10 Best Seattle Attractions

Seattle, this city is home to so much more than just rain. Sure, it's a wet place, but most of the time it’s got some amazing views to go with all the precipitation. You can check out the super-famous Space Needle, wander through the bustling markets, and stroll along the waterfront, as there's heaps to see and do. This guide takes the 10 best of Seattle, WA, and breaks them down in a super simple-to-follow format. Easy to get your head around, each spot has been chosen because they're worth your while.

Pike Place Market was established in downtown Seattle back in 1907. It's one of those super old public markets that you'll find scattered all over the US, but this one's a real gem. Down there, you can find all sorts of fresh stuff: fish, fruits, flowers, and even handmade goods being sold by local vendors. You've probably seen those fishmongers flinging fish across the counter on TV or something, yep, that's part of the daily grind down at Pike Place. The views out over Elliott Bay aren't bad either. Oh, and guess where you can find the original Starbucks store? Yeah, it's right down there. They have more than 200 small shops to check out, plus over 10 million visitors come by every year.

The Space Needle has been a Seattle staple since 1962, when it was built for the World's Fair. It stands a pretty impressive 605 feet tall, right in the middle of Seattle Center. The observation deck up there gives you a full-on 360-degree view of the city. Not long after that, they added a glass floor up there during a renovation back in 2018; pretty cool stuff. The elevator ride up is about 40 seconds, which is mercifully quick. The rotating glass floor section is another one of its claims to fame. It's a landmark that pretty much every Seattleite knows, and for good reason. It is actually one of the best places to visit in Seattle!

The Museum of Flight is situated in South Seattle near Boeing Field. It's been around since 1965 and is dedicated to all things aviation, which is pretty fitting considering the city it's in. They have a collection of over 150 aircraft and spacecraft on display, and you can even go inside a retired Concorde jet if you're feeling adventurous. They also got a full-scale space shuttle trainer on display, which is pretty mind-blowing. The museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as all sorts of yearly educational programs.

iFLY is located in Tukwila near Seattle. They use a pretty neat vertical wind tunnel to simulate the experience of skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane. Visitors get to float in controlled air while an instructor is right there with them, no parachute required. Before each flight session, they give you a little training to make sure you know what you're doing. Each session lasts about 60 seconds. They provide the flight suits and helmets you need, which is pretty cool. Not only is it suitable for beginners, but also for kids. Just be aware that booking is usually the way to go.

Washington State Ferries is the biggest ferry system in the United States and gets you moving from Seattle terminals. They've got routes that run all the way to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, and they carry both passengers and cars. The Seattle terminal is down on the water, right in the heart of downtown. Each ferry has indoor seating and outdoor decks where you can take in the views of Puget Sound. Just be aware that travel times do vary depending on the route you take, and yeah, you'll need to get yourself a ticket for most of them. The views from the ferry are pretty sweet, though.

The Museum of History & Industry is down at Lake Union Park. This place is all about Seattle's history and the innovations that have come out of this city. They have a pretty long history of their own; they've been around since 1952. They have some really cool exhibits that'll give you a glimpse into local industries and communities. They even feature a restored 1919 Boeing B-1 seaplane on display, which is pretty cool. The interactive exhibits give you a chance to learn about the development of all sorts of technology. They've also got a café and shop down there, which is always a bonus.

Downtown Waterfront is located along the shores of Elliott Bay in Seattle, and it's got everything: piers to explore, shops to browse, and some awesome public walkways to meander along. You can catch a glimpse of sea lions lazing on Pier 59, or take a spin on the Seattle Great Wheel, which calls Pier 57 home. Many seafood joints and tacky souvenir stores line the waterfront, too. If you need to get out onto the water, don't worry, ferries depart from right nearby. Among the Seattle attractions, this one stands out!

The Seattle Art Museum is situated in the hub of downtown Seattle, or to be more precise, in a posh bit of downtown Seattle. They've got an incredible collection of global art on display, including some real gems from Africa, Asia, and Native American art. Of course, as with all good art museums, there are always new exhibits popping up throughout the year to check out. And on top of all that, they also run the Olympic Sculpture Park. And if you're interested, the building itself is really close to Pike Place Market, so you can easily visit both in one day.

The Des Moines Waterfront is located just south of Seattle in Des Moines, Washington. It's got a marina and a public beach, so basically it has everything you need. The marina is home to over 800 boat slips. A pretty nice paved walkway runs along the shoreline, perfect for getting some sea air. If you're a fisherman, there are designated areas where you can try your luck, just don't forget your fishing permit. The waterfront has picnic tables and rest spaces, so you can take a break and put your feet up. There's also a lovely little park just nearby: Saltwater State Park.

Snoqualmie Falls is located roughly 30 miles east of Seattle, and this place is a real stunner. The waterfall drops an incredible 268 feet. It's up there as one of Washington’s most popular natural attractions, and with good reason. There are viewing platforms that are open to the public, so you can get up close and personal with the falls. If you're feeling adventurous, take the short trail that leads to the lower viewing area. And as the icing on the cake, entry to the viewing platforms themselves is free.

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