30 Unique Things to do in Seattle
Some of you know that I lived in Seattle for a while. I moved to the Emerald City in June 2017 and spent the next seven months exploring all it had to offer. Seattle is such an interesting place with tons of unique things to do!
If you are thinking about visiting there are a few things you might want to know right away:
1. Yes it rains, but you quickly get used to it (I promise!) Most locals don’t even use umbrellas because it is often just a light drizzle.
2. This is a tech hub. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing seem to run the town.
3. The Seattle freeze is a thing. People can seem reserved and introverted, but I promise Seattleites are ultimately very friendly!
4. The public transportation is pretty good: The Link Light Rail runs from SeaTac to downtown and the King County Metro Transit buses service most of the city. Seattle is also a very pedestrian and bike friendly city.
5. Seattle is made up of different neighborhoods that all have a very different feel. Many tourists stay in the Belltown/Downtown area but you should check out other areas too! Fremont, Ballard, and Cap Hill all have very distinct vibes.
Alright so if you are not scared away by the rain (seriously it isn’t that bad!) and are ready to plan your trip, go ahead and read my list of 30 unique things to do in Seattle.
You can also check out some of my other Seattle-related posts here:
The 12 Best Desserts in Seattle, Washington
Fremont Self-Guided Walking Tour
1. Watch the Sunset at Kerry Park
This is one of my FAVORITE things to do in Seattle. You can visit this Queen Anne park at any time of the day for an incredible skyline view of downtown Seattle and Elliot Bay. And, if you are lucky, Mount Rainier might be out. Taking in the sunset from here is absolutely incredible. Photographers post up for hours to get their perfect shot and parking can be a bit tricky, but trust me it is worth it!
I would suggest stopping by Molly Moon’s (321 W Galer St) a little before sunset and make the 5 minute walk from there to Kerry Park. (By the way the park is tiny. It is basically just a patch of grass and the viewing area) Even though Kerry Park will be crowded at sunset, you should be able to find a spot in the grass or along the railing to take in the view.
2. Contribute to the Disgusting Colorful Gum Wall
Ok yea, so this is pretty gross. But trust me, it’s a thing. It almost feels like a right of passage for Seattle tourists! Under Pike Place Market you will find the gum lined walls of Post Alley. Occasionally the city cleans the walls, but freshly chewed pieces quickly fill the empty space. Bring your favorite flavor and add to this unique mural. (Heads up millennials, this is a great Instagram wall!)
3. Get a Picture with the Fremont Troll
Trolls actually do live under bridges! Ok maybe that isn’t completely true. But you can find a troll sculpture in the quirky Fremont neighborhood. You can check out my Fremont walking tour for more info on this unique public art. This makes for a great photo op and brings you to a quintessential Seattle neighborhood that tourists often overlook.
4. Enjoy some Free Samples at Theo Chocolate
Channel your inner Charlie Bucket in Fremont! As you are walking around this neighborhood I swear you can smell whiffs of chocolate. Be sure to stop by the Theo Chocolate shop or sign up for factory tour. You can read more about the tour in my post here.
5. Sing “Thrift Shop” as you Shop in a Thrift Shop
You will quickly see where Macklemore’s inspiration came from. There are vintage and thrift shops all over Seattle. While you are in Fremont you should stop by the Fremont Vintage Mall. They have some awesome stuff and part of Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” music video was filled here.
6. Visit the OG Starbucks
Ok so technically this ins’t the location of the first Starbucks (the first one was actually located at 2000 Western Ave). That shop relocated in 1976 to its current location in Pike Place Market. But it is the oldest Starbucks location that still exists and is definitely referred to as the original shop. You are in the land of Starbucks, so why not grab a Pike Place drip in Pike Place?
7. Try a Coffee Flight at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery
If you are looking for a more unique Starbucks experience, head to the Pike-Pine neighborhood where you will find Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Behind the massive wooden doors you will see multiple coffee bars, a food counter, merchandise, and an actual roaster. Each bar offers a unique selection of items that are not offered in traditional Starbucks locations. (They also serve alcohol at one of the bars).
