Seattle has a lot of things to do, there’s no doubt about that. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or are a resident looking to explore the city some more, I hope this list can help you. This is a bucket list of 52 things to do in Seattle. I tried to not include too many restaurants as I want this list to be more for activities and attractions, but some slipped through the cracks. Oh well, we all like a good place to eat, right?
If there’s anything you think should be added to this list, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom. I’ll try to keep this list periodically updated.
The Ultimate Seattle Bucket List
1. Visit the Seattle Aquarium
Sitting right on the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is an awesome place to visit for both children and adults. Some inside, some outside. Some you can touch, some you probably don’t want to touch. Whether you’re visiting solo or with family, the Seattle Aquarium is definitely a bucket list item.
2. Go to Pike Place Market
Seriously, what kind of Seattle bucket list would this be if we didn’t include Pike Place? While it’s maybe not a huge favorite for locals, Pike Place is still a fascinating place. There’s a reason that this is one of the top places people go to when they visit Seattle. There’s many levels of amazing shops, great food, and more here.
3. Add to the Gum Wall
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Located just below/beside Pike Place Market (which I actually didn’t know for years) is the Seattle Gum Wall. Some people find this place to be a work of art, others find it absolutely disgusting. Either way, it’s definitely a big part of Seattle regardless of the sanitary aspect. If you visit Seattle, it may as well be a law that you must add a piece of gum to the gum wall.
4. Get a Cup of Coffee at the First Starbucks
Yes, yes, technically the “first” Starbucks you see in Pike Place today isn’t the first Starbucks, but it’s close enough. It’s definitely a huge tourist attraction nonetheless (I can tell by the massive line I see there every day). If you like Starbucks, maybe getting in line would be worth it for that sweet sweet Instagram photo.
5. Go to the Top of the Space Needle
The space needle is definitely the biggest icon of Seattle. You can look at that one building and go “yep, that’s Seattle.” So why not visit the top of it and get some killer views? Sure, it’s a little bit expensive to go to the observation deck, but it might just be worth the experience. There is also a restaurant up there too, which spins as you eat. Have your wallet prepared, though, the restaurant isn’t cheap either. This is something that I’m sure is on everyone’s Seattle bucket list.
Related: The Best Views in Seattle
6. Stroll through the Seattle Art Museum
Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has loads of awesome exhibits, including some cars casually hanging from the ceiling as soon as you walk in. If you like art at all, give it a try.
7. Visit the University of Washington
I haven’t been to too many university campuses in my life, but I have to say, the University of Washington has such a beautiful and amazing campus. The buildings are so historical and the plant life is incredible. They also have one of the best smoothie places I’ve ever been to.
8. Experience the Seattle Japanese Garden
If you want to escape the city briefly and feel like you’re escaping the country, then the Seattle Japanese Garden is the place for you. It is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the United States, with the architecture and plant life to back it up. It’s definitely a magical place, and is just begging for some sweet photos.
Related: Seattle’s Incredible Japanese Garden
9. See the Plants at Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park is a huge park with tons of plant life both inside and out. Inside the Conservatory, there are 5 different temperature controlled areas with all sorts of different tropical and subtropical plants. If you’re a sucker for plants like my girlfriend is, definitely give this place a visit.
10. Go to the Top of Smith Tower
Christopher S. Maloney (NorthLights), CC BY 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons
Smith Tower is another Seattle icon. It is the oldest skyscraper in the city and when it was completed, it was the tallest building West of the Mississippi. The place is very historical and has an observation deck and bar on top.
11. Explore the Seattle Underground
The city of Seattle you see today is actually built on the remnants of old Seattle. The city once suffered a great fire and when rebuilding, the roads were set about 1-2 stories higher than they were previously. This left a whole network of underground tunnels with some businesses still operating in them. When the underground businesses were finally closed, a lot of the area was used for speakeasies, illegal gambling, and more. Today, only a small part of the underground is open for tours, in Pioneer Square. If you like history, then this should definitely be on your Seattle bucket list.
Related: Best Rainy Day Activities in Seattle
12. Pick Up a Book at Seattle Central Library
This library is a beautiful piece of art, just the architecture alone. On a rainy day, this is a truly magical place to come and pick up a book. Practically the whole building is made of slanted glass roofs, making it a cozy and relaxing place for reading.
