With a city as large and distinctive as Seattle, it’s hard to narrow down the list of what to see and do. However, if you’re spending any amount of time in the city, and you want to experience the best activities and attractions, be sure you include these top things to do.
1. Shop Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle is complete without a walk through Pike Place Market. The market consists of several levels, and each level features unique shops. The lower levels contain collectible shops, antique dealers, small restaurants, and more. The upper levels house the craft stalls, produce stands, and fishmongers. Along with shopping, drinking, and dining, you can also enjoy the variety of street entertainers who perform at the market.
2. See Seattle From the Skyview Observatory
While climbing to the top of the Space Needle certainly offers some amazing views of Seattle, if you go to the top of the Skyview Observatory, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city skyline, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier. The Skyview Observatory is on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center, and it towers 900 feet over the surrounding city. While you’re up there, be sure to take pictures of the city skyline, and get famous sites such as the Space Needle, Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains.
3. Stroll Through Kerry Park
For another unique view of the Seattle skyline, head to Kerry Park. While the 1.26-acre park is one of the smaller parks in the area, the views of Elliot Bay, downtown Seattle, and Mount Rainer are unsurpassed. As the sun begins to set, amateur and professional photographers alike will line the wall to take some truly spectacular pictures of the glowing city. Once the sun sets, the illuminated Space Needle and bright ferries on the water offer a scene that is distinctly Seattle.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors at Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park is one of the more popular parks in Seattle. The 323 acres offers a quiet retreat in the middle of the urban area. A 2.8-mile path surrounds the lake and is the ideal place for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Along with the path, there are also basketball courts, tennis courts, a soccer field, a baseball field, and an indoor pool. In the summer, enjoy a splash pad, swimming beach, boat launch, and fishing.
5. Tour Seattle Center
Originally built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, Seattle Center is a park and entertainment complex in the downtown area. In the heart of the park is the iconic Space Needle, with its revolving restaurant and observation deck. The Seattle Center is also home to the EMP Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, Kobe Bell Meditation Garden, International Fountain, and much more.
Whether you’re visiting Seattle and you want to make sure you experience the best the city has to offer, or you live in the area and you simply want to enjoy what makes the city great, be sure you don’t miss these top attractions and activities.
Image via Flickr by tiffany98101 | CC BY 2.0
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