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Top 20 Things To Do in Seattle
Discover Seattle's must-see attractions and highly-rated experiences. Our expertly curated guide helps you plan the perfect visit with insider recommendations and traveler favorites.
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Seattle Travel Guide
Seattle captivates visitors with its stunning Pacific Northwest setting, where snow-capped mountains meet sparkling Puget Sound in a city that perfectly balances urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. Explore the iconic Pike Place Market with its fish-throwing vendors and the original Starbucks, visit the futuristic Space Needle for panoramic views, and discover world-class art at museums like the Museum of Pop Culture designed by Frank Gehry. Wander through diverse neighborhoods like Capitol Hill with its vibrant music scene and Ballard with its trendy restaurants and breweries. Seattle's coffee culture is legendary, while the city's food scene ranges from fresh Pacific Northwest seafood to innovative farm-to-table restaurants reflecting the region's abundant local ingredients. The surrounding natural beauty offers easy escapes—from ferry rides to scenic islands and national parks with old-growth forests to day trips to Mount Rainier. With its creative energy, environmental consciousness, and stunning natural setting, Seattle embodies the best of Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
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Top 20 Ranked
Best Attractions in Seattle
Our expertly curated list of the top experiences, tours, and attractions based on traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
Mt Rainier Private Tour Experience in SUV
5 (27)
Visit Mount Rainier National Park on this full-day tour. See waterfalls, old-growth forests, flowering meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat. This experience on Mount Rainier makes your expected stops — but also ventures off the beaten path, with fantastic views and vistas, waterfalls, and park grounds. Walk or don't walk, you get the option. This tour travels all the way around Mount Rainier, and the different landscapes are fantastic. Four stops for trail walks and/or waterfalls are included. May, June and late Oct, may have snow at Paradise, roads will be clear, but may need to return same route, and we've added extra walks if this happens.
#2
Top Rated
Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle
5 (15)
Private tour for 2-5 guests. SUMMER: Visit Mount Rainier National Park on this full-day tour. See waterfalls, old-growth forests, flowering meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat. This experience on Mount Rainier makes your expected stops — but also ventures off the beaten path, with fantastic views and vistas, waterfalls, and park grounds. This tour travels all the way around Mount Rainier, and the different landscapes are fantastic. Four stops for trail walks and/or waterfalls are included. FALL AND WINTER: MAY HAVE SNOW!
#3
Top Rated
Deception Pass Bridge Island Tour from Seattle
5 (7)
Private Experience only for you We are different. We love our customers and our Pacific Northwest Stop and walk across Deception Pass Bridge Collect rocks at the beach, a local favorite past time Visit historic Coupeville and the first pier on Puget Sound Ferry ride to get back to the mainland
#4
Top Rated
Seattle Cruise Excursion: Private Grand City Tour
5 (5)
Make the most of your time before, after, or while in port in Seattle with this private tour of the city's must-see highlights including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the Ballard Locks and Queen Anne Hill. Visit local art galleries, sip coffee at the original Starbucks, and whiz up to the top of the Space Needle if you wish for incredible 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. You'll learn all about the history of Seattle from your guide as you travel by van, making stops along the way to explore by foot and discover the best in food, shopping and entertainment. By the end of this private shore excursion, you’ll know Seattle like a local!
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#5
Top Rated
Viator Exclusive - Half Day Mountain Bike Tour from Seattle
5 (3)
Join a mountain bike tour with an instructor certified bike guide! With a guest to guide ratio of 4:1, you'll be sure to get focused guiding on your small group tour. Explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest in a way that most travelers don't get to!
#6
Top Rated
Native Culture - Suquamish and Chief Seattle
5 (3)
Start the day with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, visit Chief Seattle's grave, and visit the Suquamish Indians Museum and views of Puget Sound. A very informative cultural experience.
#7
Top Rated
Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in Seattle
5 (3)
Flytographer Private Vacation Photo Shoot Connect with a local hand-picked professional photographer in Seattle and capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Seattle, including where to eat & what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir ever. We specialize in: - honeymoons - family trips - engagements - anniversaries - romantic getaways - multi-generational trips - babymoons - solo travellers - and just because! With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Flytographer is the global leader in vacation photography and has captured over 3 million memories for travellers across six continents. We’ve been featured across A-list media, including Conde Nast Traveler, Oprah, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, New York Times, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Magazine, Elle, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Huffington Post, & many more.
#8
From Seattle - Enchanting Mt Baker and Cascades Tour in SUV
3 (6)
Almost a permanent sight from anywhere in this part of Washington State, Mount Baker’s brilliant white peak looms over the area like a beacon of snowbound light. Discover the rugged beauty of the Mt Baker on this full-day trip. Travel aboard a comfortable van through historic towns to reach the park, where you’ll be amazed by supersized natural wonders. Take an optional hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the nature's wonders on your own as well as with the guide. This tour will have a maximum of 14 travelers per van We can also ensure that all travelers are from only one group/party if needed.
#9
Top Rated
Seattle Showdown Scavenger Hunt
5 (3)
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
#10
Top Rated
Seattle Private Lake Union Cruise
5 (2)
1 Hour Private Tour on Lake Union - 14 person capacity (1 group) Spend an hour cruising by Gas Works Park, past the floating homes and enjoy a relaxing cruise around Lake Union. Great for a date night or a friends’ evening out on the water, Mocha is a 26ft open boat with unobstructed views of downtown and the Space Needle. Bring your own light snacks and drinks for this engaging experience on the water.
