Bordered by the ocean and ringed in mountains, the Emerald City’s natural beauty is unlike any other metropolis. Its neighborhoods are nestled against lakes, and the original downtown core is built on what once was marshland. Fueled by coffee, it is a mecca for foodies, tech experts, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting for the long weekend, popping in for the day or looking to make a memory playing tourist in your hometown, there are a plethora of fun things to do in Seattle.
You won’t find Cairn beers in the grocery store or on tap at the bars around town. A taste of this neighborhood brewery requires a trek to the north end of Lake Washington. It’s worth the visit (especially if you find yourself just .8 miles away at Kenmore Air’s headquarters).
Nestled beside the Burke-Gilman Trail, Seattle visitors can easily trek, bike or bus to this dog- and family-friendly taproom. The brewing area is set among communal tables that spill onto a large patio. On tap, you’ll find a selection of more than 15 beers ranging from seasonal ales to year-round favorites.
From sandwiches to a mix-and-match spread of fixings, discover some of the best places to get picnic food in Seattle.
Derived from the French term ‘pique-nique,’ a picnic initially described gourmands who brought their own wine when dining out. But by the Middle Ages, this beloved pastime began to acquire the respect it so rightly deserves. An elegant and leisurely affair — Seattle picnics are particularly renowned, if for no other reason than they mark the scant three months of Emerald City sunshine.
So, gather ye blankets while ye may. Load your coolers with a nosh-worthy spread from some of the area’s best shops slinging eat-with-your-hands goods. And, find yourself a sunny spot to lounge.
Mount St. Helens is a living, breathing — topless — giant. When she blew, the volcano forever changed the landscape of Washington State. And the steam that periodically arises from her cratered head reminds us that even 40 years later, she’s still very much alive.
In the months leading up to the catastrophic eruption, consistent seismic activity was recorded on the grounds surrounding the volcano. Plumes of steam were seen shooting from its top, sometimes as high as 6,000 feet into the air. Its shape changed, as the north side bulged out roughly 450 feet in a nearly horizontal direction.
The catastrophic eruption climaxed on May 18, 1980. It demolished 1,300 feet of the volcano’s summit. The formerly symmetrical cone became a 2-mile-wide crater.
Tasty Treats Worth an Early-Morning Bell
Seattle’s food scene has long been known for its seafood. Salmon, in particular, is so woven into the city’s culinary identity tourists routinely converge on the corner of Pike and Pike to duck the flying king of fish. And while local chefs have embraced the farm-to-table movement with such gusto the city celebrated 23 James Beard Nominations in 2019 — a few chefs have turned their eye toward an often-overlooked fried delight.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh seafood and lush mountainscapes. But speckled throughout its cities and destinations, you’ll also find baked delectables that’ll make you want to ooh and aah.
Raindrops keep falling on our heads, but there are plenty of cozy, fun things to do this February thanks to Seattle’s annual Museum Month. From kid-centered exhibits to libation-pouring game hubs and everything in between — discover our favorite museums in Seattle and beyond!
Have you thought about your travel bucket list? A new year is the perfect time to re-visit and maybe re-map yours with some unique Pacific Northwest travel ideas.
Because while you may have visited Victoria, the San Juan Islands, Vancouver, and Seattle — have you actually seen and done everything? Chances are, there are quite a few unique Pacific Northwest travel ideas that you haven’t yet explored.
The day after Thanksgiving, many individuals are racing to get in like for the best deals. They’re dealing with elbows and cranky shoppers. But you, you can do things differently. Because why spend the day off cramped, crowded, and wishing you’d just stayed home when you could make the day a continued celebration of gratitude?
This year, skip the crazy. Use the following Black Friday alternatives to shopping in Seattle to make the most of your day. Each family-friendly activity offers a fun and exciting way to savor the season.
Urban Hiking
Bundle up and explore Seattle’s quaint neighborhoods on a DIY urban hiking tour. Bring your fur baby on a dog-friendly loop around Lake Union. Climb North Capitol Hill. Or, make your way to Kerry Park, one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints.