13. Get a view of the skyline at Kerry Park
Kerry Park sits up in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. While the park is not huge and doesn’t have much, what it does have is an incredible view of the city. If you google “Seattle Skyline”, it’s likely that a lot of those photos were taken at Kerry Park. Definitely go here to have a picnic and look at the city.
14. Watch the Sunset at Alki Beach
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Another fairly romantic location in Seattle is Alki Beach. Located in West Seattle, this is one of the few beaches in the area that actually has sand. Also, since the beach is facing the West, it has a beautiful view of the sunset in the evenings.
15. Get a Burger at Dick’s Drive-In
Dick’s is a staple of Seattle. I’m not quite sure what it is about us, but we love this place. I’ve been going here since I was a child, and I still go. It’s cheap, it’s quick, and it’s good. There’s a few located around the Seattle area, with one just a few blocks away from the Space Needle that you can actually sit and eat in. You don’t have a Seattle bucket list unless this is on it.
16. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture
If you’ve visited the Space Needle, you’ve probably noticed this big colorful funky building right next to it. This is probably one of the most unique buildings in the city, and you may have been wondering what it is. This is the Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP. It’s an amazing museum showcasing many exhibits about… well… pop culture! If you find that interesting (or if you have kids who like Minecraft), then check it out!
17. Jump in the International Fountain
DimiTalen, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Also located in Seattle Center near the Space Needle, the International Fountain is definitely a very unique fountain. It’s located in what is basically a massive bowl in the ground. You can sit on the edge and eat lunch, or run down and jump into the water spraying out in every direction. Definitely a fun place in the summer.
18. Visit the Seafair
The Seafair is a huge festival in Seattle every year, that lasts multiple weeks. It includes boats, planes, parades, food, drinks, and more! Seriously, it’s such a fun activity in the summer, and if you can make it, you should add this to your Seattle bucket list.
19. Experience an IMAX Movie at the Pacific Science Center
If you’ve never seen an IMAX movie before, then you are missing out. It’s a completely different experience from a normal movie. Luckily for you, the Pacific Science Center has an IMAX cinema, so you don’t have to go far to check this one off of your Seattle bucket list.
20. Make a Donation to Rachel the Pig
Rachel the pig is a bronze statue of a pig located right outside of Pike Place Market. Rachel is actually a massive piggy bank, with a slot on top for you to make a donation to the Market Foundation. It is said that if you make a donation and then rub Rachel’s nose, you will receive good luck.
21. Grab Breakfast at Biscuit Bitch
I know, interesting name, right? Biscuit Bitch actually has some… bitchin’ food. It’s a southern style restaurant with biscuits, of course. If you want good food and a good laugh by trying to order with a straight face, definitely pay a visit to Biscuit Bitch
22. Watch Fish Fly at Pike Place Fish Market
MarmadukePercy, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
No, Pike place does not defy the laws of physics, allowing fish to swim through the air. However, the workers here will toss your order through the air and around the market when you place it. Sometimes, they’ll even allow audience participation in the throwing, or throw a fake fish at the crowd to scare them. It’s a ton of fun, and you have to see it in person at least once, so add this to your Seattle bucket list.
23. Get Donuts at Daily Dozen
Also in Pike Place, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with Daily Dozen Doughnut Company. This donut shop makes some incredibly mouth watering batches of the best dessert known to man. You can watch them be made fresh, and pick yourself up a dozen. Maybe daily isn’t healthy, but you know.
24. Check Out the Art at Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle loves its art, there’s no hiding that. So of course, the Olympic Sculpture Park is a big attraction here. This park has its own beach, tons of places for a picnic, and loads of awesome sculptures to view.
25. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Ron Clausen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve so much as glanced at the Seattle waterfront, you will have likely noticed this big Ferris wheel casually sitting on the edge of the water. Of course you have to go on it. This wheel isn’t only open at day, though, you can also take a night ride and see the amazing light shows that the wheel has to offer.
26. Check Out the View From Columbia Tower
The Columbia Tower is the tallest building in Seattle, and the fourth-tallest building on the West coast, standing at 76 stories tall! Just 3 floors down on the 73rd floor is the Sky View Observatory, the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest at 902 ft!
