For a lot of people, when they think of Seattle, Washington, they immediately think of rain. And while we do get a lot of rain in our corner of the state, when the sun comes out it’s beautiful. However, even with the rain, we Seattleites know how to have fun! If you need more convincing, let me introduce you to the Emerald City with a game plan to visit the city where you can see most of the town in three days. (Feel free to explore any of the following in any order as your schedule and preferences permit).
DAY ONE – The Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle waterfront is full of sights, sounds and activities to keep you busy and your family entertained with plenty of places to stop for snacks and lunch along the way.
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Open 30 minutes before sunrise and closing 30 minutes after sunset, the Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the best FREE attractions in town. Numerous creative, larger-than-life artwork is featured here all set along a well-maintained path and a view of Puget Sound.
Pier 57
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
Pier 57, also known as Miners Landing, is a destination place that features the following:
- Seattle’s Great Wheel that stands 175 feet tall over the Puget Sound and holds 42 fully enclosed gondolas.
- Wings Over Washington which is a “flying theater” that is similar to the “Soarin’” rides at Disney theme parks. This fantastic ride will give you a literal bird’s eye view as you ride on the back of an “eagle” over many of Washington’s best places. The ride includes sights, sounds, smells and even a little mist during some scenes.
- The pier features numerous restaurants and dining options including The Crab Pot, The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar, The Alaskan Sourdough Bakery, The Salmon Cooker and more.
- The vintage carousel (located inside the pier) features hand-painted wooden horses.
- Great shops here too including Pirates Plunder, Sports Den and Zingo Gifts.
Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way
Pier 59
Seattle, WA 98101
If it swims, you’ll find it at the Seattle Aquarium which includes the spectacular Underwater Dome where you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of fish and sea creatures.
Pike Place Market
1st Ave and Pike St.
Seattle, WA 98101
The Pike Place Market was established in 1907 and still looks great for its age! The nine-acre historic district features produce from dozens of farmers, a crafts market, more than 200 unique shops over 80 restaurants and more. You’ll find the first Starbucks here, dodge “flying fish” at the fish market, see an improv show at the Unexpected Productions, and enjoy the many street huskers as well. Many surprises around every corner.
Ivar’s Acres of Clams Restaurant
While there are numerous places to dine on the waterfront, none is as iconic as Ivar’s. Though 77 years old, the dining room has had a recent remodel and looks great. Dine inside or outside and enjoy the freshest seafood (which is not limited to clams by the way).
DAY TWO – Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is home to the iconic Space Needle surrounded by a beautiful park and many activities to get lost in. Be sure to check out the Artist’s Playground which is an incredible play area that both kids and parents will love, the International Fountain that continually gives a water show choreographed to various music and doubles as a splash park and their various flower gardens located along the grounds.
Space Needle
400 Broad St
Seattle, WA 98109
The Space Needle proudly stands 605 feet tall and arguably offers the best views of the city on the Observation Deck. The top also features the revolving Sky City restaurant. The dining choices are pricey but if you decide to dine, you’ll ride elevator up to the top for free. Even if you decide not to go to the top, be sure to visit the Space Base gift shop where you’ll find one-of-a-kind Seattle souvenirs, space-related gifts and other fun things.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
This museum features some of the best glass artwork created by Dale Chihuly whose works are on display all over the world. The “garden” is a blend of organic plants and plant-inspired works of glass art. Even if you don’t go inside, you can enjoy some of his craftsmanship on display outside of the building.
MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture)
325 5th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98109
Formerly known as the Experience Music Project, the site now includes all types of pop culture including TV, movie, sports, music and more. Here you’ll find exhibits based science fiction icons, fantasy, horror films, music-makers, the Seattle Seahawks and more. It includes the Culture Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck restaurant and a couple of themed gift shops.
Pacific Science Center
200 2nd Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
This “hands on” museum is a favorite for families that includes a variety of exhibits to entertain you while you learn about planets, dinosaurs, insects, health and all kinds of other sciency stuff. The grounds includes two IMAX theatres, a Lazarium and Butterfly House.
The Armory
Located in the center of the “Center,” The Armory serves as a large indoor foot court with unique dining choices not found anywhere else along with a few national favorites like Starbucks and Mod Pizza. The space also serves as the main area where local festivals and special music events are held.
Seattle Children’s Museum
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
Located underneath The Armory you’ll find the Children Museum (and a sneak peek can be viewed from The Armory as well) which features tons of pint-sized activities and worlds to explore. Everything can be touched!
Seattle Children’s Theatre
201 Thomas St.
Seattle, WA 98109
This award-winning theatre presents live adaptations of favorite children’s books that are done so well, parents will be just as entertained. Recent shows have included “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “Go, Dog, Go!” and “The Little Prince.”
DAY 3 – Downtown
Downtown Seattle has its own personality as well with its many shops, restaurant and fun activities. In addition to the large Macy’s and Nordstroms department stores, you’ll find Westlake Center and Pacific Place Mall, Gameworks, movie theaters, art galleries and lots of Starbucks! Other places worth noting include:
Seattle Monorail
Built during the Seattle World’s Fair in 1963, the Monorail provides service to and from the Seattle Center. You can board it just outside of the Westlake Center.
Theatres
Seattle is a theatre town and you can find some of the best shows playing at the 5th Avenue Theatre, The ACT Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, and The Moore Theatre. Each are located near various dining choices to make a special night out.
Ride the Ducks
The “Duck” is tour vehicle that is part bus and part boat. The Duck gives tours of Seattle on both land and sea. Do not expect a boring tour. These guys lead groups in songs, tell jokes and everyone is sure to have a fun time exploring the city.
Underground Tour
This unique and humorous tour takes guests underground to see what is left of the Seattle that was after the “new” city was built on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House and the historic Pioneer Square before plunging underground for a “time-capsule view of the buried city.”
Need more vacation or travel tips for Seattle, Washington? Check out my site, Best of Seattle Wa., or feel free to drop me a line at toteyj@aim.com.
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