Have you been to Seattle, Washington? Seattle is one of my FAVORITE places to visit and to live. I lived there in 2004 as intern at Boeing, and from 2005-2008 when I was an engineer at Boeing. I dated my husband in Seattle, we got engaged there, and we bought our first home together. Seattle has a special place in my heart.
I started this list as a top ten things to do in Seattle, but it morphed into 15 as I looked through my pictures and thought of all the fun things to do there. I could probably add 15 more things to do. The list is never ending. Maybe I will have to do a part two someday.
Why is Seattle so amazing? Seattle has all the draws of a large city; tall buildings, amazing restaurants, and lots of shopping. It also has one of the BEST outdoor lives around. It is the best of both worlds. I have included both "downtown" Seattle activities to do, and ones that are a distance from Seattle. I would definitely recommend renting or bringing a car to truly appreciate all the Puget Sound area has to offer. Seattle is not a commuter city like New York City or Tokyo. It is hard to get around on public transportation.
What is the weather like in Seattle? For one it never snows! It does rain, but not as much as everyone says it does. Seattle is close to the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean is not very far away. The weather there ranges from a low of 40 degrees in the winter to about a high of 80 in the summer. The average temperature is about 60 degrees. I absolutely love the weather there, but definitely bring a jacket.
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I started this list as a top ten things to do in Seattle, but it morphed into 15 as I looked through my pictures and thought of all the fun things to do there. I could probably add 15 more things to do. The list is never ending. Maybe I will have to do a part two someday.
Why is Seattle so amazing? Seattle has all the draws of a large city; tall buildings, amazing restaurants, and lots of shopping. It also has one of the BEST outdoor lives around. It is the best of both worlds. I have included both "downtown" Seattle activities to do, and ones that are a distance from Seattle. I would definitely recommend renting or bringing a car to truly appreciate all the Puget Sound area has to offer. Seattle is not a commuter city like New York City or Tokyo. It is hard to get around on public transportation.
What is the weather like in Seattle? For one it never snows! It does rain, but not as much as everyone says it does. Seattle is close to the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean is not very far away. The weather there ranges from a low of 40 degrees in the winter to about a high of 80 in the summer. The average temperature is about 60 degrees. I absolutely love the weather there, but definitely bring a jacket.
Here is my list! I listed them in order of my favorites.
1. Alki Beach Park
Why is Alki Beach number one? It is one of my favorite places to be in Seattle. It is on the side of Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle in West Seattle. The drive there is gorgeous. The picture below is a picture of Seattle from one of the lookout points on the way to Alki. Once at Alki there are miles of beach with amazing restaraunts, volleyball courts, fire pits, walk ways, benches, and GORGEOUS views. I have spent many a night at Alki beach and love it more every time I go.
2. Theo Chocolate Factory
Theo Chocolate has a factory and retail store in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle. My husband and I attended a tour there when I worked at Boeing. We were given so much chocolate and the tour was super cheap for what we got. I rarely eat any chocolate besides Theo Chocolate now. They have tours for adults and kids. Read more about the factory in a blog post I wrote.
3. Fremont Troll
There is a troll under a bridge in Fremont neighborhood in Seattle. It is definitely worth a visit and very close to the Theo Chocolate Factory.
1. Alki Beach Park
Why is Alki Beach number one? It is one of my favorite places to be in Seattle. It is on the side of Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle in West Seattle. The drive there is gorgeous. The picture below is a picture of Seattle from one of the lookout points on the way to Alki. Once at Alki there are miles of beach with amazing restaraunts, volleyball courts, fire pits, walk ways, benches, and GORGEOUS views. I have spent many a night at Alki beach and love it more every time I go.
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: 1702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116
- Hours: 4am-11:30pm
2. Theo Chocolate Factory
Theo Chocolate has a factory and retail store in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle. My husband and I attended a tour there when I worked at Boeing. We were given so much chocolate and the tour was super cheap for what we got. I rarely eat any chocolate besides Theo Chocolate now. They have tours for adults and kids. Read more about the factory in a blog post I wrote.
- Cost: The store is free, the tour costs
- Location: 3400 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle WA 98103
- Hours: 10am-6pm
3. Fremont Troll
There is a troll under a bridge in Fremont neighborhood in Seattle. It is definitely worth a visit and very close to the Theo Chocolate Factory.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
- Hours: all day
4. Seattle Underground Tour
I have probably been in the Seattle Underground Tour 2 or 3 times. I took visitors there every time they came. Seattle was burned to the ground in 1889 because all the building were wooden. Instead of rebuilding the same buildings they took the opportunity to raise the level of the city to help prevent flooding, but they did not raise the sidewalks. The street was a different level than the sidewalk and store fronts, one story higher. In order to cross the street people would have to climb down one ladder and up the other. Eventually they make sidewalks at the street level, but the old underground is still intact and can be visited. The tiles in the picture below can be seen from above and below. When walking in Seattle streets remember that under those tiles is a whole other world.
