Some of the best things to do in Seattle.

Seattle may not be the first American city that comes to mind when considering a trip around the United States. Yet, Seattle offers travelers a unique experience that no other American city can provide. Seattle feels like a small town with local shops and quirky museums despite being home to over three-quarters of a million people.

The Emerald City (as it's known by many) welcomes millions of visitors each year. A combination of the enchantment of the Pacific Northwest and incredible attractions located in and around Seattle drew many of the travelers to the city. So why is Seattle called the Emerald City? Well, it’s not because you’ll find emeralds all over the city. It has nothing to do with the capital of Oz land (from The Wizard of Oz) either. Seattle got the nickname because of the evergreen trees you’ll find in the city and its environs. So, it’s more about the ‘Emerald Green’ color than anything else.

Weather

Cuisine

Local Favorite: Seafood Chowder

New England is famous for its clam chowder, and the Pacific Northwest has its own version of the soup that is served up in Seattle. Seattle's seafood chowder uses loads of bacon, locally sourced seafood, and massive chunks of chopped potatoes. The seafood added to the chowder depends on the chef and restaurant you choose to dine in. You may find some with salmon, rockfish, or perhaps crab. A hearty bowl of seafood chowder is the perfect meal on a cold, wet Seattle day or throughout those cooler winter months. Seattle's Pike Place claims to serve up the city's best chowder.

Some of the best things to do in Seattle

Seattle Space Needle

The Space Needle is the signature symbol of Seattle. The iconic landmark was constructed in 1962 for the World’s Fair. Since it was built, it has become Seattle’s most popular tourist attraction. The structure is 605 ft tall and at one time was America’s tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.

Visitors can travel to the Space Needle’s observation deck for unparalleled 360-degree views of Seattle and the surrounding area. You can see out into Elliott Bay and spot Mount Ranier from the top of the Space Needle.

America’s Car Museum

Located just a stone’s throw from Seattle in Tacoma is America’s Car Museum. The museum opened in 2012 and showcases 350 automobiles for visitors to view and learn about.

A large portion of the cars on display in the museum was donated by the family of Harold LeMay. LeMay was a local entrepreneur and a longtime car collector.

America’s Car Museum is home to unique exhibits displaying a variety of cars from classic automobiles to power vehicles. A trip to the museum isn’t just a stroll down memory lane but a lesson on the great cars that traversed America’s highways and byways. The museum hosts a variety of events and temporary displays throughout the year.

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest greenspace and a retreat for locals from the city. The park contains hiking and running trails that span 11.81 miles. Discovery Park sticks out into Puget Sound and takes visitors to the very edge of the bay.

Visitors will find diverse landscapes including forests, fields, and beaches. Discovery Park is also home to a wide range of animals and plants. The large park is a must-see for any nature lover or outdoor activity enthusiast.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a Ferris wheel at the city’s famous Pier 57 on Elliot Bay. Standing at a height of 175 feet, at the time of its opening in 2012, it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast. Today, along with catching a ride on the wheel, you can also take advantage of private dining at the Fisherman’s Restaurant or elect to dine at any of the numerous other eateries on the pier.

If you choose to visit at night, you’ll be treated to the light show which runs on weekends. Powered by over 500,000 LED lights, the show is likely to be a hit with all visitors to the pier.

Museum of Flight

Seattle was the birthplace of the Boeing Company and the city has long had a connection to aviation. The Seattle Museum of Flight contains an unbelievable number of exhibits and airplanes to view. Two of the most popular items on display are a Concorde and the original Air Force One.

The museum has a dedicated wing for airplanes from World War I and II. There, you will find an array of fighter planes that saw battle. The military wing also has plenty of interesting true-life stories from soldiers who fought in both wars.

Mount Rainier

While Mount Rainier isn't within the city, it is visible from multiple locations in and around Seattle. Its imposing size may just keep you staring at it in wonder. It is so large that you'll think you can reach out and touch it in certain spots even though it's tens of miles away.

At a height of 14,417ft, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in the state of Washington. It is the highlight of a visit to Rainier National Park, a haven for lovers of the outdoors, as you'll find countless activities to indulge in. These include hiking, mountain climbing, and fishing while enjoying breathtaking close-up views of the mountain.

Wings Over Washington

There's a lot to see in the city of Seattle and neighboring parts of the state of Washington. If you're not staying for long, chances are you won't be able to visit all the tourist attractions. The next best thing is to take a ride on the 'flying theater' called the Wings Over Washington.

Also located on Pier 57, the theater has state-of-the-art 5K equipment for capturing the best of Washington state and presenting these views on a ride that offers the illusion of flying across these attracts in an immersive way. Places you'll fly over include Olympic National Forest, Mt. Rainier, and Snoqualmie Falls.

Seattle is a port city and industrial hub. Today, it is a popular tourist city thanks to its great landmarks, museums, and culture. If you fancy an America city getaway that is different from your typical destination, Seattle offers everything and more for you to explore.