Top 55 Must-Do Activities in Seattle, Washington

Discover the vibrant allure of Seattle, a city renowned for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural offerings.

1. Pike Place Market

Descending steeply toward the waterfront on Elliott Bay is a remarkable market with a rich history dating back to 1907.

Pike Place Market features farmers’ stands offering seasonal produce, a multitude of permanent produce stalls, four fish markets, and an extensive array of specialty food stores for unique ingredients, in addition to a crafts market boasting over 200 vendors and countless dining options.

Allow ample time to enjoy the enticing aromas of fresh baked goods or sift through collectibles, vinyl records, and retro decor available in the boutiques.

Arriving early is advisable to avoid crowds, while later visits offer the chance to enjoy music from the market’s skilled buskers.

Spanning over nine acres and comprising meandering alleys and stairways down to lower sections, Pike Place Market reveals itself even better with insights from local residents.

Consider participating in a local tour, which introduces charming corners known only to residents while providing engaging details about the market’s history.

You will make multiple stops to savor fresh produce and artisanal treats, ensuring you remain satisfied throughout your experience.

2. Seattle Center

Located beneath Queen Anne Hill on the northern fringe of Seattle’s downtown, the Seattle Center serves as a cultural, arts, and entertainment hub spanning 74 acres.

Constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair, this Modernist cityscape significantly boosted the city’s economy and cultural landscape, attracting over 2.3 million visitors.

The centerpiece of the Seattle Center is the iconic Space Needle; however, the site encompasses numerous attractions including museums, performing arts venues, and the 18,600-seat KeyArena.

Access is convenient via the elevated Seattle Center Monorail, which departs from the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle.

It is worthwhile to stop at the International Fountain, a musical feature completed for the exposition, distinguished by its parabolic formations produced by its 137 water jets.

Weekends, particularly in the summer, are lively with various events taking place on the center’s grounds.

Among the notable events is PrideFest, which attracts more than 300,000 attendees at the end of June.

3. Space Needle

A defining emblem of Seattle’s skyline for nearly six decades, the Space Needle symbolizes the city’s innovative spirit.

Upon completion in 1962, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi at 158 meters (184 with spire). Visitors ascend the tower in a glass elevator to access the observation deck situated at 160 meters, where breathtaking views of Seattle’s architecture, Mount Rainier, the islands in Puget Sound, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains await.

Panels along the walls assist in identifying over 60 landmarks visible from the observation deck.

A $100 million renovation project completed in 2017-18 introduced the Loupe, the world’s premiere revolving glass floor.

The observation deck now features floor-to-ceiling glass panels unobstructed by mullions, aligning with early sketches from the 1960s.

Additionally, the open-air deck contains “Skyrisers”, which are tilting glass walls allowing individuals to lean out and experience the cityscape from 24 distinct angles.

4. Chihuly Garden and Glass

Celebrated glass artist Dale Chihuly, originally from Tacoma, has gained international recognition for his vibrant, imaginative glass sculptures.

Established in 2012 at the Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases a stunning array of his creations.

The exhibition encompasses eight galleries, a lush garden, and the impressive Glasshouse, the major attraction.

Inspired by Chihuly’s passion for conservatories, this glass and steel structure features a 30-meter-long installation in hues of yellow, red, orange, and amber that changes appearance with the day’s light.

The eight galleries allow for an exploration of Chihuly’s artistic journey and the groundbreaking impact he has had on the world of glass art.

The meticulously curated garden houses four monumental installations among its handkerchief trees, fuchsias, camellias, and daylilies, while a small theater screens videos that present interviews and glass-blowing demonstrations.

5. Museum of Pop Culture

Since 2000, the Seattle Center Monorail has glided through this remarkable structure designed by Frank Gehry.

Originally known as the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame until its rebranding as the Museum of Pop Culture in 2016, this venue was created through the generosity of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Today, the museum stages rotating exhibits that celebrate various facets of popular culture, encompassing video games, horror films, sci-fi literature, and diverse music genres.