#11
Top Rated
Seattle Arrival Private Transport by Executive Sedan
5 (1)
Private transfers provide a terrific way to get between the airport and your hotel. There's no waiting in taxi lines or making multiple shuttle stops. There's just the relaxed and stress-free transportation of a late-model vehicle and a professional chauffeur that will get you safely to your destination.
#12
Top Rated
Waterfall Wonderland Hike with Transport
5 (1)
"The mountains are calling and I must go." ~ John Muir If you've ever felt the pull of the mountains or a need to get into nature - we get you. We feel the pull every day which is why we wanted to create an opportunity to share the beauty and experience of nature with you. We know that each person is different - perhaps the roar of a waterfall soothes your soul. Or the quiet stillness of the deep forest brings you peace. Or perhaps you love the physical challenge of the trail. You traveled to Seattle because you heard stories of it's beauty - of the land and water. We take care to craft the perfect hike that will be the highlight of your trip. Wallace Falls is a delicate balance of the awesome power of water that helped carve the landscape, and the peacefulness of our Washington forests full of ferns and moss.
#13
Top Rated
Mount Pilchuck Fire Lookout Hike near Seattle
5 (1)
Discover the beauty of the Northwest on a hike to Mount Pilchuck Fire Lookout. This stunning hike boasts panoramic views of the Cascades, Olympics and Puget Sound.
#14
Top Rated
Private Cascade Mountains and Waterfalls Tour from Seattle
4.8333335 (6)
See two fantastic waterfalls both within feet from the parking area, and a fun touristy Bavarian village where you will have lunch on your own. YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE this tour to take out Leavenworth and add in a 2 hour low moderate trail in the cascade foothills in the Snoqualmie area.
#15
Sky bound Adventures Snohomish Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
4.6363635 (11)
Experience the beauty of a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride! Soar high at dawn for stunning views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and drift gently over the lush Snohomish Valley. The soft morning light creates perfect conditions for photography as you float above treetops, farmland, and the winding Snohomish River. After your peaceful flight, enjoy a post-flight celebration to toast your adventure, plus a keepsake pendant to remember your experience. With group sizes limited for comfort, you'll receive personalized service and a more intimate ride. Who would love this ride? Couples – Looking for a romantic and unique experience. Nature Lovers – Those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of floating over the landscape. Adventure Seekers – For people craving a thrilling yet tranquil experience that lets them soar high above the world. Special Occasion Celebrants –Birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestone events. Book today for a memorable morning in the skies.
#16
Seattle Full Day W/ All Major Attractions Small Group Tour
4.7391305 (23)
Discover Seattle, the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest! Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, this vibrant city blends natural beauty with urban energy. Sip the world’s most famous coffee at Pike Place Market, ride to the top of the iconic Space Needle, and marvel at Dale Chihuly’s stunning glass creations. Wander historic Pioneer Square, explore the futuristic Amazon Spheres, and soak up panoramic city and mountain views from the Sky View Observatory. With art, culture, tech, and food around every corner, Seattle is a city that dazzles at every turn!
#17
Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour
4.75 (4)
Our local knowledgeable guides, with years of experience will take you on an incredible journey through the Elliot Bay. You will experience and unbeatable Seattle skyline view overlooking the sound. We are located minutes away from our sandy Alki Beach. There will be beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges as well as a chance to see marine wildlife.
#18
Seattle Private Grand City Highlights Tour
4.470588 (17)
Get up close and personal to the Emerald City on this private sightseeing tour of Seattle’s highlights. On this personalized tour, decide between must-see attractions including Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and the Ballard Locks, as well as Chinatown and other diverse neighborhoods that give Seattle its character. Choose from popping into local art galleries, grabbing coffee from the original Starbucks, browsing the vendors at Pike Place, or soaking up sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains from the iconic Space Needle (admission not included). Your private guide will provide commentary on the sights while showing you the best places for food, shopping and entertainment. By the end of the tour, you’ll know Seattle like a local!
#19
5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour
4 (7)
Enjoy Seattle's attraction in downtown as well as suburbs.This tour explores the best of Puget Sound Area including falls, parks and beaches. This tour will have a maximum of 5 travelers per SUV (Honda Pilot) This trip will have a maximum of 14 people per VAN (For Transit)
#20
Seattle: Pike Place Market Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
4 (1)
You can tour anyway you want with Pintours. Find The World's Best Tours In Your Pocket! Do your favorite tours led by your favorite guides, like Matt Chatta, and others all on your smartphone! We offer the lowest prices on tours, are available 24/7, and are 100% COVID safe! Our tours are fully customizable and personalized to you. With many options like Unlimited Uber Pass, and private luxury chauffeurs - you can tour any way you want with Pintours.
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tours cost in Seattle?
Tours in Seattle range from $5 to $1287, with an average price of $372. The highest-rated tour is "Mt Rainier Private Tour Experience in SUV" at 5 stars.
What are the best experiences in Seattle?
Our guide features 20 top experiences in Seattle, averaging 4.7 stars across 146 reviews. The top-rated is "Mt Rainier Private Tour Experience in SUV".
When is the best time to visit Seattle?
The ideal time to visit Seattle depends on your preferences. Plan your trip with Plan Harmony to organize all your activities and make the most of your visit.
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