that come enjoy the Elliot Bay Park along the waterfront, Elliot Bay is part of the culture, and it’s here that many visitors come to explore Seattle.
With two marinas, numerous piers (including Pier 57 and Pier 59, both popular attractions), the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Seattle Aquarium, Elliot Bay provides many things to many people. Not the least of which is the great port of Seattle – one of America’s biggest and most important ports. Ferries also take commuters and tourists across the Bay to Bainbridge or Vashon Island.
With two marinas, numerous piers (including Pier 57 and Pier 59, both popular attractions), the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Seattle Aquarium, Elliot Bay provides many things to many people. Not the least of which is the great port of Seattle – one of America’s biggest and most important ports. Ferries also take commuters and tourists across the Bay to Bainbridge or Vashon Island.
Practical Info
If you want to see Elliot Bay for yourself, head on down to Pier 57, Pier 59, 52 (where most ferries depart) or take in the view from one of the many parks along the water, like the Olympic Sculpture park.
Address: Seattle, WA, USA
From $ 70