28 Cool Attractions to Check Out in Seattle On Your Washington State Vacation

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Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest? Let me suggest starting with exploring all the fun things to do in Seattle, WA! This vibrant Washington State metropolis is the region’s biggest city—and one of my absolute favorite cities on the West Coast.

For music lovers like me, Seattle is hallowed ground. Some of my all-time favorite bands and artists—like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Jimi Hendrix—started their careers in the Emerald City. Although it was my love of music that inspired my first visit, after a couple of trips to Seattle, I absolutely fell in love with the city’s other charms—from its hip coffee shops and interesting museums to its beautiful parks and pristine beaches.

Let me take you on a journey through one of the West Coast’s finest cities with this complete Seattle attractions guide, including some of my favorite markets, landmarks, museums, parks, restaurants, and bars…

Browse the stalls of Pike Place Market

Need a first idea for where to go in Seattle? I’d recommend starting off your trip at Pike Place Market. Opened in 1907, Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market is rich in history. Today, the market is one of the city’s top destinations for tourists, housing over 500 shops, bars, vendors, and restaurants.

Pike Place Market

If you delight in antiques, browse through its antique shops, brimming with treasures. Strolling past the craft stalls, I spotted a variety of gifts and souvenirs for friends and family back home.

When you’re done soaking up the atmosphere, seek out the world-famous Gum Wall. Located in Post Alley, this brick wall is covered in thousands of pieces of already-chewed gum in a variety of colors. It’s one of the quirkiest destinations I’ve found in the city. (And also spectacularly gross, if you ask me!)

Outside, say hi to the market’s “mascot,” Rachel the Piggy Bank. Admiring the cute bronze sculpture, I learned that it’s graced the sidewalks in front of the market since 1986, helping to raise funds for local charities.

If you’re a bona fide foodie like me, walking through Pike Place Market will likely spike your hunger and thirst. Thankfully, I found plenty of great places to tackle it here!

Cool down with a craft beer or cocktails at Old Stove Brewing Co. or Radiator Whiskey, two of my favorite bars at the marketplace. Sample some fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, like Lowell’s Restaurant. Or embark on one of the many food tours through the market.

Even if you only have one day in Seattle, I’d advise putting a visit to Pike Place at the top of your bucket list!

Enjoy a cup of coffee at the original Starbucks

Got a passion for coffee? I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t recommend carving out time on your vacation to visit the original Starbucks. Although the “real” original location was up the street, it moved next to Pike Place in 1977. After more than four decades, this branch is still operating!

Coffee at Original Starbucks

Visiting this original Starbucks branch, you’ll be able to see its original logo, fixtures, floors, and counters. But, as I quickly learned, getting to experience this popular destination requires a little patience: Nearly every time I walked by, there was a queue of coffee buffs rounding the corner, waiting to savor a cup of gourmet coffee at its North American “birthplace.”

As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I’d suggest continuing your Seattle “coffee tour” with a visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, about 20 minutes walking distance away in the hip Pike/Pine Corridor.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a museum, store, and café all in one. Visiting the roastery, I learned all about the process of making coffee and the chain’s long local history.

Slide over to the main bar—which is one of my favorite Seattle coffee shops—to sample delights such as barrel-aged coffee and coffee & ice cream treats.

See the city from above at the Space Needle

Of course, I knew my visit to Seattle would never be complete without checking out the city’s most iconic point of interest: the Space Needle. Opened in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle is the most definitive landmark in the Seattle skyline. The tower is located in the Seattle Center complex to the northwest of Belltown and Downtown.

The observation deck at the Space Needle hangs at a height of 520 feet. Zipping up to the deck for the first time, I loved marveling at the spectacular 360-degree views of the cityscape, Puget Sound, and the surrounding areas.

It’s the perfect opportunity to snap memorable photos. If you get lucky with the weather and are visiting on a clear day, you can even see as far as Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains!

(I was unfortunately not so lucky with the weather, and experienced very typical cloudy Pacific Northwest conditions the two times I visited.)

Space Needle Observation Deck

After visiting the Space Needle, I’d recommend saving time to explore the many other activities at the Seattle Center.

If you’re traveling with kids, pop into the Pacific Science Center. It’s a cool place for the whole family, chock-full of fun, hands-on exhibits. The kids will love its interactive dinosaur display, planetarium, and theatres showcasing 3-D films. I guarantee it’ll all add up to an unforgettable experience!

