As local Seattle tour guides, we often get asked about other fun things there are to do in Seattle. Obviously, the best thing you can do is go hot air ballooning in front of Mt. Rainier. When most tourists think of Seattle, what things come to mind? The Space Needle? Pike Place Market? How about the Museum of Pop Culture or the EMP Museum. The best option is probably to book a private Seattle tour!

There are so many things to do in Seattle Washington that it can be hard to choose if you have less than 48 hours! From air tours and water cruises on Puget Sound to award-winning restaurants and shopping at the Westlake Center Mall, Seattle has something for everyone.

Book A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Seattle Ballooning provides daily hot air balloon rides in front of Mt. Rainier and also offers a new luxury multi-day hot air balloon tour across Washington. Check it out!

The Fremont Troll

The Fremont Troll is a must-see for anyone visiting Seattle. First of all the name of the famous troll is “badass”. Although that’s a big name for an iconic troll to live up to, it does! The Fremont Troll is one of those things you just can’t miss out on if you’re in the area. The beast lives beneath the north end of George Washington Memorial Bridge in South Lake Union. His grumpy, yet adorable demeanor will make for an unforgettable experience!

The Fremont Arts Council commissioned Steve Badanes in 1989 to create a sculpture under the George Washington Memorial bridge. Steve’s team won the Fremont city arts competition to erect some sort of statue under Aurora Avenue. The Fremont Troll is a head-and-shoulders sculpture made from rebar steel, wire, and 4 thousand pounds of concrete. It’s also 18 ft tall and has a shiny metal eye. The area under the bridge had become a dumping ground and haven for drug dealers prior to the art installation. Steve Badanes’ team based the troll sculpture on Billy Goat’s gruff. The Fremont troll has done a great job protecting the bridge. Now, this fearsome troll sculpture attracts over 10,000 TikTok and Instagram users instead of vagrants.

After taking some pictures next to him be sure to take some time exploring more around Fremont. Fremont has a ton of other attractions like houseboats docks along the water and cute shops sprinkled throughout its quaint neighborhood.

The Seattle Gum Wall

Gum is sticky, hard to get off, and apparently, gum is art. The Seattle Gum Wall is a quirky attraction that will make for a fun photo op! Yeah, it is kind of gross and not overly covid friendly. Don’t forget your hand sanitizer. But the truth is people will probably like your TikTok videos of you sticking gum to a wall. The gum wall is located at Post Alley under Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.

The gum wall has been around since 1993 and is known as one of Seattle’s quirkiest attractions. The gum wall started when people waiting for nearby concerts would stick gum to the wall. It started as a small section of gum that slowly grew into what it has become today: a 50-foot colorful mosaic made from thousands upon thousands of chewed gum wads stuck to an old brick wall. The local theater tried to clean it off but quickly became overwhelmed. Some areas of the gum wall are over 3 inches thick.

Seattle Coffee Shops

Seattle has an endless amount of coffee shops for Seattle residents and Seattle visitors to enjoy! Seattle is home to many coffee giants like Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Tully’s Coffee. You can be sure that these Seattle coffee shops are all amazing places to get your caffeine fix!

Visiting the original Starbucks in Seattle

Starbucks was founded in Seattle in 1971 by three friends looking to open up a coffee shop called “Pequod”. They believed their community needed flavorful espresso with generous amounts of steamed milk. Pequod changed its name in 1983 after the Moby Dick character Captain Ahab joined Starbucks’ staff along with his shipmate Starbuck; thus creating the name Starbucks. If you want to be like all the other influencers, stop by the original Starbucks roastery in Pikes Place market. The good news is that there are typically buskers playing music while you are waiting in line for 45 minutes to get your coffee. If you want some better photos, check out the new Starbucks reserve roastery in Capital Hill. It’s pretty magical.

Pike Place Market

Check out the variety of options for Private tours of Pikes Place Market. Pike Place Market has been a Seattle staple for more than 100 years. The market is home to some of the city’s best people-watching, with 10 million visitors per year attracted by its farm-fresh produce and abundance of shops.

You’ll find everything here from wader-clad fishmongers slinging salmon over their shoulders right down at the street level where buskers play tunes on anything they can get their hands on…even pots & pans will be making an appearance someday soon. And then there’s always that famous smell in your nostrils when you first enter – what could IT possibly be?

The famous landmark also houses some of the most delicious Seattle restaurants known for their chowder. 

Seattle’s Pike Place Chowder Cafe opened in 2003, continuing to offer up award-winning New England Clam Chowder as its signature dish. The restaurant has also developed original recipes that have taken first place across the country–and continues to do so! A second location was launched this year with an expanded menu including fish ‘n chips or po’boys served alongside premium beers for all your needs on any given day. 

Jacks Fish Spot is located in the Sanitary Building and serves up some of the best seafood chowders the public market has to offer. Bringing the new England style of hearty chowder to the city of Seattle, Jacks’s bread bowls can not be beaten. 

Emmett Watsons’s Oyster Bar is one of the public markets’ oldest restaurants opening its doors to the city in 1979. This older no-frills restaurant proudly serves seafood the way it has always been served and has done little in changing its menu since it began years ago. A must-eat while visiting pike Place Market.

Take a Seattle Food Tours Offering the Best of The Pacific Northwest

Take a Seattle Food Tour Offering the Best of what the Pacific Northwest has on the table. Over time a few different touring groups have created a network of businesses in the downtown area. Seattle offers such a wide variety of flavors across the food scene. Take a food tour through Pike Place Market checking out spots rooted in the deep history of the city of Seattle. Savor Seattle Food Tours offers both private tours and early-bird walking tours of Pike Place Market creating the most unique restaurant guide experience. 

Taking a tasting tour is by far one of the best ways to see the town. Guides have Seattle Food tours for Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and International District hitting all the hot spots around town. Seattle has a colorful food history every foodie will love. Book a guide and grab a coffee before you head off on one of the best Seattle Tours.

Explore the Local Neighborhood Farmers Market

Seattle is most famous for the Pike Place Market but one of the real treats is to branch out and visit the other Seattle Farmers Markets in surrounding neighborhoods. Fresh produce, artisan foods, and locally sourced products can all be found as you immerse yourself in the Seattle culture. West Seattle, Columbia City, Queen Ann, and the Ballard Farmers Market are all on the top of the list to cross off. The largest can be found in Fremont and UW at the “Fremont Sunday Flea Market” or in University District Farmers Market. Despite the rainy Seattle weather majority of these are Year-Round Market. 

Fremont Sunday Flea Market: One not to miss, you will not be disappointed if you spend a Sunday at this weekend market. The largest of all the Neighborhood Farmers Markets and the most popular market, over 200 vendors flock to the year-round market. Open rain or shine you can find hot foods, antiques, fresh flowers, and all the ingredients for dinner you needed. 

Ballard Farmers Market: Located in a younger demographic neighborhood. The Ballard Farmers Market runs year-round and is open 10 am – 3 pm on Sundays. A great way to get out of the house and enjoy something local. 

The Seattle Farmers Market Association has put in a lot of work to develop the local farmer’s markets. Whether it’s a seasonal farmers market or a year-round farmers market you can find a neighborhood market that is just right for you.

Have a Picnic at Gasworks Park

Seattle’s Gasworks Park is one of the top spots to visit for views and spots to relax in Seattle. Built-in 1975, the park previously was home to a coal gasification plant that provided power to the city of Seattle. The site offers panoramic views of the emerald city and lake union on 19 acres of land giving plenty of room for all types of activities. Facilities from the previous plant were repurposed for recreational activities such as shelters for picnicking under having an open-air play bar during the rainy days.

Landscape Architect, Richard Haag had a unique park design for gas works. Kite Hill is one of the more prominent features of Gas Works and looks out onto lake union with a panoramic view. Having a picnic on Gas Works Kite hill will be one to remember for your trips to come.

