Seattle Area Attractions
Woodland Park Zoo
The Seattle zoo is open everyday of the year, except Christmas day (December 25 the zoo is closed). Entrances to the Woodland Park Zoo: 5500 Phinney Ave. (West Entrance); 750 N. 50th Street (South Entrance); N. 59th and Evanston Ave. (North Entrance - closed October through April). October 1 to April 30: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily; May 1 to September 30: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Space Needle
Take the Space Needle’s elevator 520 feet up to the 360-degree observation deck for spectacular views of Seattle. Or dine at SkyCity restaurant a top the needle and enjoy the view as the entire restaurant rotates, slowly 360 degrees.
Seattle Center
Seattle Center surrounds the Space Needle and is home to the finest cultural and educational organizations, sports teams, festivals, community programs and entertainment facilities.
Pacific Science Center
The science center is a not-for-profit organization serving one million annual visitors. It opened in 1962 and offers IMAX, a planetarium, laser shows, science exhibits and more.
Experience Music Project (EMP)
The EMP welcomes four million visitors a year. It is home to music exhibits and the Science Fiction Museum. Both are located inside a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry-designed building at the base of Seattle Center.
Science Fiction Museum (SFM)
The Science Fiction Museum in located in Seattle Center at 325 5th Ave. N., Seattle, WA.
Seattle Aquarium
A marine lovers dream and a great place for kids and families down at Pier 59.
Grey's Anatomy Intern House
Seattle is known as the backdrop to the popular television show Grey's Anatomy. And many visitors come to Seattle wondering where the intern house owned by fictional Dr. Meredith Grey is located. The fictional address on the show is at 613 Harper Lane. But there is no such street on Seattle's Queen Anne Hill. If you want to drive and check out the real-life home of the interns the address is: 303 Comstock St., Seattle, WA. The house is not one interns could typically afford. The $1.3 million dollar home was built in 1905 and includes four bedrooms and 2.5 baths with 2,740 square feet of living space.
Seattle's Wall of Gum at the Market Theater
Imagine a wall covered in a rainbow of fresh and crusted over gum. It exists and can be found in Pike Place Market. Just follow your nose for a fruity scent down the brick labryinth to the Market Theater. The wall of gum is thick and covers an area of 50 feet by 15 feet. And people are creative and have been known to make art with their gum before sticking it over a layer of gum already on the wall. This traditon began in 1993 thanks to college students waiting in line for shows sticking their gum on the wall. Theater employees tried scraping the gum and after a while gave up. Go ahead and leave your gum, have your photo snapped by the wall of gum or create a piece of gum art. The possibilities are endless on a wall with no rules.
Pike Place Market
Famous for fish flinging action and home to several local vendors selling their goods from food and flowers to art and home decor.
Seattle Underground Tours
The Underground Tours at Pioneer Square start at 608 1st Ave # 200, Seattle, WA. It is a popular tourist draw that explores Seattle beneath the streets.
Seattle Ghost Tours
Seattle Market Ghost Tours are 60-75 minute walking tours through famous Pike Place Market based on the stories of hauntings shared in the community and the history of Seattle.
The Electric Boat Company
Rent an electric boat on Seattle's Lake Union. Go see the famous houseboats on the water and view the Deadliest Catch boats in the fishing off season.
Seattle's Waterways Cruises
Enjoy a sunset dinner, brunch, happy hour or homes and history tour on a cruise on Lake Washington.
Ride the Ducks of Seattle
Coast Guard-certified maritime captains take you on a tour of Seattle with historical narrations. Toward the end you splash into the water to cruise on Lake Union with views of the Seattle skyline.
Seattle Architecture Tours
Offers several walking tours during the year. The Harvard / Belmont District on Capitol Hill starts just blocks from the condo. This tour focuses on the architecture of what is known as "Millionaire Row." You can buy your tickets for an upcoming tour through Brown Paper Tickets.