Families visiting with kids will also have a ball at the Seattle Children’s Museum, one of Seattle’s most popular museums. Let their imaginations run wild as they mull over the next space to explore!

Explore Seattle’s music history at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Whether you’re into popular culture or rock & roll, there’s plenty to keep you amused at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). One of my favorite museums I’ve ever visited, the museum hosts interactive exhibits dedicated to Seattle’s music icons and various movie & film themes.

Strolling towards the Museum of Pop Culture for the first time (then known as the Experience Music Project), I was struck by its remarkable modern architecture. Its futuristic building was designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, whose work always catches my eye on my travels.

In my opinion, its gnarled steel panels almost resemble a smashed electric guitar. (An homage to local music legends Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, perhaps?)

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

MoPOP’s exhibitions revolve around renowned personalities in television, music, and other creative fields. As I wandered through this museum, I spotted unique memorabilia for Seattle music icons (and some of my own favorite bands) like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, along with other famed artists.

Besides the exhibits, one of the highlights of a visit is the chance to perform like a rock star in front of a virtual audience. I enjoyed unleashing my inner rockstar (who’s been dominant since my teenage years!) while playing guitar and drums in the Sound Lab and checking out the interactive galleries.

Not into music? Movie lovers will find plenty here, too. Sci-fi fans should check out the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, including a cool Star Trek exhibit. Horror film buffs will also find several memorable horror cinema exhibits.

MoPOP is next to the Space Needle in the Seattle Center complex. After you’re done digging into the city’s pop culture heritage, I’d recommend exploring other landmarks in the area, including the International Fountain, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

Ride the Seattle Center Monorail

Finished exploring some of the top tourist attractions at the Seattle Center? Let’s hop onto the Seattle Center Monorail to downtown. Opened in 1962 for the Century 21 Exhibition, the Monorail moves between the Seattle Center and Westlake Center in Downtown. And I think it’s a fantastic way to scoot between these areas!

Monorail

With no intermediate stops, the ride downtown from the Space Needle only took me around two minutes. Along the way, I loved soaking up the bird’s-eye view of downtown’s modern buildings and busy streets. The monorail departs every 10 minutes.

From the Westlake terminus, you can also hop on the Seattle Streetcar for a quick ride up to South Lake Union, which, in my opinion, is one of the city’s most beautiful central neighborhoods.

Enjoy beautiful views of the cityscape at Kerry Park

Looking for more photographic opportunities for your holiday adventure? The unique vantage point at Kerry Park doesn’t disappoint!

Located on the slopes of Queen Anne Hill in the Queen Anne neighborhood, Kerry Park is one of the city’s most popular places to go for locals and travelers alike—and one of my own favorite spots to wander about.

Visiting Kerry Park, I loved soaking in fantastic views of the Space Needle, the downtown skyline, and Puget Sound. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance.

View from Kerry Park in Queen Anne

As beautiful as I found it by day, the view from Kerry Park is even more magical at night. Marvel at the sight of lit ferries on the water with the city lights shining in the distance.

In the middle of the public park, try to spot a hollow steel sculpture named “Changing Form.” The sculpture is a favorite spot for children to play as you take in the views from a bench.

Peruse modern art at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Art lovers need to spend time at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). The museum has three facilities around town, with the main building located in Downtown Seattle. One of my other favorite museums here, the SAM offers a rich cultural experience for travelers visiting the Pacific Northwest city.

Seattle Art Museum

If you’re into arts & culture, you’ll love viewing the diverse art forms at the Seattle Art Museum. On my visit, I saw collections and displays spanning the entire world and several different eras, with everything from artwork to photographs.

Immerse yourself in the modern art hanging in bright galleries. Or take in performances representing its art in moving pictures. I was also able to spot several contemporary photographic exhibitions.

If there are specific exhibits you would like to view, I’d recommend visiting the official SAM website. The site offers information on all its permanent & temporary exhibits, special events, and experiences.

PRO TIP: The area around this centrally located museum is one of my recommended areas to stay in Seattle. If you’re looking to splurge on your trip, consider staying at the W Seattle, one of the city’s most stylish luxury hotels. After staying at several Ws around the world, I’m always enamoured by the chain’s striking contemporary style and superb amenities, like this hotel’s trendy on-site restaurant & bar focused upon an eye-catching 3-story fireplace.

