Seattle, the Emerald City, is a location rich in vivid culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and fascinating activities not just the beginning of a great cruise. Spend some time seeing the many sights Seattle has to offer before starting your Alaskan adventure or another amazing trip. The must-see locations and activities our guide emphasizes will make your pre-cruise stay memorable.
Pike Place Market
Among the most recognizable features of Seattle is Pike Place Market. Originally opened in 1907, this busy market is a sensory extravaganza. Wander its energetic aisles to find baked delicacies, specialty cheeses, and fresh fruit. See the well-known fishmongers tossing fish to each other to delight throngs.
Apart from the fresh food, Pike Place Market has many unusual stores and handicap markets. Everything from antique clothes to handcrafted jewelry to oddball mementos and local art is available. Visit the market’s first Starbucks to sip coffee at the location where the worldwide coffee business started.
Space Needle
Without seeing the Space Needle, no trip to Seattle completes any visit. Designed for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic building now comes to represent the city. Ascending the elevator to the observation deck will provide sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Seattle’s cityscape, and on clear days Mount Rainier.
The Space Needle just got a major makeover incorporating the first revolving glass floor in the world. Together with the glass walls, this exciting element provides an unmatched perspective of the city below. A restaurant housed on the Space Needle lets you eat while taking in the amazing views.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass, a captivating display honoring the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, is situated near the Space Needle The museum has a collection of galleries with breathtaking glass sculptures that play with color and light in very unique ways.
The focal point is the 40-foot-tall Glasshouse, which has a large installation fashioned like a flowering garden made only of glass. Combining Chihuly’s glass works with rich landscaping, the outdoor garden produces an amazing and magical experience.
Seattle Art Museum
Art buffs should definitely visit the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Situated in the center of city, SAM has an amazing collection spanning both ancient and modern art. Exhibits at the museum include works from several civilizations and artists, therefore providing a whole view of the realm of art.
Special events hosted by SAM often highlight everything from current masterpieces to historic relics. Along the waterfront, the museum also has an outdoor sculpture park where guests may experience art in a stunning natural environment.
Pioneer Square
Rich in history and appeal, Pioneer Square is the oldest district in Seattle. Its old buildings and cobblestone lanes provide a window into the history of the city. On-foot exploration of the region is ideal because of its many galleries, stores, and restaurants.
The Underground Tour, which transports you under the streets to investigate the historic walkways and stores of Pioneer Square, is among its attractions. This interesting trip offers an understanding of the early Seattle years and the events influencing its growth.
Museum of Pop Culture
Fans of music, movies, and all things pop culture must tour the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). MoPOP, housed in a striking building designed by Frank Gehry, showcases games, filmmakers, and iconic performers.
Along with displays on science fiction, fantasy, and horror films, visitors may tour galleries honoring Seattle’s own Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Interactive exhibits include sound laboratories where you may play instruments and recording studios where you may produce your own music also abound throughout the museum.
Seattle Aquarium
Families and aficionados for marine life will find the Seattle Aquarium, located on Pier 59, to be very appealing. The aquarium’s displays on Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems provide guests the opportunity to see a great range of underwater life up close.
Highlights include the Giant Pacific Octopus show and the Underwater Dome, a 360-degree glass display offering a diver’s-eye view of Puget Sound. Touch tanks at the aquarium let guests contact with sea urchins, starfish, and other tidal life.
Waterfront Park
The waterfront in Seattle is a busy scene full of attractions. A nice spot for a leisurely walk and appreciative views of Elliott Bay is Waterfront Park. The park is a wonderful place to unwind with public art projects, seats, and picnic spaces.
Not far by is the 175-foot Ferris wheel known as the Seattle Great Wheel, which provides breathtaking views of the water and city. Many seafood eateries around the waterfront let you savor fresh Pacific Northwest meals.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is an urban refuge for outdoor enthusiasts. The biggest green area in Seattle with more than 500 acres, it provides a range of paths, beaches, and breathtaking views. The many habitats of the park provide plenty of chances for trekking and animal viewing: woodlands, meadows, and tidal beaches.
Nestled within the park, the gorgeous West Point Lighthouse has expansive views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Discovering Park is a great spot to interact with nature and get away from city bustle.
The Seattle Great Wheel
One interesting and enjoyable approach to see the city from another angle is riding the Seattle Great Wheel. Rising on Pier 57, this massive Ferris wheel has enclosed gondolas that provide a pleasant trip with amazing views.
Especially beloved around sunset and in the evening when the city lights up is the Great Wheel. There is plenty of time to enjoy the amazing views on each ride—three complete circles.
International District
Celebrating the varied Asian legacy of Seattle, the International District—also known as Chinatown—is a lively community. Here, via cuisine, shopping, and cultural sites, you may discover a blend of Asian civilizations.
Through guided tours and displays, the Wing Luke Museum helps one to learn about the Asian-Pacific American experience. From dim sum and sushi to pho and bubble tea, the neighborhood is also home to many eateries offering great Asian food.
Ballard Locks
Officially the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks are an engineering wonder and a well-liked tourist destination. The locks let vessels pass from Puget Sound to the freshwater lakes of Union and Washington.
Boats of many kinds negotiate the locks, rising or lowering to meet the water level. Visitors may observe. Another feature is the nearby fish ladder, where salmon may be seen traveling upstream during spawning season.
To sum up
Before starting a cruise from Seattle has a plethora of events and sites ideal for discovery. There is something for everyone to appreciate from cultural treasures like the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture to famous sites like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Spend some time really absorbing the energetic vibe of this exciting city; you will begin your path with lifelong memories.
Whether your interests are in history, art, wildlife, or just savoring the local flavor, Seattle’s many attractions provide the ideal preamble to your day on the sea. Discover everything this amazing city has to offer as you get ready for cruises from Seattle.
