Attractions and Things To Do For a Seattle, WA Vacation

Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center tide pool

There's plenty to do in Seattle just waiting for you to discover! While its most famous landmark, the Space Needle, is a must-see attraction, Seattle's richness of museums and art just may surprise you!

Seattle Center

No trip to Seattle can be complete without a trip to Seattle Center, a 74-acre park on the north end of town. You'll want to head straight for the Space Needle. Take a super-speedy elevator, and in just 41 seconds, the doors will open and you'll find yourself 520-feet up in the air, at the Space needle's Observation Deck, or 'O Deck.' From the O Deck, you'll see 360? of views, including the city, Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges, Elliott Bay and the coastal islands. Sip a smoothie or mochaccino, and catch a closer view with one of the deck's free-usage Swarovski telescopes. Have a meal at Sky City, the Needle's rotating restaurant and then choose a souvenir at the gift shop. Other fun attractions at Seattle Center include Fern Forest (with a roller coaster, log flume ride, merry-go-round, Ferris Wheel, arcade and mini-golf), the Children's Museum, Seattle Children's Theater and the International Fountain. In the summer, Seattle Center hosts lots of major festivals.

Fine Art in Seattle

Surrounded by so much natural beauty, it's no wonder that Seattle inspires so many artists and art-lovers. The Henry Art Gallery is the art museum of the University of Washington, and features exhibitions from around the world, special programs, and a 20,500-item collection specializing in 10^th and 20^th century paintings and photography as well as a costume & textile collection. The Seattle Art Museum has four locations around town, including the SAM Downtown and its nearby rental/sales gallery, Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. The Frye Art Museum, with free admission, emphasizes painting and sculpture form the 19^th century to the present, and includes items from all over the world. The museum's Gallery Caf' provides a nice place to eat, and the Museum Store has lots of great souvenirs and gifts.

Museums and Discovery Centers in Seattle

In addition to many art museums, Seattle has plenty of interesting museums of diverse subject matter. Odyssey, The Maritime Discovery Center, is a tribute to the Pacific Northwest's maritime way of life. Forty interactive exhibits cover fishing, shipping, trade, transportation, recreation and marine protection. The Pacific Science Center is another fun and educational place to visit, especially for children who love the life-sized robotic dinosaurs, butterfly pavilion and insect village and the Tech Zone. The Center also has a planetarium, IMAX Theater and hosts the popular Bubble Festival in August.

So full of sights to see and fun attractions is Seattle, that no matter where you choose to stay, you'll most likely be within close proximity of dozens of quality museums and educational centers. The Space Needle provides breathtaking views, while the city's numerous art museums and other attractions offer nearly unlimited opportunities for discovery, inspiration and appreciation. So come and see Seattle for yourself ' and prepare to be delighted and amazed!