Best Things to do in Seattle | Must-see attractions 2025

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Mo-Su 11:00-18:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-19:00

Museum

305 Harrison St (at Seattle Center)

View map

Chihuly Garden and Glass features the vibrant glassworks of artist Dale Chihuly in an art museum and sculpture garden in Seattle, Washington.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Adults: $32, Youth (4-12): $20, Children under 4: Free.

The Museum of Flight

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

9404 E Marginal Way S (at 96th Pl)

View map

Museum of Flight in Seattle, WA features over 150 aircraft and space vehicles, showcasing aviation history from the Wright brothers to modern space exploration.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

General Admission: $25, Seniors (65+): $21, Youth (5-17): $15. Children under 5: free. Special exhibits may cost extra.

Kerry Park

Open 24 hours

Park

250 W Highland Dr Queen Ann Hill

View map

Kerry Park offers breathtaking views of Seattle's skyline, including the Space Needle and Elliott Bay, set in a quaint neighborhood park on Queen Anne Hill.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. No admission fees apply.

T-Mobile Park

11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Stadium

1250 1st Ave S

View map

T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, features a retractable roof and offers scenic views of the mountains and Puget Sound.

Duration: Around 3-4 hours.

Varies. General admission tickets typically range from $20-$150 depending on the game and seating location.

Museum of History and Industry

10:00-17:00

Museum

860 Terry Ave N

View map

The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle showcases 4M+ artifacts, focusing on the diverse history of Seattle and the Puget Sound region in a lakefront setting.

Woodland Park Zoo

9:30 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

601 N 59th St (btwn Phinney & Aurora)

View map

Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle spans 92 acres, featuring over 1,000 animals from nearly 300 species, emphasizing wildlife conservation and education.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

Adults: $22, Children (3-12): $12, Seniors (65+): $17. Discounts available for students and military.

Seattle Japanese Garden

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Garden

1075 Lake Washington Boulevard East

View map

Seattle Japanese Garden is a 3.5-acre formal garden featuring koi pools, waterfalls, and a teahouse, offering tranquility and cultural experiences in the city.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Admission fee required. Check the official website for details.

Smith Tower

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Architectural Building

506 2nd Ave

View map

Smith Tower is a historic 1914 skyscraper in Seattle featuring a cocktail bar and 35th-floor observatory with 360-degree views of the city.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Paid entry. Adults: $15, Children: $10. Discounts for seniors and students available.

Space Needle

Mo-Sa 08:00-23:00; Su 08:00-21:00

Monument

400 Broad Street

View map

The Space Needle is a 605-ft-tall observation tower in Seattle's Seattle Center, featuring panoramic views, a rotating restaurant, and a unique glass floor.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

$49 for a combo ticket with Chihuly Garden & Glass. Individual tickets start at $35 for adults.

Seattle Art Museum

We, Fr-Su 10:00-17:00; Th 10:00-21:00

Museum

1300 1st Ave Between Union & University Street

View map

Seattle Art Museum, established in 1933, is a hub for world-class visual arts featuring diverse collections, modern and historic works, and dynamic exhibitions.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

General admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $14 for students, and free for children under 14. Some special exhibitions may require an additional fee.

Gas Works Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

2101 N Northlake Way

View map

Gas Works Park in Seattle transforms a former oil plant site into a 20-acre recreational area with picnic facilities and stunning lake views.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free.

Seattle Center

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

305 Harrison St (at 5th Ave)

View map

Seattle Center is a 74-acre civic arts complex in Seattle, featuring cultural institutions, public programs, and the iconic Space Needle from the 1962 World's Fair.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Fremont Troll

Open all day

Monument

Fremont Way N (under Aurora Bridge)

View map

Fremont Troll is an 18-foot mixed media sculpture located under the Aurora Avenue Bridge in Seattle, made by local artists in 1990 and renowned for its Volkswagen Beetle feature.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free entry.

Seattle Great Wheel

Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr 11:00-24:00; Sa 10:00-24:00; Su 10:00-22:00

Theme Park

1301 Alaskan Way

View map

Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel in Seattle, Washington, offering climate-controlled gondolas and panoramic views of the waterfront.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Tickets are priced at $14 per adult, with reduced rates for children.

Seattle Aquarium

Mo-Su 09:30-17:00

Museum

1483 Alaskan Way (Pier 59)

View map

Seattle Aquarium provides hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, featuring an underwater viewing dome and diverse marine life native to Puget Sound.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

General Admission: $34.95 adults, $24.95 children (3-12), discounts available for seniors and students.

