Visiting Seattle

Ballard Locks

A National Historic Site operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ballard Locks and Ship Canal was built over 100 years ago as a commercial navigation route to develop Seattle. Stop by to watch ships and boats pass by view the migrating salmon, and stroll through the botanical garden.

3015 NW 54 Street
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 780-2500
Ballard Locks

Pike Place Market

One of Seattle's most popular tourist attractions, Pike Place is a vibrant neighborhood, located in downtown Seattle. It is made up of a variety of farmers, craftspeople and small businesses that were founded to provide services to low-income individuals in the area.  

85 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-7453
Pike Place Market

Seattle Center is a one stop activity hub that supports more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment opportunities. The 74-acre campus includes activities like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), the Space Needle, Artists at Play, Seattle Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center, Climate Pledge Arena, McCaw Hall, Chihuly Garden and Glass and much more.

Space Needle

Built as the centerpiece of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the 605-foot Space Needle is an ever-futuristic icon of Seattle. Located 520 feet above ground, the observation deck features indoor and outdoor 360° views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Newly renovated, just below the observation deck showcases the first and only revolving glass floor in The Loupe Lounge.

Space Needle 

Artists at Play

Artists at Play is a free, artistic, sound- and motion-filled playground. Designed by Northwest artists and landscape artists, the playground features a 30-foot climbing tower, a human-powered carousel, sound swings, child-inspired musical instruments, listening stations, and more. The swings and carousel are both ADA accessible.

Artists at Play

Seattle Children's Museum 

The Children's Museum, Seattle offers a fun, interactive learning environment for families with exhibits such as a Global Village, Mountain Forest, Imagination Studio and Discovery Bay. 

Seattle Children's Museum

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

MoPOP is dedicated to exploring creativity and innovation in American popular music, from rock 'n' roll to jazz, soul, gospel, country, blues, hip-hop, punk, and other genres, as well as pop culture. Visitors to the Frank O. Gehry-designed 140,000-square-foot museum can view rare artifacts and memorabilia and experience the creative process by listening to musicians, filmmakers, game developers and authors tell their own stories. MoPOP’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame recognizes luminaries of the genre including Isaac Asimov, Ursula Le Guin, H.G. Wells, George Lucas, Gene Rodenberry, James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. 

MoPOP

Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center is a hands-on learning center for kids and families offering permanent and traveling exhibits. Permanent exhibits feature Professor Wellbody’s Academy of Health & Wellness, an interactive dinosaur display, Tropical Butterfly House, Insect Village, Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool, plus other exhibits showcasing animals, technology and more.  Two IMAX theaters showcase the latest in big-screen and 3-D films.

Pacific Science Center 

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located right next to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the beautiful glass work of Dale Chihuly. Stop by anytime from 12:15 – 4:15 to watch live demonstrations of glass being made in the hot shop. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Seattle Children’s Theatre

Seattle Children's Theatre provides innovative, artistic programming and professional theatre for young people and families. The Allen Family Technical Pavilion consists of the paint, costume, prop, and scene shops as well as rehearsal and classroom spaces. This state-of-the-art facility was the first self-contained theater complex built for young audiences in the nation and has since been used as a model for other theatres. 

Seattle Children's Theatre

Museum of History and Industry

MOHAI showcases the diverse history of Seattle through the preservation of artifacts, photographs and various exhibits. Make sure you stop by their newly-remodeled cafe, Gourmondo, and their gift store. 

860 Terry Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 324-1126

Museum of History and Industry

Center for Wooden Boats

With its stunning outdoor scenery, Seattle travelers come hungry to get out on the water. Founded in 1976, the Center for Wooden Boats promotes the Northwest's small-craft heritage by offering boat lessons, outings, and education. The Center for Wooden Boats offers activities for both kids and adults at its South Lake Union and Cama Beach locations. Boat rentals are also available.  

1010 Valley Street
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 382-2628

Museum of Flight

From the Wright brothers to outer space, the wonder of flight comes alive at one of the largest air and space museums in the world. With more than 175 historic air and spacecraft on display, tens of thousands of artifacts, and interactive exhibits and activities for the whole family, The Museum of Flight offers an exciting experience for aviation enthusiasts and general visitors alike.  Museum exhibits include a retired British Airways Concorde jetliner, Air Force One, NASA Space Shuttle Trainer and the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.  In summer 2016, The Museum of Flight opened a $22 million Aviation Pavilion. The open-air structure extends the length of two football fields and exhibits more than 20 commercial and military airplanes, many of which patrons can walk through. 

