FREE THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE

  • 1. Pike Place Market – The Pike Place Market has been a defining Seattle icon for more than a century. Considered by many “the soul of Seattle,” the Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown where everyday locals and tourists alike shop, visit, eat and discover. Founded in 1907, the Market is one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States and is brought to life by the hundreds of farmers, crafters, small businesses, and residents that call it “home”. For more elbow room, visit on weekday mornings.
  • 2. Kerry Park – Get a postcard view of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Rainier from this beautiful terraced park. You’ll also get spectacular views of the Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall observation tower. Take pictures and lounge or have a picnic on the lawn. The best time to visit is during sunrise, or at night to admire the buildings and ferries at the bay glow with lights.
  • 3. Alki Beach – Stretching over 2.5 miles, this long beach strip is one of the most popular beaches in Seattle, partly because it was featured in the film ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. This nostalgic seaside town is a great escape from the city, just a short water taxi ride from downtown Seattle. Here, you can cycle down the bike paths, enjoy majestic views of the Olympic Mountains, join a free tour of Alki Lighthouse on summer afternoons, take a photo with a Statue of Liberty replica, and have some fish and chips at Spuds—Seattle’s first fast food restaurant. See the beach from a different vantage point on a harbor cruise or seaplane flight over Seattle.
  • 4. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks – The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.
  • 5. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – This national park is a free historical museum that shares stories of remarkable adventures that would forever change the city’s people, culture, and environment.
  • 6. Discovery Park – This 534-acre nature park boasts extensive trails and breathtaking views amid lush nature. It occupies most of the historic Fort Lawton site and features heritage buildings like a chapel, gymnasium, and horse stable. You can also hike or bike through the forest and visit the West Point Lighthouse and the beach for views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainer from a distance. The surroundings are mostly residential, so bring some food to have a picnic. You can visit Discovery Park for free but expect to pay for parking which is quite limited and fills up quickly especially on weekends.
  • 7. Washington Park Arboretum – Use a canoe, or your feet, to explore the 230 acres and 4,000 species of trees, vines, shrubs and plants at this arboretum.
  • 8. Kubota Garden – Kubota Garden is a 20-acre American-Japanese garden that was the vision of Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota when he purchased the first 5-acres of logged off swampland in 1927. The garden grew to 20-acres and was developed concurrent with Kubota’s landscaping business. He returned to the garden and continued its development after being incarcerated during WWII. In 1981, the 4.5 acre core was designated a Historic Landmark, and the City of Seattle purchased the garden from the Kubota family in 1987. The garden is an urban oasis, criss-crossed with streams and paths, ponds and waterfalls, rich with flora and fauna and a popular destination year-round.
  • 9 – Bruce Lee Grave Site – Grave site of martial artists & actors Bruce Lee & his son Brandon, with a small bench.
  • 10. Seattle Waterfront – Walking along the Seattle Waterfront is a perfect way to soak up some Northwest atmosphere. Take in views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains while exploring Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Aquarium, shops, and restaurants like Ivar’s, a local landmark, where you can watch the ferries load and depart while you eat.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE

  • 1. Day-Tour From Seattle to Mt. Rainier – Experience the natural beauty of majestic Mt Rainier on this guided, small-group tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls and historic towns to Mt Rainier, the highest mountain in the state of Washington and one of the tallest in the lower 48 states. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt Rainier State Park and the aptly named Paradise, at 5,400 feet above sea level on the south slope, among others. This tour includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels.
  • 2. Leavenworth Exclusive Tour from Seattle – Thanks to beautiful scenery, a vibrant town and the ambiance of Bavaria, Leavenworth is the most popular tourist destination in Washington after Seattle. Come and see it for yourself! Before we get to town, we’ll enjoy classic Northwest scenery, take pictures with Bigfoot and stretch your legs on a woodsy trail. Explore Leavenworth and choose a lunch spot on your own (there are plenty of German options!) Heading back, we’ll visit Deception Falls for a full Northwestern day to remember.
  • 3. Touring and Hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park – Explore the highlights of Mt. Rainier National Park on this day tour filled with glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and old growth forests. From Seattle, we’ll head to the park and hike from the Visitor Center at Paradise one mile to a picnic next to giant glaciers. We’ll also see Reflection Lake, Narada Falls and Christine Falls. In Winter and Spring seasons (November-June) we will snowshoe rather than hike—no experience required.
  • 4. Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours – Experience the food and culture at one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market, on this 2-hour, chef-guided food tour. See where chefs shop and locals hang out and enjoy diverse tastings at several different stops — places like Beecher’s ‘World’s Best’ Mac and Cheese, Local Color coffee shop, Britt’s Pickles, Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt, and more. Feel like a market insider on this behind-the-scenes adventure to savor the flavors, as well as the sights and sounds, of this historic attraction.
  • 5. Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour – Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States. Each small-group tour is unique, with insider tips from a professional, local guide.
  • 6. Seattle Harbor Cruise with Live Narration – Enjoy the sights and sounds of Seattle from Elliott Bay and Seattle Harbor on this narrated cruise. Learn about Seattle’s historic waterfront and get an up-close look at one of the world’s largest shipping terminals. Take in the view of the city’s skyline with a spectacular panoramic background of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier. Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the ship.
  • 7. The Best of Seattle and Majestic Snoqualmie Waterfalls – Experience the top sights of Seattle and the majestic Snoqualmie Waterfalls in a single day on a small-group sightseeing tour. In addition to a driving tour of the city’s highlights, this robust and well-paced itinerary includes a cup of coffee at Starbucks Headquarters, a stroll at the offbeat Gas Works Park, a photo opportunity with the Fremont Troll, and more. A scenic visit to the Snoqualmie Falls completes your Seattle adventure.
  • 8. Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour – Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.
  • 9. Meet the Market-Food and Fun tour in Pike Place Market-2 hours – Come “Meet the Market” on a Tasty Tour and get ready for plenty of amazing food, history and culture with Chef John – the only Market Family tour guide. Tasty Tours invites you on the ultimate Pike Place Market tour experience, with over 30 years of working in the Market and ten years as the number one Market guide, you will see the Market like a true local. The 117 year old Pike Place Market is Seattle’s premier food and artisan crafts marketplace and can be overwhelming to newcomers. As a well-known market insider Chef John will show you how to navigate the mazes and passageways and find hidden gems. You will feast on a variety of food as you meet many award-winning food vendors and restaurants. The food samples are generous and you will get discounts for shopping and suggestions on where to eat after the tour. You will meet the craftspeople, merchants and community that make Pike Place a world-renowned destination.
  • 10. Seattle Locks Cruise – Pass through the renowned Ballard Locks and learn about the complex system on a cruise that transports you between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound. The one-way cruise can be used as transportation, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid traffic and enjoy a unique journey from the Seattle waterfront to the AGC Marina on South Lake Union (or vice versa).

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT