Published 1st Jan. 2024
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Seattle is well-known as the birthplace of Starbucks, and although they sure know how to brew a mean cuppa, there’s more to the city than its coffee culture. Washington State's fast-growing capital city has a lot to offer, and while it’s true that it gets its fair share of drizzle, there’s no need to let the weather rain on your parade. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy even in chillier climes; spend time sauntering through Pike Place Market, reach new heights at one of America’s greatest landmarks, or explore the city's lush parks (they call it the 'Emerald City' for a reason). Read on for eight great things to do in Seattle on your next USA holiday...
People-watching is one of the best ways to take the pulse of a place and Pioneer Square is the spot to do it in Seattle. As the city’s oldest neighbourhood, it's got all the ingredients for a perfect afternoon – cute cafes, inviting bookshops and some pretty cool architecture. While you're there, don't miss a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush Museum or a trip up the Smith Tower, which was once the tallest building on the West Coast. If you're feeling adventurous, take Bill Speidel's Underground Tour to explore Seattle's hidden underground passages and dark tunnels, with fascinating — and often hilarious — tales of Seattle's history along the way.
The Space Needle is one of Seattle's (and America's) most iconic landmarks. This futuristic observation tower was unveiled at the 1962 World's Fair, and it's been standing tall and proud on the Seattle skyline ever since. Hop on the Space Needle elevator up to the vantage point, from which you can gaze out across downtown Seattle, the majestic Cascade Range and the rugged Olympic Mountains in the distance. Keep an eye out for the tilting glass walls (aptly named Skyrisers), which give the sensation of floating above the city. Plus, the structure now features the world’s first revolving glass floor (although you might want to give this a miss if you’re not a fan of heights).
We can't talk about Seattle without mentioning Pike Place Market, home to the very first Starbucks and one of the city’s most visited sites. Particularly apt for avid foodies, the market is well worth adding to your list of things to do in Seattle. For over a hundred years, the market has been the place to go in the city for fresh fish, colourful produce, vibrant flowers and delightful artisan goodies. Don't leave without digging into a delicious bowl of clam chowder at Pike Place Chowder, or treating yourself to the mouthwatering Seattle Joe Scramble at Lowell's.
Situated just a short ferry ride from the city, Bainbridge Island is the antithesis of Seattle’s skyscrapers and bright lights. Exploring the beautiful Bloedel Reserve is one of the best things to do in Seattle for nature lovers, with its 150 acres of sprawling gardens, ponds and meadows. Make a pit stop at Mora Iced Creamery for a sweet treat before heading back to the city – their creative flavours include cheesecake with raspberry jam and mojito.
Starbucks, the global java giant, traces its roots back to the rainy streets of Seattle. And while you may encounter queues stretching down the block at the original Pike Place Market location, coffee connoisseurs should set their sights on the flagship Starbucks Reserve Roastery. More than a regular coffee joint, this is like the coffee motherland. At the Reserve Roastery, they’ll take you through the coffee process, from how the beans grow to the way they're roasted to perfection. You’ll have the chance to taste some of the rarest and quirkiest brews from around the world.
The Seattle Great Wheel, located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay, is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America, let alone Seattle. Take a spin in a fully enclosed gondola, come rain or shine, to see the spectacular views from this 175-foot-high wonder. At the top, you'll be treated to an epic city panorama, with the Pacific Ocean and (on a clear day) the Olympic Mountains in the distance. When the sun takes a bow and the city lights up, the Great Wheel also joins the party. It turns into a mesmerising, twinkling spectacle, adding some sparkle to the Seattle skyline.
If you're into art, you’ll want to include the mind-blowing glass sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass on your list of things to do in Seattle. Dale Chihuly, the maestro of glass art, let his imagination run wild and it feels like stepping into a fantastical glass garden. As you stroll around, you'll find yourself face to face with larger-than-life glass sculptures that can only be described as jaw-dropping. And here's the twist – they're sat alongside living plants, as if Mother Nature herself decided to collaborate with the artist.
The experience at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP for short) begins before you even walk through the doors. Thanks to the genius of Frank O. Gehry, the building itself is an architectural wonder of colours and textures, making it an apt tribute to the Pacific Northwest’s music scene. And once you have set foot inside the whacky structure, you’ll find some of the world’s most immersive pop culture experiences. There are both permanent and rotating exhibits dedicated to local legends including Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam – all nods to the region’s rich rock legacy. You can also geek out at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, which celebrates the best science fiction movies and literature.
From New York to California and all the states in between, our team knows the USA's hotspots incredibly well. What we really excel at, though, is the under-the-radar regions, thanks to our in-depth experience and the hand-picked guides we work with on the ground. Whether you’re travelling as a family or à deux, road trips are the ultimate way to explore the USA, and we're brimming with suggestions to improve journeys, from scenic route options to photogenic stop-off points (all based on our own experiences, of course). And if that's not enough, you'll have our in-country Concierge team on hand at all times for extra help and advice.
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