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Top 5 Things to Do in Seattle, WA
As a former tour guide for groups visiting Seattle, you would think that I’d have no trouble giving some recommendations on where to go and what to do in my “hometown”. The issue that I have is this: choosing only five things out of so many options! Seattle has a great variety of things to do for families, couples, seniors, students and singles. Whether you’re interested in history, sports, music, art, food, nature or city life, Seattle is a gold mine of treasures.
A cityscape of the Seattle Center featuring the Space Needle.
Seattle Center
For families with young kids, the Seattle Center is probably the best place to go. The Seattle Children’s Museum is interactive and engaging, with rotating exhibits and seasonal activities. It’s located in the Seattle Center Armory building, which also houses diverse cultural events throughout the year so there’s a chance to catch free performances, entertainment and educational opportunities. There’s a food court with a lot of options, for those with choosy eaters or who want a fast bite to fit into a full itinerary.
Other family areas on the Center grounds also include the Space Needle, Seattle Children’s Theatre, a nice outdoor playground, the International Fountain and the Pacific Science Center. Pro tip: for movie buffs who like a “true” IMAX experience, the Pacific Science Center’s Boeing IMAX Theater has educational and blockbuster movies projected on a screen six-stories tall and 80 feet wide! There’s also the Museum of Pop Culture – I recommend this for families with older kids, single travelers and couples. One more recommendation for couples or solos, the Chihuly Glass Museum located next to the Space Needle is a beautiful back drop for selfies while also enjoying the artistry of the craft.
Explore the exciting underground tour in Pioneer Square.
Pioneer Square and the International District
Pioneer Square and the International District are neighborhoods to the south of downtown. For singles, couples and families with older children, I recommend the underground tour in Pioneer Square. There are various versions run by different companies, but most of them are led by lively guides full of fun facts and bad puns. Tat’s Deli is great for subs and soups and is just across the street from the Smith Tower. For couples, the Smith Tower can be a fun destination for cocktails and a view on the observation deck. There’s also a tour to showcase its interesting history.
Pioneer Square and the International District
Pioneer Square and the International District are neighborhoods to the south of downtown. For singles, couples and families with older children, I recommend the underground tour in Pioneer Square. There are various versions run by different companies, but most of them are led by lively guides full of fun facts and bad puns. Tat’s Deli is great for subs and soups and is just across the street from the Smith Tower. For couples, the Smith Tower can be a fun destination for cocktails and a view on the observation deck. There’s also a tour to showcase its interesting history.
Explore the exciting underground tour in Pioneer Square.
For kids and adults who like classic arcade games, there’s the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District (ID), which is just down the street from the Wing Luke Museum, for those who like locally influenced art and Asian history. I won’t lie to you, though, the top reason I go to the ID is for food and though I’d love to keep my favorite restaurants secret, I do think they deserve to be appreciated: Ft. St. George serves Japanese comfort food and izakaya-style bites and is perfect for both family meals or after dinner drinks and snacks. There are so many good hot pot spots, it’s hard to pick one, but for simple convenience, Boiling Point is both delicious and just outside of Uwajimaya, an Asian grocery store with a food court, bookstore and home goods section. I can spend hours poking around “Uwaji” looking at lacquer ware, art supplies, snack food and manga.
Find a variety of attractions at the Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market
For families who like to walk, wander and browse, Pike Place Market is a warren of small shops, eateries and views of the harbor. There’s also stairs and elevators to get down to the waterfront to explore more. As a native Seattleite and tour guide, I’ve done the Market so many times, it’s easy to forget some of the things that first-timers find fascinating. Photographers love the vibrant displays of fruit, flowers and the gum wall (a popular place for engagement and prom photos). There are some cool tours around the Market – my favorite are the ghost tours. Probably because a close family member was born on Halloween and it’s one of my favorite holidays.
The ferry is a quick way to get around the greater Seattle area, and more, by foot or vehicle.
Seeing the flying fish is fun and quirky, but I also like to encourage guests to find some of the public art. There are many different permanent pieces peppered throughout the grounds; a hand carved Bigfoot statue, giant kraken, various pig statues, painted murals and just the signage – between the electric neon, the carefully hand painted ones and the historic marquees, your eyes have so much to take in! And while you’re taking things in, I do recommend a few places to check out: MarketSpice Teas and Accessories for wonderful smelling and deliciously useable souvenirs. Chukar Cherries for dried fruit, nuts, chocolates and more – definitely try the samples! Golden Age Collectibles and the Magic Shop are two different, must-visit places for any of my friends in from out of town because of their sheer entertainment value. For tea lovers, try some samples at the Perennial Tea Room.
