Seattle offers a diverse array of activities and sites for tourists. This city has a wide range of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures that highlight its unique geography and history. The combination of water and mountains provide a number of healthy activities for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Space Needle
This iconic structure was first built in 1962 for the World's Fair but has since become a symbol of Seattle. Visitors can go up to the Observation Deck for a unique view of the city. It is open every day until 11:30 p.m. This allows tourists to see the city by day or lit up at night. It is also home to the SkyCity Restaurant, which has great views and rotates 360 degrees each hour. The Space Needle remains Seattle's top tourist destination.
Pike Place Market
This innovative and diverse market has been called the "Soul of Seattle." On 9 acres in central Seattle, Pike Place Market has been a popular destination since 1907. It is home to a farmers market, restaurants, businesses and crafts stalls. There are more than 100 farmers who rent space, nearly 200 craftsmen, and several hundred street performers and musicians. A popular stall is the fish stand where workers toss freshly caught seafood such as Dungeness crab and salmon. The farmers market also offers a variety of local organic produce and regional favorites like Ranier cherries. More than 10 million tourists visit this market annually. It is open daily.
Alki Beach
This park and beach is located across the bay from downtown Seattle on Elliott Bay. Alki Beach was the site of the landing of the first settlers in Seattle in 1851. It features unique views of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. A two-and-a-half mile bike path stretches along the beach and is perfect for jogging or in-line skating. This park has fire pits, volleyball nets and picnic sites. There is also a rental facility for kayaks or paddle boards, which can be used right off the beach.
Whale Watching
The Pacific Northwest is home to a variety of sea life. Near Seattle, you can view orca whales. Leaving from Seattle's harbor, ferries offer trips toward the San Juan Island to observe these killer whales. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides. Trips last for three hours and are run daily from April through October. There is a 95 percent chance that you will will see whales on your tour.
Green Lake
This urban lake is a beloved park. It is a mixture of water and green space set over 300 acres. Visitors can run or skate along the nearly three-mile path, relax at the beach, go boating, windsurf, or play tennis or a number other sports. There is a rental facility that offers sailboats, kayaks, paddle boats and more.
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