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium features a stunning 40-foot viewing window into a 120,000-gallon aquarium filled with salmon, colorful rockfish, vibrant sea anemones, other native Washington marine life and interactive divers.  Other exhibits include two pools filled with sea anemones and sunflower sea star, a pacific coral reef exhibit, marine mammals and an underwater dome, the aquarium’s largest exhibit.

1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 386-4300 

Seattle Aquarium

Wings Over Washington

A new multi-sensory flying ride has been installed at Pier 57 on Seattle’s waterfront. This state-of-the-art “flying theater” transports guests through an aerial adventure high over Washington state. This 20-minute film features views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic National Forest and San Juan Islands, the Cascade Mountains, and Snoqualmie Falls, the Tieton River, and the wonders of the Walla Walla Valley Balloon Stampede. Nearby the theatre, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel or enjoy a family meal at The Crab Pot or Fisherman’s Restaurant.

1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 603-1808 

Wings Over Washington

The Seattle Great Wheel

One of Seattle's newest attractions is also the largest observation wheel on the west coast. Whether you are a Seattle native or visiting for the first time, you will enjoy the unique perspective of Seattle from inside your gondola. The wheel is family friendly and handicapped accessible.

1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA  98101
(206) 623-8607

The Seattle Great Wheel

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium features a stunning 40-foot viewing window into a 120,000-gallon aquarium filled with salmon, colorful rockfish, vibrant sea anemones, other native Washington marine life and interactive divers.  Other exhibits include two pools filled with sea anemones and sunflower sea star, a pacific coral reef exhibit, marine mammals and an underwater dome, the aquarium’s largest exhibit. 

1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 386-4300 

Seattle Aquarium

Woodland Park Zoo

Often ranked among the top zoos in the country, Woodland Park is famed for pioneering immersive, naturalistic exhibits. The Banyan Wilds is a state-of-the-art exhibit for Malayan tigers, sloth bears, Asian small-clawed otters and tropical birds. Award-winning exhibits include Humboldt penguins, Jaguar Cove, Northern Trail, Tropical Rain Forest, Trail of Vines and African Savanna. Premium Animal Tours with experienced animal staff are available for a behind-the-scenes looks at various animal species at the zoo. 

5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 548-2500 

Woodland Park Zoo

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain ranges.  Occupying most of the former U.S. Army’s Fort Lawton, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park at 534 square acres.  Features include a children’s play area, tennis courts, picnic tables, wooded trails and a visitor center.  Stop by the Daybreak Star Cultural Center to view original Native American arts and crafts.

3801 Discovery Park Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 386-4236

Discovery Park

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park, once an old gasification plant that powered most of Seattle in the early 1900s before the import of natural gas, sits on the north tip of Lake Union with picturesque views of downtown Seattle.  Portions of the original “Gas Works” remain, including the boiler room which was converted to a picnic shelter with tables, fire grills and an open area. This park will be very familiar if you've seen the movie, 10 Things I Hate About You. 

2101 N Northlake Way
Seattle, WA  98103
(206) 684-4075

Gas Works Park

Green Lake Park

Chinook's at Salmon Bay

A part of Anthony's chain of restaurants, Chinook's is a seafood restaurant located in Seattle's Fisherman's Terminal. It reflects the style and personality of the neighborhood, providing the best quality of fresh northwest seafood.

1900 W Nickerson Street #103
Seattle, WA  98119
(206) 283-4665

Chinook's 

* Within 5 miles of SPU

Duke's Seafood

Duke's Seafood Restaurant and Bar is known for their 100% sustainable seafood and their 4-award winning chowders. Dine at any of their seven locations around Puget Sound, including Lake Union and Green Lake. 

1111 Fairview Avenue N
Seattle, WA  98109
(206) 382-9963

Dukes Seafood

* Lake Union Location within 5 miles of SPU

Ivar's

Fresh seafood and award-winning chowder have made Ivar’s one of Seattle's favorite traditions. Ivar’s serves lunch and dinner, offers an expansive kids menu, featuring shrimp cocktail and junior sized servings of fish and chips. Grab and go at the walk up window on sit down for a meal in the restaurant.

Salmon House
401 NE Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 632-0767

*Within 5 miles of SPU

Fish Bar
1001 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 467-8063

Ivar's

Din Tai Fung

Internationally beloved, this unique restaurant is worth the wait!  Handcrafted broth dumplings are served family style with shareable portions for a flavor and experience you won't soon forget. Make sure you make a reservation!  