Seeing the flying fish is fun and quirky, but I also like to encourage guests to find some of the public art. There are many different permanent pieces peppered throughout the grounds; a hand carved Bigfoot statue, giant kraken, various pig statues, painted murals and just the signage – between the electric neon, the carefully hand painted ones and the historic marquees, your eyes have so much to take in! And while you’re taking things in, I do recommend a few places to check out: MarketSpice Teas and Accessories for wonderful smelling and deliciously useable souvenirs. Chukar Cherries for dried fruit, nuts, chocolates and more – definitely try the samples! Golden Age Collectibles and the Magic Shop are two different, must-visit places for any of my friends in from out of town because of their sheer entertainment value. For tea lovers, try some samples at the Perennial Tea Room.
The ferry is a quick way to get around the greater Seattle area, and more, by foot or vehicle.
Food at the Market is easy to find and there are no places where I’ve had a bad experience, but here are a few to try yourself. For families with children and teens, Turkish Delight or Maiz are great places to get quick food service that is fresh and delicious. For large groups or those who want a casual sit-down style restaurant for lunch or dinner and have no children, I recommend the Pike Brewing Company. It can get lively, at times, with an on-site brewery and beer museum. One of the most popular spots in the Market is Pike Place Chowder – and it’s just as good as it’s hype – but if you can’t stand the long line, just down the street is Seatown Rub Shack and FishFry. Their chowder is comparable, in my opinion, and they have a wider variety of other dishes to try, as well. Couples can get dinner and a show at The Triple Door or (next on my on list) the Can Can Culinary Cabaret.
Enjoy the scenic view from the top of the Seattle Great Wheel.
The Waterfront
Along the Waterfront area, couples can enjoy a spin around the Seattle Great Wheel, which is scenic and romantic, but if you’re not a fan of slow-moving heights (like me), then right next door is a flight simulator called Wings Over Washington. That attraction is also good for tourists of all types – families, singles and seniors. If you’d like to sit back and relax on the water with the wind in your hair, perhaps a harbor tour? Or if you like a little more time away from the crowds, rent your own donut boat or hot tub boat! (Disclaimer: I have done the harbor tours by Argosy, but I have not yet tried the donut or hot tub boats. I have heard good things, though!) The Seattle Aquarium is also located on the Waterfront. It recently opened an expansion called the Ocean Pavilion which is now home to over 3,500 tropical marine animals.
There are many beautiful parks to enjoy in Seattle. Consider enjoying the fall colors at Kerry Park!
Gardens and Parks
If you prefer walking instead of sailing, Seattle has parks and gardens for every vibe. Volunteer Park has a lot to see around the grounds, plus a very well-maintained greenhouse of more exotic plants. Gasworks Park is a fantastic place to explore, photograph or just chill while watching the boats and seaplanes. North of both parks is a restaurant that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Voula’s Offshore Café. It’s a straightforward American-style diner and good for hearty meals. If that isn’t your jam, continue further north to the University District for a plethora of great dining options from around the world or stay along the south end of Lake union for family dining at Buca di Beppo, an Italian restaurant with shared plates, or fine dining at Daniel’s Broiler.
Gardens and Parks
If you prefer walking instead of sailing, Seattle has parks and gardens for every vibe. Volunteer Park has a lot to see around the grounds, plus a very well-maintained greenhouse of more exotic plants. Gasworks Park is a fantastic place to explore, photograph or just chill while watching the boats and seaplanes. North of both parks is a restaurant that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Voula’s Offshore Café. It’s a straightforward American-style diner and good for hearty meals. If that isn’t your jam, continue further north to the University District for a plethora of great dining options from around the world or stay along the south end of Lake union for family dining at Buca di Beppo, an Italian restaurant with shared plates, or fine dining at Daniel’s Broiler.
There are many beautiful parks to enjoy in Seattle. Consider enjoying the fall colors at Kerry Park!
For those who enjoy sports, Cal Anderson Park is located in Capitol Hill and features sports fields and a jogging path, but it’s also in the heart of a vibrant area. Next door to the park is Rock Box for Japanese-style karaoke booths, Century Ballroom for dancing, Elliott Bay Book Company for browsing and collecting, and the Seattle International Film Festival’s Egyptian Theater for specialty films. For food options, ramen lovers should try DANBO – it’s customizable and has vegetarian options that are delicious. Just up the street is a Seattle favorite: Dick’s Drive-In (though, you actually walk up to order) but this is an old school, no-frills burger chain.