Special exhibitions have included Scared to Death, showcasing props and costumes from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, and The Walking Dead, alongside Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction, featuring 150 artifacts seen in iconic films such as Blade Runner, Star Trek, and Men in Black.

Among its major displays was a comprehensive exhibition titled Prince from Minneapolis, showcasing costumes from Purple Rain, one of Prince’s famous guitars, and over 50 artifacts related to the iconic musician’s life.

6. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Situated in downtown Seattle, the Seattle Art Museum boasts two additional locations: the Olympic Sculpture Park and the Asian Art Museum (currently under renovation). SAM houses a broad collection, notably significant works of Native American art from the Pacific Northwest, including basketry, textiles, masks, totem poles, and delicate carvings in stone and wood.

The museum also features Gothic and early Renaissance Italian paintings, including works by Giovanni di Paolo and Paolo Uccello, alongside decorative arts and furniture from the Northwest and modern American art by artists such as Mark Tobey and Jacob Lawrence.

Be sure to follow SAM’s major exhibitions; for instance, early 2019 brought a vibrant showcase for Jeffrey Gibson that interwove elements of his Native American heritage, nomadic lifestyle, musical influences, and sexual identity.

7. Olympic Sculpture Park

Located approximately one mile from the SAM headquarters, the outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park occupies a former industrial site, transforming it into a public gallery for the museum’s sculpture collection.

With over 20 artistic installations, the park gracefully integrates Elliott Avenue and connects with the bay-front Myrtle Edwards Park.

Among its standout pieces is Alexander Calder’s monumental Eagle, strategically aligned with the Space Needle when viewed from the southwest.

Other prominent artists featured include Roxy Paine, Richard Serra, and Ellsworth Kelly. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the scenic surroundings, making it a serene space to relax.

8. Pacific Science Center

Housed within a Minoru Yamasaki building dating from the World’s Fair, the Pacific Science Center offers a family-friendly experience that brings scientific concepts to life through numerous interactive exhibits.

One exhibit, Insect Village, showcases the remarkable abilities of insects, while “What is Reality” delves into immersive technologies addressing profound questions shaping our future.

The Tropical Butterfly House maintains a warm environment, showcasing hundreds of free-flying butterflies that change periodically.

Uniquely, the Pacific Science Center contains two IMAX theaters, a planetarium, and a laser dome that features an impressive 10,000-watt concert sound system.

9. Seattle Great Wheel

The towering Ferris wheel at Pier 57, measuring over 53 meters, is the tallest on the West Coast.

While the Seattle Great Wheel may initially appear to be a tourist attraction, it offers an enjoyable experience with captivating views from fully enclosed capsules, making it ideal for inclement weather.

The capsules remain steady even during gusty weather, and on Friday and Saturday nights, the wheel remains operational until midnight year-round.

For a more luxurious experience, a VIP pod is available, featuring a glass floor, leather seating, champagne, and expedited boarding privileges.

10. Ballard Locks

Constructed in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this busy set of locks facilitates the transit of watercraft between the tidal waters of Puget Sound and the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

The waterway traverses Seattle’s inland lakes, including Lake Washington, Portage Bay, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay, ultimately merging with Puget Sound.

The locks have permanently transformed Seattle, reducing water levels on Lake Washington and Lake Union by 2.7 meters and creating extensive new land along the shores.

A visitor center details the eight-year project, while witnessing trawlers, pleasure yachts, and barges navigating the locks is indeed a spectacle.

On the south side of the channel, a fish ladder allows salmon to swim to freshwater environments for spawning, with juveniles then returning to the ocean.

Notably, the spawning season runs from early June to mid-August, with observation windows provided for viewing the salmon.

11. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

On June 6, 1889, an accidental fire from a cabinet-maker’s glue pot led to the Great Seattle Fire, devastating 31 city blocks.

In its aftermath, the reconstruction of the city involved re-grading the streets one to two stories higher than their original levels.

This elevated the central Pioneer Square, built on mudflat, preventing sewage backup during high tides.