Spend a Day on Alki Beach

Seattle isn’t known for the most sun but still has plenty of beaches to soak up some vitamin D on. Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach Park is a two-mile-long park stretching from Alki Point to the Duwamish head. One of the northwest’s most popular stretches of Beach, locals looking to get outside for the day, enjoy the sun or walk to the beach flock to the sandy beach. Still, a park’s property, Alki beach park is just a short water taxi ride from across Elliott Bay. Looking back towards downtown, the most beautiful views of passing Washington State Ferries, CenturyLink Field, and Seattle Aquarium. 

Along Alki Avenue, one can find some of the best food West Seattle has to offer. Grab some Hawaiian food at Marination Ma Kai located to the east side of Alki Point. Their deck has sweeping views of the city skyline and Puget Sound. Walking down the beach or on the pedestrian path, you can’t miss Blue Moon Burgers. Renovating an old gas station right in the heart of Alki Avenue, this burger joint is a staple for all visitors to the area. A milkshake and fries always pair well during the hot months in Seattle. Alki Beach in is the best way to hit the beach in the upper left of the United States. 

The sight of the Space Needle

Seattle is a beautiful city with so much to offer. One of the most iconic landmarks in Seattle is the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It has since become one of Seattle’s most popular attractions and offers visitors an incredible sky view of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Seattle Center also houses rotating exhibits throughout the year that showcase different cultures from around the world. Plus it features rotating restaurants on each level that are perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks while taking in unparalleled views of the city If you haven’t been up yet, it’s time to make your way there today!

The newest renovation focuses on the visitor experience and they installed a glass floor on one of the observation decks on the space needle. The unmatched views of downtown Seattle are hard to beat coming from the observation deck 48 floors high.

Take a Boeing Factory Tour

Seattle has been home to the Boeing company since it was founded in 1916. The Boeing Factory Tour is an opportunity of a lifetime to see where more than half of the world’s commercial airliners are built. Within their factories, you can find out how Boeing planes are assembled and learn about the company’s rich history. Fun for all ages, a tour of the Boeing Factory showcases one part of Seattle’s rich history with aviation.

Public tours take place up at Boeing Everett / Mukilteo at Paine Field. Offering one of the most comprehensive tours includes watching Boeing 787’s being assembled in the largest building they own. From the first piece of metal to picking the paint scheme, anyone can see how Boeing does it!

Seafood, Seafood, Seafood

Seattle has a lot to offer when it comes to food, but when it comes to seafood, Seattle blows it out of the water. Seattle is home to some of the freshest, most sustainable seafood the Puget Sound has to offer. Pike Place Market has all the top catches of the day with the seafood markets always full of raw oysters, clams, wild salmon, and much more quality seafood. If you are looking to enjoy some plates from a seafood restaurant check out some of the classic Seattle spots. 

Ivars Salmon House: Located on Lake Union with waterfront views, The Salmon House is Ivars home on the freshwater. Founded in 1938 Ivars has been serving seafood and clam chowder to Seattle forever. Locally sourcing ingredients their love for the Puget Sound and Seattle area constantly shows in their service.

Head to the Ballard Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are a fun, beautiful place to visit during the summer. Tourists that come to Seattle get swept away by this must-see destination, and it’s even more enchanting in the summer. Tourists will get to learn about how salmon migrate in water from freshwater streams to saltwater rivers and even see it happen in life! The area also has a variety of other attractions that are perfect for families with kids. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride on the water of Lake Washington or Union, educational exploration of the wetlands, or a walk through the world’s second-largest bird sanctuary at Herring Bay Park. Additionally, the Ballard Locks Visitors Center is open every day in the summer between 9 AM to 6 PM and offers free exhibits that are fun for all ages. Tourists should be advised that it’s recommended that younger children wear close-toe shoes, however. Tourists should also be prepared to hike up a small hill when visiting – but it’s worth seeing this remarkable site!

The Hiram M. Chittenden locks are an engineering marvel. They pull boats from the saltwater of Puget Sound across freshwater to Lake Washington, which connects Seattle with the freshwater of the Cedar River. Built-in 1917, they were once the main artery through Seattle’s industrial district, but now you can visit them for free and experience a historic engineering feat that still works perfectly today.

Play in the Tide Pools at Golden Gardens Park

Walking on the beach in Golden Gardens Park can be a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your family. Seattle parks Golden Gardens is a great location for walking on the sandy beaches is located on an island. Tourists can head to Golden Gardens Park and experience the lovely tides at low tide. Tourists will also be able to visit these amazing tidepools where they can see crabs, snails, starfish, and more! Tourists should be advised that the popular park closes at 7:00 PM so they should try to spend some time there before it becomes dark and the tide of the Puget sound starts coming back in. Tourists should also note that while sand is easy on their feet and’s mostly flat, it’s important that visitors wear close-toe shoes while playing in the Tide Pools to avoid injury. Tourists should also be prepared to get a little wet since these Tide pools have water coming in and out of them constantly during low tide!

Walkthrough the Volunteer Park Conservatory

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a little hidden gem in downtown Seattle. It’s the perfect place to escape the rain and enjoy some variety of flowers – or just calm down and relax in their Victorian-style courtyard. Tourists should come to Volunteer Park during a rainy day to see flowers at their best – but even when it’s not raining, you can still enjoy beautiful views of Seattle from this location. Tourists don’t have to worry about getting wet, because the conservatory has great indoor space while the outside gardens are growing!

Visitors can experience a variety of different plants that are grown inside the conservatory year-round, including carnivorous plants, pitcher plants, corpse flowers, and more of the plant collection. Tourists will also get to see a wide variety of different species in the outdoor gardens, such as roses and rhododendrons! Tourists should keep an eye out for special summer exhibits that include displays from local schools and the Seattle Garden Tour.

Explore the Green Lake Park and Neighborhood

You won’t have to venture far to find a variety of things to do in Seattle. Green Lake is just one of the neighborhoods that will provide you with plenty of activities. Hanging out on the grass will be your best option for something to do. There are also wading, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunbathing available. You can walk around the lake or take a boat tour. If you’re looking for something a bit less relaxing, try the running trails. Green Lake Park is packed with concrete, dirt, and gravel trails for walkers and runners alike. There are several around the lake for runners and walkers to enjoy. Tourists often like to go biking or rollerblading along the paths as well.

– Tourists should look into kayaking and paddleboarding

– Tourists should check out hanging out on the grass

– Tourists should check out the running trails

Green Lake is one of the best ways to get to the water in the city. Green Lake Park holds many events such as solstice parades, the tug of war, and the car show. Tourists should check out these events while they are in Seattle. Head to the Heidel House to check out the list of events from the field, water, boat, or shoreline!

Boating on Lake Union

Lake Union is Seattle’s premier boating destination. The Seattle Center and the Pike Place Market are also close by for sightseeing. Seattle visitors can choose from a wide variety of boats including kayaks, rowboats, and yachts! For people who want to cruise around Seattle on their own schedule or paddle without a guide, Seattle Aqua Adventures provides kayaks on Lake Union. These single-seat kayaks can be rented on an hourly basis on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation only. On Monday-Friday rentals are available with reservations 24 hours in advance.

Tourists and visitors can enjoy a Seattle hot tub boat rental on Lake Union. Grab a group of your friends and take them to the water in a tub of water. Interesting huh? Boating in Washington State is one of the best ways to enjoy the water so grab a boat, get your friends, and hit the lake.

Explore a little outside Seattle and Hike Rattlesnake Ridge

If you want to get out of Seattle for a little while, make your way to Rattlesnake Ridge. The beauty of the area is amazing and it’s really an experience like no other. There are beautiful sky views of Seattle and nearby lakes like Cedar River where you can stop for lunch or dinner. If the city is too hot or if you don’t want to hike along with Lake Washington, this is the place to be! Rattlesnake Ridge is a mountain that is also home to native animals, making it a great place for nature lovers

Rattlesnake Ridge is a mountain ridge that separates Seattle from the Snoqualmie Valley. Back in the day, Seattleites used to take a trolley from downtown to North Bend, Washington for a week of recreation and relaxation at the Cedar River. Among their favorite activities was hiking up Rattlesnake Ridge. You’ll start your hike near the trail map at Rattlesnake Lake and climb 2,000 feet in elevation on the rattlesnake ledge trail before “rattling” off the ridge and down to Cedar River where you’ll find more scenic views and plenty of streams and creeks leading to rattlesnake lake.

