Planning a trip to visit Seattle? It’s a great place to stay! From fresh produce and handmade goods to multi-cultural dining options, Seattle is going to win your heart. Here are 7 reasons to visit Seattle – but I bet you’ll find plenty to add to the list once you get there.
If you’re heading to Hawai’i, another popular destination in America, be sure to visit the shrimp trucks!
One of the great perks of Seattle for travelers is that flying to Europe from this west coast location may mean a shorter flight. If I can shave a couple hours off a flight and get to enjoy a great American city while I’m there? Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Admittedly, Seattle has a growth problem. The fastest growing city in the US since 2010, it’s where Starbucks and REI started and home to Amazon’s corporate headquarters.
Housing prices are skyrocketing, as has homelessness. But in spite of those difficulties, visitors will find a welcoming city in Seattle.
Things to do in Seattle:
Chihuly Garden and Glass
This place is amazing. It’s a bit expensive to get in, but in my opinion, totally worth it.
Filled with amazing blown glass exhibits, every room is a masterpiece in its own right. Gardeners will appreciate the displays outside, though.
Glass sculptures are tucked among the gardens, each installment complementing the landscape.
More info: https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
Pike Place Market
Yes, everybody and then some will be at the market. I’ve been there when it’s wall-to-wall people, and times when it’s substantially less crowded. (My advice: Don’t go on a three-day weekend.)
No matter when you go, though, the maze of shops and eateries crammed into several floors will delight and amaze. It’s the spot in Seattle for foodies! Fresh flowers, toiletries, hats, handmade leather journals; from the usual tourist souvenirs to vintage collectibles, used books, and fabric, there is surely something for everyone.
It is a must-see in Seattle, in my opinion. Even if you don’t want to explore the shopping options, it’s a great place to grab a coffee and a pastry or macaron and people watch.
We happened across a wonderful rooftop garden where the community was growing food for donation to a charitable organization.
As you can imagine, I gravitated toward items like fresh flowers (so many!), locally produced food items (saffron! honey! balsamic vinegar!), and handcrafted soaps and salves. Oh, and cheese. There’s really good cheese.
And of course, there’s the famous Pike Place Fish Market, where yes, they do throw fish.
More info: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
The Gum Wall
OK, so it’s kind of gross to think about, but while you’re at Pike Place Market, be sure to walk by the gum wall.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gum_Wall
Olympic Sculpture Park
This outdoor venue sits right on the waterfront, giving an expansive view of Elliot Bay, Puget Sound, and the Olympic National Park in the distance. It’s a gorgeous setting, and the sculptures are fun and kid friendly, too.
More info: https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
The Space Needle
This iconic Seattle landmark is visible from much of the city. Getting to it is easy if you hop the Seattle Center monorail from Westlake Center. Tickets are inexpensive and you’ll get a glimpse of the area as you quietly whiz by.
The lower level of the Space Needle is open to the public, offering a large souvenir shop and some historical information. The trip to the top requires a ticket and a touch of bravery.
More info: https://www.spaceneedle.com/
More info: https://www.seattlemonorail.com/
Visit Starbucks
No, not that one. The first Starbucks location opened in Seattle and the line for that location is always out the door and down the block.
Coffee aficionados and foodies will want to head over to the Capitol Hill area and visit the Seattle Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Book a tour, enjoy a meal, or just stop in and browse.
More info: https://www.starbucksreserve.com/en-us/locations/seattle
Hop on a Ferry
Residents of Seattle use the ferries regularly to commute across the water. This public transportation option makes for a delightful afternoon on the water if the weather cooperates. See the city from the bay, enjoy the salt spray, and
More info: https://wsdot.com/ferries/vesselwatch/TerminalDetail.aspx?terminalid=7