This also created a vast subterranean space where former storefronts existed.

Exploring this forgotten city is thrilling, accompanied by engaging stories about Seattle’s colorful and adventurous pioneers.

Daily tours depart on the hour, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The tour is named after its founder, Bill Speidel (1912-1988), a self-taught historian who played a pivotal role in preserving and restoring Seattle’s original city center at Pioneer Square during the 1960s.

12. Museum of Flight

Located a short drive south at Boeing Field in Tukwila, the Museum of Flight holds the title of the largest independent air and space museum globally.

Given Seattle’s notable aviation history, the museum is a must-visit, particularly due to the stunning T.A. Wilson Great Gallery, a steel and glass marvel.

This expansive exhibit showcases numerous aircraft, many of which hang from the ceiling.

Among the highlights is the Gossamer Albatross II, famed for being the backup aircraft of the first human-powered flight across the English Channel.

Other notable features include a cockpit from the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and a de Havilland Comet, recognized as the world’s first jetliner.

In the Airpark outdoors, visitors can step aboard one of only four Concordes showcased outside Europe and the earliest jet Air Force One, utilized by presidents JFK, Lyndon Johnson, and Reagan.

A Space Gallery displays NASA and Russian equipment, while the Personal Courage Gallery chronicles the achievements of WWI and WWII fighter pilots.

Lastly, the historic William E. Boeing Red Barn remains as the original site of the Boeing Airplane Company, established in 1909 before being relocated from South Lake Union in Seattle.

13. Washington Park Arboretum

Collaboration between the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle has resulted in the maintenance of this expansive 230-acre space on the shores of Lake Washington.

Open free of charge every day from dawn to dusk, the Washington Park Arboretum was founded in 1934 and features a superb winter garden and an impressive collection of maples, oaks, and camellias.

Among its prized attributes is the Azalea Way, a 3/4-mile pathway framed by flowering cherries, magnolias, dogwoods, and azaleas amidst second-growth conifers and evergreens.

Witnessing the Azalea Way in spring is a stunning experience.

During late spring, a visit to the Rhododendron Glen is a must; it features numerous varieties of rhododendrons paired with ferns, hardwood trees, firs, shrubs, and magnolias.

The Graham Visitors Center is an excellent starting point and also offers tram tours during summer weekends.

14. Seattle Central Library

Completed in 2004, the central library designed by Rem Koolhaas stands as a modern symbol of Seattle.

Reaching a height of 57 meters across eleven floors, the Seattle Central Library makes a bold architectural statement with its reflective glass façade and distinctive “floating platforms”. Visitors can opt for a self-guided or group tour to explore its impressive interior filled with abundant natural light.

Upon entering through the 4th Avenue entrance, be sure to observe a segment of the automated materials handling system, which efficiently transports books to Level Two.

The Faye G. Allen Children’s Center serves as an inviting space where young visitors can browse books and partake in activities like games and storytime sessions.

Level Three features the Norcliffe Foundation Living Room, designed for comfort with cozy seating areas, a café, and an indoor garden, benefitting from sunlight streaming through diamond-pattern windows.

Level Five houses most computer terminals in the Charles Simonyi Mixing Chamber, while Level Four’s Red Floor is uniquely adorned with thirteen distinct shades of red across the floor, ceiling, and walls.

15. Smith Tower

Prior to the Space Needle’s establishment, the Smith Tower held the title of Seattle’s tallest building and was the city’s first skyscraper.

This impressive 38-story structure, originally erected in Pioneer Square, stands at 148 meters tall, making it one of the tallest towers outside New York City at the time.

The Smith Tower is named after its financier, Lyman Cornelius Smith, who achieved success in the typewriter trade.

While overtaken in height nearly 60 years ago, the observation floor, located 35 stories high, remains a quintessential Seattle experience.

This venue is one of the last on the West Coast to retain elevator operators, providing a distinct experience.

