In my last blogpost I gave you the best ways you can avoid looking like a tourist in Seattle, and now since we are professional Seattle travelers (and not looking all touristy), it's time to share some of my favorite places to visit in Seattle. Seattle is one of the best places to visit because it is such a melting pot of things to do. Whatever your interests are, I'm sure you can find something in Seattle that deals with them. Keep in mind that these things you can do are in no particular order, so just because it's higher up on the list than something else, doesn't mean it's better.
1. The Space Needle
Okay, so obviously I had to include the Space Needle as something you can do in Seattle - it's kind of the first thing you see when you enter into the Seattle area, and it's hard to miss. If you don't want to spend the money, you can just go hang out outside of the Space Needle, but if you're willing to spend a little bit, you can take the elevator inside the Space Needle up to the top. You can also eat at the top of the Space Needle in its dining area, but that's a little more spendy. To eat inside the Space Needle, it's about $50 per person, but it's a really great experience to say you got to eat good food and look over Seattle. For more ticket prices and information, go to: http://dev.spaceneedle.com/ticket-information/ When buying your ticket to go to the top of the Space Needle observation deck, make sure you get the ticket so you can visit at the day and the night. There really is nothing quite as spectacular as looking across Seattle at night with all of the bright lights and night life going on beneath you.
2. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of my most favorite places to visit in Seattle, because there is always new things there. Known as the largest farmer's market, Pike Place is the perfect place to visit if you're looking for some unique food and interesting souvenirs. All of the booths set up offer different things, such as food, tie-dye, jewelry, donut cat stuffed animals, spices, shoes - pretty much anything you're looking for, you will be able to find at Pike Place. And then there's the fish market - yes, they do actually throw fish! If you want to spend the money, you can buy a fish from the market and the employees will toss it to you. One of my friends went there recently and bought a fish for $6 and was allowed to catch it from one of the employees, and then they had fish tacos for dinner that night. There are so many creative things to do in Pike Place, it's almost ridiculous. And if you like donuts (like me), there's this awesome fresh mini donut stand where you can buy a ton of donuts for super cheap; I recommend getting the cinnamon sugar ones. Keeping with that whole donut theme... check out MarninSaylor for some adorable donut cat souvenirs. And if you're a flower lover, Pike Place is the place for you! They have dozens of different and beautiful flower arrangements that don't cost an arm and a leg to buy. Finally, one of my most favorite places to check out in Pike Place, is a tiny restaurant called Turkish Delight. It's towards the far end of Pike Place, but definitely worth the visit for some authentic Turkish food and, my personal favorite, Turkish delight for all you Narnia fans.
3. The First Starbucks
This, also is a must-see must-do thing in Seattle. But, keep in mind that everyone else is just as stoked about the original Starbucks as you are, so the line to get in and get a drink will be significantly long. My guess is it takes about an hour to two hours before you can actually get up to the counter and order your drinks. If you aren't totally fangirling over the original Starbucks and don't feel the need to physically get a drink from it, I would recommend just snapping a picture and going to another Starbucks - trust me, you'll find one, there on every block. The fun thing about the first Starbucks is that it has the original Starbucks logo - the mermaid without her hair covering her chest. Not to shatter anyone's dreams either, but this isn't the actual spot the first Starbucks was at - it used to be at 2000 Western Avenue until it was moved to Pike Place around 1976. For sure go check it out - it's a cool place and if you're at Pike Place Market they are right across from each other; two incredible birds, one fantastic stone.
4. The Seattle Aquarium
If you enjoy sea animals and a place that is out of the rain, then the Seattle Aquarium is the place for you! The aquarium is one of my favorite places to go to, especially when it's a rather rainy, dreary day. It's huge and can take you probably a couple of hours to walk through if you take your time. There's sea otters, information about the salmon, seahorses, a huge octopus tank, jellyfish, a touch pool, and a gigantic 120,000 gallon tank where there are dive shows. It's a great place for kids, but as a responsible and mature adult (haha), I can say it's a great place for adults too! Personally, I like the otter exhibit; every time I have gone they are always super lively and cute. For more information and ticket prices, visit: http://www.seattleaquarium.org/pricing
5. The Gum Wall
This is just one of the things that you must see when you travel throughout Seattle. You may think it's gross and it might be a little weird, but it's very cool and totally worth it to check out. It's kind of tucked away, but very close to Pike Place Market, so when you get to Pike Place just ask around and someone will totally be able to point you in the right direction. Make sure to bring gum with you so you can leave some of your DNA in Seattle!
6. Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a great place to go to if you want to just walk around, enjoy some art, and relax. Granted, this isn't nearly that fun if it's raining, but on those rare sunny days, this is some good, clean fun. You could bring a book and read while you're there, or you could pack a picnic and hang with friends. Plus, you can get a really good look of the Space Needle from the park too. Also...it's free, and who doesn't like free stuff?!
7. Seattle Great Wheel
If you're afraid of heights, I wouldn't recommend this specific activity, but if you're particularly adventerous and willing to spend a little money, then the Seattle Great Wheel is perfect for you! While you don't get the best views of Seattle from the Great Wheel, it's very relaxing and you do get to see some fantastic buildings and all the water. Riding the Great Wheel isn't too spendy, but if you want to try something fancy, consider getting your own VIP gondola. It's more expensive, but it's worth it if you want to have the total experience. For prices, visit: https://webhost.corecashless.com/minerslanding/mobile/?p=is12t4ym
8. The Fremont Troll
Visiting the Fremont Troll is just kind of a leisurely, quirky thing you can do while visiting Seattle. It was sculpted by four artists in 1990 and can be seen clutching a VW Bug, as if it had just swiped if off the roadway. It's great to go to, snap a few pictures with, and then leave. Sometimes it can be hard to find, but all you have to do is peek under the Aurora Bridge; you can't miss it. Plus, this too, is free!
9. The Volunteer Park Conservatory
On the first Thursday and Saturday of every month, you can get free admission into the conservatory, so there's a bonus for you right there! The conservatory is a fun place to visit because you can just mosey around, enjoy the architecture, and literally stop and smell the roses. They have tons of gorgeous flowers inside, and it's just breathtaking. And, if you aren't able to go on the first Thursday or Saturday of the month, then it's only a few dollars to go inside and experience the beauty.
10. The Pacific Science Center
Going to the Pacific Science Center has always been one of my favorite things to do whenever my family and I have a free day. You can easily spend the entire day checking out all of the different exhibits, and depending on what month(s) it is, they have new and different exhibits. Plus, they have the IMAX, and you can see educational movies or any other movies they have playing while you're there as well. Whether kid or adult, surely you will have fun and learn something new at the Science Center. For more information and ticket pricing, check here: https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/plan-your-visit/
11. The Cheesecake Factory
Last but certainly not least, a place you must visit in Seattle is the Cheesecake Factory. The Cheesecake Factory is my favorite restaurant in Seattle, and the food is delicious there! Plus, they have gluten free options, which I love because I can actually enjoy the food. The Cheesecake Factory doesn't take reservations, so it's first come, first serve. The best times I have found to go to the Cheesecake Factory is some time between one and four in the afternoon, otherwise you are guarantee at least a forty-five minute wait. The service is great, and the food is even better. So make sure you stop by and try the cheesecake! I also recommend the Americana Burger for all you burger lovers out there. And lucky for those of you touring Seattle, there is a Cheesecake Factory located on 700 Pike Street.
Bottom line, Seattle is beyond cool, and there are a lot of great places to visit. I didn't list all of the activities you can do (there's just too many), just a few of my favorites. When you plan on visiting Seattle, consider checking them out. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do.
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