University District
2621 NE 46 Street
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 525-0958

Downtown
600 Pine Street #403
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-9888

Bellevue
700 Bellevue Way NE #280
Bellevue, WA 98004
(425) 698-1095

Din Tai Fung

Delish

Delish is a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious, authentic Ethiopian cuisine with a pleasant ambiance.  Excellent vegetarian/vegan and gluten free options.

5701 Rainier Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 723-3821
Delish

Paseo

Paseo is a Caribbean sandwich shop located in Freemont and SODO with vegan and gluten free options

4225 Fremont Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 454-7440

1760 1 Avenue S
Seattle, WA  98134
(206) 420-7881

Paseo

Cafe Turko

Cafe Turko is an authentic Turkish Restaurant. They are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly and also only serve halal meat. Once you enter the restaurant you are immediately transported into the Anatolian, Mediterranean environs, with the atmosphere an decor and homemade cuisines.  

750 N 34 Street
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 284-9954
Cafe Turko

Dough Zone

Dough Zone first came to Seattle in 2014 and since then has expanded to include seven other restaurants throughout the greater Seattle area. The specialize in authentic Chinese buns, soup dumplings and regional Chinese noodles at an affordable price. This restaurant is best when sharing plates with your family and friends.  

Downtown
815 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-6666

International District
504 5th Avenue S, Suite 109
Seattle, WA  98104
(206) 285-9999

Dough Zone

T-Mobile Park Tours

Visit the home of the Seattle Mariners. The tour includes areas of the ballpark that are not normally open to the public, such as the press box, luxury suites, field, dugout, and visitor's clubhouse. 

T-Mobile Park Tours

Lumen Field Tours

Visit the home of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team and Sounders FC soccer team. On this 90-minute tour, visit the Helmet Wall, Home Interview Room, visiting locker room, 12 flag pole, Verizon Lounge, suite and press boxes, the Wall of Legends, and the Super Bowl XLVIII numbers. 

Lumen Field Tours

Visit Seattle operates two visitor and concierge centers in the heart of the downtown Seattle business, retail, and entertainment district. Both centers are complimentary and offer full-service concierge assistance, including:

• Maps, brochures, discount coupons, and guides
• Recommendations on performing arts and getting tickets
• Detailed information on sports and local events
• Restaurant recommendations and reservations
• Sightseeing, attraction, and tour bookings
• Ground transportation
• Personal services and more

Visitor Information Center

Phone: (866) 732-2695 or (206) 461-5840

Location: Upper Pike Street Lobby of the Convention Center, at Seventh Avenue and Pike Street in the heart of downtown Seattle.

Hours: Open Monday through Friday and summer weekends, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Market Information Center

Phone: (866) 732-2695 or (206) 461-5840

Location: Southwest Corner of First Avenue and Pike Street in the Pike Place Market

Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

visinfo@visitseattle.org | visitseattle.org 

• Link Light Rail - Sound Transit’s Link light rail line runs through downtown Seattle from Northgate through the University of Washington to Sea-Tacoma International Airport. Downtown stations are located in Capitol Hill, Westlake Center, the financial district, Pioneer Square and the International District. The train makes stops in several neighborhoods south of Seattle before reaching the Sea-Tac International Airport (Sea-Tac) Station, an approximately 40-minute trip. The Sea-Tac/Airport Station connects to the airport through the airport parking garage via a lit and covered pedestrian walkway. Fares vary depending on age and time of year. For pricing information, visit soundtransit.org/Schedules/Link-light-rail.
• Metro Buses - Metro Transit offers low cost transportation throughout downtown Seattle daily. The downtown core includes a 1.3-mile stretch from the tunnel at the Convention Place Station on Ninth Ave. and Pine St., through the retail core, financial district, Pioneer Square and the International District. Riders must pay exact change when entering the bus or use a visitor Orca card. For more information visit metro.kingcounty.gov.
• The Seattle Center Monorail - For a quick, inexpensive trip between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center try the monorail. Terminals are located on the upper level of Westlake Center and at the Seattle Center near the Space Needle. For pricing information visit www.seattlemonorail.com
• South Lake Union Streetcar - Seattle’s newest edition to public transportation, the streetcar traverses the South Lake Union neighborhood through the Denny Triangle, ending in the downtown core area. Fares vary depending on age. For more information, visit seattlestreetcar.org/slu.htm.
• The First Hill Streetcar - the First Hill Seattle streetcar connects some of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The 10-stop, 2.5 mile route spans from historic Pioneer Square and trendy Capitol Hill with stops in First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area and the Chinatown-International District. The street-level street cars provide reliable, frequent service with headways of approximately 10 minutes during peak periods. Fares vary depending on age. For more information, visit seattlestreetcar.org/firsthill.htm.