The 75 minute tour has so much information about underground Seattle and is so cool to see. Definitely add it to your list.
I have probably been in the Seattle Underground Tour 2 or 3 times. I took visitors there every time they came. Seattle was burned to the ground in 1889 because all the building were wooden. Instead of rebuilding the same buildings they took the opportunity to raise the level of the city to help prevent flooding, but they did not raise the sidewalks. The street was a different level than the sidewalk and store fronts, one story higher. In order to cross the street people would have to climb down one ladder and up the other. Eventually they make sidewalks at the street level, but the old underground is still intact and can be visited. The tiles in the picture below can be seen from above and below. When walking in Seattle streets remember that under those tiles is a whole other world.
The 75 minute tour has so much information about underground Seattle and is so cool to see. Definitely add it to your list.
- Cost: $22 adults, $20 senior, $20 student, $10 youth, 6 and under free
- Location: 614 1st Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Street.
- Hours: Tours every hour, April-September 9am-7pm, October-March 10am-6pm, extended hours may be available, check website, closed Christmas and Thanksgiving
5. Vashon Island Light House (Point Robinson)
Any of the surrounding islands in Seattle, San Juan, Whidbey, Camano, Vashon, Bainbridge, Orcas, Lomez are worth a trip. Not only is the experience of taking a ferry fun, but the island so beautiful and peaceful. Most ferries will even allow cars.
One of my favorite islands to visit is Vashon Island. It is such a peaceful place to go. There is a beautiful light house and lovely beach there. On the weekends there is a farmers market. There is even a tree with a bike in it. Apparently Don Puz left it in the woods when he was a kid and the tree grew around it. Check out the book, Red Ranger Came Calling for a kids "story" about the bike.
Any of the surrounding islands in Seattle, San Juan, Whidbey, Camano, Vashon, Bainbridge, Orcas, Lomez are worth a trip. Not only is the experience of taking a ferry fun, but the island so beautiful and peaceful. Most ferries will even allow cars.
One of my favorite islands to visit is Vashon Island. It is such a peaceful place to go. There is a beautiful light house and lovely beach there. On the weekends there is a farmers market. There is even a tree with a bike in it. Apparently Don Puz left it in the woods when he was a kid and the tree grew around it. Check out the book, Red Ranger Came Calling for a kids "story" about the bike.
- Cost: No Cost, Ferry Costs
- Location: 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd, Vashon, WA
- Hours: Store: Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5:00 p.m., Tours: Sundays May-September, otherwise call
6. Deception Pass
Deception Pass is another amazing site to see in Seattle. It is a bridge on I-20 connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island. The bridge is amazing to look at and the views are incredible.
Deception Pass is another amazing site to see in Seattle. It is a bridge on I-20 connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island. The bridge is amazing to look at and the views are incredible.
- Cost: Free
- Location: Deception Pass (off I-20)
- Hours: Open all day
7.Space Needle
What visit to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the iconic Space Needle? I have only gone up it once, but visited it a lot to show visitors. The are a lot of attractions surrounding the Space Needle; KeyArena, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children's Museum, McCaw Hall, Memorial Stadium, Mural Amphitheatre, Musuem of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. They have updated the surrounding area alot. Not all those places were there when I went the first time. Be careful wandering outside of the Space Needle area, the neighborhood can be a little scary.
What visit to Seattle would be complete without a visit to the iconic Space Needle? I have only gone up it once, but visited it a lot to show visitors. The are a lot of attractions surrounding the Space Needle; KeyArena, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Children's Museum, McCaw Hall, Memorial Stadium, Mural Amphitheatre, Musuem of Pop Culture and Chihuly Garden and Glass. They have updated the surrounding area alot. Not all those places were there when I went the first time. Be careful wandering outside of the Space Needle area, the neighborhood can be a little scary.
- Cost: $22 for adults, $14 for youth, free under 5, senior $19, can get combo tickets for other attractions
- Location: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
- Hours: 10am-8pm
8. Tiger Mountain Trail
As I have already said the scenery in Seattle is AMAZING. One of my favorite trails in Seattle was the Tiger Mountain Trail, but there are several others that are amazing too. Check out the Washington Trails Association for all the trails in the area. Since it rains in Seattle the trails are very lush and green, it is almost like being in the rain forest.
9. Museum of Flight
I may have to mention The Museum of Flight because worked for Boeing while I lived there. The museum features so many cool planes even one named after me. hehe. The museum also features flight simulators, a 3D Movie, and a pilot experience. It has over 150 aircraft including; a Concorde, Boeing 747, Blackbird, Boeing 737, Boeing 80A and many more airplanes. It is one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
The museum of flight is across the street from the Seattle headquarters for Boeing, but entrance to Boeing facilities are limited to Boeing employees and invited members. Entrance is allowed to Boeing Field across the street where planes are tested and delivered to customers. It is also a functioning airport.