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Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
As a former tour guide for groups visiting Seattle, you would think that I’d have no trouble giving some recommendations on where to go and what to do in my “hometown”. The issue that I have is this: choosing only five things out of so many options! Seattle has a great variety of things to do for families, couples, seniors, students and singles. Whether you’re interested in history, sports, music, art, food, nature or city life, Seattle is a gold mine of treasures.
A cityscape of the Seattle Center featuring the Space Needle.
Seattle Center
For families with young kids, the Seattle Center is probably the best place to go. The Seattle Children’s Museum is interactive and engaging, with rotating exhibits and seasonal activities. It’s located in the Seattle Center Armory building, which also houses diverse cultural events throughout the year so there’s a chance to catch free performances, entertainment and educational opportunities. There’s a food court with a lot of options, for those with choosy eaters or who want a fast bite to fit into a full itinerary.
Other family areas on the Center grounds also include the Space Needle, Seattle Children’s Theatre, a nice outdoor playground, the International Fountain and the Pacific Science Center. Pro tip: for movie buffs who like a “true” IMAX experience, the Pacific Science Center’s Boeing IMAX Theater has educational and blockbuster movies projected on a screen six-stories tall and 80 feet wide! There’s also the Museum of Pop Culture – I recommend this for families with older kids, single travelers and couples. One more recommendation for couples or solos, the Chihuly Glass Museum located next to the Space Needle is a beautiful back drop for selfies while also enjoying the artistry of the craft.
Explore the exciting underground tour in Pioneer Square.
Pioneer Square and the International District
Pioneer Square and the International District are neighborhoods to the south of downtown. For singles, couples and families with older children, I recommend the underground tour in Pioneer Square. There are various versions run by different companies, but most of them are led by lively guides full of fun facts and bad puns. Tat’s Deli is great for subs and soups and is just across the street from the Smith Tower. For couples, the Smith Tower can be a fun destination for cocktails and a view on the observation deck. There’s also a tour to showcase its interesting history.
Pioneer Square and the International District
Pioneer Square and the International District are neighborhoods to the south of downtown. For singles, couples and families with older children, I recommend the underground tour in Pioneer Square. There are various versions run by different companies, but most of them are led by lively guides full of fun facts and bad puns. Tat’s Deli is great for subs and soups and is just across the street from the Smith Tower. For couples, the Smith Tower can be a fun destination for cocktails and a view on the observation deck. There’s also a tour to showcase its interesting history.
Explore the exciting underground tour in Pioneer Square.
For kids and adults who like classic arcade games, there’s the Seattle Pinball Museum in the International District (ID), which is just down the street from the Wing Luke Museum, for those who like locally influenced art and Asian history. I won’t lie to you, though, the top reason I go to the ID is for food and though I’d love to keep my favorite restaurants secret, I do think they deserve to be appreciated: Ft. St. George serves Japanese comfort food and izakaya-style bites and is perfect for both family meals or after dinner drinks and snacks. There are so many good hot pot spots, it’s hard to pick one, but for simple convenience, Boiling Point is both delicious and just outside of Uwajimaya, an Asian grocery store with a food court, bookstore and home goods section. I can spend hours poking around “Uwaji” looking at lacquer ware, art supplies, snack food and manga.
Find a variety of attractions at the Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market
For families who like to walk, wander and browse, Pike Place Market is a warren of small shops, eateries and views of the harbor. There’s also stairs and elevators to get down to the waterfront to explore more. As a native Seattleite and tour guide, I’ve done the Market so many times, it’s easy to forget some of the things that first-timers find fascinating. Photographers love the vibrant displays of fruit, flowers and the gum wall (a popular place for engagement and prom photos). There are some cool tours around the Market – my favorite are the ghost tours. Probably because a close family member was born on Halloween and it’s one of my favorite holidays.
The ferry is a quick way to get around the greater Seattle area, and more, by foot or vehicle.
Seeing the flying fish is fun and quirky, but I also like to encourage guests to find some of the public art. There are many different permanent pieces peppered throughout the grounds; a hand carved Bigfoot statue, giant kraken, various pig statues, painted murals and just the signage – between the electric neon, the carefully hand painted ones and the historic marquees, your eyes have so much to take in! And while you’re taking things in, I do recommend a few places to check out: MarketSpice Teas and Accessories for wonderful smelling and deliciously useable souvenirs. Chukar Cherries for dried fruit, nuts, chocolates and more – definitely try the samples! Golden Age Collectibles and the Magic Shop are two different, must-visit places for any of my friends in from out of town because of their sheer entertainment value. For tea lovers, try some samples at the Perennial Tea Room.
