Seattle in the fall has a unique kind of magic. The summer crowds diminish, the air becomes crisp, and the city adopts a slower rhythm. Maples display brilliant reds along the sidewalks, cozy cafés fill with people warming their hands on spiced lattes, and neighborhoods feel particularly lively against a backdrop of gold and orange. If you’re visiting during this season, you’ll discover many ways to enjoy the atmosphere, whether you’re interested in nature, culture, or simply wandering the city streets with a warming coffee in your hand.
Here are a few of our favorite activities to experience in Seattle during the fall. And if you want to see Seattle through the eyes of a local, in the company of an expert guide, be sure to check out our Private Seattle Tours.
Visit the Ballard Locks and Watch the Salmon Run
There aren’t many places where you can stand in the middle of a city and watch wild salmon fighting their way upstream, but that’s exactly what you’ll see at the Ballard Locks each fall. The fish ladder here draws chinook and coho salmon on their journey back to their spawning grounds, and it’s fascinating to watch them leap, rest, and push forward. Kids and nature lovers of all ages are sure to love it!
But it’s not only about the salmon. The Locks serve as a functioning waterway, so you may observe a yacht, a fishing boat, and a kayak all waiting their turn to pass between Puget Sound and Lake Union. Sea lions often lurk around the edges in search of an easy snack, while great blue herons can be seen stalking the shoreline. Nature in the heart of the city – it’s the best of both worlds.
Explore Washington Park Arboretum’s Fall Foliage
If you’re craving a hit of fall color, the Washington Park Arboretum is where you’ll find it. The trails wind through 230 acres of maples, birches, and oaks that put on a show each October and November. Some trees go flaming scarlet, others a buttery yellow, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the katsura trees when they give off a sweet, candy-like scent as their leaves turn.
The Arboretum is free to enter, and even on weekends, it rarely feels crowded. You can stick to the main paths or duck into smaller trails that make you forget you’re still in the middle of a major city.
Take a Tour with Totally Seattle
Of course, we’re a little biased, but fall is one of our favorite times to show visitors around. The weather is cool enough for comfortable walking, the light is perfect for photos, and the city just feels a bit more local without the big summer crowds.
Our Private Seattle Tours aren’t about racing from one landmark to another. We keep the groups small, stop for chocolate or coffee when the mood strikes, and make time for stories you won’t find on plaques or guidebooks – this is slow, off-script travel. We’ll take you through Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle Center, but also the little hidden corners that most people walk right past.
If you’ve only got a short window in the city, a guided tour is the easiest way to turn a half-day into something you’ll remember long after your trip. Browse our Seattle Tours.
Wander Pike Place Market on a Rainy Day
Pike Place Market is a must-see destination at any time of year, but fall brings a unique energy. When the rain is coming down and the crowds are smaller, it feels cozier, more lived-in. The bright stalls piled with apples, squash, and fresh flowers are a reminder of the season, and the smell of chowder drifting from a corner café is hard to resist.
Take your time here. Watch the fishmongers for a while, then head down into the lower levels where antique stores, little record shops, and oddball collectibles hide away. Grab a warm pastry or a spiced latte from one of the tucked-away coffee spots, and duck into a local artisan’s stall to see what they’ve been making.
Fancy the guidance of a local? Take our very own Pike Place Market Tour.
Catch a Museum Day
Seattle’s gray skies have their perks – it provides the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s many awesome museums. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is always a crowd-pleaser, with exhibits that range from Nirvana’s guitars to sci-fi movie props and indie game design. If you prefer fine art, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) has a steady rotation of world-class exhibitions, alongside a solid permanent collection that often surprises first-time visitors. (We have our own Seattle Art Tour – add the enhancements listed on the page to get access to sites, such as the Seattle Art Museum.)
For something a little different, the National Nordic Museum in Ballard tells the story of Seattle’s Scandinavian roots, while the Wing Luke Museum in the International District dives into the history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the region. Both are smaller than the big-name museums, but they’re equally fascinating.
Families might enjoy the Pacific Science Center, with its hands-on exhibits, planetarium, and butterfly house. Aviation enthusiasts should carve out time for The Museum of Flight, one of the largest air and space museums in the world, featuring everything from early biplanes to a retired Concorde.
And for maritime history buffs, the Center for Wooden Boats offers a charming mix of exhibits and lakefront activity, letting you step into Seattle’s nautical past.
Savor Seasonal Flavors in Seattle
Fall in Seattle tastes as good as it looks. Farmers’ markets overflow with apples, pears, and squash, while bakeries tempt you with spiced tarts, pumpkin bread, and hot cider. Capitol Hill and Fremont are especially fun neighborhoods to wander when you’re hungry.
Seafood is always a highlight here, but in fall, don’t miss a steaming bowl of chowder or a plate of mussels fresh from the Sound. Pair it with a local craft beer or a glass of Washington red wine and you’ve got the perfect autumn meal!
Enjoy Seattle This Fall
If you’re heading to Seattle this fall, we’d love to show you around. Our Seattle Tours are designed to capture the best of the city, from famous landmarks to our favorite neighborhoods, and all the small surprises we might find in between. Think of it less as a tour and more as spending the day with a friend who knows their way around! Any questions for us? Please get in touch.
