Things to Do in Seattle For First Timers + Day Trips

Seattle is part of the Pacific Northwest, in the western part of Washington state, along Puget Sound, which is part of the Pacific Ocean. 

Sometimes called the “Emerald City,” Seattle is surrounded by evergreen forests with breathtaking views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. 

As a global hub for technology, it is home to major companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which play a pivotal role in the city’s economy and innovation landscape. 

My first visit to Seattle was during a MozCon marketing conference. My intern and I decided to extend our trip to explore the city, and we are so glad we did! Here are some of the more popular things to do in Seattle, including day trips worth the journey!

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Go Up the Seattle Space Needle

Understandably, the iconic Seattle Space Needle was at the top of our list of things to do while visiting Seattle. Although it can be spotted all around the city, we decided to go inside and take the ride up to check out the views.

At 605 ft tall, this magnificent structure can be seen from many areas around the city and is visited by millions yearly. Fun fact! It takes approximately 43 seconds for the elevator to reach the top of the Space Needle!

When you first enter the Space Needle, you enter the gift shop. The circular store has hundreds of souvenirs for visitors to choose from. Next, take the elevator up to approximately 500 feet and enjoy a cocktail at The Loupe Louge–the world’s first revolving glass floor!

Finally, continue to the top, where you’ll experience breathtaking views of the city skyline and Puget Sound through large, slanted ceiling-to-floor glass windows.

We visited during the evening and enjoyed views of the city lights. However, I’d recommend going during the day so that you can spot landmarks. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

The Chihuly Garden and Glas Museum was a Seattle must-visit for me. I’ve taken two semesters of glass-blowing classes and absolutely love the art form!

Dale Chihuly, a native of Tacoma, Washington, discovered his love of working with glass while studying at the University of Washington. In the 1970s, he lost sight in his left eye in a car accident, but that did not stop him from pursuing his glassblowing career.

The Chihuly Garden and Glass features eight indoor galleries. The handblown glasswork is beautiful and colorful and comes in many different shapes and sizes. Many pieces hang from the ceiling, so don’t forget to look up! 

We loved walking through the glass house with gorgeous orange handblown flowers hanging from the ceiling. If you stand in just the right spot, you can snap a spectacular photo of the Seattle Space Needle through the glass and flowers. 

Our favorite part was the outdoor garden exhibit, where Chihuly’s artwork is intertwined with beautiful greenery. 

On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the theatre for one of the gallery’s glassblowing demonstrations!

Explore Seattle’s Pike Place Market

Another iconic spot we wanted to visit was the Pike Place Market. 

It is the country’s oldest continuously run public farmer’s market, dating back to 1907. It’s an excellent place to grab a locally made souvenir, grab a bite to eat, and spend the afternoon exploring.

During our visit, we saw vendors selling fresh seafood, local produce, flowers, jewelry, pottery, artwork, and baked goods. There are also restaurants and food stalls in the market that sell various cuisines. We stopped for a quick bite and enjoyed Italian food. However, if you’re a big foodie, consider taking a chef-guided Pike Place food tour!

For my coffee lovers, your first stop should be the original Starbucks! We did not go inside as a very long line of people stood along the sidewalk waiting to go in. A photo was enough for us. After all, you can find a Starbucks anywhere in America these days.

Another unique stop was the gum wall. Although disgusting, the wall has been around since 1999 and makes for a great photo op!

Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Seattle, check out an underground tour! An underground tour is essentially a walking history tour, and it’s a fun way to learn a bit about Seattle’s history.

These tours will take you through the underground, where you’ll see old storefronts and artifacts. Some spots even have glass windows in the “ceiling” where you can see people walking along the streets above ground.

I highly recommend the Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour, as the storytellers are knowledgeable and hilarious! You’ll walk through Old Seattle and Pioneer Square while learning about the Great Fire and toilets.

Yes, toilets. Thomas Crapper, an Englishman, invented one of the first flushing toilets and brought his creation to Seattle to help with its catastrophic plumbing issues.

That’s all the spoilers for now. Go on an underground walking tour of Seattle and experience it for yourself!

Fremont Troll

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable spot in Seattle, visit the Fremont Troll sculpture! It’s a massive creepy troll holding a Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. To find it, head to the Aurora Bridge in the quirky Fremont Neighborhood.

The troll was sculpted in 1990 during an art competition to revitalize the area under the bridge, which had become riddled with trash and crime. Today, it is a beloved landmark and tourist attraction.

While you’re in the Fremont Neighborhood, be sure to explore. The neighborhood is known for its creative spirit, quirky art installations, festivals, and counterculture vibe. You’ll find indie shops, hip bars, and coffee shops—the neighborhood is an example of Seattle’s artsy and eclectic side.

Pier 57 & the Great Wheel