Day Trips Outside Seattle
San Juan Islands
As the seasons turn warmer, Pacific Northwest waters glisten and dance, and the inviting sea mist beacons travelers to the San Juan Islands. The ferry-serviced islands in Northern Washington are the biggest draw for locals and visitors: Orcas, San Juan (Friday Harbor), Lopez and Shaw. And each island offers something different. Each June the ferries run on a summer schedule departing from Anacortes, WA. And when the summer schedules start the islands swell with visitors. The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October. July and August are the warmest months to visit the San Juan Islands and also the busiest. The summer months are peak prices for exploring the islands. To know how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook. If you plan to take a car on the ferries to visit more than one island there are additional summer costs or spring costs to consider depending on how you map out your stay, when you plan to visit, and the length of your vehicle. The most cost-effective way to visit more than one island is to know how the ferry schedules and fees work. Ferries take off from Anacortes; plan ahead for a two hour drive north from Seattle and arrive at the ferries at least two hours before your ferry leaves, especially during the peak summer season. The quickest way to squelch your island trip is to miss a ferry and have to wait for the next one. Wait times in between can be long. Once at the ferries you have two options.
1. Pay to park your car and walk on the ferry.
2. Or pay to take your car on the ferry.
You are charged for you car on Westbound travel only. That means to keep your costs down you'll want to begin your stay as far west as possible. The two farthest islands west of Anacortes are San Juan Island and Orcas Island. San Juan Island (also known as Friday Harbor) is a foot friendly island. Meaning you can walk on interisland ferries from where you are staying and not need a car to explore San Juan Island, saving you transportation money. The most cost-effective way to explore more than one island with a car is to pay the applicable fees to take your passengers and car on the ferry headed to Orcas Island first from Anacortes. By starting your island trip on Orcas you can then walk on an interisland ferry for free and do a day trip to San Juan Island (otherwise known as Friday Harbor) while staying on Orcas Island. After one or more nights on Orcas Island you can take a ferry from Orcas Island to Lopez Island without getting charged again for your car. This is because you will be headed Eastbound. After staying one night or more on Lopez Island you can then catch a ferry from Lopez back to the mainland at Anacortes to conclude your time in the islands on a ferry budget. If you plan to go to any of the other ferry-serviced islands first then you will get charged again for your car every time you head Westbound with a vehicle. Just keep in mind after you initially pay to take your car on a ferry from Anacortes then as long as you stay Eastbound in your travels of the islands you won't be charged again on interisland ferries for taking your car around to the different islands. Then when you return to Anacortes from whatever island you are on the fee is covered since you are headed Eastbound. According to the Washington State Ferries for the San Juan Islands "Every time you go Westbound you pay and traveling Eastbound is free."
And if you go be sure to plan your trip around a ferry schedule that offers a second run within a couple hours (even if you are walking on versus driving). Because if a ferry breaks down you will have a shorter wait for the next boat. If there is a four hour delay between boats don't set yourself up for a long wait by taking the boat just before a four hour delay. Island locals tell plenty of stories about having six to eight hour waits between boats due to breakdowns with no more runs scheduled for four hours or more. Just be sure to plan ahead when choosing a departure time.
Passport to Woodinville
The Passport to Woodinville starts selling tickets in February each year for their popular wine country tour season. This special event happens every April and is very popular with Seattle area locals. It's one of the only days in the year that all participating wineries in Woodinville are open at the same time. Wine enthusiasts that want to go can opt to go one day or both days over a weekend in April to taste wines at 30 wineries in Woodinville. The wineries open their doors to Passport holders from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Passport holders enjoy tastings along with the chance to taste special selections from local wineries. You can also purchase wines that are only sold exclusively at winery tasting rooms.
Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
For more than 25 years Mount Vernon, WA has celebrated the sprouting of their colorful tulip fields. The tulips are available for viewing each April in Skagit county. The Skagit Valley Festival website offers tulip field maps, scheduled events, and information about the flowers. If you go be sure to wear rain boots as access to the fields is usually very muddy.
Explore LaConner
Quaint little town about an hour north of Seattle offers fun boutique shopping and is known for the famous Bunnies by the Bay brand (now available online-only).