Visitors can venture around Seattle and check out their tours when they visit. With so many things to do such as hiking, camping, and much more! The metropolis also has plenty of beautiful scenery for anyone who visits like Rattlesnake Ridge.

Dream Through the Chihuly Glass Exhibit

The Chihuly garden and glass exhibit is located near the Space Needle. The exhibit is a must-see for both Seattle locals and visitors. The Seattle Chihuly glass collection exhibit features over 200,000 square feet of space with three levels of magnificent glass art. Everyone who attends this Chihuly glass exhibition will be able to see exhibits such as “Red Reeds” and “Glass Forest.” It is not just an incredible show of art, but it also has a garden and exhibitions which you can explore and enjoy. Exhibits from the Biltmore house can be seen on tour in the museum showcasing their amazing color. Locals and visitors alike should take this opportunity to explore the Chihuly garden exhibit which makes Washington even more worth visiting! Visitors will be blown away by the Chihuly glass exhibit.

The Museum features artists from all over including sculptures from multiple collections and installations. The Chihuly Garden Museum is one of the PNW’s most visited spots. Locals recommend this exhibit to visitors because of the wonderful art and the fact that it has something for everyone. The Dale Chihuly glass garden also features a restaurant where you can grab some food or just sit down after your visit.

 Chihuly Glass is one of Washington’s greatest installations. Local residents always recommend the Chihuly glass garden to visitors because not only are there many things to do in Seattle at nighttime but also because of its beautiful sculptures and installations. The Chihuly Glass Garden occupies over 10 acres which means you will be immersed in arts from every direction while you walk through the garden trail.

Go Brewery Hopping in Seattle

Visit Seattle and go brewery hopping! Seattle is a craft brewery mecca and a great place for all kinds of beer enthusiasts. Seattle’s breweries offer tours, tasting, breweries with gardens, and more. Seattle Brewery tour is a must-do next to a visit to Pike Place Market. They offer Brews Cruise, Beer Tour, Seattle Tour with Tasting 4 Packages to choose from. Local breweries provide a family-friendly atmosphere, local beers, and seasonal events. Washington State is home to some of the best hops in the beer scene making the beer tasting experience one of a kind. Regardless of which brewery you choose their lineup of beers on tap will blow any selection of beers from your hometown bar out of the water.

Seattle is home to more than 70 microbreweries, and many of these breweries are participating in  Beer Week by hosting special events ranging from beer pairings dinners to tap takeovers where you can meet the brewers behind your favorite brews. There are also two beer festivals that run during the annual beer week: The Spring Beer Fest on March 26th at Safeco Field and the Beer & Baconfest on May 8th at Seattle Center. 

Best breweries include Elysian Brewing Company, Fremont Brewing, Hale’s Ale Brewery, Urban Family Brewing Co., Pike Brewing Company, Schooner Exact Brewing Company, Silver City Brewery, and Fremont Brewing. The best way to experience this incredible variety of craft beers is with a Craft Beer Walk. The Pike PL. Craft Beer walk focuses on microbreweries in Pioneer. Only 10 spots are available per tour so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

Take a quick day trip to the San Juans

There are many fun Seattle day trips to take from Seattle! Seattle is a little city that’s packed with nature and culture. If you’re looking for a nature-filled day trip, head out to the San Juan Islands. These Islands offer remarkable views of nature, endless hiking trails, seals and otters playing in the water, and many other must-see activities. The San Juan Islands are famous for their beauty and connecting on with nature. There are a couple of different ways to get to the San Juan Islands. First, you can take your own boat out of Elliott Bay from Seattle and drive the hour-long trip up there! if that’s not your style, try a seaplane flying out of lake union with Kenmore air. The 45-minute plane ride can deliver you to Roche Harbor, Lopez Island, Orcas Island, or the Friday Harbor ferry terminal. Washington State ferries dominate the water of the San Juans and provide transportation between the islands. Be careful to check the ferry schedule before to not miss your boat!

San Juan Island is a small, but scenic place to visit. There are many things to do while visiting, including kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. A lot of the activities are seasonal so it’s best to plan your visit around what you are interested in doing. On your day trip to San Juan Island be sure to head to Roche Harbor and check out the sculpture garden, then head to the harbor house and take a kayak tour of the bay where you might even get a little whale watching in.

Experience Skiing near Seattle 

Visitors looking for a different experience can head to Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, Mission Ridge, and Ski Resort. Seattle is the only major Washington State city with four ski areas within a two-hour drive. Between the city and the Cascade Mountains, there is a nearly continuous string of ski areas. You have the opportunity to choose from 4 bustling ski resorts with miles of groomed slopes and tree-lined trails.

Snoqualmie pass is Seattle’s favorite skiing destination. When residents want to ski or snowboard, they head up I-90 about 50 miles east to Snoqualmie Pass. Home to Summit East, Summit Central, and Alpental; every skier of all ability can find the right trail for them! 

Skiing at Crystal Mountain is a unique experience. As Seattle sits on the shore of Puget Sound, your ski adventure begins with a scenic drive over Stevens Pass to get to the mountain. The resort has outstanding snow quality and a wide variety of terrain. From groomed cruisers to steep chutes and world-class tree skiing, Crystal Mountain is a true 4-season resort that offers something for everyone. Crystal Mountain Resort has one of the highest average snowfalls in North America – making Seattle a city with easy access to some of the best skiing in the country!

Skiing at Steven Pass is the perfect opportunity for tourists to try something new and locals to experience winter. Washington States’ reputation for cloudy, rainy days, now is the perfect time to visit and take advantage of one of the cities most precious features-an abundance of ski opportunities. Steven Pass is the best skiing experience, with an average annual snowfall of over 400 inches. They have three mountains, the highest one being “Caldera.” This mountain offers the steepest vertical drop with 1,800 feet of descent! They also offer night skiing which is a rare opportunity.

Explore the Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum is one of the cities most popular tourist attractions. Seattle has a lot to offer in terms of art, with the Seattle Art Museum being one of those things that draw people from all over the place. If you’re visiting and want some neat culture, epic art galleries the SAM has got it for you!

The Seattle Art Museum features many different types of art, including paintings and sculptures. The museum also has features temporary exhibits from famous artists like Van Gogh and Michelangelo. You can check out pieces from pacific natives like Dale Chihuly and Mark Tobey as well as pieces from Japanese artists like Hiroshige and Hokusai in the gallery. There are also many pieces from Northwest native artists like James Lavadour and George Tsimperis; both Renton-born artists. A beautiful city and The SAM is a great way for you to experience its expressive culture.

Ride the Great Wheel

The Seattle great wheel was created in 2012. The great wheel is located next to the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 57, it is one of the largest Ferris wheels in North America. The great wheel has 42 fully enclosed air-conditioned gondolas each holding 6 passengers. Downtown provides a unique urban setting for this emerald city attraction. The Great Wheel goes up to about 175 feet tall where riders can see fantastic views as far as the Space Needle and Bainbridge Island on a clear day. The great wheel takes about 30 minutes to complete one revolution. Buy tickets ahead of time to ensure a quick line!

Take an Underground Tour

The Seattle Underground Tour is an experience like no other. The underground Tour takes curious visitors on an hour-long journey into the cities past – below the modern downtown streets. Visitors will explore underneath historic Pioneer Square, the birthplace of and previous city center, as learn about the history of early Seattle.

In 1889, the Great fire burned 25 blocks of downtown pioneer square to the ground. Rebuilding was a burden and also an opportunity to make needed changes. New buildings were made from stone for fire protection and a city-wide regrade raised street levels 12-15 feet to prevent flooding. Many buildings today in pioneer square retain classic stone architecture.  During construction, walls were created protecting storefronts from the new road with customers having to climb ladders for access to their favorite shops. Once construction was completed the small alleyways between the shops and road were covered and the new street-level was established. Many changes happened over the course of the next years and the underground was closed to the public for safety reasons. This tour is one of the most unique you can find in Washington State with a hands-on exhibit where you can experience this ghost gallery of history. Perfect for all ages, groups, and families!