As I have already said the scenery in Seattle is AMAZING. One of my favorite trails in Seattle was the Tiger Mountain Trail, but there are several others that are amazing too. Check out the Washington Trails Association for all the trails in the area. Since it rains in Seattle the trails are very lush and green, it is almost like being in the rain forest.
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: Tiger Mountain Trail, Issaquah, WA 98027, Exit 20 off I-90
- Hours: Open all day
9. Museum of Flight
I may have to mention The Museum of Flight because worked for Boeing while I lived there. The museum features so many cool planes even one named after me. hehe. The museum also features flight simulators, a 3D Movie, and a pilot experience. It has over 150 aircraft including; a Concorde, Boeing 747, Blackbird, Boeing 737, Boeing 80A and many more airplanes. It is one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
The museum of flight is across the street from the Seattle headquarters for Boeing, but entrance to Boeing facilities are limited to Boeing employees and invited members. Entrance is allowed to Boeing Field across the street where planes are tested and delivered to customers. It is also a functioning airport.
- Cost: $21 for adults, $18 for senior, $13 for youth, free for 4 and under
- Location: 9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108-4097
- Hours: 10am-5pm, free first Thursday of each month, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
10. Old Curiosity Shop and Pier
Seattle's piers are all numbered and a walk along them is very romantic. My now husband and I had lots of dates down there. There are many shops and restaurants along the pier, including the Old Curiosity Shop which features some very unique and curious items.
11. Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a very fun zoo to visit. The design is very open and the animals are allowed lots of space to roam. I would definitely suggest a visit.
Snoqualmie Falls is a hidden gem in Seattle. It is a huge waterfall. Sorry I did not take a picture of the whole waterfall, but my sister is really pretty!
13. Mount Rainer
Mount Rainier is huge and definitely worth a visit. There is a huge visitors center and lots of trails and camping spots.
14. Pike's Place Market
Pike's Place is far down on my list, because it is not my favorite place to visit. But it is a MAJOR tourist attraction and most people really want to go. It has shops, a market, restaurants, a Gum wall down the alley, clubs with musical acts etc. There is even a left handed store. The street is make out of cobble stones and yes they throw the fish. I think it is over priced and crowded because every one goes there. It is good to visit once, but not to buy things from.
15. Seattle Mariners Baseball Game at Safeco Field
This is last on my list because I am not a fan of baseball, but the Stadium is amazing. There are so many restaurants there, there is even a Ben and Jerry's. I love wandering the stadium. I reluctantly attended many games, sitting in all kinds of seats; seats in the sun, shade, padded seats and even a the Microsoft box office. The box office was my favorite because some executive from Microsoft was there an they ordered us food. And I did not have to watch the game for hours. I also included this on the list because I know some of you will probably like baseball.
*All of these pictures were taken by me. Please do not use without written permission.
Seattle's piers are all numbered and a walk along them is very romantic. My now husband and I had lots of dates down there. There are many shops and restaurants along the pier, including the Old Curiosity Shop which features some very unique and curious items.
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54, Seattle, WA 98104
- Hours: 10am-6pm
11. Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a very fun zoo to visit. The design is very open and the animals are allowed lots of space to roam. I would definitely suggest a visit.
- Cost: $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids, $2 and under is free, available with combo tickets
- Location: 5500 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle WA 98103
- Hours: depends on time of year, 9:30am to 4pm, closed on Christmas
Snoqualmie Falls is a hidden gem in Seattle. It is a huge waterfall. Sorry I did not take a picture of the whole waterfall, but my sister is really pretty!
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54, Seattle, WA 98104
- Hours: 10am-6pm
13. Mount Rainer
Mount Rainier is huge and definitely worth a visit. There is a huge visitors center and lots of trails and camping spots.
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54, Seattle, WA 98104
- Hours: 10am-6pm
14. Pike's Place Market
Pike's Place is far down on my list, because it is not my favorite place to visit. But it is a MAJOR tourist attraction and most people really want to go. It has shops, a market, restaurants, a Gum wall down the alley, clubs with musical acts etc. There is even a left handed store. The street is make out of cobble stones and yes they throw the fish. I think it is over priced and crowded because every one goes there. It is good to visit once, but not to buy things from.
- Cost: No Cost
- Location: 1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101
- Hours: Open 363 days a year, different parts of the market open at different times. 10am-4pm most of the general market is open, certain areas are open earlier and later.
15. Seattle Mariners Baseball Game at Safeco Field
This is last on my list because I am not a fan of baseball, but the Stadium is amazing. There are so many restaurants there, there is even a Ben and Jerry's. I love wandering the stadium. I reluctantly attended many games, sitting in all kinds of seats; seats in the sun, shade, padded seats and even a the Microsoft box office. The box office was my favorite because some executive from Microsoft was there an they ordered us food. And I did not have to watch the game for hours. I also included this on the list because I know some of you will probably like baseball.
- Cost: Depends on the game
- Location: http://1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
- Hours: Depends on game
*All of these pictures were taken by me. Please do not use without written permission.
