Location: Seattle
Top Things to do in Seattle
Top 10 Free Things to do in Seattle, Washington (WA)
In Seattle you simply can’t skip the Central Public Library – a modern architectural marvel of glass grids, unusual shapes, and a “book spiral” that climbs four stories. Stroll over to Pike Place Market to visit the original Starbucks and play catch with a fishmonger. In the heart of the city lies Chihuly Garden and Glass, which will dazzle you with its colorful and delicate works. Glide to the top of the Space Needle for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Puget Sound.
Restaurants in Seattle
1. Pike Place Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,511 reviews
One of the few authentic farmer's markets in the United States, this hub of delicious scents, delectable eats and delightful personalities attracts nine million visitors a year.
Reviewed By mhughes17 - Seattle, United States
Whether you live in Seattle, or are visiting, Pike Place Market is an awesome experience for every sense. You'll be surrounded by color, food, flowers, art, artisan cheeses, meats, flying fish (!), local arts and crafts, street musicians, and a great selection of restaurants from casual to one of the best kept secrets in Seattle - Maximillen's French Restaurant - tucked away behind the fish market on the south end of Pike Place on the top level. A wine list to die for, and fabulous French cuisine.
2. Seward Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Seattle's oldest park is still one of the most popular parks in the city.
Reviewed By cohoman - Sammamish, United States
This is a beautiful park in the heart of the city. I was there on a sunny July afternoon with my family and we walked our dog around the perimeter of the peninsula. Lots of people in the water swimming, along with boats, jet skis, kaiaks, and paddleboards. Since this during the COVID-19 epidemic, the parking lot was closed down so we had to park on one of the residential side streets. It was a great way to spend the day by the water.
3. Golden Gardens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
You won't find gold here, nor gardens, but with all the sand, sun and surf on this lovely beach, you won't even notice.
Reviewed By teresitalovestogo - Seattle, United States
Golden Gardens remains one of the best spots in Seattle. There are playgrounds, volleyball nets, walking paths, sand, views and FREE parking. Even on a gray day, the views of Puget Sound are gorgeous, and the people watching is unparalleled.
4. Gas Works Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 966 reviews
From industrial sludge to family fun: this urban park features an industrial plant-turned kiddie play area as well as a beautiful lake and picnic area.
Reviewed By LeslieOW - Poughkeepsie, United States
Our visit was one of those “while we’re in the neighborhood” things, and I’m so glad we followed through. The site is an abandoned gasification plant on the north shore of Lake Union, with a stunning view of the Seattle skyline and a great perspective on the pleasure craft and sea planes to be found on the lake. There’s a playground, extensive grounds and a kite-flying hill all overlooking the city, Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill. There were people of all ages enjoying the park while we were there. It’s a great site for picnicking, or for just chilling on the hillside. A word of advice—watch your step, because geese LOVE the place there are goose droppings everywhere.. Words don’t do justice to what a neat place this is!
5. Alki Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,051 reviews
Beach made famous in a scene from the movie "Sleepless in Seattle" where Tom Hanks flies a kite with his son.
Reviewed By DeeFry
We live in West Seattle, and the waterfront walk from Alki to Harbor Ave is the best place to bike and walk, with lots of cafes on the opposite side. However, the city should widen the walking part along Alki, because you end up walking single file when it's crowded, so cannot walk with your friend(s). Simply remove the plantings (no need to water nor take care of) that separate the biking from walking, and cement it so that it is wide like the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France. It's fun to watch the beach volleyball games, too.
6. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
This national park is really a free museum that documents Seattle history, from the fire that burned it down to the gold rush that helped build it up.
Reviewed By robertM865 - Seattle, United States
The story of the Klondike Gold Rush told here is wonderfully interesting for all ages. This Seattle museum is one half of the Klondike Museum. If you want to see the other half you have to travel to Skagway, Alaska where the twin museum is located. With plenty of exhibits to keep all ages occupied and interested, the admission tariff is quite reasonable - it is free. ! Donations are accepted and not required. The friendly staff is there to answer any questions and to make your visit as complete as possible. An activity involves getting stamps in a passport book at many exhibits. This makes the younger guests anxious to see all the museum contains. Even the location of the Museum is significant as the Cadillac Hotel housed many of the "Stampeders" when they traveled to and from the gold fields.
7. Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 860 reviews
You can get lost happily among the thickets, nature trails, beaches and bluffs of this 534-acre park.
Reviewed By tracymS92YZ
Due to our vacation being affected by the Covid19 outbreak we ended up spending most of our time on trails and at our airb&b. We had a great hike on the loop trail and the south beach trail to the lighthouse.
8. Washington Park Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 694 reviews
Use a canoe, or your feet, to explore the 230 acres and 4,000 species of trees, vines, shrubs and plants at this arboretum.
Reviewed By bellag160
This is a beautiul park, beautifully maintained. There are many walks which you can discover over time, including one under the highway and over to the University of Washington stadium!. Beautiful Japanese teahouse adjacent to the childrens' playground, which is beautifully landscaped in the japanese style with water features and bridges.
9. Lake Union
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
This large, recreational lake is great for renting an electric boat, kayaking and admiring the Seattle skyline. The new South Lake Union Park is open and easily accessible from downtown by Streetcar.
Reviewed By johnaholmes - Reading, United Kingdom
On Lake Union not only was "Sleepless In Seattle" was filmed on a house boat but plenty to watch by the lake front as well. From here Kenmore Air with their seaplanes depart and a company called Argosy Tours depart from here also. On the waters edge is a museum of History and Industry. Plenty to enjoy or just seat down and watch the world go by.
10. Queen Anne Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Residential neighborhood near Lake Union.
Reviewed By brmusicman - Chicago, United States
I spent a few days in Seattle and explored several neighborhoods. Upper Queen Anne was one of my favorites! It offered lovely views of the Seattle area, and the commercial area around Queen Anne Ave. was utterly charming, with lots of fun local stores, great coffee shops, and some excellent restaurants. Parking was a cinch; most of the local streets had free parking with restrictions of a couple of hours. It’s a great neighborhood for walking; there are great views and many beautiful homes, most in the craftsman style. Certainly worth a visit during a longer trip to Seattle.
