Seattle Map With Attractions
Introduction
Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is one of the most vibrant cities in the Pacific Northwest. From its iconic Space Needle to its bustling Pike Place Market, the city offers a wide range of attractions to visitors. But there’s much more to Seattle than just the tourist hotspots. This travel guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Seattle like a local!
Top Attractions
Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit attraction for first-time visitors. Standing at 605 feet, the observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can also dine at the SkyCity restaurant, which rotates 360 degrees, or take a thrilling ride on the Space Needle’s new glass-bottomed observation deck.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s oldest and most famous farmers’ market. The market is home to dozens of food vendors, artisan shops, and street performers. Be sure to stop by the original Starbucks and watch the fishmongers throw fish at Pike Place Fish Market.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a must-visit for music and pop culture enthusiasts. The museum features exhibits on rock and roll, science fiction, and other pop culture icons. Be sure to check out the iconic Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana exhibits.
Hidden Gems
Kubota Garden
Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese garden located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. The garden features streams, waterfalls, and ponds, and is home to over 60 species of plants native to Japan. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and a great place to relax and unwind.
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a former gasification plant turned park located in the Wallingford neighborhood. The park offers stunning views of Lake Union and downtown Seattle, and is a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and watching the seaplanes take off and land.
Seattle Pinball Museum
The Seattle Pinball Museum is a hidden gem for pinball enthusiasts. The museum features over 50 vintage pinball machines, dating back to the 1960s. Visitors can play as many games as they want for a flat fee, and the museum also offers guided tours and pinball repair classes.
Food Scene
Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder has been named the best chowder in the country multiple times, and for good reason. The chowder is made with fresh, local ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors, including classic New England clam chowder and spicy seafood bisque.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a Seattle institution, known for its award-winning cheeses and mac and cheese. The cheese is made on-site and can be sampled in the cheese shop. Be sure to try the famous “World’s Best” mac and cheese, made with Beecher’s flagship cheese.
Shiro’s Sushi
Shiro’s Sushi is a must-visit for sushi lovers. The restaurant is owned by Shiro Kashiba, a master sushi chef who trained under Jiro Ono, the subject of the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. The omakase (chef’s choice) menu is a culinary experience not to be missed.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Many of Seattle’s museums offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month, including the Museum of History and Industry, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Check the museum’s websites for more information.
Happy Hour Deals
Many of Seattle’s restaurants and bars offer happy hour specials on food and drinks. Some notable happy hour deals include $1 oysters at The Walrus and the Carpenter and $7 cocktails at Canon.
Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is a stunning architectural marvel and a great place to spend a rainy day. The library offers free Wi-Fi and computer access, as well as free events and workshops for all ages.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking on Lake Union
Kayaking on Lake Union is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can rent kayaks from several locations around the lake, including Agua Verde Paddle Club and Northwest Outdoor Center.
Hiking in Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park and offers miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, and beaches. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and coyotes.
Biking the Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a 27-mile multi-use trail that runs from Seattle to the suburb of Bothell. The trail offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, and is a popular spot for biking, walking, and running.
Family-Friendly Activities
Seattle Children’s Museum
The Seattle Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum designed for children ages 10 and under. The museum features exhibits on science, art, and culture, and offers daily programs and workshops for children and families.
Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, including tigers, gorillas, and penguins. The zoo offers daily animal feedings, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is located on the waterfront and features exhibits on marine life from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Visitors can touch sea stars and anemones in the touch tank, watch sea otters play, and see the giant Pacific octopus up close.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a public art installation located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. The troll is made of concrete and steel and is over 18 feet tall. It’s a popular spot for photos and a quirky piece of Seattle history.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is located on the waterfront and is one of Seattle’s oldest and most unique shops. The shop features oddities and curiosities from around the world, including shrunken heads, mummies, and two-headed animals.
Underground Tour
The Seattle Underground Tour takes visitors beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to explore the city’s original storefronts and sidewalks. The tour offers a fascinating look at Seattle’s history and architecture.
Natural Wonders
Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier is a 14,411-foot active volcano located southeast of Seattle. The mountain is part of the Cascade Range and is home to glaciers, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes. Visitors can hike, ski, and snowshoe on the mountain, or simply enjoy the stunning views from a distance.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula and offers a diverse range of landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and beaches. The park is home to over 70 miles of coastline, as well as wildlife such as elk and black bears.
San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are a group of islands located in the Salish Sea, north of Seattle. The islands offer stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Crocodile
The Crocodile is a legendary music venue located in the Belltown neighborhood. The club has hosted countless famous bands and musicians over the years, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and R.E.M.
The Triple Door
The Triple Door is a dinner theater located in downtown Seattle. The venue features live music, comedy, and burlesque shows, as well as a full menu of food and drinks.
Canon
Canon is a cocktail bar located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The bar has won numerous awards for its innovative cocktails, and features over 3,500 bottles of spirits from around the world.
Local Markets
Ballard Farmers’ Market
The Ballard Farmers