Have a picnic at Gas Works Park

Like Kerry Park, Gas Works Park on the shores of Lake Union is a favorite escape for Seattlites—and, in my opinion, a must-see for travelers. If you’ve got time in your itinerary, pull up a blanket and enjoy a picnic at this unique park. As you relax, you’ll be dazzled by unmatched views over the city skyline.

Gas Works Park

Formerly the site of a coal gasification plant, Gas Works Park found new life as a 20-acre recreational area. If you’d rather not lounge around, go sailing on the lake or take a bike ride. There’s also a playground to keep the kids busy as you people-watch.

If you can hang around Gas Works Park until nighttime, you’ll enjoy the unforgettable sight of seeing the city lights reflected on the water. It’s one of the most unique city scenes I’ve experienced on my trips to Seattle!

Get up close to rare animals at the Woodland Park Zoo

Looking for family-friendly activities in Seattle? Kids and adults alike will love visiting the Woodland Park Zoo. The award-winning zoo in Green Lake opened its doors in 1899 and is home to 300 species featured in their natural habitats.

Zebra at Woodland Park Zoo

Habitats at Woodland Park Zoo include the Trail of Vines, the Tropical Rainforest, and the African Savanna. You’ll also be able to view some endangered species. Conservation is a top priority at the Woodland Park Zoo, and I’ve since learned that many of its experiences add to preservation efforts.

Planning to visit Seattle in winter? I’d recommend checking out the zoo’s WildLanterns celebration. Running from early November to mid-January, this festival dazzles guests with a stunning display of holiday lights and lanterns representing wilderness from around the world.

Chill out at Green Lake Park

Done checking out the animals at the zoo? About two and a half miles away is Green Lake Park. I’d recommend a quick jaunt to this beautiful recreation area. It’s a great place to escape the city’s bustle & tourist crowds and marvel at some of the West Coast’s spectacular scenery.

Green Lake

Hit up Green Lake Park’s trails for an invigorating run, or, more to my own pace, a relaxing walk. To cool down in the hot summer sun—which I will attest from a summer PNW visit can be hotter than you’d expect!—slide down to the shoreline and go for a swim in Green Lake. There’s also a wading pool for the kids at the park.

Admire bay views and art at Olympic Sculpture Park

A brainchild of the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park is a vibrant waterfront public park on Elliott Bay. The 9-acre park offers a two-fold feast for the eyes. I loved relishing the sight of its large-scale contemporary sculptures while enjoying beautiful views over Puget Sound.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Undoubtedly, the highlight here is the opportunity to walk through its remarkable outdoor gallery. Walking through Olympic Sculpture Park, I strolled past about 20 quirky sculptures and art installations from popular local artists.

There’s no fee to enter Olympic Sculpture Park. In the evening, the park was one of my favorite places in the city to watch a sunset over Puget Sound and savor a quiet moment on a bench overlooking the water.

Soak up the sun at Alki Beach in West Seattle

Although outside the city center, one of the city’s most famous places to see is Alki Beach. It’s a bit of a commute to get out to West Seattle, where the beach is located, but, in my opinion, it’s well worth it! The sandy beach on Puget Sound appeared in the 1990s movie Sleepless in Seattle and offers an excellent escape from the buzz of the city.

Two and a half miles long, Alki Beach is the perfect place to spend a lazy day soaking up the sun, playing volleyball, and going swimming. Alki Beach has a rich history behind it, too. As I was informed by locals, this stretch of shoreline was the landing spot for Seattle’s first European settlers in 1851.

Alki Beach

Soak up the sea views with a walk along the seawall at Alki Beach Park. When the hunger pangs set in, I loved the chance to sample fish & chips at the renowned Alki Spud. Located across the road from Alki Beach Park, the eatery started operations in 1935 and, as I discovered, is now one of Washington State’s most famous seafood chains.

For a more upmarket alternative, devour some tasty local snacks at Salty’s on Alki Beach. This popular seafood eatery is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal and drinks to amazing views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.

If you’re a bit of a history buff like me, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Alki Point Lighthouse. The historic attraction is one of Seattle’s hidden gems and has lit the sea channel into King County since 1913.

