I am originally from Seattle and visit on occasion as I have friends and family who live there. I have a great deal of experience traveling all over the state, but in this post I will focus on Seattle. While Seattle has a plethora of activities to offer, most visitors tend to hit the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, both worthy attractions, but I’m going to provide you with a few of my favorite activities that may not be on your radar. By the way, the best time to visit Seattle is between mid-July and mid-October as the weather is ideal for the following activities.
Photo by: Mike Shubic
BALLARD LOCKS
If you’re not familiar with what a “lock” is, it’s a simple but ingenious way to access two bodies of water at different levels. In this case it links Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. The Ballard Locks not only give spectators a way to view this process in action, but there is also a lovely park where music and other entertainment often take place. I would recommend bringing a picnic lunch and spend half a day enjoying the views of Puget Sound and Lake Union, the yachts, as well as the spawning fish heading for freshwater.
Photo by: Mike Shubic
DISCOVERY PARK
The name is so apt as this park is the city’s largest at 534 acres. Discovery Park is on the shores of Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, not far from the Ballard Locks. The park contains nearly 12 miles of walking trails, a couple of which are along the beach. The highlight of the park for me is the West Point Lighthouse, where you’ll often see wedding photos being taken. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, while sitting on the rocks and listening to the water lap up onto the shore with the sun on your back as you take in the sailboats and other craft passing by. You might even see a seahawk dive into the cool waters to catch a fish for its meal.
Photo by: Mike Shubic
CANOE/ROWBOAT ON LAKE UNION
I have many fond memories of my cousin and I renting a canoe at the Waterfront Activities Center and carving out a trail through an area of thick lily pads and observing wildlife in the arboretum marshes. This ideal canoeing area is located directly behind Husky Stadium on Union Bay, across the bay from the Washington Park Arboretum. There are areas with dense trees and foliage where you’ll see lots of herons/birds, ducks, turtles, frogs and other wildlife. It almost makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the Amazon, but without the crocs, snakes and other things that can kill you.
Photo by: Mike Shubic
WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI
Driving and parking in or around downtown Seattle is about as much fun as poking needles in your eyes. A better option is to drive to West Seattle where parking is more available and hop aboard the pedestrian-only Water Taxi The Water Taxi takes passengers to/from West Seattle’s Seacrest Park and downtown Seattle’s waterfront district. On the West Seattle side there is even a free shuttle bus that makes a loop around the area, hitting all the main stops, such as Alki Beach. On the West Seattle side, right at the Seacrest Park terminal you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes and more. There are also a couple restaurants and scuba diving available.
Photo courtesy of: Visit Seattle
WATERFRONT DISTRICT
From the downtown Seattle Water Taxi terminal you can walk to your right (south) and catch a Seahawk or Mariner game at either of the two stadiums. If you head to the north along the boardwalk you can check out the Seattle Aquarium, the fairly new Great (Ferris) Wheel or a number of restaurants. Head east and up a steep hill a couple blocks and you’ll find yourself at the famous Pike Place Market. Go north and you’ll find yourself at the Seattle Center, where the iconic Space Needle resides. All of this is accessible by a long walk or a short Uber ride from the Water Taxi terminal.
Photo by: Mike Shubic
WATERFALL GARDEN PARK AT PIONEER SQUARE
Just up the street from the Waterfront District is Pioneer Square where there is a secluded urban park that features a 22-foot waterfall. This is the perfect place to grab a Starbucks (coffee that originated in Seattle) and enjoy the sounds of water in a peaceful setting. Beautifully landscaped with an array of trees and shrubs with several bistro tables and benches set up to take in this zen-like experience. Interesting side note, this park is built on the site of the first UPS headquarters back in 1907.
Photo courtesy of: Robert Ashworth
ALKI BEACH
I’ve been going to Alki Beach in West Seattle since I was a kid and have to say it’s one of my favorite spots in the city, and by far the best beach in Seattle. The beach is flanked by a boardwalk that runs for miles, perfect for walking, running or riding a bike. Alki Beach is reminiscent of a typical California beach town with its mix of mid-century bungalows, medium-rise waterfront apartment homes, waterfront businesses and many activities like boating, volleyball, kayaking, and great eateries. Don’t miss a chance to grab some fish & chips and sit on the beach watching the ferries go by. Sunfish and the Spud are both great options.
Photo courtesy of: Ame Rainey
FERRY AND BIKE RIDE VASHON ISLAND
Despite the weather, biking is big in Seattle. A really fun excursion is to board the ferry from the Fauntleroy terminal just south of Alki Beach to Vashon Island. You can either rent a bike in West Seattle and walk on the ferry. Or, walk on and grab the #118 bus to a rental shop 5 miles into town, or, drive aboard the ferry and skip the bus. Once you arrive on Vashon you will feel the change in vibe. It’s a laid back, artistic, almost Bohemian feel, and it’s just a 20 minute ferry ride away. Vashon is great for mountain biking, road biking or just a leisurely stroll. The landmass is a mere 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, so you’ll have no problem exploring most of the rural idyll island with its deserted beaches, endless parks, nature reserves and pastures.
These are eight great things to do in Seattle the next time you visit the Pacific Northwest.
Photo courtesy of: David Weller
If you have some other suggestions for visitors, please post a comment below.
Mike Shubic
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