No matter how long you plan to stay in Seattle, you will never run out of things to see and do. If anything, you might run into a problem of deciding where to start! But that’s where we’ve got you covered. Looking for a guide to the top attractions in Seattle but don't want to go to a visitor center? Keep reading — first-time visitors can visit the most popular attractions Seattle has to offer and still find hidden gems.
Prepare for Your Trip to the Top Attractions in Seattle
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the wonderful Seattle attractions, but it does include some of the most popular tourist spots. This guide can help you not only build your itinerary for your trip but prepare you to get the most out of those terrific Seattle tourist attractions. Enjoy amazing views from scenic boat tours, new museum exhibits, a trip to the zoo, and more! Here’s everything you need to get ready to see some of Seattle’s top attractions:
Have a Bite to Eat at Collections Cafe After Exploring Chihuly Garden and Glass
On your way to the famous Space Needle, you may pass a garden full of beautiful and creative glass sculptures. This is the Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit, a long-term walkthrough glass sculpture exhibition created by renowned Tacoma, Washington, artist Dale Chihuly. This exhibition contains some of Chihuly’s most vibrant work throughout eight galleries and a stunning glasshouse and garden centerpiece. There’s even a theater where you can watch videos that display Chihuly’s glass working process.
There are daily events at the Chihuly Garden, so make sure to check their calendar before you plan your trip. If you arrive for a morning walk through the exhibit, you’ll have a bright start to your day and you can stop for stone-fried pizza or a salad at Collections Cafe, within the galleries. Dress for comfort, as you can expect to be walking around quite a bit with this exhibit.
Plan Your Woodland Park Zoo Trip to Hit All Major Exhibits
Love animals? The Woodland Park Zoo offers you a chance to see lions, tigers, bears, and more, all with the mission to save wildlife at the center of their business. Admission prices go to support wildlife conservation and educational programs and initiatives like Living Northwest, which helps to recover local endangered species, and the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in Papua New Guinea. For this good cause, you might just see your favorite animal here.
Woodland Park Zoo recommends buying tickets online before you arrive. You can expect long lines of park visitors otherwise. The good news is Woodland Park Zoo tickets are included in Seattle CityPASS® tickets. The zoo tends to be the busiest on Saturdays and Sundays during the afternoon. If you have the opportunity to go on a weekday or during the morning, you may find a quieter zoo visit. Make sure to check out the gift shop before you leave!
Reserve Your Spot on the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour in Advance
The Seattle waterfront is a must-see attraction and there’s no better way to view it than through an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. You can see it all from this tour: the downtown Seattle city skyline, West Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and the Seattle Harbor shipping port. Plus, your tour guide can tell you stories all about the rich history and present state of Seattle alike.
These cruises are highly sought after, so you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance if you want to add this to your list of attractions in Seattle. You can even purchase a First to Board pass, allowing you to skip the long lines before boarding the cruise. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available at the full-service bar. Boarding begins 20 minutes before the start of the cruise, so the earlier you arrive, the better.
Dress Up to Take Beautiful Pictures with Stunning Views at the Space Needle
No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the 605-foot-tall Space Needle, one of the most iconic sights in the city. When you visit the Space Needle, you’ll travel upwards on an elevator for nearly a minute all the way to the observation deck at the top. There, you can find unbeatable 360-degree views of the city. Dress up for your Instagram photos and for dinner at the observation deck restaurant.
The Space Needle is open all through August, though it does occasionally close due to special events. You can buy tickets at the location, but keep in mind that the last tickets are sold 45 minutes before closing.
Take Advantage of Guided Tours Through the Fascinating History of Aviation at Museum of Flight
Aviation buffs will love the Museum of Flight in Seattle. You can walk through the museum yourself, but we recommend a guided tour. The guided tour will give you access to a knowledgeable guide who can provide oodles of interesting information about the history of aviation in our country and across the world. Check the Museum of Flight’s calendars to see what temporary exhibits will be available during your visit. Make sure you have time for a flight simulator experience before you leave!
Prioritize Indoor Attractions for the Warmer Months
During the warmer months, you can prioritize indoor attractions such as museums and the Space Needle. Buy tickets for these attractions ahead of time in order to avoid long wait times or missing out entirely. Then you can explore outdoor attractions once you’ve secured the indoor attractions you want to see. Regardless of whether you choose more indoor or outdoor attractions, it’s always good to arrive in the city with a plan — and with tickets already purchased.
Make the Most Out of Your Trip to Seattle
Want to see the most you can in Seattle? You can save money on ticket prices with CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets allow you to bundle your ticket purchases together into one bundle that will be honored at whatever attractions you selected. You can choose Seattle C3® tickets for a shorter visit and save up to on ticket costs. If you plan to stay longer, you can purchase Seattle CityPASS® tickets and save . Purchase your ideal CityPASS® tickets today to see all your favorite Seattle, Washington, attractions!
Lodging in Seattle
To get the most out of your stay in Seattle, we recommend finding lodging near Seattle's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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