Spending a weekend on Puget Sound in the great city of Seattle is a wonderful way to unwind and recharge your batteries. Spend a few days sightseeing or just wandering through the bustling streets. Join an informative walking tour or maybe hits the shops.
Seattle is surrounded by the natural beauty of the forests, mountains, and sea. Take a day and check out the parks found throughout Seattle if the weather is nice. Pack a picnic and breathe the fresh air of the mountains or the evergreen forests.
This exciting destination is also home to fun attractions like the iconic Space Needle and its rotating observation deck and restaurant. While you are out and about in Seattle, travel light. Leave your shopping bags and backpacks with a luggage storage service for safekeeping.
Space Needle
You cannot visit Seattle without seeing this famous spire, towering along the city’s skyline. Rising 605 feet, the Space Needle has a fantastic rotating restaurant. This landmark was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has been a must-see tourist attraction ever since.
The observation deck offers incredible views of the entire city as well as the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay, Mount Baker, and Mount Rainier. You will feel the intense wind that Seattle experiences when stepping out on the observation deck.
Pike Place Market
Spend a few hours exploring the oldest public farmers’ market in Seattle. Pike Place Market opened in 1907 and overlooks Elliott Bay. The market consists of several levels, each level home to unique shops that beg to be discovered.
The market sees over 10 million visitors each year, so when you visit expect a crowd. Wander through the shops, enjoy some of the tasty samples offered, and then sit down at one of the restaurants for a delicious meal.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Head over to the Seattle Center and learn more about glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit was opened in 2012 at the former Fun Forest Amusement Park and showcased much of Chihuly’s work in three different areas:
- Interior Exhibits
- The Garden
- The Glasshouse
Chihuly Garden and Glass offers a glimpse into the genius of this glass master. Step inside the Glasshouse and view one of the largest suspended sculptures created by Chihuly. At 100 feet in length, it is an absolute must-see.
Museum of Pop Culture
This nonprofit museum is dedicated to contemporary pop culture and was founded by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, in 2000. It began as the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and quickly grew into a popular culture museum.
MoPOP, as it is commonly known throughout Seattle, is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. Visit during Sound Off, the annual battle-of-the-bands for 21 and under bands. Experience enjoyable concerts of up-and-coming artists in the Seattle area.
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Seattle Art Museum created the Olympic Sculpture Park as a way to bring the arts outdoors for all to enjoy. The park opened in 2007 and encompasses 9 acres that include a beach, outdoor sculpture museum, and an indoor pavilion.
It is free to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park. Check out the permanent exhibits as well as the temporary or traveling sculptures that rotate each month. Works by Regina Silveira, Victoria Haven, and Spencer Finch have been showcased.
Sky View Observatory
Located at the Columbia Center, the Sky View Observatory is a marvelous experience that many visitors to Seattle take in. Ride the elevator to the 73rd floor and look out over downtown Seattle for social media-worthy photos.
The 73rd floor is 902 feet high and is one of the tallest public viewing platforms in the Pacific Northwest. Get glimpses of Mount Rainier, Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay, and the Space Needle.
Sign up for a private viewing that lasts about an hour and can accommodate up to five people. Your weekend trip to Seattle won’t be complete without a trip to the Sky View Observatory.
Seattle Harbor Cruise
Hosted by Seattle Locks Cruise, the Seattle Harbor Cruise is the ideal way to see more of the landmarks of the city when you are on a shortened timeline. Seattle Locks Cruises have been operating since 1949 and offer fantastic tours throughout the year.
You will be able to view Mount Rainier, the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle, just to name a few landmarks. Your captain will regale you with tales of the city and keep you entertained during the entire cruise.
The Seattle Great Wheel
This giant Ferris wheel is located at Pier 57 and stands 175 feet high. In 2012, when it opened, the Seattle Great Wheel was the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast. It is still listed as one of the tallest in the United States.
There are over 500,000 LED lights that illuminate the Seattle Great Wheel and every weekend you can enjoy amazing light shows. You do not want to miss the spectacular Technicolor shows that light up Elliott Bay.
If you want to ride the Seattle Great Wheel while you are here for your weekend trip, get your tickets online early. It is a popular tourist attraction.
Walking Tours
The absolute best way to get to know a new city in a short amount of time is to sign up for a walking tour. Many companies offer themed tours such as foodie tours, history tours, Seattle 101 tours, Market tours, pub crawls, and so on.
Search for walking tours that interest you so you can get to know the city without getting lost or wasting time. Some tour companies do charge a fee, especially if food or drink is involved, but there are several free walking tours in Seattle you can enjoy.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring your sense of adventure when you sign up for a walking tour. Remember to tip your guide when the tour has concluded, especially if it is a free tour.
Plan your next weekend trip to Seattle and enjoy this bustling city filled with intriguing landmarks, iconic viewing platforms, and amazing shops and restaurants. Since you are only here for a few days, get your tickets for attractions online early to avoid long lines. Make the most of your weekend getaway to this fun destination.
Resources:
https://seattlegreatwheel.com/
https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
https://www.skyviewobservatory.com/
