Top things to do in Seattle

In the city next to the Space Needle, this art museum and sculpture garden showcases Dale Chihuly’s large glass works, plus a garden and a glasshouse. It suits visitors who want a visually striking stop with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The location makes it easy to combine with other Seattle Center sights.

In the city on the shores of Lake Washington, this 230-acre preserve has paved and hiking paths, a visitor center and wide-ranging plant life. It suits visitors who want time outdoors in a quieter setting. The mix of shade and open paths makes it easy to slow down for a while.

In the city near the Space Needle, this museum covers music history, sci-fi, horror and fantasy, with original props and artifacts. It suits anyone who likes hands-on displays and a broad mix of subjects under one roof. The Sound Lab is a useful stop if you want to try making music as part of the visit.

In the city at Lake Union, this museum follows Seattle’s history from its early industries through aviation and technology. It suits visitors who want a grounded look at how the city developed. The lakefront setting adds another reason to pause here if you are already nearby.

A short trip from the city centre, this waterway lets you watch boats pass through the locks and salmon move upstream via the fish ladder. It suits people who want an easy, outdoors stop with an educational angle. The visitor centre and park make it simple to linger without much planning.

In the city, this garden brings together stone, water and plants in a tranquil setting. It suits visitors who want a calm walk and a quieter corner of Seattle. The easy-to-walk paths make it a simple choice if you want something unhurried.

A short trip from the city centre, this lighthouse has trails and a beach, with views over Puget Sound. It suits visitors who want a scenic walk and a quieter place to relax. The setting works well if you want a straightforward nature stop away from the busiest parts of town.

Artful destination with a waterfront walking trail, showcasing sculptures and more. Visitors say this park offers a peaceful waterfront stroll with beautiful views of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and sculptures. They also highlight the dog-friendly atmosphere, plentiful benches for relaxing, and opportunities for picnics and enjoying the sunset

Longstanding science museum, with displays of dinosaurs and butterflies, plus a planetarium and IMAX theater. People say this science museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including a dinosaur exhibit, a butterfly house, and a maker space, as well as laser shows and planetarium shows. They highlight the educational and family-friendly atmosphere, and the reasonable parking prices. They also like the friendly and helpful staff

Artful destination with a waterfront walking trail, showcasing sculptures and more. Visitors say this park offers a peaceful waterfront stroll with beautiful views of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and sculptures. They also highlight the dog-friendly atmosphere, plentiful benches for relaxing, and opportunities for picnics and enjoying the sunset

Family-friendly museum of all ages featuring Native American history, fossils, and dinosaur skeletons. Visitors say this museum features impressive natural history exhibits, including dinosaur fossils and diverse animal displays, alongside engaging Indigenous culture and art. They also highlight the interactive activities, visible labs where scientists work on fossils, and the convenient free lockers. Guests mention the museum is family-friendly, offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month, and has a cafe with good food

Iconic 1914 office tower featuring a speakeasy-style cocktail bar & a 35th-floor observatory. Built in 1914, this iconic tower offers a historical museum, an observation deck, and a craft cocktail bar. People say this historical landmark offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains from its observation deck. They highlight the unique experience of riding the vintage elevator, the interesting museum exhibits, and the speakeasy-style bar with delicious cocktails. They also like the friendly and accommodating staff.

Visitors say this cathedral features stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. They also highlight the welcoming community and the excellent mass services, including the choir. Guests mention the staff are friendly and helpful, and appreciate the free tours and available restrooms

Visitors say this quirky sculpture is a must-see, offering a unique photo opportunity with a real Volkswagen Beetle in the troll's hand. They also highlight its free admission, easy accessibility, and proximity to other attractions like Gas Works Park

Visitors say this botanical garden features beautifully maintained themed gardens, diverse plant collections, and peaceful walking trails, including a suspension bridge. They also highlight the free admission and convenient, ample parking. Guests mention the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the on-site coffee shop and gift shop

Visitors say this art installation features a large, beautifully made troll sculpture crafted from recycled wood, offering a unique and artistic experience. They also highlight the easy access from parking, with a short, flat walk to the sculpture, and appreciate the free admission. Guests mention the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for great photos, making it a fun stop for all ages

People say this plant nursery offers a wide variety of healthy houseplants, including rare and common plants, as well as rescue plants. They highlight the careful packaging, quick shipping, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. They also like the reasonable prices and frequent sales

Visitors say this viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle and Mount Rainier, especially beautiful during sunset and at night. They also highlight that it's a relaxing spot to enjoy the atmosphere and is free to visit. Others mention that street parking is often available, even during busy times

On the shores of Lake Washington, this 230-acre preserve features rare trees & a Japanese garden. Lakefront natural escape with hiking and paved paths, plus a visitor center and an arboretum. Visitors say this arboretum features beautiful, well-maintained trails and diverse plant life, including cherry blossoms, magnolias, and sequoias, with many areas offering shade. They also highlight the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it a great place for walking, running, or relaxing. Guests mention the free entry and parking, as well as the knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Boat traffic passes through these locks, while salmon swim upstream via a fish ladder. People say this tourist attraction offers a fascinating look at boats passing through locks, a fish ladder, and a botanical garden. They highlight the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, and the opportunity to see seals and sea lions. They also like the educational experience and the informative visitor center

3.5-acre formal garden with a cherry orchard, water features & teahouse hosting seasonal ceremonies. City garden for relaxation and contemplation, featuring water features, koi, and plants. People say this garden offers a beautiful and serene Japanese garden with a pond, koi fish, and turtles. They highlight the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a quiet stroll and reflection. They also like the well-maintained landscaping and the opportunity to feed the koi fish.

