Seattle, with its iconic skyline and vibrant cultural scene, offers unique experiences for first-time visitors.
If it's your first time in Seattle, you must... and I mean you must try some of these top 15 unique things in Seattle. As a local here in Seattle, these things will make your experience here so much better. Let's start with the first thing....
A Helicopter Ride Over Seattle
Cost: Approximately $235 per person
Experience Seattle's stunning landscape with a helicopter ride offering breathtaking views of iconic landmarks. Soar over the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, glimpse bustling harbors, and perhaps spot orcas gliding through Elliott Bay. Book your helicopter experience through this link.
Whale Watching Excursion
Cost: Around $135 per person
Seattle's prime location on Puget Sound is perfect for whale watching, offering things to do in experiencing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Hop aboard a boat in the Salish Sea to spot orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Expert guides share fascinating facts. Reserve your spot through this link.
Hike at Mount Rainier National Park
Cost: Park entry fee $15 per person
Just a short drive from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park offers breathtaking hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Find things to do in traversing lush forests and meadows bursting with wildflowers. Pack water, snacks, and layers. Don't forget your camera for the stunning views. Plan your hike with this guide.
Go to Seattle Mariners Game
Cost: Tickets start at $10
Experience America's favorite pastime by catching a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. Enjoy things to do in trying local craft beer and garlic fries while mingling with the lively crowd. The stadium's retractable roof ensures the game goes on, rain or shine. Secure your tickets through this link.
Explore a Local Art Gallery
Cost: Seattle Art Museum $29.99; Chihuly Garden $37
Seattle's art scene is vibrant and diverse, with things to do in exploring contemporary installations and traditional Northwest Coast art. Don't miss the Seattle Art Museum for a global art collection. For glass art, visit Chihuly Garden and Glass and marvel at Dale Chihuly's creations. Book tickets for these galleries here.
Go on Food Tour
Cost: Approximately $57 per person
Seattle's food scene offers things to do in exploring a melting pot of flavors with diverse influences and fresh ingredients. Begin at Pike Place Market with artisanal cheeses and pastries. Dive into the International District for Asian cuisine. Explore why Seattle is synonymous with great coffee. Reserve a spot on a guided food tour through this link.
Ride the Great Wheel
Cost: Standard $17; VIP Gondola $50
For things to do in Seattle, hop aboard the Seattle Great Wheel for a breathtaking ride. It offers unparalleled views of the city, Space Needle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. On a clear day, see the Olympic Mountains. Book the VIP gondola with a glass floor for a special experience through this link.
Sail the Puget Sound
Cost: Approximately $89 per person
Set sail on the sparkling waters of Puget Sound for a quintessential Seattle experience, with things to do in spotting harbor seals or even a bald eagle. Glide across the sound and enjoy a unique view of Seattle's skyline, with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier as a backdrop. Book your sailing adventure through this link.
Go Brewery Hopping
Cost: Varies by brewery, often tasting flights $10-$15
Seattle's craft beer scene is booming, with things to do in exploring it through a brewery tour. Taste local flavors and meet fellow beer enthusiasts. Start in the Ballard neighborhood by visiting Reuben's Brews for award-winning hazies, or Stoup Brewing for a balanced IPA. Many offer tasting flights and pairings with local food trucks, so remember things to do in pacing yourself and staying hydrated. Plan your brewery tour through this link.
Jump out of the sky
Cost: Approximately $299 per person
Adrenaline junkies seeking things to do in Seattle can try skydiving in nearby Snohomish. Get breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains from 13,000 feet. With no experience necessary, you'll be securely attached to an instructor. Book your skydiving experience through this link.
Go to the Museum of Flight
Cost: $25 per person
Aviation enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do in the Museum of Flight. It showcases the evolution of flight technology with exhibits from the Wright brothers to modern space exploration. Try the 3D flight simulators, offering thrilling piloting experiences. Reserve your tickets through this link.
Club Hop Around Seattle
Cost: Varies by venue, generally free to $20 cover
When the sun goes down, explore things to do in Seattle's vibrant nightlife. Find laid-back jazz clubs, dance at LGBTQ+ friendly venues in Capitol Hill, or enjoy a silent disco at the top of the Space Needle. For a relaxed vibe, check out Jazz Alley in Belltown for top-notch jazz performances. Plan your nightlife adventure through this guide.
Watch the Sunset at Alki Beach
Cost: Free
For things to do in Seattle, head to Alki Beach in West Seattle. Enjoy stunning views of the skyline and Olympic Mountains, especially as the sunset paints the sky in vibrant hues. After sunset, stick around to see the city's illuminated reflection on the water. Plan your visit with this guide.
Do the Seattle Donut Tour
Cost: Approximately $45 per person
Satisfy your sweet tooth and explore Seattle with things to do in sampling its best donuts. Start at Pike Place Market with a glazed from Daily Dozen. Try Capitol Hill's creative flavors at General Porpoise and end in Ballard with Mighty-O's vegan options. Book your donut tour through this link.
Explore Snoqualmie Falls
Cost: Free to visit falls
Just 30 minutes east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls offers things to do in experiencing a majestic spectacle with its 268-foot waterfall. Book a stay at the Salish Lodge & Spa for stunning views and the sound of rushing water. Plan your visit with this guide.
