Seattle is an ideal waterfront destination and the perfect city launchpad for a cruise or national park experience. There’s also plenty in the city to enjoy for a few days at the beginning or end of your trip too.
1. Space Needle
Step out onto the glass floor and experience the most breathtaking views of the city. Your photos will look like you’re flying.
2. Ivar’s Acres of Clams
Established in 1938, this mainstay of the waterfront is a top place to enjoy Seattle’s famous seafood. There’s a grab-and-go fish bar at Pier 54 too.
3. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Just imagine how beautiful a botanical garden would be if the flowers were crafted from gleaming, coloured glass. Now stop imagining and see it for real.
4. Seattle Aquarium
Yes, every city has an aquarium… but not every city is actually on the sea. So a Seattle Aquarium makes sense. The exhibition has a focus on the local Washington waters.
5. Pacific Bonsai Museum
This super-cute open-air museum is to the south of SEA-TAC International Airport, so a great place to visit before you hand the hire car back and fly home.
6. The Museum of Flight
Sponsored by Boeing, this is a huge museum of aviation and space exploration. There are over 160 planes on display and you can explore the original Boeing Aircraft factory, which makes up part of this 25-acre site.
7. Kobe Terrace
For a moment of relaxation, visit the hillside Japanese gardens at Kobe Terrace in the International District.
8. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Join the popular crowd at MoPOP – part of the Seattle Center. With fanzones divided into loads of themes, including Disney, music and Harry Potter there’s something for every fan here.
9. Argosy Cruises at Pier 55
Head out to sea on a mini-cruise with Argosy Cruises. Their three-deck ship has its own onboard bar and makes for a fun afternoon out on the water.
10. Pike Place Market and the Original Starbucks
The market is bustling with all sorts of eccentric stalls, as well as florists, crafts, food and drink. The fish-throwing fishmongers are a particular delight, though you need to buy the fish before they’ll throw it. Also visit the first ever Starbucks in the world. It all started here.