Rich in historical charm, the tower features vintage fixtures such as latticed doors on brass-coated elevators, banisters crafted from onyx, and intricately carved teak ceilings in the observation bar that reopened with a speakeasy theme in 2016.

16. Sky View Observatory

Standing at 295 meters at its highest point, the Columbia Center ranks as Washington State’s tallest building.

Although it briefly held the title of the tallest building in the West Coast when completed in 1985, it now ranks fourth in height.

The Sky View observatory located on the 73rd floor has been redesigned to provide a 360-degree view and includes upgraded express elevators and a newly established lounge.

While not as iconic as the Space Needle, the views offer an unparalleled perspective of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound, all complemented by murals depicting Seattle’s history.

17. Washington State Ferries

Have you truly experienced Seattle if you haven’t crossed Puget Sound aboard a ferry? Washington State Ferries (WSF), operating the largest fleet among all US ferry systems, manages 23 vessels across 12 routes, ranking as the fourth-largest ferry system globally.

All ferries accommodate a minimum of 64 cars, and even the smallest vessel can carry up to 750 passengers.

The Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry stands out as an exemplary journey, departing from Pier 52 and lasting 40-45 minutes.

As you travel, the city skyline and charming homes along West Seattle reveal themselves.

Bainbridge Island is highly sought after, often touted as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States.

Upon arrival, consider exploring the highly-rated Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

18. Kerry Park

For an unparalleled view of Seattle, there exists only one destination.

Kerry Park, situated on a south-facing terrace on Queen Anne Hill, provides a breathtaking panorama that encapsulates the city’s defining elements.

Foregrounded by the Space Needle and the downtown skyscrapers, one can also glimpse the expansive waters of Puget Sound and the striking silhouette of snow-capped Mount Rainier in the backdrop.

This charming park was gifted to Seattle in 1927 by a lumber magnate, Albert Kerry, along with his wife, Catherine, to ensure that “all who stop here may enjoy this view.”

A visit during the evening offers a dazzling scene of the illuminated city, making it an ideal spot for observing fireworks or sunsets.

19. T-Mobile Park

Previously known as Safeco Field, T-Mobile Park is the home stadium for the Seattle Mariners, accommodating 46,929 spectators since its opening in 1999. Twenty years post-construction, it remains a benchmark for stadium design, featuring a retro-modern brick façade and clear sightlines for all attendees, coupled with a retractable roof and premium culinary options extending beyond the usual ballpark fare.

Patrons can enjoy a variety of offerings, including gourmet crab sandwiches, tacos, and the famous garlic fries that have become a staple at the venue.

The quality of the venue is particularly appreciated given that the Mariners are one of only two major league baseball teams that have yet to participate in a World Series, currently facing the longest playoff drought across all major American sports franchises (at 18 years, as of this writing).

20. Woodland Park Zoo

Occupying a lush stretch of parkland adjacent to Green Lake Park in North Central Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo has earned numerous accolades, standing alongside the Bronx Zoo as one of the most highly awarded attractions by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Specific habitats, like the penguin exhibit, allow for remarkable underwater viewing of Humboldt penguins in their element.

As expected for Seattle, the zoo effectively showcases the region’s wildlife with its Northern Trail exhibit featuring gray wolves, elk, North American river otters, and brown bears.

The most expansive area is Tropical Asia, home to Malayan tigers, Indian rhinos, tapirs, sloth bears, and orangutans, while the African Savanna features iconic animals such as African lions, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches.

Daily activities include feeding sessions for penguins, walk-through bird exhibitions, and demonstrations featuring birds of prey like owls and hawks.

21. Seattle Japanese Garden

Situated at the southern end of the Washington Park Arboretum, this enchanting 3.5-acre garden was designed under the guidance of esteemed landscape architect Jūki Iida in the late 1950s.

Winding pathways and strategically placed benches facilitate reflective strolls through the garden, allowing visitors to absorb the beauty of the water features, stones, lanterns, flora, fauna, bridges, and structures scattered throughout.

