Things To Do In Seattle
Local Favorites and Top Things to Do for First Time Visitors
Seattle Southside is the perfect home base from which to explore all four points of the compass in the Pacific Northwest. Eat, play, stay, and venture forth from Seattle Southside.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Seattle or you’re a local looking for staycation ideas or new experiences to add to your bucket list, we’ve put together a list of just a few of the fun things to do in Seattle to help you plan the perfect trip. Our list includes iconic Seattle “must-dos” as well as some local secrets you won’t find in most travel guides.
In addition, look for links to memorable day trips, suggested itineraries and our picks on where to stay in Seattle.
Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA), located in Seattle Southside, is the gateway for visiting Washington. 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 touring wineries and exploring the dramatic natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
The greater Seattle area has everything from nationally recognized museums and lush, green parks to culturally diverse neighborhoods and popular Seattle tourist attractions. Seattle Southside has lots of things to do for kids and grown-ups alike where there are dozens of attractions and restaurants to choose from nearby. 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.
Many people agree that a perfect day in Seattle must start with fresh coffee or a latte. Seattle is known for where Starbucks originally started, as well as a host of other regional and local coffee roasters. Did you know that people in Seattle consume more coffee than any other American city? Finding a barista who can make your preferred coffee beverage just the way you like it shouldn't be difficult.
Choose Your Adventure from these Popular Seattle Attractions
Over a dozen fun things to do for first-time visitors to Seattle in 2022
Bainbridge Island
This 36-square mile island is home to 20,000 residents who enjoy its convenient access to Seattle, its gently rolling hills, pristine seashore and rich heritage.
Seattle's Pike Place Market
Visit more than 200 year-round commercial businesses at the nation's oldest operating farmers market.
iFly Seattle
Safely enjoy the thrill of indoor skydiving in the vertical wind tunnel at iFly in Tukwila
The Museum of Flight
This amazing educational air and space museum preserves over 160 planes and spacecraft.
Pike Place Market
Come watch the fish mongers that throw salmon. The freshest seafood the the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Whale Watching
You're sure to see gray whales, minke, humpback, or two types of orca on every trip.
Des Moines Beach Park
Enjoy this beautiful coastal park on the blue waters of Puget Sound with stunning views of the snow-capped Olympic mountains.
Westfield Southcenter Shopping Mall
You'll find more than 200 stores & eateries plus a multiplex theater with IMAX at the largest mall in all of Washington state.
Woodinville Wine Tasting
Home to more than 130 wineries & tasting rooms for Washington's award-winning wines.
Snoqualmie Falls
Come see for yourself why this breathtaking 270-ft high cascading waterfall is visited by over 1.5 million each year.
Mount Rainier
This majestic 14,410-ft. dormant volcano is the icon of Washington and is surrounded by meadows, lakes, and rainforests.
Scenic Drives
Explore the Pacific Northwest from any one of Washington State's beautiful scenic drives.
Seattle Day Trips
Consider one of these popular day trips from the greater Seattle area for both visitors and locals.
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.
Venture North
To the north of Seattle Southside you'll find that most of these popular tourist spots are only 15 to 20 minutes away by Light Link Rail or car.
Venture South
And only 20 minutes to the south of Seattle Southside you'll find these popular attractions in the city of Tacoma:
Venture East
And to the east of Seattle Southside towards the Cascade Mountain Range you'll find these immensely popular attractions:
Venture West
And to the west of Seattle Southside explore these idyllic day trip destinations accessible by one of the Seattle Ferries:
Travel Itineraries
Which ever direction you choose to head first, our suggested itineraries can help you to kick-start planning your trip to Seattle.
Generate new ideas and customize one or more to make it your own.

Travel Planner
Start your Seattle Southside journey off right by looking at the Seattle Southside Travel Planner. It includes everything you need to know:
- Area information
- Things to do: spas, gardens, shopping, museums, sports, outdoor activities, events and festivals
- Dining: from family friendly to fine dining
- Accommodations: a place to stay for any budget
- Cruise information
- Transportation options: tips and tricks
- Itinerary suggestions
- Area maps
Choose from Over 60 Hotels, 100 Restaurants, and Countless Fun Activities Near Seattle Airport (SEA)
FAQs about the Best Things to Do in Seattle
What's worth seeing in Seattle?
The 4 most popular attractions with Seattle's visitors are The Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Snoqualmie Falls, and Mount Rainier.
What's Seattle best known for?
Seattle is best known for Starbucks, its coffee culture, being ground zero for grunge music, the Seattle Seahawks football team, the Seattle Mariners baseball team, the Seattle Kraken Hockey team, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, its tech industry (including both Amazon and Microsoft), aviation (home of Boeing), hiking, kayaking, and general outdoors lifestyle (as in REI).
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 Travel Planner and Suggested Seattle Itineraries may be just what you're looking for to map out your adventure.
Seattle Southside Events Calendar
What's Happening?
There’s always something happening in Seattle Southside. Review the calendar of events to find things to do in SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines. Click on a day and see what kind of fun you can get yourself into. (Note: Dates and details are subject to change.)