Seattle's largest green space features miles of rugged trails & beaches, plus views of the Sound. Park offering trails, picnic facilities, and a lighthouse, plus scenic views. People say this park offers a wide variety of well-maintained trails, including forest paths, meadows, and beach access, with stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors also highlight the ample parking in multiple locations and the availability of clean restrooms. They appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great escape into nature within the city.

Popular seaside park featuring fire pits, barbecues and a sandy beach. People say this city park offers a sandy beach, volleyball courts, walking trails, and fire pits, and is a great place for picnics, bonfires, and watching the sunset. They highlight the beautiful views of the mountains and Puget Sound, and the relaxing and peaceful vibe. They also like the free parking and family-friendly atmosphere

Visitors say this botanical garden features beautifully maintained themed gardens, diverse plant collections, and peaceful walking trails, including a suspension bridge. They also highlight the free admission and convenient, ample parking. Guests mention the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the on-site coffee shop and gift shop

Wooded refuge boasting a 300-acre forest with hiking trails, walking paths, beaches & a playground. Laid-back park, forested peninsula on Lake Washington featuring a perimeter trail, interior trails, beaches and picnic facilities. People say this park offers stunning views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier, along with diverse trails for walking, running, and biking, and a swim beach. Visitors also highlight the well-maintained grounds, clean restrooms, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds. They also appreciate the ample parking, especially when arriving early.

Tranquil, 53.1-acre park with hiking paths & nature watching among old-growth forest. Nature preserve offering kid-friendly trails for hiking, running, and walking. People say this park features mature, old-growth trees, diverse plants, and a creek, offering a peaceful escape with beginner and intermediate hiking trails. Visitors highlight the feeling of being in a hidden forest despite its urban location, making it ideal for walking, running, or relaxing. They also appreciate the free entry and convenient street parking.

This landscaped park features over 200 varities of roses, plus benches, a gazebo & water features. Free public park featuring a wide range of roses as well as fountains, gazebos and benches. People say this garden features over 3,000 rose bushes and 200 varieties, as well as a pond, fountain, and sensory park. They highlight the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, perfect for taking pictures, enjoying a picnic, or reading a book. They also like that it's free to enter and well-maintained.

Wooded park famed for salmon spawning, a playground and a rocky beach. Visitors say this park offers beautiful views, well-maintained trails, and beach access, along with a playground and picnic areas. They also highlight the ample and convenient parking, making it easy to visit. Guests mention it's a peaceful place to relax, enjoy nature, and watch sunsets

This 2.5-acre beach offers in-season swimming plus a fishing dock & play/picnic areas. Park on Lake Washington with a beach, playground, and picnic areas, plus kayak and paddleboard rentals. People say this park offers a beautiful beach, dock, playground, and trails, perfect for swimming, walking, and enjoying the sunset. They highlight the peaceful and calm vibe, and the stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. They also like the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds.

Big off-leash park with a beach and water access for dogs. Visitors say this dog park offers a very large, well-maintained area with diverse landscapes, including a private dog beach and a separate section for small or shy dogs. They also highlight the availability of water for dogs, dog bags, trash cans, and public restrooms. Guests mention the friendly atmosphere among dogs and owners, with staff keeping the park running smoothly

Green space with picnic tables, a playground, dog park & viewing platform overlooking the skyline. Clean city park for dogs and their owners, plus playgrounds, trails and a community garden. Visitors say this park features a huge off-leash dog area with separate sections for small and shy dogs, along with a good playground for kids. They also highlight the ample space for walks on connecting greenspace trails and the sprawling views of downtown. Others mention the convenient and plentiful parking options.

Opened in 1930, this golf course features an 18-hole course, a 9-hole course & a driving range. Municipal 9-hole and 18-hole course, plus a driving range with views of the greens. Reviewers find this public golf course to be both fun and challenging, appreciating the good driving range and chipping and putting greens for practice. Visitors also praise the friendly staff, reasonable prices, and convenient location of the course. Some reviews mention the course conditions can be neglected.

Kite-surfing, hiking, and picnicking are activities at this area with a beach and lighthouse. Visitors say this park offers beautiful scenic views, a great beach, and well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all levels. They also highlight the lighthouse as a must-see attraction.

Horseback-riding hiking park featuring 28 miles of trails through a lush forest setting. People say this state park offers well-maintained trails suitable for hiking, running, and horseback riding. They highlight the beautiful old-growth trees, clearly marked trails, and convenient parking. They also like the urban forest oasis and the opportunity to see horses along the trails

Spacious place where dogs can roam off-leash. People say this dog park offers a large, fenced area for dogs to run and play, with separate sections for small or shy dogs, and provides water bowls and toys. They also highlight the convenient parking and the generally friendly atmosphere among visitors and their well-behaved dogs. Some reviews mention there can be too many dogs

People say this dog park is huge, fenced off, and offers a loop for walking, along with separate areas for different dog temperaments. They also highlight the availability of water dishes and benches throughout the park. Visitors appreciate the friendly dog owners and the park's well-kept condition