Discover Historic Snohomish
Go antiquing in historic Snohomish. Snohomish, WA is on the Historical Registry and offers fine boutique shopping about 30 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Mount Rainier National Park
On a clear day in Seattle you can see the snowy peak of Mount Rainier above the city skyline. It's very popular with sightseers, bird watchers, photographers and hikers in the summer and fall months. And of course it's popular with mountaineers in the spring. In the winter snowshoers and cross country skiers dot the mountain sides. The drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier is technically two hours, however, with traffic it can take three hours, sometimes more.
Olympic National Park
Backpacking and hiking are very popular activities to do in the Olympic Mountains. And Hurricane Ridge offers alpine and Nordic skiing. To get there cross the Puget Sound on one of the Washington State Ferry System's car and passenger ferries. Or drive south to Tacoma and cross Puget Sound at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Or drive south to Olympia and access U.S. 101, which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula.
Visit Forks
The Twilight book put Forks, WA on the tourist map. If you are a fan of the book, Forks is a real city in Washington where the vampire book was based.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Mount St. Helens is an active stratovolcano about 96 miles south of Seattle. The volcano is located in the Cascade Range. Mount St. Helens is famous for its eruption on May 18, 1980. The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was created to preserve the volcano and allow for its aftermath to be scientifically studied. From Seattle Mount St. Helens is about a three hour drive, sometimes more due to traffic.
Seattle Museums
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Explore event information for the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Get in free to the Seattle Art Museum the first Thursday of every month. The first Friday of every month is free to seniors (age 62 ) and the second Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is free to teens (ages 13-19) with ID. Address: 100 University St., Seattle, WA; 206-344-5275. Seattle Art Museum's outdoor sculpture park is along Seattle's waterfront and is free year-round. Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA; 206-332-1377.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum is free on the first Thursday of each month for everyone. The first Friday of every month is free for seniors 62 and over. And the first Saturday of every month is free for families. Volunteer Park nearby is also free. Address: 1400 East Prospect Street, Volunteer Park, Seattle, WA; 206-654-3206.
Museum of History & Industry
The Museum of History & Industry opened in winter of 1952. It is one of the largest private heritage organizations in Washington, attracting more than 60,000 visitors annually. They collect, preserve and present Pacific Northwest history.
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight provides a foundation for science and technology. They collect, preserve and exhibit air and space artifacts. Museum of Flight admission is free on the first Thursday evening of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Address: 9404 East Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA; 206-764-5720.
Flying Heritage Collection
Throughout the summer the Flying Heritage Collection hosts free Fly Days which provide an opportunity to view vintage warbirds in flight from World War II-era military aircraft (they are owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen). Be sure to call ahead to confirm Fly Days. Address: 3407 109th Street SW, Everett, WA.; 206-342-4242.
The Children’s Museum
Located on the first level of the Center House at Seattle Center The Children’s Museum is a 22,000 square foot environment just for kids from newborn through 10 years and their families. The museum offers interactive exhibits, an art studio, education classrooms, a story telling circle, resource library, workshops, camps and weekend programming.
Frye Art Museum
Since 1952 the Frye Art Museum has been a haven for art lovers; free admission and parking. Free public tours are offered at the Frye Art Museum on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Address: 704 Terry Ave., Seattle, WA; 206-622-9250.
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Located at the University of Washington they are responsible for Washington’s collections of natural history and cultural heritage.
Bellevue Art Museum (BAM)
Founded in 1947 this contemporary art museum is located on the Eastside of Seattle and promotes the artists and crafts people of the Pacific Northwest region. Get free admission to the Bellevue Arts Museum on the third Thursday of every month. Address: 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA; 425-519-0770.
Henry Art Gallery
Located at the University of Washington and features contemporary art.
Washington History Museum
The Washington State History Museum is based in Tacoma where fascination and fun meet. Through interactive exhibits and dramatic artifacts, learn all about Washington.
Town Hall
Town Hall is Seattle's community culture center located in the historic First Hill neighborhood. Town Hall features diverse music, arts and humanities, civic discourse and world culture programming. It is housed in an historic Roman-revival-style building on the corner of 8th and Seneca.
Seattle Art Guide
A guide to public art in downtown Seattle.
Seattle Parks
Counterbalance Park
Located at 2 Roy Street on Lower Queen Anne. The park is best viewed at night to get the full effect of the lights that shine off the surrounding walls. At Christmas time the lights turn red and green.
