Seattle – the beginning of so many fun adventures. There is much to see and do in this beautiful city.
Where to stay? Downtown is expensive…..especially in the summer! Hotels near the Space Needle are a little lower in price. To really save money, consider staying by the airport. Taxi or Uber will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. You can also take the light rail. Booking.com is an excellent source for finding hotels in the Seattle area.
Sound Transit’s Link light rail runs daily from SeaTac to downtown Seattle. Trains arrive every 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day. The journey will take about 40 minutes to travel between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. Fares run $3/adult and children 6-19 $1.50 each way. http://soundtransit.org
If staying near the Space Needle, the Seattle monorail provides a fun, quick and convenient link between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle. It is the nation’s first full-scale commercial monorail system and a beloved Seattle landmark. Seattle monorail
The Space Needle is probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and is a treasured Seattle icon. It was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. The tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations. The tower’s 520’ saucer-shaped “top house” provides visitors with Seattle’s only 360-degree indoor and outdoor panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, along with outstanding views of the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. There are dining options available at the top without advanced booking….seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Space Needle
Did you know there is a free waterfront shuttle? The shuttle runs 10am to 8pm daily from late May (Memorial Weekend) to early September (Labor Day weekend). The cruise ship terminal pickup is Pier 66 downtown, not Pier 91.
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? The Underground Tour is Seattle’s most unusual attraction and is a humorous stroll through subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. You would never know this existed without booking this tour! The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then spills into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, before plunging underground for an exclusive, time-capsule view of the buried city.
Pike Place Market is a must do when in Seattle. The Pike Place Market has been a Seattle icon for more than a century. The Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit and eat. Pike Place Market
Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States . It is brought to life by the hundreds of farmers, crafters and small businesses. Be sure to watch the “show” where fishmongers throw fish to be cleaned and packaged. Wander through the market while enjoying samples of Pacific Northwest and International foods, marvel at the fresh flower bouquets and browse the craft booths. Don’t forget to take a selfie with Rachael….the large bronze piggy bank located under the big “Public Market Center” sign and clock. The statue is named after the real pig that served as the model. All money collected is donated to the Market Foundation.
The Seattle Aquarium is a public aquarium located on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront. It is the ninth largest aquarium in the U.S. by attendance and among the top five paid visitor attractions in the Puget Sound region. The aquarium offers a unique window into ocean conservation and research that advances understanding of marine species.
A day trip to Bainbridge Island, which includes a short ferry ride across the Puget Sound, is undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Seattle. Spend an afternoon or even a full day enjoying time on the water and the town of Winslow, where the ferry lands. It is full of hidden gems for foodies and shopping. You can walk onto the Bainbridge Island at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle or drive a car. Ticket prices vary and so do departure times. You can repurchase your tickets at Washington State Ferries
Have sports fans in your group? During the summer, you can catch a baseball game at Mariners Stadium and cheer on the home team! Mariners Baseball
Have NFL fans in your group? You can tour Seahawks stadium! The roughly hour and a half long tour experience will entertain and educate everyone who enjoys football and soccer. From those who can’t tell a first down from a touchdown, to the die-hard football fanatic, and even those who call the stadium’s field a “pitch”. Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenes from the awe-inspiring viewpoints. There are sweeping views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains (on those clear days) and a stunning view of downtown Seattle, all from the 300 Level concourses. Tickets can be purchased on ticketmaster.com or in person at the NW Box Office off Occidental Ave. Tickets do sell out quickly so please plan accordingly. Seahawk Stadium
Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.
Seattle is the home of modern aviation in the United States. In 1916, Bill Boeing founded the Pacific Aero Products Co. and began building seaplanes with local spruce wood. A visit to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field in Seattle is one of the best ways to experience and appreciate the region’s long history of aviation.
Located about 9 miles south of downtown, the Museum of Flight features a massive hangar packed full of aircraft old and new. If you’re an aviation fan, visiting the Museum of Flight is a no-brainer. But even for people who aren’t really into planes, the museum offers an impressive and massive collection of amazing machines and insight into the modern marvel of human flight. Where else can you step on board a space shuttle, Air Force One, a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Concorde jet all in the course of 30 minutes? Museum of Flight
Do you love wine? Then Woodinville wine country is not to be missed. Just 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, in the beautiful Sammamish River Valley just , Woodinville Wine Country is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms representing every wine grape growing region in Washington. Currently, there are 130 wineries and tasting rooms in Woodinville. Chateau Ste Michelle introduced its first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1976…..it took about 30 years for the area to become a wine destination after that point. There are four distinct districts –The Hollywood District, the West Valley District, the Warehouse District and the Downtown District. If you only have one day, you can choose one district and easily walk between the wineries. Or….take a drive through the valley and visit several! Woodinville Wine Country And to protect those wine bottles while traveling, these are great!
There are so many things to do in Seattle, I can’t begin to include them all. Don’t forget about the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, the Original Starbucks located in Pike Place Market and the first Nordstrom Department Store! Walk the city….explore, eat fresh seafood, go whale watching.
You can book these and many other excursions on Viator.com
Enjoy this magical place….Seattle, The Emerald City
Many people ask about luggage storage near the piers in Seattle for after the cruise. If your ship offers Port Valet and it is available for your airline, it is an excellent option. Details will be available onboard, along with the cost. If this is not an option, there are several storage locations near the pier for a small charge. Luggage Storage
You might find this Alaska packing list useful. What to Pack for Alaska
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