Popular Things To Do In Seattle, Washington

Right in the northwest corner of the United States, Seattle is a bright, clean city surrounded by epic Washington landscapes. It offers an ideal combination for city lovers who don't like to be too far from outdoor activities. Many of the most popular things to do in Seattle involve light exercise or simply exploring the area in the crisp Pacific Northwest air.

City Walking Tours

Walking is one of the best ways to explore Seattle. Choose between organized walking tours at around $20 per person in 2010, or picking up tourist maps with marked routes and attractions. Some walking tours are particularly ideal for getting some exercise while seeing the city. See-Seattle, for example, arranges scavenger hunts and scrambles that combine sightseeing, problem-solving and racing.

Pike Place Market

Dating back to 1907, Seattle's Pike Place Market is the oldest farmer's market in continuous operation in the country. Market fishmongers hurl large fresh fish to each other in flamboyant displays. Much of the fish is caught in Pacific Northwest waters. Oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, and can potentially help aid heart problems, strokes and brain function, according to Harvard Medical School. In addition to fresh fish, the market offers locally produced vegetables and delicacies, as well as bars, restaurants, shops and a movie theater. Spending a few hours or more exploring the market and tasting some local produce is one of the top attractions in Seattle.

Cycling and Jogging

Seattle has lots of marked paths and tracks that are popular with joggers and cyclists. The Burke-Gilman trail, north of downtown Seattle, winds along the banks of the Lake Washington Ship Canal through shaded wooded paths. Local bike shops provide road, hybrid and mountain bikes for hire. Recycled Bikes, a company recommended by the Department of Mathematics at the University of Washington, loans bikes at $20 for six hours (as of 2010).

Seattle Center

The original site for the 1962 World's Fair, the Seattle Center is still full of cultural and tourist attractions. The center covers 74 acres of ground, so exploring it is a good way to exercise in itself. A year-round program of events, festivals, exhibitions, music, opera, theater and ballet make it the perfect place to expand the mind.

Hiking

Washington State is home to some of America's most striking mountain scenery. But many light hiking trails are accessible within Seattle city limits, or an hour from downtown. Washington Park Arboretum covers 230 acres full of cultivated trees, flowers and plants. The park is large enough to hike for hours. Maps are available at the Graham Visitors Center. Alternatively, try Seattle's largest park, Discovery Park. A little further out of town is Mount Si and Little Si, both of which offer more challenging trails for experienced hikers.