Things To Do in Seattle Today

Seattle

Seattle boasts of beautiful views, numerous mountains, hikes, unique restaurants, and bars, not to mention home to tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Expedia. Unique things to do in Seattle are endless, it's a matter of what you like to do and your personal tastes. The different Seattle neighborhoods have something for everyone. Check out a few of my other posts featuring Most Instagramable Restaurants in Seattle, and a Comprehensive Food Guide to Seattle.

Use these guides to help you pack:
How to Stay Organized While Traveling
13 Things to Bring on a Plane + Travel Outfits

Below, I've listed a few of my favorite unique things to do in Seattle today. I've broken the list up by the various Seattle neighborhoods starting with Pike Place. Pike Place holds a special place in my heart, but I LOVE the Seattle neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area. Check out the list of unique things to do right now at Pike's Place and then beyond in the Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill, and Queen Ann. Hope you have fun in the beautiful Emerald City I call home.

Things To Do in Seattle Today

Pike Place

As one of the most famous places in Seattle, thousands of visitors flock this public market weekly for good reason. It's more than 100 years old and one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the United States. Although crowded this is a must-see sight Downtown Seattle. I just love the busy vibes!

Other Pike's Place Sights:

  • Insider’s Tip: When you do explore Pike Place Market, make sure you grab some BBQ pork hum-bow (steam bun) from Mee Sum Pastry and sample a huge variety of flavored ginger beers spiked with the alcohol of your choice from Rachel’s Ginger Beer.
  • Contribute to the Gum Wall. Make sure you chew up a gob of gum and add it to the thousands of other half-chewed pieces of gum. Wash your hands after! (1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101-2034, USA) 
  • Ride the Great Wheel. Get the best views of the Seattle skyline and Ocean from high in the sky on the lit-up Ferris-wheel. (1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101)$14, for adults. 
  • See a majestic sunrise at Smith Tower. The Space Needle is for suckers. Any true Seattleite knows that the Smith Tower — a local best-kept secret — has an equally amazing 360-degree view of Seattle. (500 Second Avenue
    Seattle, Washington 98104)

Unique things to do in Seattle today by neighborhoods

When you think of Seattle you might think of the iconic Space Needle or the bustling Pike Place Market. But there are so many unique things to do in Seattle today outside of cushy downtown. The real Seattle culture with its quirky sights and exciting dining scenes are made up of neighborhoods a mile or two outside of downtown. These eclectic neighborhoods are made up of equally eccentric residents and have a lot to offer both residents and tourists. Read on, and check out my favorite things to do today throughout the Seattle neighborhoods and vibrant Emerald City.

Unique Things To Do in Seattle Today
Things to Do in Seattle, Freemont - Theo Chocolate Factory

FREMONT

This quirky neighborhood located on North Lake Union is a fusion of new tech companies (Tableau, Google, Adobe) and old traditions and monuments (Stalin statue, Fremont Troll, People waiting for Interurban statue). Hop on highway 99 to check out this funky spot that has several things to do in Seattle.

  • If you're looking for an inner-city bike trail, the Burke-Gilman Trail fits the bill. It loops around Lake Union and goes past the University of Washington campus. It's a great way to see the city running, walking, or biking. Part of it is located next to Gasworks Park which is the sight of former Seattle Gas Light Company. Its beautiful greenery mixed with industrial pieces is one of the best views in Seattle.
  • Fremont is full of unique clothes and finds. The Fremont Farmer's Market has great local vendors selling vintage furniture and home decor.
  • Also, check out Fremont Vintage Mall, and Show Pony for additional finds.
  • Theo Chocolate Factory has daily tours from 10am-6pm, which lasts about 1 hour and costs $10 per person (which is so worth it for all the chocolate you get to sample). Note that you MUST book a tour in advance.

Favorite Fremont Eats:

BALLARD

Ballard is one of Seattle’s best neighborhoods for a reason—it’s filled with lots of things to do. Its Scandinavian vibe goes back long before Seattle became the bustling city it is today. Not only is it home to some of Seattle's best restaurants and bars but it includes a variety of independent local businesses ranging from cooking supplies, home decor, and fashion boutiques.

  • If you happened to be in Seattle on a Sunday, definitely go and check out my favorite farmers market in the city the Ballard Market. Walk around aimlessly, pick up some fresh produce from local farmers, or nosh on the best wild salmon sliders.
  • Golden Gardens Beach is a 10-min drive from Ballard, but SO worth it. Its sandy beaches and ocean-view with the background of the Olympic mountains are hard to beat.
  • Rent a kayak from Ballard Kayak—from the water, see Seattle from the water or explore Golden Gardens from another angle. Rentals are available in the spring and summer each year.

  Ballard Eats: 

Unique Things To Do in Seattle Today
Things To Do in Seattle Today: Volunteer Park Conservatory

CAPITOL HILL

Capitol Hill (or The Hill) is known for its trendy bars and restaurants, but there’s also plenty of beautiful green space. Adding this neighborhood to an endless list of things to do in Seattle. Walk around Broadway Ave. and see trendy outfitted individuals, and unique residents, you won't be disappointed.

  • The 48-acre Volunteer Park is perfect for picnics, a jog, or just enjoying the sun on a beautiful Seattle summer.
  • Volunteer Park Conservatory is located in Volunteer Park and with only a $4 entry it's a greenhouse with a variety of different plants species!! I especially love the cactus garden!

Capitol Hill Eats:

Things To Do in Seattle Today

QUEEN ANNE

I use to live in this neighboorhood which also boasts several things to do in Seattle. It's separated into "upper" and "lower" by the infamous QA hill, and both areas have great things to do.

  • Lower Queen Ann is home to the Seattle Center that includes the recently renovated Space Needle. It's glass floor and height aren't for the faint of heart. Buy tickets online and skip the line!
  • The Seattle Center also includes the Mo Pop Museum (Museum of Pop Culture) which takes one through everything pop culture and Seattle's music history.
  • Don't leave without checking out the Chihuly Glass Museum, which features famous glass works of Dale Chihuly.
  • If you're looking for the best fine-dining restaurant in Seattle, look no further than Canlis. It's located on a cliff and has sweeping views of South Lake Union and the Cascade mountains. It's a James Beard award-winning dining destination with impeccable service. NOTE: it's going to run you at $100+ per person, requires prior reservations, and men are retired to wear a suit jacket.

Queen Ann Eats:

It’s impossible to name (or visit) all the amazing unique things to see, eat, or do that Seattle has to offer. Even so, I hope this list of my favorite neighborhood spots inspires you to venture outside of the "downtown" scene and visit these unique "hoods".

As you can see all the unique things to do in Seattle are endless, but I hope this will help you get more acquitted with the diverse area of Seattle! I'm always looking to try new places, so you have a favorite spot I haven't mentioned, comment below!

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