PRO TIP: Visiting in the summer? I’d recommend bringing everyone in the family here to enjoy one of the free weekend tours of the lighthouse!

Scope out colorful marine life at Seattle Aquarium

Need more ideas for after your visit to Pike Place Market? Just half a mile away lies the Seattle Aquarium. Located in Waterfront Park, the Seattle Aquarium is one of the most entertaining, family-friendly attractions I discovered while visiting the city.

Aquarium

For a glimpse of life under the sea, the colorful marine life at the Seattle Aquarium makes for tranquil viewing. The “Window on Washington Waters” feature is a stunning display of sea creatures from the surrounding area.

Since my first Seattle visit, the aquarium has added yet another new structure. From what I’m hearing from locals, the new addition is fantastic, offering a ton more viewing areas and educational exhibits!

Wander around Waterfront Park

Exiting the aquarium, you’ll find yourself in Waterfront Park. Located on Elliot Bay, Waterfront Park is a popular hotspot for Seattleites and one of my favorite spots around downtown to catch a breather by the water. Waterfront Park offers visitors enchanting sea views, cafes, and food trucks.

Waterfront & Skyline at Sunset

Take a walk along the boardwalk, soaking in views of Elliot Bay and Puget Sound. If you’ve built up an appetite on your journey, see what’s on the menu and grab a snack at one of the park’s food vendors.

Take a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel

While visiting Waterfront Park, I’d recommend saving time for a quick spin on the Seattle Great Wheel. Perched on Pier 57, the 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel is one of the city’s coolest things to see, with its spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.

Waterfront Park Pier 57

If you’re in search of an adrenaline rush, take a ride in one of the wheel’s gondolas with a glass floor. From the Seattle Great Wheel, I loved marveling at unbeatable views over the city.

Hit the waters of Lake Union

If kayaking and sailing are your jam, head for the shores of Lake Union. Located a few blocks north of downtown, Lake Union is a popular spot for watersports. With its calm waters, paddleboarding is particularly popular here. (Although I’m more of a kayaker myself.)

For an adventure on Lake Union, I’d recommend renting a rowboat, pedal boat, or sailboat to explore the lake or embark on a sightseeing cruise or seaplane tour from the docks.

Center for Wooden Boats in South Lake Union

Another gem to savor in the neighborhood is Lake Union Park. When I visited, I loved leisurely strolling through the lakeside park. Before you go, I’d suggest grabbing a cup of coffee from the nearby 203° Fahrenheit Coffee Company to take in the peaceful surroundings, drink in hand.

For a historical interlude, step into the Museum of History & Industry, located in Lake Union Park. With a quick visit to the Museum of History & Industry, I learned all about the impacts of different time periods on the history of the region.

Step back into Seattle’s early history at Pioneer Square

Want to uncover Seattle’s historical roots? Explore the city’s past at Pioneer Square. Dating back to the late 18th century, the neighborhood is the oldest in the city—and one of the only places where I was able to imagine the city’s history as a pioneering Pacific Northwest outpost.

Pioneer Square

Walk the route around Pioneer Square to spot some of the city’s most stunning historic architecture. The 1880s-era Romanesque Revival buildings around the neighborhood really caught my eye, especially after exploring the modern downtown.

Culture lovers can explore its art galleries and boutique stores, like Gallery Erato or Bon Voyage Vintage. Foodies can find a mix of restaurants and food trucks to tickle their taste buds. I love the delicious Italian sandwiches at Salumi, built with fresh bread and chock-full of cured meats. They’re well worth a try!

To experience the area at its most interesting, though, I’d recommend booking yourself onto an Underground Walking Tour. Originally launched by legendary local preservationist Bill Spiedel, the underground tour traverses the city’s hidden subterranean structures, dating back to before the Great Fire of 1889, telling gripping stories along the way.

Exploring the nearby Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is another intriguing activity for history buffs. I found their two floors of interactive exhibits, tying the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush to local Seattle history, to be fascinating!

Chow down in the Chinatown-International District

Located south of Pioneer Square is the historic Chinatown-International District. As it’s one of the city’s oldest areas, I knew the neighborhood was rich in history. But I didn’t come down here for another historical lesson; like many other visitors, I scooted over to taste its tantalizing culinary delights!

