A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Seattle Activities for Tourists

With its vibrant culture and unforgettable scenery, there’s no better place than Seattle for a fun and interesting vacation. Whether it’s trekking through the lush forests surrounding the city or tasting some of the best craft beer and food around, Seattle is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. To help you decide on some of the best things to do while you’re in Seattle, here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best activities and attractions.

Check Out the Iconic Space Needle

When it comes to iconic Seattle attractions, the Space Needle is the star of the show. The world-famous landmark was initially constructed for the Seattle World’s Fair in the 1960s, and it stands as a symbol of both the city’s free-spirited spirit and its ambitious technological advancements. The observation deck is a must-visit spot when you’re in town, as it provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle and the rest of Puget Sound. The popular tourist attraction has gone under extensive renovations in recent years, including the opening of a restaurant at the tip of the Needle, so be sure to check it out on your next visit.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

One of Seattle’s greatest assets is its close proximity to some of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders. With its lush forests, towering mountains, and a coastline filled with beaches and parks, Seattle is a great place to get in touch with nature. Outdoor activities like camping, hiking, skiing, and beach-going are all popular activities for families and travelers alike. Head to any of Seattle’s amazing parks like Alki Beach Park or Kubota Garden for a day of nature-filled fun. Or to get off the beaten path, explore one of Washington’s three iconic national parks — Mt Rainier, Olympic, or North Cascades — for an unforgettable adventure.

Shop at Seattle’s Open Air Market

Seattle is known for its multitude of unique shops, boutiques, and souvenir stands — but if you want to get the real Seattle locals experience, look no further than the city’s open air markets. The Pike Place Market boasts over 200 unique shops, with everything from local produce to handmade jewelry and crafts. Along with its vast selection of food products, the Market is also home to an abundance of street performers, musicians, and other entertainers. Whether you’re looking to bring a piece of Seattle home or just people watch for the afternoon, the Pike Place Market is sure to be an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Explore Seattle’s Food Scene

The saying goes that “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.” And indeed, it may be a tried-and-true formula by which to understand Seattleites as well! From award-winning restaurants to tucked away hole-in-the-wall dives, Seattle has a dynamic food scene that shouldn’t be missed—there’s something for pretty much everyone’s palette. Try some of Seattle’s famous seafood dishes like Spicy Crab Soup or Cedar Planked Salmon. Or explore some of the city’s underrated neighborhoods like Ballard or West Seattle for some delicious finds. Whichever way your taste buds lead you, there’s no way you won’t talk about Seattle’s culinary destination long after you leave!

Taste The City’s Delicious Craft Beer On A Brewery Tour

Few cities are as intertwined with craft beer culture as Seattle. From award-winning microbreweries like Fremont Brewing and Two Beers Brewing to cult favorite, the Elysian Brewing Company — there are plenty of local breweries for visitors to explore. To get an inside look at how some of these breweries craft their limited release beers or get a full tasting experience, consider taking a brewery tour. For instance, GetYourGuide’s Seattle Fishermen’s Terminal Brewery and Beer-Sampling Tour offers guests the chance to visit some of Seattle’s most iconic breweries where they can sample different seasonal ales and learn about how these unique beers are made. The tour also stops by the historic Fishermen’s Terminal — home to Alaska’s world-famous fishing fleet — giving guests an opportunity to explore a bit of Seattle’s maritime culture!

Experience Seattle’s Art Scene

Seattle is one of the leading cities for art and culture in the United States. Explore some of its larger galleries like Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Frye Art Museum, or the Henry Art Gallery for some incredible works from around the world. Or take a stroll around Capitol Hill or Ballard for some fascinating independent galleries featuring works from some lesser known but truly talented artists. Moreover, numerous events like Earshot Jazz Festival or Bumbershoot bring international musicians and artists together to share music and art with local visitors and visitors alike — offering an unforgettable experience.

Discover the city’s Cultural History With A Pub Crawl

When it comes to discovering another city’s culture, one can never go wrong with a good pub crawl. To learn some of Seattle’s history — both its good times and dark past — consider exploring some of its vibrant bars and pubs with guides like RealSeattle Tour’s PubCrawl trek along Capitol Hill. On this tour, your guide will not only walk you through some of Seattle’s most iconic bars and pubs but will also share stories about how these places shaped the culture of the city — from grunge music in the late 1980s to changing neighborhoods over its more than 150 years of history. Perfectly balanced between education and entertainment, it’ll no doubt be one of your most memorable experiences in Seattle!

No matter your interests or budget constraints, you’re sure to find something worth doing while you’re in Seattle. Make sure to keep all these activities in mind when you plan your next trip!