13 Cool Things To In Seattle Rain or Shine!

Despite its reputation for being a little on the cool side, don’t let this put you off visiting Seattle. My trips here started when living in Anchorage as my route back to Scotland was via Seattle, and I still love exploring the emerald city.

From our many trips over the past 20 years, we have created an easy to digest guide to fun family activities in Seattle. Use this to help you get the most out of your first or next trip to this beautiful inviting west coast US city.  

Seattle Highlights

13 Activities to Enjoy in Seattle

1. Space Needle: Zip to the Top in 42 seconds

Like many city icons, Seattle’s came about when the city hosted the 1962 ‘Century 21’ Exposition with space as its theme.

Go early and get the first elevator up at 10am. It’s quiet and you can walk around outside in peace, soaking in 360 degree city skylines and snow capped mountain ranges.  

You can easily spend a hour or so up top here. There are benches around the outside perimeter and a cafe indoors, with a small shop.

The recent (2018) Loupe Bar with its revolving glass floor is on my return list for an evening sunset cocktail!  

On a clear day, Mount Rainier is visible and is stunning. You also get a birds eye view of the port of Seattle activities, the ferris wheel and daily life way below.

2. Visit Pacific Science Center & Enjoy Seattle’s coffee Culture

If you’re travelling with kids, they will love this central attraction. From laser dome shows to chasing butterflies, there’s no risk of boredom here!  It’s easy to combine this attraction with the Space Needle as they are literally next door.

Like many attractions here, if you buy a Seattle Pass you will get around 50& discount on your ticket for the Pacific Science Center.  It’s worth thinking about if the weather isn’t great. There is a Planetarium and IMAX which require separate tickets.

Afterwards, pick your coffee spot for a pick-me-up. If you’re a Starbucks fan, head towards  Pikes Market and visit the original and first Starbucks. Be prepared for a bit of a wait.

We went once and it was fun but there’s honestly so many great coffee options here so spread your caffeine experience around a few of them,

Seattle is known for its coffee culture – according to my research, people here drink more coffee than any other US city. Check out Seattle’s Coffee Latest Top Cafes here.

If it’s raining when you’re at Space Needle or the Science Center, the Armory is a convenient spot for a quick refill and it has public bathrooms.

3. Be Inspired at Chihuly Garden & Glass

Dale Chihuly is a native of Tacoma, Washington. Now in his 80s, he has built a stunning legacy of accessible glass art, with his work on show in over 200 collections across the planet.

Here in Seattle the pieces on show almost overwhelm our senses with their size, colors and sheer beauty. Some, like the Sealife room, have glass pieces over 20 feet tall – simply amazing skill.

Visit The Bar on site and you will be mingling with 25 original pieces from the master himself. It’s also got a lovely menu with local ingredients featured.

The best way to truly appreciate all there is to see here is to go to Chihuly Gardens online and see what’s happening when you’re visiting Seattle.

4. Eat Brunch At Pike Place Public Market

The Public Market is where I religiously return every visit to Seattle.

Whether it’s brunch or lunch, I salivate at the idea of all the goodness on show throughout this iconic market. Pike Peak Market advertises itself as “the soul of Seattle” and I totally agree with this sentiment.

Fresh fish markets double as restaurants with your catch cooked in minutes in front of you.  

And when you’re done stuffing your tummy, walk it off by pursuing  the neighborhood speciality shops, selling everything from local cheeses to fresh salmon! You will also find florists, jewelry artists and many other local craftspeople selling their hand made products here.  

Don’t miss finding a spot on the other side to the Main Street entrance where you can enjoy more views of the water!

5. Take a Harbour Boat Cruise

It’s one thing to watch activity on the water from the Space Needle but it’s much more fun to get onto the water and cruise around the harbour. With prolific wildlife in these waters, check out this fun orca and whale boat tour.

Another great activity is to enjoy a cruise around the local waters at sunset.

🔍 Check Seattle Sunset Cruise Prices and Availability

Narrated tours give you the facts and figures but for me just focus your eyes on the mountains that frame the city. If you’re lucky you’ll get amazing view of Mount Rainier!

Bainbridge Island is only a 35-minute ferry ride to sample a different side to the city. Look out for the 5 species of whales living around here!

6. Take Off at the Museum of Flight

Seattle has a long history in aviation. So, if you have a keener interest in flying the skies a trip to this Seattle museum will make you very happy.  

Boeing have their HQs here and you can visit the Seattle Future of Flight facility 25 miles north of downtown. 

If that’s too far to travel, stay in downtown Seattle.  Instead, head to the Smithsonian affiliated Museum of Flight with 25 acres of planes, simulators, 3D films. Truly an interactive experience for all.

7. Sip Wine At Woodinville’s Wine Tasting Rooms

Washington State is an incredible basin of agriculture.  We were spoilt for choice in terms of delicious fruits at roadside stalls when we drove through the state to Montana.