The baristas are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a drink recommendation or want to learn more about the roasting process, be sure to ask them!
8. Ride a Dock-Free Bike
If you want to feel like a true Seattleite, hope on a bike and ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail. You can easily find dock free bikes anywhere in the city. Ofo, Spin, and Lime all operate in Seattle and are simple to rent. All you have to do is download their app, add a credit card, and scan the code on the bike.
The prices are very affordable (about $1/hour) and the best part is that you can leave the bike anywhere (well, I have seen them in trees and a lake, so maybe let’s not leave them anywhere). Seattle is incredibly bike friendly and this is a great way to see the city!
9. Watch a Hilarious Improv Show
Many people don’t realize that a comedy theater is tucked away in Post Alley (where the gum wall is). Unexpected Productions offers multiple improv shows every week, including my favorite “Improv Happy Hour.” The tickets are typically $10 so this is a very budget-friendly entertainment option (not to mention that the shows are always very entertaining!)
10. Drink Ginger Beer Cocktails
Blood orange, pink guava, and spicy pineapple are just some of the innovative flavors you can enjoy at Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Their ginger beer is non-alcoholic but the menu also offers numerous creative cocktails. Build-you-own Moscow Mule with any of their ginger beer flavors or try a frozen RGB cocktail. I recommend a blood orange Moscow Mule (yum!)
11. See the City From the Great Wheel
If you spend some time downtown, you will quickly notice the giant ferris wheel. It adds some fun kinetic energy to the skyline and looks great at night when it is lit up with different colors. On a clear day, you can get a great view and a fun ride all in one! Tickets cost $14 for adults and $9 for kids.
12. Eat from a Food Cart at the Ballard Sunday Market
Seattle has plenty of farmers markets, but the one located in the Ballard neighborhood is by far the best (ok full disclosure- I did live in Ballard so I might be slightly biased). This market runs every Sunday from 10am-3pm. Here you will find stalls filled with fresh produce, fish, and local crafts. You can also order a delicious lunch from one of the many food carts. Ballard is another neighborhood that is often overlooked by tourists, but it is a really unique neighborhood with a rich maritime history.
13. Watch the Ballard Locks in Action
While you are in the Ballard neighborhood, be sure to check out this engineering marvel. Built in 1917, the complex system allows boats to move between the differing water levels of the lakes and Puget Sound. Boats move into the lock and the water inside will either raise or lower to match the level on the other side.
During migration season (July-September) you can also watch salmon move along the lock’s fish ladder. Sometimes you can even spot seals looking for a quick lunch near the ladder.
14. Eat Dinner in the Space Needle
Unfortunately the SkyCity restaurant is currently closed for renovations. The Space Needle is undergoing a major “space-lift” and glass floors are being added to the viewing platform. However, the website hints at a new restaurant being opened once the renovations are done. I know it is kind of unfair to mention an experience that is not currently available, but it was such a fun restaurant that I had to include it in case it does reopen.
SkyCity was located at the top of the Space Needle. The restaurant’s floor slowly turned, which offered guests a complete 360 degree view of the city during their dining experience. The menu was pricy, but how often do you get to eat at the top of such an iconic building?
Check their website for updates and hopefully the new restaurant will open soon!
15. Enjoy a Picnic at a Repurposed Gasworks Plant
This unique public space was once the site of a gasification plant (the buildings still remain and add an interesting aesthetic to the park.). Here you can take in the view of Lake Union, which will probably be filled with sail boats, SUP riders, and kayakers. You might even see a few seaplanes landing.
On a summer day this park will be filled with Seattleites trying to get their much needed Vitamin D. There are plenty of grocery stores and restaurants in the nearby Wallingford and Fremont neighborhoods, so grab some food and enjoy the sun (trust me- Seattle summers are the BEST!)
