Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Seattle is known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse culture, and exciting nightlife. There are many interesting things to see and do in Seattle, from popular attractions like the Space Needle to the lively atmosphere of Pike Place Market. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Seattle, whether you like art, food, or being outside. The 10 best places to visit in Seattle are listed below. Each one offers a unique experience that shows off the city’s charm and personality.
10 Amazing Places To Visit In Seattle
Do you just move here? Going back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest? Or going on your first trip to see the sights in the beautiful Seattle area?
The following is a list of the top 10 must-see sites in and around Seattle Southside.
1. The historic Pike Place Market
People come from all over the world to visit the famous Pike Place Market, which has been open since 1907. The farmers market is open all year and sells fresh local food like veggies, seafood, fruit, cheese, flowers, and gifts made by local artists. In the summer, the market is full of happy, excited people who are looking at all the unique items from the NW. There are a lot of people who like the Pike Place Fish Mongers because they throw fish. It’s funny to listen to them sing while fish fly over your head. It sure adds some fun and liveliness to the market. The Central Link light rail operates from the airport into downtown (Westlake Center) for those looking for an affordable mode of transportation.
2. The Space Needle
This famous landmark from history was built for the World’s Fair in 1962. At 605 feet tall, it stands tall over the Seattle Center. There are many things to see and do here, making it a great place for tourists. Through dynamic and new exhibits, the Pacific Science Center gets people from all walks of life interested in math, science, and technology. You can also walk to the famous Chihuly Garden and Glass, which has the most important works by the famous glass blower Dale Chihuly. If you are coming from the Southside of Seattle, you can take the Central Link, which is a light rail, and then transfer to the Seattle Monorail, which is a public transportation system that travels to and from Westlake Center and Seattle Center.
3. Museum of Flight
By taking care of old aviation artifacts, the museum has been able to build up a valuable collection of information about the past and technology of air and space travel. The pieces are shown in a way that is both educational and fun, which keeps kids interested and keeps adults thinking. Through tours, lectures, books, a wide range of aviation special events, and publications, exhibits teach the public about the past of important flight stories. The main idea is “mankind’s dream of flying,” which is based on how technology has changed over time in both air and space. One of the places where The Boeing Company was founded is the Red Barn, which has been located on the land for the past 99 years. People like seeing the WWII Personal Wing of Courage, Air Force One, the space shuttle trainer, and the F-18 aircraft. Since Seattle Southside is only about 5.5 miles away, the museum is only a short drive away.
4. iFly Indoor Skydiving
Indoor flying is a thrilling thing to do in Seattle. The world’s first sky-high wind tunnel made of glass! No prior experience is required, and children as young as three can safely participate. Skydivers will find the course to be both demanding and realistic, and legend has it that Nitro Circus star Travis Pastrana used it as a training ground for his parachute-less jump. They have nice staff and great customer service, which makes people want to try an amazing flying experience! The staff is very excited, but they also make sure it’s safe, fun, and unique.
5. Washington State Ferries
The boat system in Washington State is the largest in the country, and taking a trip along Puget Sound is one of the most beautiful ways to see this great state. You can walk, ride a bike, or drive your car onto any of the boats. Here are some places you can reach by ferry: Anacortes, Bremerton, Coupeville, Fauntleroy, Kingston, Mukilteo, Point Defiance, Seattle, Sidney, Tahlequah, Bainbridge Island, Clinton, Edmonds, Friday Harbor, Lopez, Orcas, Port Townsend, Shaw, Southworth, and Vashon Island. I know for sure that Bainbridge Island is a wonderful spot to visit! The small town of Winslow is a 10-minute walk from where the boat docks. There are restaurants and bars where you can eat, and cute shops where you can shop. As you head back from Bainbridge, don’t miss the amazing view of the skyline as you get closer to downtown Seattle. The prices are very low, and the buses leave often, so don’t miss this awesome sight!
6. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Nestled next to the Space Needle is the beautiful Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, which shows off the work of Dale Chihuly, a glass artist. Artistic glass sculptures modeled after many parts of nature, such as flowers and marine life, are on display at the museum. A 100-foot-long sculpture resides inside the Glasshouse, a glass and steel structure that stands 40 feet tall and serves as the attraction’s focal point. The outdoor garden has colorful glass sculptures tangled with flowers and plants, making it feel magical.
7. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
If you’re interested in modern pop culture, the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a lively and fun place to visit. The building is a work of art; it was designed by the famous builder Frank Gehry. There are displays about music, science fiction, scary movies, and video games inside. The Sound Lab, where people can play instruments, and the Hall of Fame, which honors singers like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, are two of the best parts.
8. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The SAM, or Seattle Art Museum, is in the middle of downtown Seattle and has a wonderful collection of art from all over the world. The museum has a wide range of displays, from old artifacts to modern works of art. A large collection of Asian art, Native American art, and African art are some of the most important holdings. Furthermore, SAM is a lively culture center in the city because it regularly hosts changing shows with famous artists’ work.
9. Downtown Waterfront
A wide sidewalk runs the length of the harbor front at the base of the pier, and it is lined with restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions such as the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Ye Ole Curiosity Shop. With its enclosed gondola compartment and 175-foot height, the wheel offers a breathtaking panorama of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the downtown skyline. Harbor boat tickets can be bought from Argosy Cruises, which also sells packages that include meals or tours.
10. The Boeing Tour
Situated in Mukilteo, 25 miles north of Seattle, The Future of Flight offers the sole North American public tour of a commercial aircraft assembly plant. People can watch as planes are being made so that they can be sold all over the world and also look at the designs for new aviation innovations. The experience is meant to make people more curious, creative, and imaginative. In the 28,000-square-foot Aviation Center Gallery, visitors can participate in interactive exhibitions. Another option is a 90-minute walk from the Boeing Plant, where you can see 747s, 777s, and 787s being put together.
