Essential Seattle (the Touristy Stuff)
Here’s our list of some of the most popular attractions in Seattle. And if you’ve been to Seattle before, you’re a local, or you’re just looking for something different to do, we suggest you check out our other list on unique and less visited attractions in Seattle.
Scroll the full list of attractions below:
Seattle Space Needle
The Seattle Space Needle is one of the most iconic structures in the United States. It was built for the World’s Fair in 1962. It is 605 feet tall, and 138 feet wide. There’s an observation deck on top of the structure in addition cocktail lounge (Loupe Lounge), which has a glass floor that rotates so that you can see the views all around the city.
MoPOP
The Museum of Pop (MoPOP) is one of the most popular museums in Seattle Center. Current exhibits include Pearl Jam, Hip-Hop, Sci-Fi, Jimmy Hendrix, Nirvana, and more!
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This exhibit in Seattle Center is an exhibit showcasing the studio glasswork of David Chihuly. The colors are overwhelmingly beautiful and you can’t help but be awed by the artwork.
Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center, also located in Seattle Center, provides over a hundred of hands-on science exhibits. There are eight buildings, an IMAX theatre, a laser dome, a planetarium, and even a butterfly house. This museum is perfect for the whole family.
Seattle Center Monorail
Constructed in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Seattle Center Monorail runs along a 0.9 mile track to the Westlake Center. The monorail is a very popular tourist attraction, carrying approximately 2 million passengers a year.
[Image Credit: @jonathansaleh]
Seattle Aquarium
Located at Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium has been open since 1977. This family friendly location boasts numerous interactive exhibits including Window on Washington Waters, Crashing Waves, the Underwater Dome, and the Pacific Coral Reef.
Seattle Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57, the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the most distinctive structures on the Seattle waterfront. Opened in 2012, the Great Wheel is 157 feet tall, and can show riders some of the best views of Puget Sound.
Pike Place Market
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. It is built of the top of a steep hill, overlooking the Seattle waterfront. There are numerous shops, restaurants, produce stands, and the well known fishmongers.
Seaplane Rides at South Lake Union
A trip to the Northwest wouldn’t be complete without riding in a seaplane. You can take 20-minute beautiful and very scenic tours of Seattle, explore further islands, or you can also take schedule air service flights to/from Canada from South Lake Union.
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Seattle. Seattle’s founders settled here in 1852. Most structures burned down in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. After the fire, street level was raised by one level and created a network of basement shops/stores (at the time). You can see examples of buildings before the fire (and a little bit of Seattle history) in a Beneath the Streets tour.
Smith Tower
Built in 1914, Smith Tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city (at 484 feet tall). Located in Pioneer Square, visitors can take the elevator to the top of the building and enjoy a cocktail while taking in the 360-degree views of Seattle.
The Museum of Flight
If you like planes, aviation, space flight, then this museum is a must-see in Seattle. The museum has multiple buildings and spans across a roadway and includes exhibits that will have you dreaming of flight.
Seattle Art Museum
If you love art, then you can do no wrong by going to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). It’s in the heart of downtown Seattle and has collections from all over the world. Careful, because you can easily spend numerous hours in this beautiful facility.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or Ballard Locks is a series of locks in the Lake Washington Ship Canal. They allow ships to transit between the Lake Washington/Lake Union and Pugent Sound. The ships are lowered or raised as they transit the locks. Also, Salmon migrate through the fish ladder system. The locks and fish ladder system are amazing engineering feats and if you like seeing how things work, this is the spot for you!
Discovery Park
At 534 acres, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park. There are 11.81 miles of walking trails. It’s located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and it is built on the historic grounds of Fort Lawton. In addition to great walking trails, you’ll see several Fort Lawton historical sites, and you’ll also see the West Point Light or Discovery Park Lighthouse (at the west tip of the park).
[Image credit: Jesse Orrin @jessedo81]
Washington State Ferries
A Seattle trip would be incomplete without taking a ride on one of the many ferries that are available from Seattle. There are over 20 terminals located around Puget Sound, and they designated as part of the state highway system. Visit Bainbridge Island, or Bremerton via Ferry!