Olympic Sculpture Park

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Museum

2901 Western Ave

View map

Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, Washington, showcases over 20 sculptures across 9 acres, offering scenic views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a fee.

Seattle Chinese Garden

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

6000 16th Ave SW

View map

Seattle Chinese Garden is a cultural garden in Seattle, Washington, showcasing traditional Chinese landscape design, flora, and architecture. A peaceful retreat for visitors.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have associated costs.

Northgate Mall

Mo-Sa 10:00-20:00; Su 11:00-19:00

Mall

401 NE Northgate Way (1st Ave NE)

View map

Northgate Station is a historic shopping mall in Seattle, featuring over 130 stores, a food court, and major anchors like Nordstrom Rack and Barnes & Noble.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. No entry fee, but individual stores may have their own prices and promotions.

Seattle University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

901 12th Avenue

View map

Seattle University, a private Jesuit institution founded in 1891, offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required for campus visits.

Volunteer Park

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

1247 15th Ave E

View map

Volunteer Park in Seattle features a Victorian conservatory, Asian Art Museum, and landscaped gardens, making it a vital green space on Capitol Hill.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

WaMu Theater

10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Theater

800 Occidental Ave S

View map

WaMu Theater in Seattle hosts concerts and events, offering a 7,000-seat capacity and diverse programming. Known for its modern design, it's a hub for live entertainment.

Duration: 3-4 hours, depending on the event.

Varies by event; typically ranges from $30 to $150.

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

719 S King St

View map

Seattle's Wing Luke Asian Museum explores Asia Pacific American culture with rich exhibitions, guided neighborhood tours, and free entry on first Thursdays.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Benaroya Concert Hall

12:00 PM–5:00 PM

Theater

200 University St (btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave)

View map

Benaroya Hall, located in Seattle, serves as the primary venue for the Seattle Symphony, featuring luxury architecture and stunning views of Elliott Bay.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some performances may require a ticket purchase.

Seattle Pacific University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

3307 3rd Ave W (at Nickerson)

View map

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a Christian university located in Seattle, Washington, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Access to campus is open, but some events and facilities may require a fee.

Admiral Theater

1:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

2343 California Ave SW (at SW Admiral Way)

View map

Admiral Theatre in Seattle features diverse films, comfortable seating, and vintage charm. Known for its community-focused events and accessible location.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Varies by film; generally $8 for adults, $6 for children and seniors.

Viretta Park

Open 24 hours

Park

151 Lake Washington Blvd E

View map

Viretta Park in Seattle memorializes Kurt Cobain with graffiti-laden benches. This small green space is located near his former home.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Genesee Park and Playfield

6:00 AM–11:00 PM

Park

4316 South Genesee Street

View map

Genesee Park in Seattle offers expansive grassy areas, soccer fields, walking trails, picnic spots, a dog park, and a playground for recreation.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

University of Washington

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

3800 Montlake Blvd NE

View map

The University of Washington in Seattle is a leading public research university, founded in 1861, with a 700-acre campus by Lake Union and extensive student facilities.

Duration: At least 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Frye Art Museum

Tu-We, Fr-Su 11:00-17:00; Th 23:00-19:00

Museum

704 Terry Ave (at Cherry St.)

View map

Frye Art Museum in Seattle features over 1,000 paintings, focusing on 19th- and early-20th-century European and American art. Admission is free.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets.

Seattle Asian Art Museum

We,Fr-Su 10:00-17:00; Th 10:00-21:00

Museum

Volunteer Park 1400 East Prospect Street

View map

Seattle Asian Art Museum exhibits extensive Asian art pieces, including ancient scrolls and sculptures, in a historical Art Deco building at Volunteer Park.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Admission is free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Westlake Center

Su 12:00-19:00; Mo-Sa 11:00-19:00

Mall

1601 5th Ave (at Pine St)

View map

Westlake Center is a major shopping destination in Seattle offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and the starting point for the Seattle Monorail.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. Individual store prices vary.

Leif Erickson Statue

Open 24 hours

Monument

7001 Seaview Ave NW

View map

Leif Erickson Statue in Seattle honors the Icelandic explorer, surrounded by a stone circle, reflecting the city's Nordic heritage.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. No special exhibitions or events requiring a paid ticket.

International Fountain

Open 24 hours

Monument

305 Harrison St (Seattle Center)

View map

International Fountain in Seattle features 272 water jets synced to music, serving as a refreshing spot for visitors since 1962 and revitalized in 1995.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require separate tickets.