Volunteer Park
Located on the north end of Capitol Hill features a free indoor conservatory for exploring rare and tropical plants and flowers.
Cal Anderson Park
Head down the south end of Capitol Hill to Cal Anderson Park. The park features a fountain, texture pool and reflecting pool, promenade paths and more.
Green Lake
Green Lake is a very popular recreation area with paths around the lake for biking, skating, jogging, bird watching or pushing strollers. Or hang out at a grassy knoll and picnic and watch volleyball and baseball games. Address: 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle, WA; 206-684-4075.
Discovery Park
Go for a run, hike or enjoy a picnic with views of the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains at Discovery Park. Address: 3801 E Government Way, Seattle, WA; 206-386-4263.
Ballard Locks
The official name is Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and it's popular with locals and tourists. Hang out or picnic in the grassy park and watch sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts pass through. Check out the fish ladder. Or visit the nearby and free Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. Address: 3015 NW 54th St., Seattle, WA; 206-783-7059.
Carkeek Park
Hang out at the Carkeek Park beach, watch the sun rise or set, enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains and beachcomb for treasures. Address: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle, WA; 206-684-0877.
Alki Beach Park
The long beach strip that runs from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay offers a 2.5 mile path to walk, run, bike or rollerblade any time of year. In the summer people sunbath on the beach and play volleyball. Address: 1702 Alki Ave. SW, West Seattle; 206-684-4075.
Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll hangs out under the Aurora bridge and is near Gas Works Park. Fremont Troll Address: located under the north end of the Aurora Bridge at N. 36th St., Seattle, WA. Gas Works Park Address: 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA; 206-684-4075.
Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park in Redmond offers tons of outdoor recreation (640 acres) including outdoor climbing walls (you must know how to lead climb and set anchors or else you'll only be able to boulder). Bike, run, walk, roller blade, play soccer, baskeball or cricket. Check out the Velodrome bike track. Or find out concert schedules in the park. Address: 6046 W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WA; 206-205-3661.
Kerry Park Viewpoint
Kerry Park on Queen Anne hill offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline including the Space Needle. Address: 211 W. Highland Dr. Seattle, WA.
Burke Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail runs about 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in Seattle to Bothell (it intersects the Sammamish River Trail). The trail is paved and popular with bike riders. The trail runs through Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, the University District and View Ridge in Seattle to Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Bothell.
Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden
The free rose garden at the Woodland Park Zoo is located at the zoo's South Entrance at the intersection of N. 50th Street and Fremont Ave. N. (750 N. 50th Street). It opened in 1924 and it's a 2.5 acre garden with 280 varieties of roses. Open 7:00 a.m. until dusk every day of the year, free of charge. Parking: $4.50 in zoo lots during zoo hours; free during non-zoo hours.
Ebey's Landing
Ebay's Landing is the nation's first historical reserve with two state parks on Whidbey Island. Fort Ebey St. Park: 360-678-4636 and Fort Casey St Park: 360-678-4519.
Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is a an urban green space near Lake Washington. It features woody plant collections on 230 acres. Admission is free and the park is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Address: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E, Seattle, WA; 206-325-4510.
Klondike Gold Rush-Seattle Unit
Explore Seattle's Klondike Gold Rush with the park's free exhibits, audiovisual and ranger programs. Address: 117 S Main St., Seattle, WA; 206-553-7220.
Seattle Theatres, Concert Venues and Comedy Clubs
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Steeped in tradition since 1926, The 5th Avenue Theatre has entertained audiences with drama, music and laughter. The theatre is hosting more and more world premieres of plays. Find upcoming dates for shows and times.
Intiman Theatre
The theatre was founded in 1972 by Margaret Booker who named her company Intiman (meaning “the intimate” in Swedish) after a small theatre in Stockholm. The theatre produces dramatic, yet engaging plays that celebrate the intimate relationships among artists and their audience.
Seattle Theatre Group
The Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is a non-profit arts organization that features shows at the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres in Seattle. They operate 365 days a year presenting more than 370 shows annually.