Grapes are no exception!  The Pacific Northwest and Seattle grape growing regions are adding new wine selections annually and starting to get some recognition beyond locals.

If you’re not up for a drive to the vineyards, then head to Woodinville Wineries Tasting Rooms a short drive north east of the city center.

It’s easy to relax in the casual tasting rooms, and the food selection is excellent from appetizers to full dinner menus. Just a little warning – there are over 100 tasting rooms around here:)

8. Visit the Art Museum, or Find A Festival

It’s true. It does rain quite a bit in Seattle.  But don’t let that stop you enjoying the many indoor activities.  Museums abound are around the city.  With ever changing exhibits, the Seattle Art Museum is perfectly located to pop into after the Public Market as its just round the corner.  

9. Visit Mount Rainer

It’s stunning from the air, equally impressive from downtown Seattle! Mount Rainier, the highest peak of the Cascades at 14, 410 feet, needs to be on every visitors’ list. This is the most glaciated peak in the Lower 48 (ie. outside Alaska)

Plan a day for this trip from Seattle. Find a guide (see link below) and transport yourself 60 miles inland to paths full of lush greenery and glacial carved trails.  

The volcano last erupted (magmatic flow) over 1000 years ago but the National Park Services continuously monitor.  

There are lots of day trips to choose from depending on the season. Wildflowers form a carpet of colour during the spring and summertime. 

10. Drive To Snoqualmie Falls

A short drive east of Seattle takes you to Snoqualmie where over 1.5 million visitors enjoy the falls each year.  This spot may be better known as one of the filming locations of “Twin Peaks’ TV show from the 1990s.

 It’s a great spot for hiking and the visitors center provides all the information you’ll need. With a spa just next to the falls, there’s plenty to justify an overnight stay too!

11. Enjoy a Cruise to San Juan

Head up to Anacortes and take the Washing State Ferries to San Juan Island & Friday Harbour

12. Go Shopping!

Splurge in some of the great shopping from REI, Nordstrom flag stores to the upscale suburb of Bellevue!

13. Go Back in Time in Seattle!

Go back to experience the 1850’s. The Seattle Underground Tour takes you back in time and under the sidewalks to a subterranean streets and stores.

Learn why Seattle had the highest number of seamstress but only a few sewing machines.

How To Get To Seattle

Travel to Seattle (also know affectional as the Emerald City) is straightforward from within the USA. There are non stop flights from most major cities. For example flying from Miami or Tampa in Florida, it’s around a 6 hour non stop flight with Alaska Airlines.

Being on the West Coast of the USA, there are numerous Asian flights so if you’re thinking about a trip west, even to Hawaii, it’s absolutely possible to build a couple of days stopover in Seattle. 

From Europe you also have great non stop flights from major capitals like London, Frankfurt and many more. This is likely the stopover airport if you’re heading onto Explore Anchorage Alaska for northern adventures.

Where To Stay in Seattle

All the well known brands have downtown hotels. We usually stay north of Seattle as we have family here these days.

VBRO also has plenty of options in the Seattle area, and more unusual choices like houseboats!  In the summer months renting a place by the water would be a great option, but book early as all up the coast they will be very popular!

We also like staying in Kirkland or Belleview and often prices are lower here. Here’s a great VBRO Rental in Kirkland Washington we have booked and loved. Great for 2 people or a family (2 bedrooms).

Unless you’re just staying downtown, rent a car while you’re in Seattle.  We started booking combined deals including flights, car hire and this seems to work, especially if the airline is delayed. They can’t blame you for a late pick-up!

Best Month to Visit Seattle

Good news –  Seattle really is a year round destination. If you’re looking to enjoy Spring’s cherry blossom festival, then April is your month to be here.

Summer months offer long days with fantastic water activities from kayaking the coastline to cruising Puget Sound islands. Summer temperatures are in the low 70sF – pleasant for walking around.

It does rain quite a bit on this west coast so check Seattle weather here before you book for typical weather forecasts. Always pack a raincoat but don’t let this stop you exploring this fun-filled, family friendly west coast city.

How Do I Get Around Seattle?

Getting into downtown from the airport is easiest with a taxi or by Seattle light rail.

Renting a car is straightforward too  – a simple shuttle ride from the terminal takes you to the single-site for all companies.

Check out Seattle’s CityPass which discounts to 5 major attraction entrance fees. Current costs are $115 ($87 for children)  –  savings of $90+.

Within the city, the elevated, just under a mile, Monorail is worth a ride to get between Westlake Center (downtown) and The Seattle Center. 

Combine Seattle with Vancouver

Seattle is great to enjoy on its own but it’s a long trip for many of us.  

So why not consider combining Seattle Top 10 with a trip north to Vancouver, Canada. Or keep going and cruise your way to Alaska through the inside passage.  If you’re short on time, just grab a flight north to Anchorage.

Other options include cruising Puget Sound over to Vancouver Island.