27. Take the Monorail to/from Seattle Center
If you’ve never been on a monorail before, then definitely give the one at Seattle Center a try. For only $2 per person, you can have a quick trip from Seattle Center to the Westlake mall. You get to cruise over the city streets and even go right through the MoPOP museum!
28. Have Some Coffee at Waterfall Garden Park
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Located in Pioneer Square is a waterfall… Yes it is an artificial waterfall, there’s not a real waterfall in the middle of the city. Either way, it’s still an awesome little spot to have a coffee or lunch. The Waterfall Garden Park is actually a monument for the birthplace of the UPS, yes, the brown package delivery company.
29. Browse the Art Galleries at Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk
Remember when I said that Seattle is all about art? Well this attraction is no different. Every first Thursday of the month, you can go see some incredible art in Pioneer Square.
30. Check Out the Pinball Collection at the Seattle Pinball Museum
Whether or not you’re a fan of Pinball, the Seattle Pinball Museum can still be a very interesting place to visit. You can go for the games, or just for looking at the variety of different machines.
31. Attend a Seahawks Game at CenturyLink Field
Seattle loves football. Like, REALLY loves football. If you’re here during a game and have never been to an NFL game before, then definitely take the opportunity to experience one. I went to my first Seahawks game a few years ago, and it was an incredible experience. The stadium is so incredibly massive and walking in is such an awesome sight.
32. Attend a Mariners Game at T-Mobile Park
If football isn’t your thing, then maybe baseball is. Going out to a ball game at T-Mobile Park is another awesome activity you can do in Seattle. I’ve been to a Seahawks game but not a Mariners game yet, so this one is definitely on my Seattle bucket list.
33. See the House Boats on Lake Union
When you run out of space to live on land, where do you go? Well, the houseboats on Lake Union have definitely found their answer. These aren’t just regular boats that people live in. These are literally floating houses, and people live in them full time. If this isn’t something you’re used to (and let’s be honest, it’s probably not), then definitely take a stroll around and check them out. Do remember that people do live in these so don’t get too close and don’t go snooping through them, but at least have a look.
34. Tour the Amazon Spheres
The Spheres in Seattle are an office building owned by Amazon filled to the brim with plants. The idea is for the employees to have a space to be able to think and work differently. You can get a tour of this very unique office building by appointment.
35. Take a Seaplane Flight
For some parts of the country, people don’t even know what seaplanes are. Here in the Seattle area, they are a common sight. These planes don’t use runways or even asphalt for that matter. They take off and land on water, and if you’ve never been in one before, it’s definitely an experience you should try out. You can get a seaplane tour of Seattle for about $100.
36. Rent a Rowboat for Free
If you enjoy the water and want to take a relaxing cruise on Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats offers FREE rowboat rentals! Maybe this would be a good way to see the houseboats and have a relaxing time paddling around the lake.
37. Shop at the REI Flagship Store
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
REI is a huge brand of outdoor gear here in Seattle, and if you’ve driven down I-5 through the city, you may have noticed their store with the huge rock climbing wall. This store doesn’t have a simple entrance on the street. To get to the front door, you have to trek through their own forest, as if you’re going on a hike. This store is truly an experience, and you can get some awesome outdoor gear during it!
38. Take a Hot Tub Boat on Lake Union
This activity has been made wildly popular by TikTok recently. On Lake Union, you can rent a hot tub boat. Yes, a boat that has a hot tub in it. There are a couple of different companies that offer this service, and you can bring up to 6 people in a boat for 2 hours for about $350. It’s a little pricey, but if you split the price between everyone, it’s not too bad of an activity.
39. Try Some Axe Throwing at Blade & Timber
If you’ve ever seen axe throwing before and thought that you might want to try it out, then you might be pleased to learn that there is a place you can do it right here in the Emerald City!
Related: Why is Seattle Called The Emerald City?
40. Eat a Seattle Dog
Philadelphia has cheesesteaks, Seattle has hot dogs. A Seattle Dog is a hot dog topped with cream cheese and sauteed onions. Don’t knock it ’till you try it, this is definitely one for your Seattle bucket list.
41. Pay Your Respects to the Grave of Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was a famous Hong Kong American actor and martial artist. What many people don’t know is that Bruce Lee was buried in Seattle along with his son, buried by his side. If you were a fan of him, this would be a good opportunity to pay your respects.