The Chinatown-International District comprises three historic Asian communities: Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon. As I roamed its streets, I saw all of them in full force, with my own Asian culinary favorites—like dim sum, sushi, and banh mi—on seemingly every corner.

Chinatown International-District

I couldn’t get enough of the silky dim sum at Dough Zone Dumpling House Seattle International District, the char siu BBQ pork at Kau Kau BBQ Restaurant, or the Cambodian Saté Beef Noodle at Phnom Penh Noodle House.

Okay, so now that we’re all filled up, let’s talk history. To learn about the life of the city’s early immigrants, pay a visit to the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American. The museum is a rich source of information about the art, history, and culture of the Pacific Northwest’s Asian settlers—and one of the most surprisingly interesting museums I saw in the city.

Looking for a little excitement in the area? I’d recommend popping into the Seattle Pinball Museum. Steps away from Hing Hay Park, the museum gives gamers unlimited plays on its wide selection of classic & modern pinball machines.

Take a Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Need to escape the city? Hop onto a Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island. Just 35 minutes away, the island is one of my favorite Seattle day trips and is the perfect place to experience Washington State’s small-town seaside charms.

Bainbridge Island

The town itself is a pleasant spot to stroll around. Not far from the ferry terminal, you can peruse the Bainbridge Island Art Museum and Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.

To enjoy the island’s natural beauty to its fullest, I’d recommend venturing to its northern peninsula to visit the Bloedel Reserve. The 150-acre nature reserve is one of the area’s finest parks, delighting visitors with its landscaped gardens and lush forests. Slide over to its historic manor house to enjoy spectacular views over Puget Sound.

Peer at downtown from above at the Columbia Center

I can never get enough of seeing Seattle from above. So, when I saw a chance to see the city from a different angle at the Columbia Center, I couldn’t help but heed the call!

Soaring up 933 feet in the air, the massive Columbia Center is the highest building in Washington State. And it’s got the views to match!

View from Columbia Center

Zip up to the tower’s 73rd-floor Sky View Observatory. Located 902 feet above the ground, Sky View Observatory, I learned on our visit, is 382 feet higher than the deck at the Space Needle. Not only are the views higher, but admission to this less-popular observation deck is also cheaper!

Marvel at the architecture of the Seattle Central Library

After checking out the Columbia Center, find a few minutes to explore the nearby Seattle Central Library. I found this unique glass & steel structure, designed by famed architect Rem Koolhaas, to be one of the city’s sleekest modern buildings.

Central Public Library

As a huge book lover, I couldn’t help but be entranced by the Seattle Central Library’s 1.5 million books. Even if you’re not as book crazy as me, its aesthetics are bound to impress!

Catch a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park

Sports fans visiting the Emerald City should spend an evening watching a baseball game at T-Mobile Park. Although I visited prior to the stadium’s name change, I’m still confident to say that T-Mobile Park, home to the MLB’s Seattle Mariners, teems with energy when its team is cranking home runs out of the park.

T-Mobile Park

If football or soccer is more your jam, head across the street to Lumin Field. The massive 67,000-seat stadium is home to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders soccer team.

Since I last visited Seattle, there’s a third pro team to add to the mix: the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. As I’m a massive hockey fan, catching a Kraken game at Climate Pledge Arena will be high on my list for my next Seattle visit!

Marvel at the Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens was one of Seattle’s finest green spaces I’ve checked out.

Wandering around its massive 230 acres, I found plenty to see at the Washington Park Arboretum. Along with the University of Washington campus across Union Bay, I learned that the botanical garden is a favorite spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring. (Which I, unfortunately, missed.)

One of the reasons I love the Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens is that it offers travelers a ton of fun outdoor activities.

Stroll along the park’s walking trails, bringing along your camera to capture photos of its rare Pacific Coast trees. I dig hiking along its lakefront boardwalk to enjoy a gentle breeze over beautiful Lake Washington. At 33.8 square miles, Lake Washington is the second-largest natural lake in Washington State.

Japanese Garden at Washington Park Arboretum

While visiting Washington Park Arboretum, I’d also recommend carving out time to visit the Seattle Japanese Garden. Although small, the beautiful 3.5-acre garden brings the beautiful flora of Japan to the Pacific Northwest. It’s one of the most authentic Japanese-style gardens I’ve seen in the United States.