16. See Wizard of Oz props at the MoPop Museum
And so much more! Near the Space Needle you can find a few museums, but this one dedicated to all things pop culture is my favorite. The building itself is really unique and the exhibits offer a look into some of your favorite movies and musicians. I especially love the rooms dedicated to the fantasy and horror genres. Be sure to check their website for updates on rotating exhibits.
17. Hike to the Discovery Park Lighthouse
Head to the Magnolia neighborhood to find Seattle’s largest park. Here you can hike, run, or bike an extensive network of trails. Once you are exploring Discovery Park, you will forget that you are in the middle of a metropolis. Check out this Discovery Park Loop guide from Washington Trails Association’s. This 2.8 mile trail will take you through the park, along the water, and ultimately to the lighthouse.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for more hikes in and around Seattle be sure to check out the WTA website. This is THE source for trail conditions, guides, and any other info you might need before heading out on a hike in Washington. Seattle is surrounded by prime hiking trails so if you have time you should absolutely check them out! (some of my favs are Rattlesnake Ledge and Annette Lake)
18. Rent a Canoe at the University of Washington Waterfront
One of the best ways to experience Seattle is from the water. Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are available to the public at the UW waterfront (UW students receive a discount). Here you can head out onto Union Bay, considered the gateway to Lake Washington. Keep an eye out for bald eagles or sea hawks.
After your adventure, you can enjoy a picnic lunch in the Washington Arboretum. Make sure you also explore the gorgeous UW campus. Nearby you will also find the University Village, one of Seattle’s premiere shopping and dining centers.
19. Marvel at Gravity Defying Glass Sculptures
At the Seattle Center you will find the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum where you can see the stunning works of Dale Chihuly. This Washington native has created thousands of colorful glass sculptures that can be seen around the world. He is THE name in this field and his pieces are memorizing.
This is a pricy ticket ($26 for adults) but it is an extremely popular attraction in Seattle. Most visitors consider this, the Space Needle, and Pike Place Market the big 3 attractions in the city. There is another Chihuly Glass Museum in Tacoma that only costs $15, but since this is a bit outside of Seattle I would suggest just splurging here if you want to see some Chihuly glass.
20. See the View from the Volunteer Park Water Tower
After climbing the 107 steps to the observation deck you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. The Water Tower was built in 1907 and sits at the top of Capitol Hill. This is a great spot to get a free view of Seattle that many people don’t even know about.
Although currently undergoing renovations, Volunteer Park is also home to the Asian Art Museum (which is projected to reopen in 2019). In the meantime, explore the Volunteer Park trails, visit the Conservancy, and take a unique photo of the Space Needle through the Donut.
21. Feast at the Chinatown-ID Night Market
This annual festival features a vast assortment of Asian street food vendors. Join 25,000 Seattleites as they fight the crowds to try some of the best food in the city. If you are not in town during the festival, make sure you still check out the International District. You will find a variety of authentic Asian restaurants, the popular Uwajimaya grocery store, and a pinball museum.
22. Take a Water Taxi to West Seattle
From downtown Seattle (currently Pier 52) you can take a short water taxi ride to West Seattle. West Seattle offers impressive views of downtown Seattle and a quite beach town vibe. Here you can take a leisurely walk along the 2.5 mile Alki Beach Trail or play some volleyball at Alki Beach. Be sure to stop by West Seattle Junction, where you will find breweries, restaurants, and (on Sundays) a farmer’s market.
23. Watch the Famous Fish Throwers at Pike Place Market
Yes it will be crowded. It might be hard to see the fish. But this is a classic. You HAVE to check out Pike Place Market while you are in Seattle. You will quickly find the crowds waiting for the fish to be thrown. It’s almost obligatory to see, so make sure you do it once. But afterwards be sure to explore the rest of the market.
There are so many local crafts for sale, delicious treats, and great viewpoints. For coffee check out the original Starbucks or Ghost Alley Espresso. And don’t miss Daily Dozen Doughnuts, Ellenos, or Beechers.
Pro Tip: Bring your food to the MarketFront. There is a long bar where you can set your food and it is not quite as crowded as the rest of the market. Enjoy the view and your delicious finds.
24. Order Chocolate Popcorn at Cinerama
When I go to a movie I always want popcorn and something sweet. At Cinerama you can get 2 for the price of 1 with their famous chocolate popcorn! This popular theater also serve craft beer and local sweets (like Theo Chocolate and Full Tilt Ice Cream). Did I mention the theater was recently renovated and is super comfortable! So, treat yourself to the perfect movie night with cushy seats and chocolate popcorn (or a mix of buttered and chocolate- yum!)
25. Tour the Underground
After a glue fire burned down most of Seattle in 1889, the city crafted a strategic rebuilding plan. New buildings were made out of stone or brick (instead of wood) and the streets were placed about 2 stories higher than the original grade. This allowed for a network of passageways to remain under the current Seattle streets. By taking the Underground Tour you have the opportunity to explore these passageways and learn more about this fascinating part of Seattle’s history.
26. Walk on the Rainbow Sidewalks in Cap Hill
Unveiled in 2015 to kick of the annual Pride Celebration, these crosswalks are a testament to the liberal, welcoming, and accepting nature of Seattle. If you are looking for nightlife, you are in the right place. Some of the city’s best bars can be found in Cap Hill (including the carnival themed Unicorn bar). Even if you are not a late night partier, you will find some great restaurants in this neighborhood. (Like Bok a Bok and U:DON).
27. Admire the Art in the Olympic Sculpture Park
Enjoy the waterfront and free exhibit at this public park. From here you can easily access the piers, Pike Place Market, and Myrtle Edwards Park. The Seattle Art Museum transformed this contaminated brown space into the current park, which opened in 2007.
Since this is one of the only green spaces in downtown Seattle, you will find visitors and locals utilizing this park. Although not as large as Discovery or Volunteer Park, this is a great example of Seattle’s emphasis on preservation and revitalization. This is also a great way to see some art if you don’t have time to visit the Seattle Art Museum.
28. Root for the Home Team
Baseball, soccer, football, basketball. Seattle has it all! (just don’t mention the SuperSonics, they are still a bit bitter) You can watch the Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Mariners at the downtown stadiums, see the Reign FC at Memorial Stadium, and catch the Storm in Key Arena. To be honest, I am not a big sports person but if you are- go for it!
29. Take a Class at Indi Chocolate
Step inside the new Pike Place MarketFront and you will find a tempting selection of confections and coffee at Indi Chocolate. But this cafe offers more than just delicious mochas. Here you can learn the basics of chocolate making, how to brew the perfect coffee at home, and how to pair chocolate and coffee. For a complete list of classes check out Indi’s website here.
Earlier this year I took the At Home Coffee Brewing class and learned so much about the entire coffee making process. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and patient with this coffee novice. I learned the proper way to taste coffee, what to look for in a good coffee, how the beans are grown, and so much more. Seattle really is a coffee hub and this was a great way to feel even more connected to the local culture.
30. Ride the Monorail
For just $2.50 ($1.25 for kids) you can ride this iconic Seattle attraction between Westlake Center and Seattle Center. Although it was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, I can’t help but feel like I am at a Disney Park when I ride it. Although short, it is a fun and convenient way to travel from the Seattle Center (home to the Space Needle, MoPop, and Chihuly) to downtown (the station is a short walk to Pike Place Market).
ORCA cards (passes that work on the buses and Light Rail) are not accepted, but one-way or roundtrip monorail tickets can be purchased at the stations. Trains depart roughly every 10 minutes. This offers a unique view of downtown and is a budget-friendly entertainment option!
Enjoy your time in Seattle. If I didn’t mention your favorite thing to do let me know in the comments below.
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