Visit the Parks

Kerry Park is a serene place to visit. Away from the hustle and bustle, this viewpoint offers a relaxing environment during the summer months. It is only a matter of driving less than ten minutes for those in the city. Tucked away in a secluded king county neighborhood, this small viewpoint packs the most view. Peering out from Kerry Park one can catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier National Park, Century Link Field, T-mobile Park, and the Pacific Science Center. On a clear day, if one looks towards the west, Olympic National park can be spotted with its snow-covered peaks. While Kerry Park has the most notable views, check out some of the other parks in the city or state. Washington state is home to the most beautiful national parks in the United States and they will not disappoint.

Wanting to find some other unique things to do in Seattle? Check out this awesome list from Redfin

One of the many places in Washington to see hot air balloons is Mercer Island. These magnificent flying machines can be seen from afar or up close at both dawn or dusk. The most beautiful flight is in front of Mt. Rainier as a perfect backdrop. In the North, you can spot hot air balloons flying near Snohomish and Woodinville. Air balloon rides are an unforgettable experience for all ages. You will get to soar above high above majestic views like Mt. Rainier towering above surrounding mountains!

Some background on Mercer Island 

George Mercer opened the Mercer Island Ferry service in the 1890’s paving the way for the island’s growth. In the 1940’s, passengers no longer had to hop on the ferry but could take a bridge that connected the island to the city of Seattle. Located in Lake Washington, Mercer Island has beautiful parks and beaches offering panoramic views of the Cascade Mountain Range and Mt. Rainier.

For a jaw-dropping, scenic view of Mercer Island and Lake Washington area you’ll want to book an exclusive hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning. The hot air balloons fly up to 5000′ in the Puget Sound area for close-up views that will blow your mind! Operating from May to September, flights start from $295 per person with an impeccable glass of champagne to enjoy after every flight.

The Mercer Island restaurant scene caters to all tastes?

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner or want to grab something quick and eat on the go, Mercer Island has restaurants that will satisfy you. There’s Mioposto with upscale dining perfect for date night; The Roanoke Inn is a great place for drinks after work or to catch your favorite sports games!

Old 76 offers burgers and fries at unbeatable prices – it doesn’t get much better than this meal deal. Of course there are healthy options around too: Sano Cafe serves fresh juices & acai bowls as well as other healthful dishes like salads & sandwiches. They make them right before your eyes by hand from local organic ingredients!

The perfect day is to enjoy all the area has to offer! Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Seattle ballooning right in front of Mt. Rainier then head to Mercer Island to finish your day with activities and food!

A couple questions about hot air balloon rides with Seattle Ballooning.

What times do we fly? 

We operate two flights a day one at sunrise and sunset. The one thing you absolutely cannot miss out on is our amazing sunrise flight. In the air 15-20 before the sun rises on the horizon the view is completely unforgettable.

How long is a hot air balloon ride? 

The total hot air balloon experience take about 3 hours from passengers being picked up then dropped off. The flight itself is roughly 60 minutes and includes a beautiful glass of champagne for all 21+ passengers post flight. Book your flight with Seattle Ballooning.

Kirkland is one of the many places in the Northwest to see hot air balloons in the distance. Whether you see them up close or in the distance flying in front of Mt. Rainier as the perfect backdrop the balloons can always be seen. Air balloon rides are a unique experience for any age. Flying during sunrise or sunset the views of Mt. Rainier and surrounding the Cascades will be an unforgettable adventure to enjoy with your spouse, family, or friends.

A little bit about air balloon flights near Kirkland.

The Kirkland area is beautiful with lake Washington, Mt. Rainier, and one of the best views in Seattle. The city lights are always on at night which makes it an amazing place to be higher than most things around you. Hot air ballooning provides a unique perspective that few other places can match – including some great photos!

The City of Kirkland is located near many ballooning operations and where to fly can be hard a hard decision to make. The views, overall experience, and flight times all are important to consider when you decide how you want your ballooning experience to take shape.

Hot air balloon rides in front of Mt. Rainer?

Seattle ballooning provides the closest and most scenic views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding area from the air. After a quick drive in 25 minutes’ time south of Kirkland, you will meet your pilot and crew ready for your air balloon adventure. While flights with any balloon ride company will be beautiful, none other can compare to the scenery and views of Mt. Rainier that Seattle ballooning offers. Book your flight with Seattle Ballooning.

The Factors of a Hot Air Balloon Ride

You might think a hot air balloon ride is just for a flight, but there’s so much more to it. The experience of a hot air balloon ride is shaped by many factors, such as the time of day you fly. You can choose to take a hot air balloon ride with Seattle ballooning at sunrise or sunset. When you get back on earth and start telling your friends about it they’ll want to be jealous because not everyone gets this awesome opportunity! Weather plays an important factor in the experience as well. Our location has incredibly calm and predictable wind patterns paired with a lack of low fog which allows us to fly more often than other locations around the state!

What to expect on a hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning?

Seattle Ballooning rides are an immersive experience. Starting at pickup you’ll participate in safety briefings from our experienced pilots and hear about the history of ballooning on the way to our launch site. We have over 10 unique launch locations from a park, to backyards, or private airstrips all depending on the weather or winds.

At the launch location, the crew will start prep for the inflation of the balloon while the pilots do the last weather and wind speed checks. Once the basket, envelope, and safety checks are done the crew will start to fill the balloon with cold air. This is where you can help during your hot air balloon ride! Volunteers are always welcome to hold open the throat of the balloon as fans fill the balloon with cold air. When the time is right the pilot will ignite the burners filling the balloon with hot air and it will stand up ready for you to jump in the basket and take off.

On departure, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the scenery below as we fly above the trees or rivers before going up to 5000′ in front of Mt. Ranier for picturesque views.

The flight time is approximately 60 minutes before a pilot locates a landing zone to safely put the balloon in. The crew will be there to ensure the safety of passengers and start the deflating process. While the crew is packing up the balloon we serve delicious champagne as you take in your experience and views you saw.

Hot air balloon rides are like snowflakes in which no flight path will ever be identical. Riding back to the drop-off point will take about 20-30 minutes and a perfect time to ask any more questions, share photos with other passengers, or talk about the spectacular sights.

Sunrise Flights

Special to Seattle Ballooning is our sunrise flight that launches at first light right before the sun appears over the horizon. Our location provides some of the best weather and calm morning winds most ideal for ballooning. Flying 20-30 minutes before actual sunrise, our hot air balloon rides allow you to watch the colors of Mt. Rainier change with the sun reflecting off of it and even sometimes see the sunrise twice!

This flight is perfect for photographers looking to capture a sunrise photo, but we recommend it to anyone who wants the experience of hot air ballooning near Kirkland. Watch Mt. Rainier from such an incredible vantage point on our beautiful morning flights!

 Types of Flights

Seattle ballooning offers a variety of different flights from a group shared flight to your own private flight. Our private experience is perfect for any amount from 2-10 guests depending on your special occasion. We have done weddings, corporate events, and even team bonding events for business. Book your flight with Seattle Ballooning.

A little bit about the Chihuly Glass and Garden

The Garden showcases more than 200 sculptures, installations and paintings from Chihuly’s illustrious career.

Who is Dale Chihuly anyway?

Dale Chihuly is a pirate and also an iconic Seattle artist who has been prominently featured in Seattle for more than 40 years. Chihuly is best known for his work with glass, where he brings the ancient art form into modernity by innovating and exploring new techniques and forms to create awe-inspiring installations that are truly one of a kind. Beyond the Seattle exhibit, Chihuly has works in over 200 museums across the globe and has been the recipient of many awards. Chihuly’s work is easily recognizable because of his bright colors, elaborate designs, and ability to conjure a whimsical aesthetic that will leave you speechless.

A co-founder of the Pilchuck Glass School, Dale Chihuly’s work pushed the artistic limitations of using glass in modern art installations. Given the opportunity to curate an exhibit in his hometown of Seattle, Chihuly installed experiences in an Exhibition Hall, Garden, and Glasshouse.