42. Check Out the Reflecting Pool at Cal Anderson Park
In Capital Hill, you can find Cal Anderson Park, one of Seattle’s many places to have a nice picnic. There’s a reflecting pool which is the perfect opportunity for Instagram photos, and a playground if you have children (or some inner child left in you).
Related: Seattle’s Best Instagram Locations
43. See the Wildlife at the Woodland Park Zoo
The Ninjaneer, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The Woodland Park Zoo is a big attraction for many people in the Seattle area. I know that my school had field trips here every once in a while. The zoo has over 92 acres of exhibits and public places, over 300 animal species, thousands of trees, over a thousand species of plants, and more! This is an awesome place to go whether you’re by yourself or with a whole family!
44. Have a Picnic at Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a very interesting park in comparison to any other you may have seen. This park is located at the remnants of the last remaining gasification plant in the United States. Some of the plant was left intact, and some of it was used to make a play area. Either way, it’s a very interesting park on the shore of Lake Union, and a nice place to have lunch or read a book.
Related: The Best Parks in Seattle
45. Get a Photo With the Fremont Troll
In the Seattle neighborhood of Fremont, there is a troll under a bridge. No, seriously. In 1989 the Fremont Arts Council held a contest to rehabilitate the area under the bridge as it was becoming a dumping ground and haven for drug dealers. The massive concrete troll was built, sitting at 18 feet tall, and crushing a Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. This is such an icon of the area, and should definitely be on your Seattle bucket list.
46. Visit the Center of the Universe
Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
The neighborhood of Fremont is the center of the universe. Well, they think they are. In Fremont, there is a guidepost on the corner of N Fremont Ave and 35th St N claiming that it is the center of the universe since it cannot be proven nor disproven. The guidepost points in a number of directions including to the North Pole, Rio de Janeiro, the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, and Machu Picchu.
47. See the Fish and Boats at the Ballard Locks
The Ballard Locks are another attraction I distinctly remember visiting on a field trip as a child. These locks connect Lake Union (and Lake Washington) to the rest of the Puget Sound. You can watch boats enter, water fill up, and then leave, and watch the fish climb the fish ladder. It’s a very cool place if you haven’t witnessed locks in person before.
48. Stroll Through the Ballard Farmer’s Market Every Sunday
As the title suggests, you can find a farmer’s market in Ballard every Sunday. Seattle really does love its farmers markets and fresh food, and all of the food here is exclusively from Washington. Stroll around and pick up some groceries and tons of vendors flood the streets with tents and fresh vegetables.
49. Visit the Lighthouse at Discovery Park
By far, Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle. It features forests, fields, cliffs, beaches, and even sand dunes! At the very Western tip of the park sits a lighthouse. It’s a little bit of a hike to get out there, but it’s an amazing view when you do!
50. Take a Water Taxi to West Seattle
You’ve likely seen the massive ferries that hold dozens of cars and take you long distances around Puget Sound… But what if you just need to take yourself a short distance across Elliott Bay? That’s where the Water Taxi comes into play! For less than $6, you can cruise across the bay to West Seattle from Pier 50 downtown!
51. View the Skyline from Hamilton Viewpoint Park
While you’re over in West Seattle, check out the view from Hamilton Viewpoint Park. This park provides an incredible view of the Seattle skyline from across Elliott Bay, with some binoculars for you to look through too. I myself have taken a few sweet photos here, and maybe you can too.
52. Shop for Vinyl at Easy Street Records
Patrick Tyree, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re a fan of vinyl records and own a turntable, then definitely check out Easy Street Records. This is a record shop in West Seattle selling vinyl records and CDs, and they even have their own cafe! Stop for a bite to eat, check out some music, and just enjoy the atmosphere in this awesome little shop.
Conclusion
Seattle has tons of things to do, and this list really just scratches the surface. There’s still hundreds of restaurants, dozens of more amazing attractions, and more! While you go to any of these locations, maybe try taking a walk a few blocks in any direction and see if something else catches your eye.
If you know of a Seattle bucket list item that wasn’t included in this article, feel free to leave it in the comments section below. I will try to keep this list updated, and maybe you’ll list something I haven’t heard of yet!
Hi, I’m Jared. I’m a life-long Washington resident, and love the big city. In my free time, I do YouTube, photography, coding, and more.
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