The task of narrowing down the top things to do in Seattle is exceedingly difficult. From coffee lessons in the home of Starbucks and vintage shopping in the neighborhood to exploring world-class museums and appreciating unique Seattle attractions, a day spent in this PNW cultural hub is sure to exhaust you before the sun sets over the Pacific. At this time, feel free to unwind at one of Seattle’s top restaurants or refuel at one of our favorite outdoor drinking establishments. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Pacific Northwest or a lifelong resident, you owe it to yourself to cross off all the top things to do in Seattle from your bucket list.
Museum of Pop Culture
The collections housed in this Frank Gehry-designed structure focus on the most formative periods in popular culture, including science-fiction, rock music, and various other genres, and are brought to life through innovative exhibits and interactive installations. If possible, attend a program or workshop, such as the Music and Gender Conference, the Mini Maker Faire, or the BYO-sleeping bag Campout Cinema.
Bainbridge Island
This adjacent island is the polar opposite of the city’s skyscraper-filled landscape, including 150 acres of parks, ponds, and meadows to explore in the stunning Bloedel Reserve.
As with the Staten Island Ferry in New York City, the Bainbridge Island Ferry is an excellent method to quickly and affordably see a good portion of Seattle’s highlights. However, before you go on the 35-minute return journey, stop for a treat at one of the West Coast’s finest ice cream parlors, Mora Iced Creamery, which features flavors such as cheesecake with raspberry jam and mojito.
Marination Ma Kai
Originally a successful food truck, Marination Ma Kai delivers delectable Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine in a prime waterfront location.
At Pier 50, board the West Seattle water taxi for a 15-minute ride to Seattle’s tropics version. This restaurant almost transports you to an island rather than the Pacific Northwest, with jaw-dropping views from its patio. For food, try a pork katsu sandwich with kimchi (warning: it’s spicy) or say aloha to some sexy (their word, not ours) tofu tacos.
Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour
The 90-minute Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour provides an overview of human flight’s past, present, and future in a state-of-the-art museum and includes access to the Boeing plant.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility that manufactures and tests the world-famous Boeing airplane. With a vast 98-acre footprint, this is officially the world’s largest building (by volume)—and the location of Boeing’s latest Dreamliner development.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM to its pals) is a must-see attraction in the city. While the enormous permanent collections of Native American and Pacific Northwest art are worth a visit in and of themselves, it is the diverse, vibrant temporary exhibitions that keep locals and visitors coming back. Project your visit period to coincide with the first Thursday of the month, when admission is free, and allow time to check out the surrounding Olympic Sculpture Park’s outdoor sculpture.