The Washington Park Arboretum is easy to access; it’s just a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown.

Wander around Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill

Located on the north end of the hip Capitol Hill neighborhood, Volunteer Park is one of our other favorite chill-out spots in the city. At 48 acres, Volunteer Park is much smaller than nearby Washington Park. Still, the park charmed me with its wide array of cool attractions suited to all types of travelers.

I’d recommend starting your visit at the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Dating back to 1912, the Victorian greenhouse was modeled after London’s Crystal Palace. The Volunteer Park Conservatory is divided into five habitats: bromeliads, ferns, palms, seasonal, and succulents. Between the houses lie tens of thousands of different plant species.

Volunteer Park

Also worth a gander on your Volunteer Park visit is the Asian Art Museum. Set in a 1933 landmark Art Deco building, the museum holds a large collection of Asian art & artifacts—and was one of the most interesting museums I’ve seen in the city. The works span several historical periods and all ends of the continent.

If you’re into action movies and martial arts, set aside time to visit Lake View Cemetery. Connected to the park’s north end, the cemetery is the final resting place of Bruce Lee. Although he was raised in Hong Kong, the famed film star spent several years studying and teaching martial arts in the city.

Roam around Discovery Park

Need proof that Seattle lives up to its Emerald City nickname? Look no further than Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood. Perched upon Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, the 534-acre park is the largest public green space within the city limits—and one of our favorite spots in the city to catch a nice sea breeze!

Discovery Park

As I discovered from locals on my visit, Discovery Park is coveted for its beaches, meadows, sand dunes, bluffs, and forests. To sneak the most out of your visit, I’d recommend traipsing along the Discovery Park Loop Trail. The 2.8-mile hiking trail whisks past the park’s main sights. From the main trail, I was also able to connect to other paths along the way to explore more of the park.

Catch a Puget Sound breeze at Golden Gardens Park

Although not as expansive as Discovery Park, Golden Gardens Park is loaded with plenty of its own charms. Located in Ballard, the 87-acre park offers one of the city’s most beautiful shorelines. On a clear day, the views across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains are spectacular. 

Golden Gardens Park

The main draw at Golden Gardens Park is its beautiful sandy beaches. In summer, it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic and watersports outside the city center. (I’d really recommend timing your visit with the sunset to see the park at its most magical!)

After exploring the grounds, venture south to explore the rest of the Ballard neighborhood. The area is a juggernaut in the Seattle craft brewing scene, with dozens of craft breweries lining the street, including some of our favorites like Stoup Brewing and Ballard Brewing Company.

If you’re both an architecture buff and a nature lover, don’t miss out on the Ballard Locks. Built in 1917 and now a National Historic Site, the Ballard Locks are the busiest in the country, with over 50,000 boats passing through every year.

Even more magical is to visit the locks in the summer spawning season to see hundreds of salmon passing through the fish ladder. This is something I’ve never witnessed anywhere else—and it’s quite magical!

Marvel at the glass art at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Art lovers need to pencil in a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Located in the Seattle Center complex, this top attraction is one of our favorite places in the city. It features eight art galleries and a garden hosting the work of famed American glass artist Dale Chihuly, whose glass sculptures are some of the coolest artwork I’ve seen on my travels!

Chihuly Garden & Glass

At the heart of Chihuly Garden and Glass is its 40-foot-high Glasshouse. Walking through its 4,500 square feet of space, I marveled at its 100-foot-long masterwork art installation, reflecting a palette of reds, yellows, oranges, and ambers.

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After admiring Chihuly’s work in the Glasshouse and galleries, I took time to meander through the museum’s lush garden. I was dazzled at the artist’s glass sculptures, interspersed with colorful plants, flowers, and trees. Each season’s blooms change the scene, giving visitors a unique look upon every visit.

Enjoy a wine-tasting at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

The oldest winery in Washington State, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is one of our must-see attractions for wine lovers! Located in Woodinville, the winery sits on 105 acres of woodland. I recommend visiting this beautiful venue for a relaxing escape from the buzz of the central city.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

Pop into Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery to enjoy a guided tour of the historic vineyards and wine-tasting. If you want to enjoy more of its award-winning wines, our recommendation is to stick around to sample its daily Feature Flight or pick up a bottle for your hotel room at the Visitor Center Wine Shop.

Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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