United States Washington

15 Things to do in Seattle (2021)

Seattle, Washington is a stunning city with so much to do and see. Here are 15 things I recommend!

Seattle skyline from Lake Union

1. Float on Lake Union in a Hot Tub Boat

One of my favorite days of all time was renting a hot tub boat and floating with views of the Seattle skyline. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, and can jump into Lake Union to cool off. The owners of Lake Union Hot Tub Boats were extremely kind and set us up for a great day.

Lake Union Hot Tub Boat in Seattle
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats with the Space Needle
Lake Union Hot Tub Boat
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats

2. Walk or Picnic at Seward Park in Seattle

Seward park is in southeast Seattle and has great views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. The park is on a peninsula that extends into Lake Washington. You can hike, bike, picnic, play tennis, and more at Seward park.

Seward Park in Seattle
Seward Park with Views of Mt Rainier

3. Get a Photo Op at Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small park in the beautiful neighborhood of Queen Anne. This is a great spot for a photo op with the Space Needle and views of downtown Seattle.

Views from Kerry Park in Seattle
Views from Kerry Park

4. Hike the Trails of Discovery Park in Seattle

Discovery Park is a massive park in eastern Seattle along the Puget Sound. It has nearly 12 miles of hiking trails, scenic beaches, and a light house.

Discovery Park in Seattle
Discovery Park
Discovery Park in Seattle
Discovery Park

5. Smell the Roses at Woodland Park Rose Garden

The Woodland Park Rose Garden is located north of the Fremont neighborhood next to the Woodland Park Zoo. It is a peaceful garden full of roses, benches, and gazebos.

Woodland Park Rose Garden
Woodland Park Rose Garden
Woodland Park Rose Garden in Seattle
Woodland Park Rose Garden

6. Picnic at Gas Works Park in Seattle

Gas Works Park is one of my favorite parks in Seattle sitting at the northern edge of Lake Union with views of downtown. It used to be a Gasification plant before being converted into the unique park it is today. Some of the old structures from the plant still stand and remind me of Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky.

Gas Works Park in Seattle
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park in Seattle
Gas Works Park

7. Hike to Cherry Creek Falls

Cherry Creek Falls is a 5 mile out and back hike located about 45 minutes outside of downtown Seattle. This is a pretty flat, easy trail that takes you through the forest and to a waterfall.

Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek Falls Hike
Cherry Creek Falls Hike

8. Marvel at Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a large waterfall located about 40 minutes outside of Downtown Seattle. You can essentially drive up to the waterfall and then there are picnic areas.

9. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP

When I first visited the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) it was still named the Experience Music Project (EMP). Here you can find exhibits about pop culture, music, and films. The museum also collaborates with various film festivals.

Picture of Kurt Cobain at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle
Kurt Cobain
Picture of an Ewok Actor at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle
Ewok Actor

10. Admire Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle

Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the glass sculptures created by Dale Chihuly. His work can be found in other places including the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The exhibit is part of the Seattle Center, an entertainment hub, which includes the Space Needle.

Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle
Outside Chihuly Garden and Glass

11. Check Out the Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is a sculpture built in 1990 under the Aurora bridge with the intention to repurpose the space into an art installation. The troll is unique and a fun photo op!

Fremont Troll in Seattle
The Fremont Troll

12. Visit the Seattle Space Needle

The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic structure. It was built in the 1960s for the World Fair and has an observation deck at the top. It costs about $30 to go to the top, but is just as cool from the ground.

An aerial view of downtown Seattle
Aerial View of Seattle

13. Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge Island is located west of Seattle across the Puget Sound. The ferry ride to Bainbridge island is awesome with views of the Seattle Skyline and Mt. Rainier. Once on the island there are museums, restaurants, and trails to explore.

Bainbridge Island Washington
Approaching Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island Marina
Bainbridge Island Marina

14. Catch a Seattle Football or Futbol Game at Lumen Field

Lumen Field was formerly known as CenturyLink Field and is where the Seattle Mariners play football (NFL), and the Seattle Sounders play futbol (MLS). Other events are hosted here such as Supercross races and marathon festivities.

Lumen Field in Seattle
Lumen Field

15. Eat Ice Cream at Molly Moon’s

Molly Moon’s is a popular ice cream shop in Seattle with multiple locations. They have tasty seasonal flavors and vegan options.

Molly Moon Ice Cream
Molly Moons

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