Start your trip at Pike Place Market, Seattle's famous public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront. Here you'll find a variety of fresh produce, crafts, and local street performers. Make sure to check out the original Starbucks and the iconic "Rachel the Pig" sculpture.
Visit two of Seattle’s iconic landmarks, the Space Needle and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. The Space Needle offers an observation deck with panoramic views of the city, while the Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the intricate and colorful glass sculptures of artist Dale Chihuly.
The Seattle Art Museum houses a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, as well as rotating exhibits. Just a short walk away is the Olympic Sculpture Park, a free public park with large sculptures and stunning views of the Puget Sound.
Explore Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, Pioneer Square, for its historic architecture and art galleries. Take an “underground tour” to see the remnants of the city's early days that are buried underneath the streets.
Take a break from the city and visit Discovery Park for hiking, beachcombing, and birdwatching. Then head to the Ballard Locks to see boats being raised and lowered in and between the freshwater ship canal and Puget Sound.
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates music, science fiction, and popular culture through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia, including the world's largest collection of Jimi Hendrix memorabilia.
The Woodland Park Zoo has over 1,000 animals, including elephants, gorillas, and penguins. Afterwards, head to nearby Green Lake for a stroll around the lake, a picnic, or some paddle boating.
The Museum of Flight offers a fascinating look into the history and future of aviation, with over 150 aircraft and spacecraft on display, including a Concorde and the original Boeing 747.
See a variety of marine life, including an octopus, sharks, and sea otters at the Seattle Aquarium, then take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Waterfront Park.
Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for a day of exploring. Walk through the charming downtown, visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, hike through the Bloedel Reserve gardens, and enjoy the scenic views of Puget Sound.
Seattle is a walkable city, but for longer distances, consider using their buses, trains, and ferries. One-way fares on buses and trains cost $2.75 (or $3.25 during peak hours), and daily passes are available for $8. Ferries are a great way to explore the surrounding islands, with fares ranging from $7-14 depending on the route. Taxis and ride-share services are also available for an average cost of $20 for short trips.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park or the San Juan Islands. In less time, skip some of the activities on the itinerary and spend more time in the places that interest you the most. Additionally, to save on costs, consider purchasing a CityPASS which includes admission to several of the attractions on the itinerary, and taking advantage of the many free activities available like hiking and visiting public parks.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located about 12 miles south of downtown Seattle. It is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region and serves dozens of airlines with flights to domestic and international destinations. Sea-Tac Airport can be accessed via public transportation, taxi, or ride-share services.