Scenic Flight Tour
Soar over the crowds on a Seattle Scenic Flight Tour and take in the city like you’ve never seen it before.
Brunch the Day Away in Victoria
Victoria was named Canada’s brunch capital thanks in large part to its impressive selection of eggs Benedict (known to Victoria locals as ‘Bennies’). Catch a quick flight to the northern gem to savor brunch in style. Discover our favorite eggs Benedict destinations.
Day Hike in the San Juan Islands
With its windswept grasslands and breathtaking views, the San Juan Islands are filled with fabulous hiking trails. Discover five of our favorite on San Juan Island.
From how to get around the city to where to grab a gameday pint, maximize your visit to the Emerald City with these 12th Man travel tips!
One official gameday at the Clink and you’ll understand why there’s nothing like cheering live with 12th Man. The noise. The energy. The excitement. Whether you’re an avid Hawks fan or an NFL newbie, it’s electric!
Tour Century Link Field
Get an up close and personal look at behind the scenes areas and views throughout CenturyLink field during a public tour. Available year-round, tours last roughly an hour and a half. Times can vary and tours can sell out fast, so be sure to book yours early. For Canadian travelers, the easiest way to do book is through ticketmaster.com.
Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Stadium
There’s nothing quite like getting the lay of the land from overhead. And one of the best ways to do so is with a Seattle Scenic Flight Tour. This 20-minute narrated scenic flight tour will take you over some of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks — including CenturyLink Field! Alternatively, Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor of the Columbia Center offers the highest public viewpoint in Seattle — including a direct line of sight into the Clink.
Pregame Like a Pro at Touchdown City
From interactive game games and contests to live cover bands and Instagram-worthy backdrops, Touchdown City offers a variety of fun pregame experiences. A free event, you’ll have the chance to snag autographs from the Sea Gals, snap a photo with Boom, the team mascot and more!
Gear Up
Stock up on your official game day gear! There are four Seahawks Pro Shops located throughout the Seattle area, including the main hub at CenturyLink Field. Plus, you’ll find other retail shops selling a variety of Hawks gear throughout the area.
Clear Bags Only
You might have lovingly stitched a Hawks head purse, but save that piece for another day. Like most stadiums, CenturyLink Field has a strict clear bag only policy. Check to make sure your clear bag fits within their sizing allowance.
Bring a Rain Jacket
While seasoned fans will tell you that Seattle’s rainy disposition tends to clear for kick-off, this is by no means guaranteed. And, you’ll enjoy the pregame, live action, and post-game much more if you’re dry! So be sure to bring a rain jacket just in case!
Know 12s Will Stand
Don’t come expecting a low-key baseball game-like experience. The 12th Man can get rowdy and loud. Fans tend to stand and cheer throughout the entire game. So while you can sit if you’d like, don’t expect the rest of the stadium to follow suit.
Watch the Game
Planned on buying tickets when you arrived, but couldn’t score a seat? Have no fear. There are plenty of places to watch the game live with fellow Twelvers — not the least of which is the Hawks Nest! This bar bleeds green and blue. And located less than a block from the stadium, it means you’re still right in the action!
More Fun Things to do in Seattle
SOUTH LAKE UNION LUNCH SPOTS WORTHY OF PRAISE
Lunch. That magical mid-day reprieve when you can mentally check out for a moment and re-fortify your body — especially when enjoyed in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood where chefs have taken their lunch game to the next level.
DOG-FRIENDLY SEATTLE ADVENTURE: CHESHIAHUD LAKE UNION LOOP
The Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop features 6+ miles of stunning views, eclectic neighborhoods, and fabulous dog-friendly stops to grab a bite.
Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour
Taking a seaplane flight is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience and Kenmore Air makes it easy to enjoy the unique thrill of flying off the water and soaring over one of the most beautiful regions in the world.