ACT Theatre
This is the contemporary theatre for arts in greater Seattle. They engage audiences in thought-provoking issues in a humorous light. It was founded in 1965.
Seattle Children’s Theatre
From September to June the Seattle Children’s Theatre performs at the Charlotte Marting and Eve Alvord Theatres.
Seattle Repertory Theatre
The Seattle Repertory Theatre was founded in 1963 and produces a mix of classic comedies, Broadway hits and new dramas in two theatre spaces. They also won the 1990 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
The King Cat Theater
The King Cat Theater has been updated keeping its old world historic charm and combining it with a new age interior with state of the art sound and lighting. It’s a popular concert hall and also offers community events, film festivals, live theatre and comedy shows.
WaMu Theater
Seattle’s First & Goal Inc. and AEG Live joined forces to create WaMu Theater. It is dedicated to all aspects of live entertainment including concerts and special promotions.
The Moore Theatre
The Moore Theatre is operated by the Seattle Theatre Group (STG). It’s a non-profit performing arts organization and a popular venue for famous music performers and artists.
The Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is operated by the Seattle Theatre Group (STG). It’s a non-profit performing arts organization and a popular venue for famous music performers and artists.
Seattle Symphony Orchestra
The Seattle Symphony performs at Benaroya Hall and presents nearly 220 performances annually. The Orchestra opened Soundbridge Seattle Symphony Music Discovery Center, where people of all ages explore the world of symphonic music through exhibits, classes and live music presentations.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
The Pacific Northwest Ballet was founded in 1972. They present more than one hundred performances each season in Seattle at Marion Olivier McCaw Hall and on tour.
Seattle Opera
Founded in 1963, the Seattle Opera presents the classics of the European repertoire as well as new works of American opera. They perform five operas a year.
Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall is host to nearly 220 performances annually. It is home to the Seattle Symphony and also features unique artists, choirs (Seattle Men’s Chorus / Seattle Women’s Chorus) and more.
Teatro Zinzanni
If you want to treat your special someone to a big night out make reservations at Teatro Zinzanni. A three-hour cirque, comedy and cabaret show unfolds before your eyes while you eat a five-course meal made by Northwest chef Tom Douglas.
Showbox
A popular, intimate venue for live music and featured artists.
The Triple Door
Fine dining and live music under one roof. The Triple Door is a popular music destination offering 300 seats with free-standing tables and chairs so you can sway along to the music.
The Crocodile
The Crocodile is a popular music venue where you can catch up-and-coming bands with great acoustics in a cozy environment.
Tractor Tavern
The Tractor hosts live shows 5-7 nights a week featuring a wide range of local and national acts including Rock, Alternative Country, Rockabilly, Groove & Psychedelia, Celtic, Cajun & Zydeco, Folk, Blues, Jazz and Bluegrass.
Washington State Convention Center
Located in downtown Seattle the Washington State Convention Center features popular shows and events, workshops, conferences and more.
Laughs Comedy Club
The newly remodeled, 200 seat theater offers a state-of-the-art sound system and there isn’t a bad seat in the house (they boast no obstructed view of the stage). It’s located off I-405 (exit 20) and offers free parking.
Comedy Underground Seattle
Comedy Underground features comedians at two locations: Seattle and Tacoma. Shows are all-ages Sunday-Thursday; Friday and Saturday are for the 21 and over crowd (I.D. required).
Parlor Live
Parlor Live is downtown Bellevue’s premier entertainment location. They feature comedy acts, dueling piano shows, billiards and more.
Seattle Movie Theaters
The Big Picture
The Big Picture is a movie theater in Belltown that offers a full bar for drinking while you watch a movie. Great date night idea. Get there early to snag a seat. Address: 2505 1st Ave., Seattle, WA
Harvard Exit Theater
Located on Roy Street on Capitol Hill, shows indie films in two rooms.
The Egyptian
Another theater showing indie films on south Capitol Hill.
Regal Meridian 16
Shows popular blockbuster movies in downtown Seattle.
Pacific Place Theater
Also shows blockbuster movies in downtown Seattle.
Cinerama
This theater usually plays the most recent and popular blockbuster film. It is located in Belltown.
