11 Ways to Entertain in the Emerald City of Seattle
Our favorite things to do in Seattle, from a glass garden to a day trip to Mount Rainier to a concert at the Showbox.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Start at Seattle Center with glass art that looks like it was grown rather than made. Dale Chihuly's pieces fill dark indoor galleries with color, then spill out into a garden where the glass sits among real plants. It's easy to lose an hour out there, and it's worth going back around a second time to catch what you missed.
Mount Rainier
If you do one big day trip, make it this one. Rainier towers over the whole region, and on a clear day you can see it from the city. Plan on roughly two hours each way, bring layers because the weather up high changes fast, and give yourself the whole day for the viewpoints and trails. Check road and weather conditions before you head out.
Dinner at The Pink Door
Tucked away in Pike Place Market, The Pink Door is an Italian restaurant that feels like a secret even though everyone in Seattle knows about it. Come hungry, order the pasta, and take your time. Reservations are a good idea, especially for a weekend dinner.
Museum of Pop Culture
The building alone is worth a look. Frank Gehry designed it, and it sits right in Seattle Center near the Chihuly garden. Inside, it's all music, science fiction, fantasy, horror and video games, which makes it a perfect rainy-day stop.
The Spheres
These glass biodomes downtown, built by Amazon, are filled with thousands of plants from around the world. Walking inside feels like stepping into a cloud forest in the middle of the city. Public access is limited, so check what's open before you go.
Donuts at Dahlia Bakery
Grab a donut and a coffee and eat them like you have nowhere to be. Dahlia Bakery is a Tom Douglas spot, and the donuts are the reason to stop in. It's an easy, low-effort treat you can fit in between bigger plans.
Snoqualmie Falls and downtown
A short drive east of the city, Snoqualmie Falls is a big waterfall you can see from a viewing area close to the parking lot, so it works as a quick stop or a longer visit. Afterward, wander the downtown area nearby. Make time for Twede's Cafe, the diner that played the Double R Diner in Twin Peaks. Order a slice of pie and a cup of coffee, and you're basically in the show.
A movie at SIFF
SIFF runs the Seattle International Film Festival, and it also runs theaters around the city. Catching a movie in one is a great way to spend an evening, whether it's a new release or something older. SIFF Cinema Egyptian is in Capitol Hill, so it pairs well with a night out. Check the schedule to see what's playing during your trip.
Drinks and dessert in Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is Seattle's go-to neighborhood for a night out, and you can easily spend a whole evening here. Start at Linda's Tavern, a classic dive known as the last place Kurt Cobain was seen. It's a must for music fans. For something completely different, head to Unicorn, a wildly colorful bar and arcade with a carnival feel and cotton candy. Then end the night with a molten chocolate cake at Hot Cakes, which has a Capitol Hill location.
A baseball game at T-Mobile Park
If the Mariners are playing while you're in town, go. T-Mobile Park has a retractable roof, so a rainy day won't wreck the plan. Get a ballpark snack, find your seat, and enjoy a classic way to spend a Seattle afternoon or evening.
A concert at the Showbox
The Showbox is one of Seattle's best-known music venues, and it sits close to Pike Place Market. Check who's playing during your trip. Seeing a show in a room with this much history makes for a night you'll remember.