With everything from unrivaled natural beauty and world-class attractions to major sports teams, a thriving arts and culture scene, and beyond, there's always something to do in Seattle.
Whether you're a family looking for budget-friendly finds or a seasoned traveler on the hunt for the latest Instagram-worthy vista, the Emerald City has you covered. While here, you can meet artisan makers, shop indie boutiques and designer fashions, admire priceless works of art, sing your heart out at a karaoke club, explore like a local in the city's diverse neighborhoods, and enjoy nature—all without ever having to leave the city. No matter what you're looking for, the perfect adventure awaits.
Traveling to Seattle soon? We can help you arrange any kind of transportation you need during your stay in Washington State, from the regular ride to a complete
What to do in Seattle
- Explore the iconic landmarks in the city, from the world-famous Space Needle to the Pike Place Market.
- Discover the thriving art scene in Seattle, bursting with galleries and museums, from classic to contemporary.
- Cheer the local teams, since Seattle is one of the main sports meccas in the United States.
- Go outside! And get immersed into the natural beauty surrounding Seattle, with tons of mesmerizing hiking spots.
- Attend one (or many) of the fests that take place in the city: music, art, sports, food, spirits… you name it!
Exploring Seattle
Seattle most iconic landmark, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World Fair, an amazing observation deck standing 605 foot over the city. Get into its 43-second elevator ride to the observation level, where you will have amazing views of the city and other nearby locations as Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier on clear days.
The Space Needle is not the only lengthy heritage owed to the World Fair, the Seattle Center Monorail links the part of the city that gives its name -home of the Space Needle and several other notable attractions—to downtown's Westlake Center, giving you the chance to get an unmatchable view of the city's skyscrapers.
From the iconic market sign and Rachel the Piggy Bank to the gum wall, the original Starbucks Cafe, well over 225 local artisans selling their wares, the famous fish-tossing tradition, and music-playing street performers, there are enough sights and sounds at Pike Place Market to pack a day (or more). The market added its historic MarketFront expansion in 2017, featuring an open-air plaza and fantastic views of Elliott Bay.
Discovering Seattle's artsy face
The Seattle Art Museum is the city's largest museum. Built in the 1930s, the museum hosts a rich collection of artwork from multiple times and regions from around the world. Take the time to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor extension of the museum that's open to the public for free about a mile away from the waterfront.
If you're more into flight science, there's a couple of places you shouldn't miss. The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space collections in the country, with an overwhelming number of things to see—like a Boeing lunar rover and an Air Force One from the Eisenhower era—and do, including NASA space shuttle trainer tours and flight simulators. Also, the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour near Mukiteo lets you tour a working Boeing factory, the world's largest building by volume, to see 747s, 777s, and Dreamliners in the making. After exploring the factory, learn more about airplane advancements, from jet fuel to in-flight entertainment systems, at the Future of Flight Aviation Center.
Go, Seattle!
Just take in the scarf-toting, jersey-wearing fans on any given game day to see what we mean. Football enthusiasts at Lumen Field set a World Record for loudest crowd roar during a 2013 Seattle Seahawks game. Loyal soccer supporters chant, sing, and cheer throughout Sounders FC and Reign FC matches. Baseball fans love the classic ballpark atmosphere during Seattle Mariners games.
Basketball buffs revel in the action as the 4-time WNBA Champion-winning Seattle Storm take to the court. And even before they had a single faceoff, fans have embraced the Seattle Kraken, set to join the NHL this year. Along with its major professional sports, Seattle also enjoys a variety of collegiate sports at the University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University and Washington State University.
Enjoy Seattle's outdoors
Seattle isn't nicknamed the Emerald City by accident — the greenery here is something to behold year-round. There's no shortage of ways to get out and explore in this nature-filled mecca. Dig in and see why people from all walks of life – locals and visitors, artists and innovators, explorers and dreamers – are inspired by the urban natural spaces of Seattle.
Discovery Park
This 534-acre city park in Magnolia feels like true wilderness, with meadows, beaches, bluffs, mountain views, and tall trees. Stroll the nearly 12 miles of walking trails, or visit the West Point Lighthouse for a postcard-worthy photo op.
Mount Si
One of the most popular hikes in the area, Mount Si is a great place to gain some elevation—3,150 feet of it, to be exact. You'll see plenty of people with loaded packs training for summits like Mount Rainier, but it's just as enjoyable for casual day hikers traveling at a leisurely pace.
Mount Rainier
Make a day trip to Mount Rainier, the icon looming on the horizon. It's a 2.5-hour drive to the active volcano, with many tour operators offering guided tours. The Paradise visitor area is a great place to start, with trailheads that are both beginner-friendly and suited for expert climbers. Take in the alpine meadows abloom with wildflowers in the summer, or embark on a snowshoe excursion in winter.
The event-full Seattle
Every day of the year, there's a festival, performance, concert, reading or sporting event happening in Seattle.
There are unlimited opportunities to experience art, heritage, and culture while you're in town. Step into a historic theater downtown to catch up-and-coming music acts, thought-provoking contemporary plays, and touring Broadway productions.
Visit a gallery or museum to discover one-of-a-kind art with Pacific Northwest flair. Or attend a festival—everything from celebrations of wine, beer, and cider to music blockbusters and more—for every interest. We invite you to discover the creative pulse that makes Seattle such a great place to visit.