The Chihuly Galleries

Located in the Seattle Center, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit is an installation of Chihuly’s work beyond Seattle, and is the largest display in North America.

Developing the exhibition, Chihuly brought to life the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. More than an exhibit, Dale Chihuly created a community space for all ages to experience and learn about the northwest through glass art.

The Chihuly Exhibition is comprised of eight galleries and a glasshouse culminating around the focal point of the Chihuly Garden. The exhibit features a 500-foot glass bridge that offers visitors a unique view into what it takes to create these installations: from the hot furnaces all done by hand, to his team of helpers who clean up after each piece has been completed. Visiting the Chihuly Glass and Garden is an experience one should always do while visiting Seattle.

The galleries feature early work by Chihuly completed in 1966-76. They continue to showcase his exploration with blown glass as well as new ways to shape it. Working through the galleries Chihuly showcases his more recent works from 2003 to the present day. The progression of his artwork demonstrates Chihuly’s ability to push the boundaries of glass artistically.

Seattle Ballooning’s expansive gallery covers all of Seattle from 5,000 feet in the air. At sunrise or sunset, you can always find a balloon in the distance flying in front of Mt. Ranier. Exhibits include all styles, shapes, and colors of balloons piquing interest from all ages. Want to see Seattle from the Sky? Book your flight with Seattle Ballooning.

Dave Chihuly’s Glasshouse and Garden

The centerpiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass is a 40-foot tall, glass and steel structure covering 4,500 square feet. The installation in the Glasshouse is 100 feet long – made up of many individual elements and colors that change as the natural light fades in and out throughout the day.

Chihuly’s work is notoriously difficult to display in a natural environment, but this may be the first time he has succeeded. The garden designer and Chihuly collaborated on an art installation that will never look the same as it does today: their plant collection was specially chosen for its complementing nature (and purposeful variety) to his pieces of glasswork–the colors and forms are nothing short of striking! With different plants flowering at various times throughout the year, you’ll experience new things every time you visit!

Chihuly Glass and Garden is a top experience in the Seattle area. Daily tours are available with events including live glass blowing demonstrations or garden tours. The Seattle garden captures the beauty and essence of the northwest where all ages can dream, play or just relax with friends throughout the exhibit.

Seattle Ballooning’s flights produce epic views of Seattle and the Northwest. Unlike, Chihuly’s glass, hot air balloons will fit in any environment. Flights will inspire your imagination as you float among the treetops or watch as the basket kisses the water. Regardless, being in a hot air balloon at 5000′ always shows the true beauty of Seattle and the northwest.

Some questions people often have about the Chihuly Museum

How much are tickets for the Chihuly Glass and Garden Museum?

Tickets to see the glass or sculptures at the museum are available for purchase online or in person at the ticket counter. General Admission prices are: Regular Ages (13-64) $32; Senior visitors ages (65+) $27, Youth ages (5-12) $19. Children under 4 gain free admission accompanied by their parents.

Are there any Chihuly Museum special packages?

The Chihuly Museum of Glass offers private tours for groups with or without a guide. The visual experience makes an amazing location for private events in the Botanical Gardens, Museum, or Conservatory. Contact the Museum for private events.

When is the Chihuly Museum Exhibition Open?

The Chihuly Museum Exhibition is currently open from Monday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The exhibit will be closing on Fridays at 6. Hours of the Chihuly glass sculpture will change in the fall.

Can I eat at the Seattle Chihuly Glass Museum?

The Exhibition is a feast for the senses. There are two options, both with seating indoors or outdoors on a first-come, first-served basis. Collections Café offers pastries and an espresso bar, Art Plaza provides Neapolitan stone-fired pizza as well as wine and beer; all of which can be enjoyed in Outdoor Seating Area weather permitting of course in Seattle.

How long is a tour of the Chihuly Glass Museum Collection and Sculpture Garden?

The amount of time you spend in the galleries depends upon your speed, but on average most visitors spend around 1-2 hours viewing all that’s available.

How long will Dave Chihuly’s Exhibition be in the Seattle Center?

Designed as a long-term piece, the Museum of Glass has the opportunity to be around for years to come. Over the next 30 years, Seattle residents or visitors can visit the Chihuly Bridge, Conservatory, and see many individual pieces from the Glass Master himself each spring.

Will the Museum bring in new Pieces?

The Chihuly Museum collection is not a permanent collection. Pieces may rotate in and out but there are not any plans currently to make any changes.

Visiting The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel was constructed in 2012 and is the first of its kind on the west coast. The wheel has 42 climate-controlled gondolas, which can hold up to 8 passengers each. Riders are able to enjoy a beautiful view of Seattle and Puget Sound as they take a 15-minute ride around the wheel. 

The construction of the Seattle Great Wheel was funded, in part, by a $300,000 grant from philanthropists Paul Allen and his sister Jody Allen. The wheel is one of many tourist attractions on Pier 57 that have popped up along Seattle’s waterfront to attract more visitors.

The Great Wheel is 174′ tall and has a diameter of 187′. At the highest point, riders are at an elevation of 197′ above ground. It’s a smooth ride. Visitors can take in views from The Great Wheel’s Observation Deck or they can ride one of two enclosed Ferris wheel cars that have 360° domed glass panels for a more private experience. We always suggest tourists get a private gondola ride.

Hot Air Balloon Ride to 5k Feet With Amazing Seattle Views

For a higher 360-degree epic view of Seattle and the Puget Sound, you’ll want to book a luxury balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning. The hot air balloons fly to almost 5000 feet and offer unbelievable views of the Seattle area. Flights are right around an hour and happen at sunrise and sunset daily from May – Sept. Flights start at $295 per person and include a delicious glass of champagne. Book your flight here

Great Wheel Dinning Experience

One of the most unique dining experiences is having a private dinner in one of the glass cabins on the Wheel. The Seattle Great Wheel private dining experience includes food from The Fisherman’s Restaurant. It’s no Tom Douglas, but It’s a pretty neat view while drinking your red wine and nibbling on your 4-course meal. The dinner on the Wheel is a pre-set menu built for parties of 4. The only downside is there aren’t any substitutions.

Great Wheel Light Show

You can see the Great Wheel light up is kind of cool. It’s free to look at! There are more than 500,000 LED bulbs and are memorizing! Light shows are different based on holidays and during sports games. You can also be super cool and get a custom light show. We have no idea what it costs, but you can learn more by chatting with their office staff at Pier 57 Miners Landing 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

Early Morning Balloon Glow

An amazing light show is seeing a hot air balloon inflate in the dark pre-dawn. The fire illuminates the fabric and makes it glow. It’s really cool.

The perfect date is doing both. Do a morning flight with Seattle Ballooning followed by an evening dinner on the Great Wheel on Pier 57. Folks often have a bunch of additional questions about The Great Wheel. We’ll do our best to answer them all for you!

How long is the Seattle Great Wheel Ride?

The wait time varies based on the size of your group and if you’re loading for specific gondolas. If there are a lot people in Summer, it could take up to 20 minutes before boarding! But during Winter when not as many groups come around, 10-15 minutes is more common. What’s even better? Every turn means three full revolutions worth of fun – so although some times may be a bit longer than usual (10-15 mins), that just gives us an excuse to enjoy another round while we’re waiting!

How much are tickets to go on the Seattle Great Wheel?

You can get your Great Wheel tickets at one of the kiosks, online, or in person! The prices for the Great Wheel are as follows: Youth cost (3-11) $9; Adults cost (12+) $14; Seniors 65+ cost 12$. VIP rides start at 50 dollars.

What are the Seattle Great Wheel LED light shows?

We have colorful light show displays that usually run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from pm-10pm.

Seattle Great Wheel Celebrating special events?

If you are getting married, have a special event, or want to do a baby gender reveal, it’s a pretty good option

What’s Included in the Great Wheel Private Dining?

