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Seattle
Washington
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Visit Seattle
Seattle, Washington, nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is a vibrant urban oasis surrounded by natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Known for its dynamic cultural scene, innovative tech industry, and rich history, Seattle offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to all kinds of interests. From the iconic Space Needle, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline and beyond, to the bustling Pike Place Market, where visitors can explore an array of local crafts, fresh seafood, and the original Starbucks coffee shop, there's no shortage of attractions to explore.
The city's commitment to arts and culture is palpable, with an array of museums and galleries to visit. The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) showcases a diverse range of art from around the world, while the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), housed in a striking building designed by Frank Gehry, delves into the impact of popular music, science fiction, and pop culture. For those interested in aviation, a short drive to the nearby Boeing factory offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of aerospace with the Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find Seattle to be a perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. The city itself is home to numerous parks and green spaces, including the expansive Discovery Park and the serene Washington Park Arboretum. A short ferry ride from the city, visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands, renowned for their stunning landscapes and wildlife. Whether it's hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a sunset by the water, Seattle provides an ideal mix of urban excitement and natural tranquility, making it a compelling destination for any traveler.
Seattle Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
37°F
47°F
18
February
37°F
49°F
17
March
42°F
54°F
18
April
43°F
58°F
18
May
49°F
64°F
11
June
54°F
71°F
11
July
56°F
75°F
11
August
57°F
76°F
7
September
54°F
70°F
11
October
48°F
60°F
18
November
42°F
53°F
18
December
36°F
46°F
18
Need to Know Before You Go To Seattle
Nickname:
Emerald City
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Los_Angeles
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
Over 40 million
Primary Export:
Aircraft
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, June
Quietest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Find your Next Adventure in Seattle
Explore Seattle
Iconic Landmarks
Space Needle
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World's Fair. It features an observation deck at 520 feet and a rotating restaurant, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the surrounding islands.
Pike Place Market
This historic market, established in 1907, is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States. It is a bustling hub of activity, famous for its fresh seafood, produce, specialty foods, and crafts. The market is also home to the original Starbucks coffee shop.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center, this exhibit showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The exhibition features a lush garden, a glasshouse, and a series of galleries with dramatically lit sculptures.
Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle Waterfront runs along Alaskan Way and features attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium, various shops, restaurants, and piers. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Elliott Bay and take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel on Pier 5
7.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, MoPOP is dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Its exhibits cover aspects of pop music, science fiction, and video games, housed in a striking building designed by architect Frank Gehry.
Fremont Troll
This quirky, giant troll sculpture lives under the north end of the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. Created by four local artists, the troll clutches a real Volkswagen Beetle and has become a beloved symbol of the artistic and free-spirited community in Fremont.
Cultural Experiences
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United States, Pike Place Market is a bustling hub of artisans, farmers, and small businesses. It's a great place to experience the local culture, taste fresh produce, and see the famous fish-throwing at the fish markets.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
SAM is a major center for visual arts in the Pacific Northwest. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of art from Native American artifacts to contemporary pieces. The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center, this exhibit showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly. The exhibition features a stunning array of glass sculptures and installations, both indoors and in a beautifully landscaped garden.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, MoPOP is dedicated to contemporary popular culture. Its exhibits cover everything from rock music and science fiction to video games and horror films, all housed in a striking building designed by architect Frank Gehry.
Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall
For a taste of Seattle's classical music scene, a performance by the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall is a must. The hall is renowned for its outstanding acoustics and hosts a wide range of musical performances throughout the year.
Historic Pioneer Square
This neighborhood is Seattle's original downtown and is rich in history and architecture. It's a great place to take a walking tour to learn about Seattle's past, visit art galleries, and explore the local shops and restaurants. The area also hosts a popular "First Thursday" art walk each month.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park
Just a couple of hours southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park offers a variety of trails ranging from easy walks through wildflower meadows to challenging hikes up to the glaciers. The park is centered around Mount Rainier itself, a 14,411-foot active volcano.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Lake Union
Right in the heart of Seattle, Lake Union provides a fantastic venue for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, and you might even paddle past the famous floating homes, including the one from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle."
Biking the Burke-Gilman Trail
This multi-use trail stretches over 20 miles, from Ballard to Bothell along the shores of Lake Washington. It’s perfect for biking, walking, and jogging, and it passes through various neighborhoods, parks, and breweries.