Regarded as one of the oldest and most authentic Japanese gardens in the United States, it serves as a venue for various celebrations in the Japanese calendar, notably Children’s Day (May 5) and Respect for the Aged Day (September 16). For an added experience, traditional tea ceremonies are conducted at the teahouse on the fourth Saturday of each summer month.

22. Pioneer Square

In 1852, Seattle’s founders designated what is now Pioneer Square as the nucleus of their settlement.

This area transitioned from wooden structures to grand Romanesque Revival buildings built toward the end of the 19th century, which still stand today.

While its character leans towards an edgy atmosphere, this area warrants exploration due to its architectural significance and the variety of restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and art galleries.

The irregularly shaped piazza is shaded by plane trees and features an elegant Beaux-Arts shelter.

A totem pole here serves as a replica of a Tlingit pole carved around 1790, which was stolen by Seattle’s early businessmen during an expedition to Alaska.

The totem was presented to the city upon their return and quickly became a symbol of local pride.

The original totem pole suffered damage in a 1938 fire, leading a group of Tlingit craftsmen to create a replica, which was unveiled in 1940.

23. Alki Beach

When summer warmth arrives, Seattle residents need not travel far for beachside relaxation.

Alki Beach, positioned at Alki Point in West Seattle, stretches along a sandy expanse facing Elliott Bay.

A raised promenade boasts the coastal views one expects from the Seattle shoreline, revealing Blake Island, the Olympic Mountains, and a constant flow of maritime traffic on Puget Sound.

A scaled-down model of the Statue of Liberty is found nearby, as is a salvaged 2,300-pound anchor at the beach’s northern terminus on Duwamish Head.

Campfires provide a lovely setting for sunset viewing and stargazing, with designated fire pits available on a first-come, first-served basis.

24. Benaroya Hall

Benaroya Hall, the official venue of the Seattle Symphony, presents a striking architectural presence in Downtown Seattle, encompassing an entire city block.

Named after philanthropist Jack Benaroya, who made the largest donation towards its construction, the hall concluded its development in 1998 at a price tag of $120 million, gaining renown for its world-class acoustics.

Notably, the main auditorium rests on rubber pads to mitigate noise interference from the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel beneath.

The lobby showcases the Crystal Cascade, an installation crafted by renowned glass artist Chris Chihuly.

During the 2019-20 season, the Seattle Symphony was under the direction of Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard, following Ludovic Morlot’s tenure.

Highlighted performances included Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Ravel’s Piano Concerto, and Nielsen’s Symphony No. 2, featuring notable artists such as Grammy Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich and tenor Kenneth Tarver.

25. Seattle Aquarium

Located at Pier 59 on the Waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium highlights the rich marine biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest.

The centerpiece of its 2007 expansion is the Window on Washington Waters tank, showcasing local species including rockfish, lingcod, wolf eels, salmon, and sea anemones across depths from 1.5 to over 18 meters.

Dive shows occur three times daily in this exhibit (10:00, 11:30, 12:15, plus an additional show at 15:00 on weekends), with divers engaging in Q&A with visitors using specialized masks.

Life on the Edge provides insights into tide pool ecosystems, allowing visitors to interact with creatures such as sea cucumbers and sea urchins.

Other highlights include the Life of a Drifter exhibit featuring moon jellies and a giant Pacific octopus, and the Marine Mammals section that houses sea otters, river otters, northern fur seals, and harbor seals.

26. South Lake Union

Occupying the southern tip of Lake Union, this neighborhood just northeast of downtown Seattle has undergone significant transformation from its industrial roots in recent years.

Historically home to Boeing’s first aircraft factory and the first Model T plant west of the Mississippi, South Lake Union has rapidly evolved into a biotechnology center, linked to downtown via the South Lake Union Streetcar and housing campuses for firms like Amazon and Google.

Their headquarters are nearby, providing fascinating insights into the future of retail through their Amazon Go convenience store, with two locations in the area.

Rich in cafes, pubs, and health-focused restaurants, popular dining establishments include Kati Vegan Thai and the Portage Bay Café.