The Great Wheel Private Dining features food from The Fishermans’s Restaurant and Bar. It’s pretty tasty.  We like fish and chips

What is the pre-set dinner experience on the Great Wheel?

Being that’s it a pre-set dinner, there will be no substitutions or modifications accommodated.

Getting digital downloads of your Great Wheel Ride?

You can access your digital download by entering the 5-digit code on your photo booth paper receipt; or by enter the 10-digit code found above the QR barcode on the photo ticket you were handed after you took your pictures.

How do I download pictures from the Great Wheel Ride?

When your images appear, move the cursor over the picture and click on the download icon.

What precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of your guests?

Every patron is required to wear a mask while on site, as well as practice responsible 6 ft social distancing separation.

What is the Odd Cabin Load Policy?

The odd cabins will be loaded the first ride, sanitized after the group exits, and even cabins loaded the second ride.

How many revolutions can you ride on the Great Wheel?

But as always, every ride is three full revolutions of the wheel.

Can we group up to 6 people per cabin?

Yes. 4 or 6 persons per cabin is fine.

The Museum of Pop

Based in downtown Seattle, The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP as it is more commonly known, was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen with the mission to explore and celebrate pop culture’s impact on society. Today, MoPOP is an organization that has a strong sense of purpose: to use popular art forms from across the world – music, movies, TV shows, books, comics, etc. – to engage audiences in dialogue about creativity and cultural expression. And while you’ll find plenty of exhibits inside the museum are designed for kids aged ten and under (and their parents), many exhibits will appeal much more strongly to adults!

Famous Seattle Musicians

Seattle is home to many famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, and Kurt Cobain. You can learn about the history of Seattle’s music scene at MoPOP with exhibits like “Seattle Music Stories: The Early Years (1950-1970) The Sound That Changed America” or “Jim Morrison’s Legacy.”

The exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture are constantly changing and here for a limited time. There are so many extraordinary musical artists to learn about. If you are going to do a Seattle Museum of Pop tour, you’ll want to make sure to check these out:

Nirvana Taking Punk To The Masses

Nirvana got its start in Seattle and was a revolutionary band in the grunge movement. This exhibit is a celebration of Nirvana’s legacy. It features many rare artifacts from Kurt Cobain’s personal collection, including his journals that he wrote in during their first US tour with Sonic Youth as well some never before seen footage like “Live at Reading.” The exhibition also includes an interactive component. It’s kind of epic. If you are a music nerd and love Seattle’s iconic bands, you’ll want to include this exhibition on your tour of MoPoP.

Pearl Jam Home and Away

Pearl Jam is another iconic Seattle-based band. This Pearl Jam exhibit at MoPoP has it all. You’ll find a replica of the band’s original practice space, which is still in use today. There are also some never-before-seen photos and videos from their early days, as well as an interactive component where you can play drums to “Alive” or sing along with Eddie Vedder on stage at Madison Square Garden (you know that one). Music lovers and music historians are bound to love this part of the MoPoP tour.

Guitar Gallery

The guitar is a simple instrument with complex roots. It has been around for centuries, and there’s no telling what it’ll be used for next! The guitar can trace its origins back to the Middle Ages when one of the earliest known stringed instruments was invented in Europe: The Vihuela. Made from wood or gut strings strung over an oval soundboard that creates vibrations through friction against a flat bridge spanning two arms (or ‘fingers’) at each end, this Spanish ancestor is still played today as part of Flamenco music and other folk traditions throughout Latin America.

Did you know the electric guitar has a lot of hardware? Guests can deepen their understanding by learning about how it works through this detailed infographic. It includes information on pickups, frets, and other parts like the headstock and pickguard!

The MoPoP guitar gallery

The Museum of Pop guitar exhibition features a selection of nearly 20 guitars and presents the instrument’s development throughout history with significant milestones. From Howlin’ Wolf’s 1965 Epiphone Casino to Jerry Cantrell’s 1984 G&L Rampage, it is sure to be an experience for any music enthusiast!

The Seattle gallery also features videos that allow visitors to hear the instruments in action through clips of nearly 30 musicians featured in the exhibition, including Poison Ivy, Slash, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bob Dylan.

Jimmy Hendrix MoPoP Exhibit

Jimmy Hendrix was the best of the best. Also, another Seattle-based musician! His music is still being played today and is timeless. He was born in 1942, which makes him a Leo! Cool huh?

The Jimmy Hendrix Exhibit at MoPop makes music lovers salivate! Jimi Hendrix’s life was short, but he accomplished more in his 27 years than most people could hope for. He lived a transient lifestyle and never stayed anywhere long-term until the last few months of his life when it became evident that Jimi had an illness from which there would be no recovery. In Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad 1966 – 1970, we follow him around Europe, where he toured with Cream before playing some deep blues at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club or meeting The Beatles backstage after one of their shows.

Author John McDermott captures the wild blue angel himself as they travel across London during the late 1960s, looking into Jimi’s time abroad touring between 1969 and September 18th, 1971.

In conclusion, Jimi Hendrix is a rock legend, Pearl Jam is incredible, and who doesn’t remember jamming out to Nirvana. It’s time to get out there, explore the world of pop culture with the Seattle Museum Of Pop. People have a ton of questions about visiting the Seattle Museum of Pop (MoPop). We have all the answers to the most common questions!

Is the Seattle museum of pop culture worth it?

The Museum of Pop (Previously called the EMP) is totally worth it. The cost of admission to MoPOP is only $30. Even if you skip the special exhibits, you’ll have a fantastic experience. Worth it? 10 out of 10

How much does The Museum Of Pop Culture Cost?

The Museum of Pop (MoPOP) tickets cost $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $21 for youth (5-12). You’ll want to get your tickets early and buy them online. Entry times are limited, so please buy them in advance.

How long does the museum of pop culture take?

Touring the Seattle Museum of Pop takes 1.5 -3 hours. If you’re really into pop culture, music, or sci-fi stuff, chances are you’ll be here for five hours! Leave plenty of time to check out the Hedrix exhibit. Entry times are staggered for Covid.

What is EMP called now?

The EMP (Experience Music Project) is now called the Museum of Pop (MoPOP). It’s an excellent Seattle tour, even with the name change!

What did MoPOP used to be called?

MoPOP used to be called the Experience Music Project EMP. Now it is called the Museum of Pop.

Need tickets to The Museum of Pop?

Ready to book your music tour and your tour of the air? Your Seattle visit just got awesome!

The best place to check out sea animals is at the Seattle Aquarium attraction. The best Seattle tour to check out the Seattle sites is on a hot air balloon with Seattle Ballooning. It’s quite the experience. on your hot air balloon tour, you’ll be able to see the entire Puget Sound from the air! Guests often ask us about other cool things to do in Seattle besides hot air ballooning. We think the Seattle Aquarium is pretty cool. If you’re the type of person who likes to get lost in a world full of schools, reefs, and other animal habitats with your kids, then this is definitely one place for family fun!

The Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a place with brilliant visuals, fun staff, and visitors that will keep you entertained for hours. The Seattle Aquarium has been around since 1977, and it hosts over 27 million people each year. They are the ninth largest in America by attendance rate, which also makes them one of the top five paid visitor attractions in Puget Sound and the largest in Washington state! This means there’s always something new coming through because they’re just so great at what they do- education-wise too! Besides being a fantastic attraction, this destination yields educational encounters and makes sure no kid leaves without knowing more about our aquatic friends here on earth; including sharks and turtles (which I think we can all agree need some love).

Their mission is “Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment” and is reflected in everything they do—exhibits that explore the ocean’s depths; events to get people excited about marine life and its conservation; research activities like studying kelp forests.

The Seattle Aquarium is a premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education. Stroll through the Aquarium, or enjoy your newfound knowledge in an interactive class! If you’ve always wanted to know about our world’s one big ocean and Puget Sound, this is the place for you.

Largest Aquarium in the NW

The Seattle Aquarium is the largest public Aquarium in Washington State. The Aquarium is a premier resource for hands-on marine experiences, with more than 500 species of animals representing habitats from around Puget Sound to Antarctica!

