Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Seattle Travel Guide: Explore the Emerald City & Top Things to Do This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! Seattle—the beginning of so many fun adventures! This beautiful city has so much to see and do, from iconic landmarks and incredible food to stunning waterfront views and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re starting a cruise, exploring the Pacific Northwest, or spending a few days discovering the city, Seattle is a destination worth taking the time to enjoy. Where to Stay in Seattle Downtown Seattle can be expensive—especially during the summer months! If you want to stay closer to the action without paying quite as much, look for hotels near the Space Needle. You’ll still be close to many of Seattle’s popular attractions while potentially saving a little on your hotel.If you’re really looking to save money, consider staying near the airport. It’s a bit farther from the city, but a taxi or Uber typically takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Another option is the light rail, which can be an easy and budget-friendly way to get into downtown Seattle. Getting Around Seattle If you’re staying near the airport, the Sound Transit is an easy and affordable way to get into downtown Seattle. Sound Transit’s Link light rail runs daily between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and downtown Seattle, with trains arriving every 6–15 minutes depending on the time of day. The trip to Westlake Station takes about 40 minutes.Fares are typically $3 for adults and $1.50 for children ages 6–19 each way. For current schedules and fares, check Sound Transit before your trip. What is an ORCA Card? The ORCA Card (One Regional Card for All) is the smart card system used to pay for public transit across the Central Puget Sound region. It eliminates the need for paper tickets and exact cash across multiple transit networks Where You Can Use It: It is accepted seamlessly on the Link Light Rail, King County Metro buses, Sounder commuter trains, the Seattle Streetcar, the Seattle Center Monorail, and Washington State Ferries. How Much it Costs: A new standard adult plastic ORCA card costs $3. You can buy them at station vending machines, online, or manage them through the myORCA Mobile App. Android users can also use a free digital card directly within Google Wallet. Tap On Requirement: You must tap your card against the yellow card readers located on the station platform before boarding the light rail. Because Link Light Rail transitioned to flat-rate pricing, adult riders no longer need to “tap off” when exiting the train The Seattle Monorail Staying near the Space Needle? The Seattle Center Monorail is a fun and convenient way to travel between downtown and Seattle Center, home of the Space Needle. The monorail is also a Seattle landmark in its own right—it opened in 1962 and remains one of the city’s most recognizable ways to get around. Adult (19-64) – $4.00 OW Youth (16-18) – $2.00 OW Reduced rate (Seniors 65+, disabled, persons with Medicare cards, U.S. military with ID, ORCA LIFT cards accepted) – $2.00 OW Kids under 5 – FREE The Space Needle The Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most recognizable landmarks and a true icon of the city. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, its futuristic design was inspired by the idea of creating a structure that represented humanity’s aspirations during the Space Age.Standing 520 feet tall, the Space Needle’s distinctive saucer-shaped “Top House” offers incredible 360-degree views of Seattle and the surrounding area. From the observation levels, you can take in downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and the Olympic Mountains.And if you’re hungry while you’re up there, there are dining options available at the top. Reservations aren’t always required, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free Seattle Waterfront Shuttle Did you know Seattle has a free waterfront shuttle? It’s a great way to explore the waterfront without worrying about parking or paying for transportation.The shuttle typically operates daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. If you’re visiting Seattle during the summer, this can be a convenient way to get around and see more of the waterfront.Cruising from Seattle? Be sure to note that the cruise ship terminal pickup is at Pier 66, not Pier 91. That little detail can save you some confusion when planning your day. Seattle Underground Tour Looking for something fun and unusual to do with the kids? The Seattle Underground Tour is one of the city’s most unique attractions—and definitely an experience you won’t forget!This humorous and fascinating walking tour takes you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to explore the hidden storefronts, sidewalks, and passageways that were buried when Seattle rebuilt the city after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.You would never know this hidden world existed without taking the tour! The approximately 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House before heading into historic Pioneer Square, considered Seattle’s birthplace. From there, you’ll descend underground for a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and a time-capsule view of the streets that once stood above.It’s a fun way to experience a completely different side of Seattle—and one the kids are likely to remember! Pike Place Market Pike Place Market is a must-do when visiting Seattle! This iconic market has been a beloved part of the city for more than a century and is one of those places you really need to experience in person.Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, PikeContinueContinue reading “Seattle Travel Guide: Explore the Emerald city & Top Things to Do”