Seeing the flying fish is fun and quirky, but I also like to encourage guests to find some of the public art. There are many different permanent pieces peppered throughout the grounds; a hand carved Bigfoot statue, giant kraken, various pig statues, painted murals and just the signage – between the electric neon, the carefully hand painted ones and the historic marquees, your eyes have so much to take in! And while you’re taking things in, I do recommend a few places to check out: MarketSpice Teas and Accessories for wonderful smelling and deliciously useable souvenirs. Chukar Cherries for dried fruit, nuts, chocolates and more – definitely try the samples! Golden Age Collectibles and the Magic Shop are two different, must-visit places for any of my friends in from out of town because of their sheer entertainment value. For tea lovers, try some samples at the Perennial Tea Room.
The ferry is a quick way to get around the greater Seattle area, and more, by foot or vehicle.
Food at the Market is easy to find and there are no places where I’ve had a bad experience, but here are a few to try yourself. For families with children and teens, Turkish Delight or Maiz are great places to get quick food service that is fresh and delicious. For large groups or those who want a casual sit-down style restaurant for lunch or dinner and have no children, I recommend the Pike Brewing Company. It can get lively, at times, with an on-site brewery and beer museum. One of the most popular spots in the Market is Pike Place Chowder – and it’s just as good as it’s hype – but if you can’t stand the long line, just down the street is Seatown Rub Shack and FishFry. Their chowder is comparable, in my opinion, and they have a wider variety of other dishes to try, as well. Couples can get dinner and a show at The Triple Door or (next on my on list) the Can Can Culinary Cabaret.
Enjoy the scenic view from the top of the Seattle Great Wheel.
The Waterfront
Along the Waterfront area, couples can enjoy a spin around the Seattle Great Wheel, which is scenic and romantic, but if you’re not a fan of slow-moving heights (like me), then right next door is a flight simulator called Wings Over Washington. That attraction is also good for tourists of all types – families, singles and seniors. If you’d like to sit back and relax on the water with the wind in your hair, perhaps a harbor tour? Or if you like a little more time away from the crowds, rent your own donut boat or hot tub boat! (Disclaimer: I have done the harbor tours by Argosy, but I have not yet tried the donut or hot tub boats. I have heard good things, though!) The Seattle Aquarium is also located on the Waterfront. It recently opened an expansion called the Ocean Pavilion which is now home to over 3,500 tropical marine animals.
There are many beautiful parks to enjoy in Seattle. Consider enjoying the fall colors at Kerry Park!
Gardens and Parks
If you prefer walking instead of sailing, Seattle has parks and gardens for every vibe. Volunteer Park has a lot to see around the grounds, plus a very well-maintained greenhouse of more exotic plants. Gasworks Park is a fantastic place to explore, photograph or just chill while watching the boats and seaplanes. North of both parks is a restaurant that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Voula’s Offshore Café. It’s a straightforward American-style diner and good for hearty meals. If that isn’t your jam, continue further north to the University District for a plethora of great dining options from around the world or stay along the south end of Lake union for family dining at Buca di Beppo, an Italian restaurant with shared plates, or fine dining at Daniel’s Broiler.
Gardens and Parks
If you prefer walking instead of sailing, Seattle has parks and gardens for every vibe. Volunteer Park has a lot to see around the grounds, plus a very well-maintained greenhouse of more exotic plants. Gasworks Park is a fantastic place to explore, photograph or just chill while watching the boats and seaplanes. North of both parks is a restaurant that was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Voula’s Offshore Café. It’s a straightforward American-style diner and good for hearty meals. If that isn’t your jam, continue further north to the University District for a plethora of great dining options from around the world or stay along the south end of Lake union for family dining at Buca di Beppo, an Italian restaurant with shared plates, or fine dining at Daniel’s Broiler.
There are many beautiful parks to enjoy in Seattle. Consider enjoying the fall colors at Kerry Park!
For those who enjoy sports, Cal Anderson Park is located in Capitol Hill and features sports fields and a jogging path, but it’s also in the heart of a vibrant area. Next door to the park is Rock Box for Japanese-style karaoke booths, Century Ballroom for dancing, Elliott Bay Book Company for browsing and collecting, and the Seattle International Film Festival’s Egyptian Theater for specialty films. For food options, ramen lovers should try DANBO – it’s customizable and has vegetarian options that are delicious. Just up the street is a Seattle favorite: Dick’s Drive-In (though, you actually walk up to order) but this is an old school, no-frills burger chain.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Denise Sawyer, a native Seattleite who enjoys international cultural events both locally and abroad. She works for Costco Travel as a member of the Merchandising team.