In 2007, the Aquarium expanded to included 18k Sq Ft along with a gigantic 120k gallon exhibit. They also added a fantastic gift shop, restaurant, and meeting space. The gift shop has stuffed animals of all your favorite sea life!

The Seattle Aquarium has 10 major exhibits: Birds and Shores, Family Activity Center, Life of a Drifter, Life on the edge, Marine Animals, Tropical Pacific, Puget Sound Fish, Salmon, Under Water Dome, and Window on Washington The most popular exhibit? Marine Mammals!

Marine Mammals

These exhibits, some of our most popular and action-packed, are home to a fabulous assortment of charming and entertaining marine mammals. Plan to stay for a while as you get the chance to meet one or more of our gregarious playful sea otters who love making friends! Or perhaps you’ll find yourself bonding with adorable river otters that are always up for playtime fun? If you are lucky you might get to see an otter pup or an otter training. The harbor seals like their lazy days in the sun but don’t worry—our playful fur seals will have quickly separated themselves from any other seal at this exhibit once they see all those balls waiting for them, so grab your camera because it’s guaranteed these guys won’t disappoint.

Stroll along the shady paths and explore our exhibit to see all sorts of exciting animals. You can watch them swim underwater, on top of the water from a spot at the edge, or while sitting in one of our comfortable seats! Watch as they play around, eat, groom themselves into perfection before going for their daily talk and animal feeding show – it will be an adventure you won’t forget any time soon!

Don’t miss out on the Seattle Aquarium’s newest exhibit, where you’ll get to see three harbor seals! You can enjoy your time with a great view of these friendly creatures from their habitat. The pool is perfect for them, and they also have plenty of space inside so visitors won’t be in the way too much. They even offer seating up to 100 people, which means everyone will definitely find themselves a fabulous spot!

The researchers don’t just work with the animals at the Seattle Aquarium, but populations in the wild. They have distinguished themselves as a top facility with innovative, cutting-edge breeding programs for different animal species!

Bird and Shores

This open-air exhibit highlights habitats along the rough and rocky shorelines of Puget Sound and offers a chance to closely observe today’s bird species. The fresh breeze will be at your face as you breathe in the scent of what is just outside!

Shorebirds are known to be some of the most intelligent birds around, and now you can get a glimpse into their lives with this immersive exhibit. You’ll see alcids make incredible dives while tufted puffins playfully search for food below the surface on these jagged ledges. If that’s not enough entertainment for one day, take your kids out to explore all four habitats – where common murres might dip just under the waterline to find a meal!

The Northwest shoreline is a diverse ecosystem, with many different species of fish and invertebrates. One such creature is the sea anemone – they can be found in tide pools as well as on the floor at depths up to 200 meters below the surface!

Family Activity Center

It’s so cool that you can learn more about killer whales at this educational center. Some people call them orcas, but I think “killer whale” is cooler! The majestic marine wildlife icons of the Pacific Northwest belong to a Southern Resident community group, and they’re local too – we have our own population in Puget Sound! Our Orcas in the NW eat a diet of delicious Chinook salmon.

Life of a Drifter

Did you see the Octopus teacher? That was a remarkable documentary. Imagine the giant Pacific octopus creeping through an aquarium. You can see its many busy arms moving, and you may even get a glimpse of one of their intelligent eyes as they peer back at curious onlookers from either side, glass paneling between the sections it inhabits with ease – there’s no catching these creatures! At Seattle Aquarium, we want to provide Puget Sound visitors like you with up-close views into this mysterious creature’s life in our stunning Giant Pacific Octopus Exhibit.

The Touch Pool

For a hands-on experience, you’ll want to check out the Aquarium’s newest exhibit, “interactive tide pools” – This unique space features interactive exhibits for kids (and adults!) on Puget Sound ecosystems. You can touch sea anemones and hold a sea cucumber. Just be careful of those sea urchins. They are sharp! Due to Covid restrictions, guests may not be able to touch everything in the tide pools.

Underwater Dome

In the Underwater Dome, visitors can get a close-up look at all manner of sea creatures from many different habitats. Window on Washington Waters is home to otters and seals who frolic in their large tanks while they wait for dinner time! The Pacific Coral Reef exhibit showcases various types of fish that live among coral reefs near Hawaii or Australia. Our personal favorite is cuttlefish. They are super cool!

Aquarium Tickets and Booking Information

If you are looking for Aquarium tickets, they start at $26 for non-Washington residents. This tourist attraction is pretty awesome and well worth the money. We suggest booking your tickets online in advance as there are specific time periods. At your time of booking, you’ll find all the information you need.

Ready to book your hot air balloon ride and see the sea animals in the same day?  Do it!

Passengers always ask us what else they should check out while visiting Seattle?

The view from the Space Needle may not be as epic as hot air ballooning by the Cascade Mountains, but it’s a tour you won’t want to miss when visiting Seattle. Here’s a breakdown of the Seattle Space Needle. The Space Needle is an icon of Seattle and one of the most photographed structures in the world. It had its grand opening on April 21, 1962, and stands at 605 feet tall. The landmark symbolizes the innovative spirit with its modern design ahead of its time when it opened back then.

360 degree views

The Seattle Space Needle offers 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. It is an observation tower with a rotating restaurant at its top that rotates to give you different perspectives on your surroundings as it goes around in one hour (or less). The revolving view makes for some fantastic photography opportunities! The restaurant at the top offers an award-winning menu with dishes like pan-seared scallops or grilled beef tenderloin sandwiches that are sure to satisfy your appetite. Most people get into hot air ballooning because it is a ton of fun, and they love the feeling of flying in a balloon. You also don’t have to become a pilot to get involved in ballooning. You can also become part of a hot air balloon crew. Being part of a hot air balloon crew means you’ll help with the setup and takedown of the balloon and be responsible for chasing it from a vehicle! It’s a ton of fun.

Glass Glass and more Glass

The structure’s sleek glass exterior gives way to elegant observation decks looking outward over Puget Sound as well as inward towards downtown Seattle – perfect for viewing exceptional sunsets and rain showers. Who knows, you might even get a glimpse of an orca! There is also a section that is an All-Glass Floor. You’ll want to brave the cold and wind and check out the outdoor observation deck. You’ve never seen a city like this before. From the 520′ high above the ground, you can see the Seattle Center and all of its iconic landmarks. The Space Needle is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Seattle, Washington!

Looking for an even better view of Seattle than the Space Needle?

Book a hot air balloon ride in front of Mt. Rainier with Seattle Ballooning! You’ll go 10 times as high as the Space Needle to almost 5000 feet and get epic views of the whole Seattle area. Seattle Ballooning offers two flights daily at sunrise and sunset. This is a Seattle tour you won’t want to miss!

Next, we’ll run through the most common questions people ask about the Seattle Space Needle. We have answers to them all!

How much does it cost to go to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle?

General Seattle Space Needle tickets range in price from $24.50 to $37.50, depending on age and when you buy them! If you are a senior citizen or have children under 13 years of age, then the prices will be less. The best idea is to book your ticket online.

Why is the Seattle Space Needle Famous?

The World’s Fair was a fantastic time for Seattle, and the Space Needle building is one of the symbols that it left behind. Built in 1962 to help celebrate the fair by hosting its elevators, people used them over 2 million times! To this day, the Space Needle is an icon of Seattle – so take some photos!

Is the Space Needle Worth It?

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic man-made structures in Seattle and should be firmly on any traveler’s bucket list. Is it worth it? Yes. It may not have much historical significance or cultural importance to locals as other tourist spots might, but if you’re visiting from out of town for just a short time, you won’t want to miss it. Between the open-air deck, the rotating deck, and the outdoor deck, you’ll get a pretty amazing experience.

Can you go in the Space Needle?

Yes, you can go up to the top of the Space Needle and walk around the observation deck. You’ll get to go in 1960s style elevators and see Seattle from a new point of view.

How much does it cost to eat at the Space Needle?

At one point, there was a really cool restaurant at the top of the Needle. The SkyCity Restaurant closed in late 2017 as part of the renovations being performed on the Space Needle. Currently, the really cool revolving restaurant a the top of the Space Needle is closed.