Lake Union Park, a recently developed green space, offers an idyllic view of historical vessels docked at the Historic Ships Wharf and the Center for Wooden Boats, which delivers notable maritime experiences.

27. Museum of History and Industry

The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), housed within the Naval Reserve Armory building at Lake Union Park, is an excellent resource to explore Seattle’s compelling past.

With a collection exceeding four million artifacts, only a small fraction is ever on display. The core exhibition, “True Northwest: The Seattle Journey,” offers a comprehensive account of the city through 25 “snapshots,” filled with artifacts and photographs.

Specific events, such as the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, and the establishment of Boeing in 1916, are covered in detail.

Among the highlights is the 1919 Boeing B-1 aircraft suspended in the Grand Atrium and the iconic “R” from the Rainier Brewing Company’s sign.

The recently inaugurated Bezos Center for Innovation presents the array of inventions originating from the Seattle area while examining the essence of creativity itself.

28. Kubota Garden

The renowned Japanese landscaping master, Fujitaro Kubota (1879-1973), was a notable figure in horticulture, blending traditional Japanese gardening techniques with local Pacific Northwest plants.

Running a prosperous gardening business in South Seattle, Kubota carefully created this exquisite show garden over five decades, incorporating hills, valleys, streams, waterfalls, ponds, and rocky formations across 20 acres.

Acquired by the City of Seattle in 1987, the Kubota Garden showcases over 220 Japanese maples, many of which are rare or unique varieties.

29. Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park, located gracefully on Lake Union’s north shore, is unique in character.

From 1906 to 1956, this area served as the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification facility; remnants of this industrial past were preserved rather than demolished when the park was established in the 1970s.

During its creation, the land underwent bio-phytoremediation techniques to detoxify it, resulting in an elevated Great Mound that offers stunning views of downtown Seattle and a prime spot for kite flying.

Strolling along the waterfront among the two imposing structures, you’ll encounter a former pump house transformed into a play area for children and a picnic shelter housed in the historic boiler house.

Due to the site’s industrial legacy, access to Lake Union from Gas Works Park is not permitted.

30. Green Lake Park

Beloved by locals, Green Lake Park encircles a tranquil freshwater lake nestled amid residential neighborhoods in North Central Seattle.

Formed approximately 50,000 years ago by the Vashon glacial sheet, the lake underwent landscaping as part of the Olmsted Plan in the early 20th century to create a sequence of interconnected green spaces throughout Seattle.

The 259-acre lake is home to vibrant waterfowl and features a resplendent 2.8-mile path for walkers, cyclists, skaters, and joggers.

Boating options include canoe, dinghy, pedal boat, or rowboat rentals; athletic facilities are available for baseball, soccer, lawn bowling, and golf (pitch & putt). Notably, the elegant 1927 bathhouse now accommodates the Seattle Public Theater, which presents modern and contemporary plays in a cozy setting.

31. Lumen Field

Opened in 2002, Lumen Field serves as the home stadium for both the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Sounders (MLS), set within a bustling urban landscape along Elliott Bay, providing unobstructed views towards downtown Seattle and across Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains.

On standard game days, the stadium accommodates 69,000 spectators during Seahawks matches and 37,722 for Sounders events, with potential capacity increase for special occasions.

For those not attending a sporting event, the stadium offers a compelling 90-minute tour available three times daily during June, July, and August, with reduced offerings in the off-season.

The tour includes visits to the Home Interview Room, Locker Room, field access, a suite, and the press box, culminating with striking views from the 300 Level Concourse.

32. Volunteer Park Conservatory

The centerpiece of Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill, the enchanting conservatory, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, was completed in 1912. Comprised of 3,426 glass panels, it enshrines the park’s collection of bromeliads, ferns, palms, cacti/succulents, and seasonal flora.

Microclimates are meticulously controlled within, peaking at 27°C in the cactus house.

Seek out the historic jade tree and the sago palm in the Palm House, which exceeds 75 years in age.

