Things to Do
Looking for fun things to do in Seattle? Some of the best things to do in Seattle are in Seattle Southside!
Seattle Activities
Choose Your Adventure from these Popular Seattle Activities
Sightseeing
New to town? Looking for something cool to do? Here’s a list of places new (and old) that are worth exploring. Or, see it all with a guided tour.
We are Crushin’ on Washington Wine
August is one of two (yes, two!) Washington Wine Months, and we're in a mood to celebrate! Did you know…
Attractions
When you make Seattle Southside your home base, you’ll be in the center of all the fun, whether you want to explore the outdoors, go indoor skydiving, hit the largest shopping center…
Family Fun
Get ready to immerse yourselves in the captivating world of Seattle Southside, where fun takes on a whole new creative dimension.
Seattle Southside Travel Update Newsletter
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter today for helpful travel information, planning inspiration, and access to special offers from Seattle Southside hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Day Trips
Explore Seattle for a day or two or three. Staying in Seattle Southside puts you in the perfect position to explore the Pacific Northwest.
11 Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do Indoors in Seattle Southside
With the change in weather, we’re all going to need some great ideas for indoor activities and things to do…
Seattle Southside Scenes
Seattle Southside Scenes explores the art, culture, and history of the Seattle Southside region. As one of the most unique areas in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Southside is filled with public art…
Family Dining in Seattle Southside
We often brag on our incredible international dining scene here in Seattle Southside, but what about when you need to…
Strange and Fascinating Facts about Seattle Southside
Seattle Southside may seem like an ordinary region on the outside, but scratch the surface a little and you'll find…
Best Places to See Mt. Rainier in Seattle Southside
When Mt. Rainier is visible, you can hear locals say cheerily to one another, "The Mountain's out!" When Mount Rainier…
Seattle Southside is Perfectly Placed
The cities of Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines together make up Seattle Southside.
Just 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle with quick easy access to Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), freeways and light rail stations.
Tukwila
In need of retail therapy? This community features more than five million square feet of shopping, from high-end buys, discount steals, household goods, boutique finds, beauty trends, outdoor gear, and more.
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Des Moines
The boating capital of the Pacific Northwest offers six miles of shoreline, public beaches, waterfront parks, fishing piers and top-notch restaurants—all within close proximity to downtown Seattle.
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SeaTac
Surrounding the airport, this city is a great place to rest and get a bite to eat. With over 30 hotels, you'll find the perfect accommodations to fit your travel style.
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Seattle Activities All Yearlong
All Our Fall Favorites
Summer sun lingers into fall here in Seattle Southside, where bright red, orange and yellow leaves contrast against Washington's signature conifers and crisp, sunny days are complemented by the cool, drizzly periods…
Top Things to Do in the Summer
Summer in Seattle Southside offers a unique and captivating experience that showcases the region's best side.
Top Things to Do in the Winter
From the snowy Cascades to quiet coastal beaches, winter brings an exciting new twist on things to do across the Seattle Southside region. And, since the Pacific Northwest is synonymous with outdoor…
Top Things to Do in the Spring
It feels good to get outside! Spring brings clear and sunny weather mixed with clouds and rain – and the occasional warm, sunny days that hint at the glorious summer that will…
Fun Seattle Facts
The Space Needle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seattle. Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, this unique structure is 605 feet tall and can be seen from miles away. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for stunning views of the city, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountain range to the west, and the Cascade Mountain range to the east.
Located on the Seattle Waterfront, Pike Place Market is a historic market that has been open for business since 1907. It's home to some of Seattle's most popular restaurants and shops, and is a great place to people watch. Plan on leaving with a bag of fresh fruit, vegetables, pastries, and a few souvenirs to remember your visit. This is the place where you can see fish thrown around by the fish mongers.
Seattle Ferries are another popular attraction in Seattle. The ferries connect downtown Seattle to a number of islands in Puget Sound and offer wonderful views of the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier. Visitors can take a ferry ride to popular day-trip destinations that include Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, Vashon Island, and Bremerton. Each island has it's own special character that include charming walkable downtown areas for shopping, bike paths, beautiful gardens, beaches, farm-to-table restaurants, and wine tasting.
The Museum of Flight is a must-see for aviation fans. The museum is home to a wide variety of aircraft, from historical planes to NASA's Space Shuttle Full Fuselage Trainer. Visitors can explore the history of flight and learn about the latest advancements in aviation technology.
Mt. Rainier is a 14,411 ft. high active volcano and regional icon that offers majestic scenic views from every direction. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center to experience and learn more about this treasure of a National Park that offers hiking trails, camping, and unlimited beauty. Mt. Rainier's last major eruption was in 1894.
Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA), located in Seattle Southside, is the gateway for visiting the Pacific Northwest. With the ocean (Puget Sound) on one side and Mt. Rainier and the majestic Cascade mountains on the other, there is no shortage of adventures to be had in our region, including wine tasting, visiting train museums, dining at any of the numerous international restaurants, and exploring the dramatic natural, rugged beauty of Washington state.
Center your compass on Seattle Southside where there are over 60 hotels to choose from and venture out in any direction to experience lush, green parks, culturally diverse neighborhoods and popular tourist attractions. Be sure to sign up for our Travel Update Newsletter for the latest monthly updates on the best things to see and do in and around Seattle.
FAQs about the Best Attractions in Seattle
What are the top sights in Seattle?
For high-up city views, the most popular vantage points are the Space Needle, Columbia Tower, and Smith Tower. Hop on over to Kerry Park for one of the best spots overlooking the city to take a photo. Other top sights include The Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Pike Place Market, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), Seattle Art Museum (SAM), Ballard Locks, Snoqualmie Falls, The Museum of Flight, Des Moines Beach Park, Bainbridge Island, and Mt. Rainier.
What is the most visited place in Seattle?
The Space Needle in downtown Seattle was constructed especially for the 1962 World's Fair and is the most iconic symbol of the city. Each year the Space Needle has an average of 1.3 million visitors. In 1962 it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi at 605 feet.
Is 3 days enough time to see Seattle?
You couldn't possibly see EVERYTHING that Seattle has to offer in 3 days, but if that's what you're working with, then its just enough time to get acquainted. Our Suggested Seattle Itineraries may be just what you're looking for to map out your adventure.