What’s at the top of the Space Needle?

The top of the Space Needle has a 360-degree view, and you can see for miles. You’ll be able to look out at Seattle’s skyline from all angles – including views that are usually blocked by other buildings!

How tall is the Seattle Space Needle in Feet?

The Space Needle is a staple of Seattle’s skyline, standing at 605 feet tall and looming over the 74-acre campus.
Families visiting Seattle Center can’t help but feel their heartstrings tug as they gaze up into this majestic tower that soars above everything else in the area. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, visitors get a fantastic view of our great city from 500 ft off the ground.

How long does it take to tour the Space Needle?

The Space Needle is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s worth visiting, but be prepared to spend some time waiting in line. It can take 45 minutes before you actually get to an elevator on the ground floor of the Needle! If possible, try incorporating your visit with Chihuly Museum-that way, you’ll have enough time for both museums since they’re located so close together around Seattle Center.

Are there discount Space Needle tickets?

If you are looking for discount Space Needle tickets, there are lots of options! Child admission is available for youth ages 5-12, and senior entry (ages 65+) are also discounted. They offer military rates for anyone in the party with a military ID! The best way to save is to purchase your tickets online.

Purchasing a timed Space Needle Ticket

You can purchase your timed ticket on a mobile device or on-site at the ticket window. There are literally millions of options to select from to determine the type of ticket you want and when it’s available, so make sure you plan ahead! Admission times are set for every 15 minutes between 8 AM – 10 PM. Still, we recommend getting here early because there is always an overwhelming amount of people who come out, especially around noon and during the prime time, which is in the evening starting after 7 PM.

Can I bring a camera to the Space Needle?

Yes, you are allowed to bring a camera with the purchase of an admission ticket. The best way for visitors of the Space Needle to get photos is by obtaining a tripod or selfie stick. Scratch that… these days, iPhone cameras are pretty good. If you’re just trying to get an excellent photo of the Space Needle views and post it to social media, that’s the route to go.

Take a journey through the breathtaking city of Seattle, and experience the thrill of hot air ballooning with Seattle Ballooning. On this one-of-a-kind date, you will float effortlessly through the crisp, cool air, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Seattle. As you rise higher and higher, the majestic Mount Rainier will come into view, its snowy peak towering above you. The city below will seem like a distant memory; you will only hear the gentle whoosh of the hot air balloon’s burner. Cuddle close to your loved one, feeling the warmth of their body against yours, and watch in awe as the sun sets behind the mountain, casting a golden glow over the landscape. This is a Seattle date you will never forget and one that will leave you feeling truly alive and in love. Book a hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning, and experience the magic of flight together.

Seattle Ballooning is where luxury tour experiences begin. Fly over the treetops and experience amazing views of Mt. Rainier with Seattle’s premier hot air balloon ride company. Seattle Ballooning’s most exquisite flight is their private sunset flight for two, ending with a champagne toast. Start planning your unforgettable Seattle date or book a flight right now.

2. Eat Romantic Dinner at Canlis:

Seattle’s Canlis is the ultimate romantic date destination in the city. The elegant and modern interior, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Seattle, sets the perfect ambiance for a memorable night out on your date.

The hostess greets you with a warm smile and leads you to your table, which is impeccably set with crisp white linens and sparkling crystal glasses. As you take your seat on your date, the waiter arrives with a bottle of champagne, expertly pouring each flute to perfection. The bubbles dance in the glass, inviting you to clink your glasses together and take a sip on your date in Seattle.

The menu is filled with appetizing options, but the foie gras stands out as a must-try on your date in Seattle. Seared to perfection and served with a delightful dollop of cherry compote, it is a treat for the senses on your romantic date in the city. For the main course, the wild king salmon is cooked to a delicate pink and served over a bed of creamy risotto, providing a satisfyingly succulent dining experience on your date in Seattle.

The atmosphere is intimate and romantic on your date in Seattle, and the sips of red wine only enhance the mood. For dessert, the chocolate lava cake is simply divine, rich, and indulgent in all the right ways on your special date in the city. By the end of the meal, you will be completely satisfied and happy, feeling like royalty at Seattle’s closest thing to a Michelin-starred restaurant on your date in the Emerald City.

3. Take A Helicopter Flight:

Sailing high above Seattle, the city bustling below, a helicopter ride can be a thrilling mid-day date idea. With your significant other by your side, taking in the stunning aerial views, the feeling of adventure is palpable. Off the helipad the helicopter lifts, ascending into the sky. Holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes, you can marvel at the beauty of the Emerald City from above. Over iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and the waterfront, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s an experience that will leave you and your date feeling exhilarated and alive.

4. Rent a yacht and crew in Seattle:

As you step aboard the luxurious yacht, you can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The gleaming white hull and towering mast are a sight to behold, and the crisp sea air fills your lungs. You’re greeted by the captain and crew, all of whom are eager to make your experience unforgettable. Sailing out into the open waters, you feel the gentle rocking of the boat and the spray of the sea on your face. The crew expertly navigates the vessel, making smooth turns and adjustments as you glide through the waves. As the sun sets on the horizon, you relax on deck, sipping on a refreshing drink and taking in the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings. This option is expensive and is considered the most expensive date in Seattle, but for those looking to blow 10k for an afternoon of luxury and adventure, it’s well worth it. Experience the most expensive date in Seattle on this luxurious yacht.

5. Wine Tour In Woodinville:

You and your date will be on cloud nine as you embark on your Woodinville, Washington wine tour. As you travel through the stunning vineyards, you’ll be able to soak up the breathtaking views. When you arrive at each winery, the friendly staff will give you the royal treatment as they pour you a glass of their finest vino. You’ll have the chance to sample a wide variety of wines, each with its own unique bouquet. Sipping and savoring these delicious wines will be like music to your taste buds. It’s sure to be a grape experience that you and your date will never forget.

6. Go To The Tallest Restaurant In the City:

As you step into the Columbia Tower Club, you are reminded of why you married your partner. The sweeping views of Seattle from the 76th floor make you feel grateful for the life you have built together. You can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement as you make your way to your table.

Your conversation is easy and effortless, and you are struck by how well you still know each other after all these years. You reminisce about old memories and make plans for your future. As you dine on delicious food and sip on champagne, you are reminded of why you fell in love with your partner all those years ago.

The atmosphere of the Columbia Tower Club is perfect for a romantic evening, and you will be grateful to be able to share this experience with the love of your life. As the night comes to an end, you know that this date will go down in your memory as one of the most romantic evenings of your marriage. You can’t wait to plan your next date and continue building your life together. Maybe the next time go higher…a hot air balloon ride in front of Mt. Rainier feels right!

7. Secret Speak Easy:

There are 7 fantastic secret luxury bars. Bring your pocket squares and bowties. It’s going to be classy. www.thrillist.com/drink/seattle/secretest-bars-in-seattle

8. Space Needle Restaurant:

Soak in the sunset over the mountains. Enjoy the twinkling lights of downtown with SkyCity’s rotating panorama. www.spaceneedle.com Learn all about the Space Needle here.

9. Sideline Seating Experience At Lumen Field

You’re sitting on the sidelines of a Seattle Seahawks game, the roar of the crowd filling your ears. The energy in the stadium is electric, and you can feel the excitement coursing through your veins. But as much fun as it is to be here, you can’t help but think that this is only a good date idea if your partner or date is a football fan. Otherwise, you might be better off taking them on a hot air balloon ride instead!

10. Book An Airbnb And A Private Chef:

Booking an airbnb in Seattle for a date night can be a great way to experience the city in a unique and intimate setting. Many Airbnbs in Seattle offer cozy and charming homes perfect for a romantic getaway. Once you’ve booked your airbnb, you can consider hiring a private chef to come and cook a delicious meal for you and your partner. Private chefs in Seattle can provide a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Northwest cuisine to international flavors. With a private chef, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in the comfort of your airbnb, making for a truly special and memorable date night.

Editor’s note: This blog post originally posted in March of 2016 has been updated for content