Seattle is a top location for fun. There are a huge diversity of things to do and see in the city and surrounding nature. There are good reasons why the area has been home to so many famous artists, musicians and films; it offers eccentricity, vibrancy and inspiration at every corner.
Seattle is not a destination for those looking for generic touristy experiences; you have to be looking for something special, and at Totally Seattle, it is our local-grown passion that gives us our distinctive approach to holidays.
Get in touch with us for fully personalized Seattle adventures tailored to your own unique sense of fun. And read on for our top tips for the most fun vacation you’ve had in a long time.
Lose yourself in Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s largest incubator of small, independent businesses, providing a space for over 500 shopkeepers, craftspeople, farmers, and buskers. It was first established in 1907, and is the birthplace of Starbucks, which began life as a small shop here in the 1970s.
Head to the Pike Place Fish Market to see three-foot salmon being thrown across the stalls in preparation for sale. Sample unusual specialities including Geoduck clams, Dungeness crabs, and Rainer cherries. Add some brightly coloured gum to the Gum Wall, and maybe earn a place in the Pike Place Cute Photo Gallery.
If you prefer to plan your market meandering, you can download the interactive Market Map from the Pike Place Market site. Or, let one of our local guides introduce you to the best market stalls of the moment (and sample their produce) when you join our Pike Place Market Tour.
Our market tour includes a ride on the 1962 Seattle Monorail. As you board one of these sleek, iconic trains, you’ll be traveling in the footsteps of astronaut John Glenn, who rode the monorail shortly after his orbit on Friendship 7.
Explore Seattle’s vibrant art scene
Seattle has long been home to a gloriously eclectic range of artists, whose work will entice you on a journey through Ancient American sculptures, iconic landscapes, and shamanic figurines to the hyper-modern installations at the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Alongside the diverse venues of the Seattle Art Museum, don’t miss the striking street murals that you can find in so many corners of the city. One of the best ways of taking in the breadth of Seattle’s expansive art scene is to join our Seattle Art tour, which includes street art, hidden galleries, and the stunning Chihuly Glass Museum.
Comprising eight galleries, a glasshouse, a garden, and a theater, Chihuly offers an immersion in vibrant color, ethereal light, and cascading shapes. It is located at the base of the iconic Space Needle, which you can ascend for incredible views of the city skyline, Elliot Bay, and surrounding mountain ranges.
Visit the exhilarating Snoqualmie Falls
Seattle is a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and skiers (in winter). Whether you are in it for the thrills or the stunning landscapes, visiting the local mountain ranges is an absolute must.
Our Snoqualmie Falls Nature Hike guides you to the 268 foot waterfall powering the Northwest via hydroelectric power. We also take in optional Twin Peaks shooting locations (for the fans). Keep an eye out for elk, bears, deer or perhaps even Bigfoot….
This hairy legend, also known as Sasquatch, has turned up in multiple sightings in the Pacific Northwest. These appearances are said to be warnings, telling humans to change their ways.
Discover Seattle’s legendary music scene
Seattle has been the home of so many famous musicians it would be impossible to list them all here. They include, for starters, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Ray Charles, the Foo Fighters, and Soundgarden.
The first place to start in exploring the city’s music history is the Museum of Pop Culture, with galleries dedicated to contemporary musicians, indie gaming, cult movies and sci-fi animations.
Within the museum, you can catch a local artist performing at the Sky Church, which has one of the world’s largest LED displays, or try your own hand at performing in the Sound Lab, where you can play in front of a virtual mosh pit.
Check the timing of your visit in case it coincides with one of the city’s music festivals, or look up the schedules of famous music venues such as The Crocodile and Neumos. Don’t forget to visit Easy Street Records, especially famous for its extensive hip-hop section.
Witness Seattle from the sea or the sky
Sail across Puget Sound for stunning views of the city, sea lion spotting, and beautiful sunsets. You can rent sailboats, with or without a captain, and explore the charming islands of Bainbridge, Vashon, and Blake.
For a truly elevating experience though, join us on our combined Seattle sailing and helicopter experience. This fantastically luxurious option offers a sky-eye tour of the city and a 2-hour private sailing experience.
Of course, we also include a meal in a downtown luxury restaurant and the chance for coffee tasting — something no Seattle visit should be without!
Attend a Seattle sports game
Seattle is famous for its sports teams, and is home to the Seattle Seahawks football team, the Seattle Mariners baseball team, the Seattle Kraken hockey team and Seattle Sounders soccer team. To watch the baseball, check out T-Mobile park, and the home stadium of the Seahawks and the Sounders is Lumen Field.
Seattle is also home to the state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena, which holds a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions and claims to be “the most progressive, responsible and sustainable arena in the world”. Along with sports, you can watch world-famous music acts and other entertainment experiences in the arena.
Maybe you first came across Seattle via high school comedy, in 10 Things I Hate About You; maybe you were captivated by the David Lynch’s surreal depictions of the area in Twin Peaks; or maybe you just want to check out one of the most iconic cities in the world for your own reasons.
Whatever your motivation, we are here to make your visit perfect for your own very personal tastes and interests, in sync with Seattle’s passion for originality and flair. Get in touch with us to start shaping your visit to Seattle!
