Things to Do in Seattle

Situated on Puget Sound in Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the state and serves as a departure port for many Alaska cruises. It's a beautiful city, set between Mount Rainier in the Cascade Range and the active shipping lanes of Elliott Bay.

A vibrant waterfront neighborhood allows you to choose from several seafood restaurants where you can order the signature dish, fresh wild salmon baked on a plank. It's fun to wander along the docks and see what treasures can be found in the various boutique shops.

If you're here to explore the Emerald City, what better place to start than the landmark Space Needle? Head straight to the observation deck and see the city from this prime vantage point, then enjoy a meal at SkyCity Restaurant. Under 10 minutes from the Space Needle is the legendary Pike Place Market, a bustling public market dating from the turn of the century. You can pop into the original Starbucks, grab a pastry at one of the many bakeries, or sip espresso at a sidewalk café.

Looking for a cultural experience? Music and art flourish in the city, and you can explore some of the country’s best museums here, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Pacific Science Center, home to some of the country’s most fascinating exhibits. The city is also renowned for its energetic music scene, and you can see local groups performing at the Paramount Theatre, The Showbox, and Highline.

Sports enthusiasts might want to seek out major sporting venues, such as CenturyLink Field, KeyArena, and Safeco Field. What better way to watch the Seahawks score a few touchdowns or the Mariners hit the ball out of the park?

Shopping in the city is a major experience, too, and many Seattle hotels are located downtown—right where you want to be if you’re a fashion maven with a taste for high-end style. You’ll also find plenty of unique shops along historic Ballard Avenue, with several of the best Seattle hotels just steps away.

There’s more to this exciting city than meets the eye, which is why it’s worthwhile to spend some time exploring the area. Outdoor enthusiasts can wander beyond the city limits and find a hiking trail up Mount Rainier, the majestic mountain to the east that shows herself towering over the city on sunny days. The views of the city skyline from the slopes of this mountain are breathtaking.