Additional highlights include carnivorous plants showcased in the Fern House and the extensive orchid collection in the Palm House, commenced in 1921 and continually expanded through customs seizures.

33. Frye Art Museum

Seattle’s first free art museum, inaugurated in 1952, was founded through a donation of over 230 paintings by meatpacking magnate Charles Frye and his wife, Emma.

The Fryes favored dramatic and representational art, particularly focusing on paintings from the late-19th-century Munich School, featuring artists such as Franz von Lenbach and Wilhelm Leibl among others.

In addition, their collection includes works from prominent artists like Eugène Boudin, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Edward Hopper, and early Picasso.

Strict guidelines for their donation required that galleries be illuminated solely by natural light.

The long-term exhibitions recreate the at-home experience of the couple’s viewing preferences during the early 20th century.

34. Lake Union Seaplane Flight

Seaplanes hold a special significance in both Seattle and Boeing’s history, accentuating the city’s early 20th-century growth.

In June 1916, Bill Boeing conducted the first takeoff from Lake Union on his eponymous Model 1 seaplane, establishing a tradition for subsequent Boeing aircraft.

With Kenmore Air, enjoy a 20-minute aerial tour of Seattle’s skyline, benefiting from breathtaking views of notable landmarks including the Space Needle, Elliott Bay Waterfront, and the University of Washington Campus, while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Mount Rainier.

The flight includes a recorded narrative detailing the city’s history and highlights.

35. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

Renovated extensively in the early 2000s, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall is a prestigious performing arts venue located at Seattle Center, accommodating 2,963 attendees. This hall is the primary venue for the distinguished Pacific Northwest Ballet, housing nearly 50 dancers who perform over 100 productions annually.

Highlights from the 2019-2020 season included Giselle, Cinderella, and the large-scale ensemble work One Thousand Pieces, choreographed by Alejandro Cerrudo.

The Seattle Opera also utilizes McCaw Hall, with performances running from August through late May, drawing an audience of nearly 100,000.

36. University of Washington

Several factors may draw you to the University of Washington campus, conveniently located just moments from downtown Seattle and connected to the Link light rail network since 2016. Notably, the esteemed Henry Art Gallery houses over 25,000 pieces, presenting works from artists like Mies van der Rohe and Alexander Calder before their rise to fame.

A permanent installation, James Turrell’s Skyspace, Light Reign, artfully merges architecture, illumination, and sculpture, featuring an oval opening to the sky that can be cloaked by a retractable roof.

Additionally, the university hosts concerts in the Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater, featuring renowned artists and ensembles, while the Hec Edmundson Pavilion and the 70,000-seat Husky Stadium cater to the university’s basketball and football teams, which share the name Huskies.

37. Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

The globally recognized coffee chain Starbucks originated in Seattle, opening its inaugural store at Pike Place in 1971. A refined experience awaits at the Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room, located nine blocks away from the original site on Capitol Hill.

This flagship location resembles a craft distillery dedicated to coffee and presents a uniquely luxurious atmosphere unlike any traditional Starbucks.

Visitors can observe the roasting process while friendly staff members provide insights into the Roastery’s differentiated selections.

Offering an “experience bar,” a main coffee bar, and an elegant Milanese bakery, the menu is elevated beyond typical Starbucks offerings, featuring long black coffees with cardamom syrup and creative coffee/tea cocktails.

All reserve coffees are roasted upon order, and patrons can sample multiple selections in one visit.

38. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center

Established in 2012 at the foot of the Space Needle, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center is a visitor center designed to showcase the foundation’s global initiatives.

This center has expanded over recent years to feature interactive exhibits depicting the foundation’s impact worldwide, focusing on improving lives and confronting significant global challenges.

The Global Challenge gallery offers a digitally interactive experience through a computer-generated map illustrating the implications of issues like malnutrition and poverty, while the “Get Involved” section allows visitors to participate in meaningful projects, such as assembling winter kits for the homeless and crafting menstrual kits for girls internationally.

39. Golden Gardens Park

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