Husky Stadium

N/A

Stadium

3800 Montlake Blvd NE

View map

Husky Stadium in Seattle, with a capacity of 70,000, offers remarkable water and mountain views. It's home to the Washington Huskies football team.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours for a game.

Varies based on event; typically starts at $30 for adults.

Seattle Repertory Theatre

12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Theater

155 Mercer St

View map

Seattle Repertory Theatre, established in 1963, is the largest non-profit theatre in the Pacific Northwest, renowned for its elaborate productions and award-winning performances.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours for a performance.

Varies by production. Generally includes both paid and discounted options for regular performances.

Seattle Children's Museum

Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00

Museum

305 Harrison St Armory/Center House

View map

Seattle Children's Museum offers 18,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits for children 0-8, focusing on science, arts, and cultural education.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Washington Park Arboretum

Open 24 hours

Park

2300 Arboretum Dr E

View map

Washington Park Arboretum spans 230 acres in Seattle, housing over 5,500 plant species. Visitors can explore lush trails, gardens, and wetlands.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Tram tours available for $20 per person from April to October.

Oak Tree Village Shopping Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

10002 Aurora Ave N (at 100th St)

View map

Oak Tree Village Shopping Center in Seattle, US, offers diverse retail options, dining, and a community atmosphere, perfect for families and shoppers alike.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require tickets.

Carkeek Park

7:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

950 NW Carkeek Park Rd

View map

Carkeek Park is a 220-acre urban park in Seattle, featuring forests, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beaches with views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Special events may have a fee.

Seward Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

5898 Lake Washington Blvd. S

View map

Seward Park, one of Seattle's oldest parks, is a popular destination featuring lush greenery, trails, and waterfront views on Mercer Island.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No entry fee required for general access.

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

University of Washington 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th

View map

Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington showcases over 16M objects focused on natural history and Pacific Rim indigenous cultures, highlighting fossils and unique cultural artifacts.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Paid. Entrance fee varies; special exhibitions may have different pricing.

KeyArena

4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Stadium

305 Harrison St (at 1st Ave N)

View map

Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle is the revamped home of the NHL's Seattle Kraken and WNBA's Seattle Storm, offering a venue for sports and live entertainment.

Duration: 3-4 hours.

Prices vary by event. General admission for most events ranges from $30 to $150.

Museum of Communications

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

7000 E Marginal Way S Entrance at Rear of Building

View map

The Vintage Telephone Equipment Museum in Seattle exhibits over 600 historical telephones and related artifacts, showcasing the evolution of telecommunication from the 19th century to modern times.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Log House Museum

12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Museum

3003 61st Ave SW

View map

Log House Museum in Seattle showcases local artifacts in a 1903 log house, highlighting the region's history amid a modern neighborhood.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Salmon Bay Park

Open 24 hours

Park

2001 Northwest Canoe Place

View map

Salmon Bay Park in Seattle features lush greenery, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free to enter.

Coast Guard Museum of the NW

Mo, We, Fr 09:00-15:00

Museum

1519 Alaskan Way S

View map

Coast Guard Museum of the NW in Seattle exhibits nautical displays and ship models, celebrating the history and contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Glen Acres Golf and Country Club

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Golf Course

1000 S 112th St

View map

Glen Acres Golf and Country Club in Seattle offers 18 holes designed by John A. McHugh, featuring lush landscaping, natural water hazards, and a welcoming clubhouse.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Paid membership required. Daily green fees vary by season.

Tyee golf course

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

Seattle

View map

Tyee Golf Course, located in Seattle, is a public executive golf course known for its 18-hole layout and scenic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area.

Duration: About 2 to 4 hours.

Green fees vary, typically around $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Green Lake Golf Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

N 57th St & E Green Lake Way N (south end of Green Lake)

View map

Greenlake Golf Course in Seattle offers an 18-hole, public layout designed by the renowned architect John Steidel, surrounded by scenic greenery and water views.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Paid. Green fees vary based on time and season; discounts available for seniors and juniors.

Puget Sound Yacht Club

Open for members with varying times

Event hall

2321 N Northlake Way (N 36th Street)

View map

Puget Sound Yacht Club in Seattle, founded in 1892, offers boating activities, facilities, and a picturesque waterfront location for sailing enthusiasts.

Duration: Typically 2-4 hours for visitors.

Membership-based access; guest access requires invitation from a member.