Sailing on Puget Sound
Experience the thrill of sailing on the open waters of Puget Sound. You can take sailing lessons, join a sailing club, or rent a boat to explore the beautiful waters, islands, and wildlife including seals, sea lions, and orcas.
Exploring the Olympic Peninsula
A bit of a longer trip from Seattle, but well worth it for the incredible natural beauty. The Olympic Peninsula is home to the Olympic National Park, where you can explore temperate rainforests like the Hoh Rain Forest, rugged coastal beaches such as Rialto and Ruby Beach, and the mountain vistas from Hurricane Ridge.
Climbing at Exit 38
Just about 30 minutes east of Seattle, Exit 38 off I-90 is a popular spot for rock climbers. It offers a range of routes that cater to both beginners and experienced climbers. The area is surrounded by lush forest and provides a great outdoor climbing experience.
Off the Beaten Path
The Fremont Troll
Nestled under the Aurora Bridge in the quirky Fremont neighborhood, this giant concrete sculpture of a troll clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle offers a whimsical photo opportunity and a glimpse into Seattle’s creative and artistic side.
Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, this complex serves as a gateway for boats transitioning between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal. The adjacent fish ladder, designed for salmon migration, includes underwater viewing rooms where you can watch salmon as they navigate the ladder.
Kubota Garden
This hidden gem in the Rainier Beach neighborhood is a stunning 20-acre landscape that blends Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. The garden offers a peaceful retreat with streams, waterfalls, ponds, rock outcroppings, and an array of plants.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
While not completely off the beaten path, MoPOP presents a less traditional museum experience with its focus on contemporary pop culture. From science fiction and fantasy to horror cinema and video games, the exhibits are immersive and interactive, making it a fun visit for those looking to dive deeper into modern artistic expressions.
Discovery Park
Located on the shores of Puget Sound, this large urban park offers an escape from the city with miles of trails, scenic beaches, and dramatic views of both the mountains and the water. It’s a great spot for hiking, bird watching, and beachcombing, far from the usual tourist spots.
Georgetown Steam Plant
A National Historic Landmark, this early 20th-century steam plant offers guided tours that showcase its preserved machinery and architecture. It’s a fascinating visit for those interested in industrial history and engineering.
Seattle Fun Facts
Seattle, Washington, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, innovative spirit, and stunning natural surroundings. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Seattle:
- Birthplace of Grunge Music
Seattle is famously known as the birthplace of grunge music, a genre that became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Iconic bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains all originated from this area.
- Home of the Original Starbucks
The first Starbucks coffee shop opened in 1971 at Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States, located in the heart of Seattle.
- Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has become an iconic symbol of the city. It stands at 605 feet tall and features an observation deck and a rotating restaurant, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Boeing's Birthplace
Although now headquartered in Chicago, Boeing was founded in Seattle in 1916 by William Boeing. The company played a significant role in establishing Seattle as a major center for the aerospace industry.
- Floating Bridges
Seattle features several floating bridges, which are rare worldwide. The Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and the Homer M. Hadley Bridge, both spanning Lake Washington, are among the longest floating bridges on Earth.
- Underground City
After the Great Fire of 1889, much of Seattle was rebuilt over the top of the ruins. This created a series of underground passageways and basements that are now part of the famous Seattle Underground Tour.
- Tech Hub
Seattle is a major hub for the tech industry, home to giants like Amazon and Microsoft, as well as a significant number of startups. This has led to it being dubbed the "Silicon Forest."
- Rich Literary History
Seattle is known for its high literacy rate and robust literary scene, including a large number of independent bookstores and the well-regarded Seattle Public Library. The city was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2017.
- Fish Tossing at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is famous for its fish tossing tradition, where fishmongers throw fish to each other rather than passing them by hand, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
- Green City
Seattle is often ranked as one of the greenest cities in the United States. It has a high percentage of parkland compared to other large cities and a commitment to sustainable practices, including significant use of renewable energy sources.
Featured Picture Gallery
Explore the Nightlife of Seattle
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel to Experience the Amazing Skyline
Explore the Seattle Skyline from the Puget Sound
Visit Seattle's Local Farmer's Market at Public Market Center
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