Seattle

The Space Needle, an iconic symbol of Seattle, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the Puget Sound, the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, even Mount Rainier on a clear day. Located 158 metres above ground, it features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, the Loupe. Visitors can enjoy a unique perspective of Seattle’s skyline while experiencing the thrill of a revolving view, making it a must-see attraction.

The Amazon Spheres, located in downtown Seattle, are a trio of iconic glass domes housing a unique workspace and botanical garden for Amazon employees. These striking structures feature lush, plant-filled interiors with a diverse array of flora from around the world. Located within the Spheres is the Italian inspired Willmott’s Ghost. This vibrant restaurant offers a menu featuring seasonal Italian dishes, crafted with fresh, local ingredients, allowing visitors to savour wonderful cuisine while immersed in the natural beauty of the Spheres.

Hop aboard a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island for a charming Pacific Northwest getaway. Enjoy a scenic ride across the Puget Sound, soaking in breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding mountains. Once on Bainbridge Island, explore its quaint downtown area with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, visit local wineries or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or biking.

The Great Wheel, located on Pier 57 along the downtown waterfront, offers wonderful views of the cityscape and Elliott Bay. Standing at 53 metres tall, it features enclosed gondolas providing a comfortable ride regardless of the weather. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramas of Seattle’s skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and the Puget Sound. Whether during the day or illuminated by the city lights at night, a ride on the Great Wheel promises a memorable experience for all.

The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) chronicles the rich history of the Pacific Northwest region. Housed in a modern facility in South Lake Union, MOHAI features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia presentations showcasing the area’s cultural, technological, and social evolution. From the indigenous peoples to the rise of Boeing and Microsoft, visitors can explore the diverse stories and innovations that have shaped the Pacific Northwest’s past, present, and future.

Kenmore Air offers scenic flights providing stunning aerial views of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Departing from Lake Union or Lake Washington, these seaplane tours showcase iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle, downtown skyline, and picturesque islands. Passengers experience smooth takeoffs and landings on water, with knowledgeable pilots narrating the journey. Ideal for tourists seeking a unique perspective, Kenmore Air flights deliver an unforgettable way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty and urban splendour. Check with Travel USA for more details.

Dive into the captivating underwater world of the Pacific Northwest with an immersive experience on the Seattle waterfront. Featuring the new Ocean Pavilion expansion in August 2024 the museum houses stunning exhibits that highlight the region’s native marine life, from vibrant fish and playful sea otters to majestic seals and mesmerising jellyfish. Visitors can partake in interactive activities, watch feeding sessions, and gain insights into marine conservation efforts. This newly expanded venue promises a deeper, more engaging encounter with the rich aquatic life of the Pacific Northwest.

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates the cultural impact of popular music, science fiction, fantasy, and pop culture. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the museum’s distinctive building houses a diverse collection of artefacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits, including the world’s largest collection of Nirvana memorabilia, in recognition of the influence the Seattle born ‘grunge music’ sound has had on the city.

Venture beneath the city’s streets to explore its historic subterranean passages with two engaging tour options led by entertaining guides. Delve into Seattle’s early days, tracing its origins after the Great Fire of 1889. Discover hidden storefronts, sidewalks, and artifacts from the city’s pioneer era. As you navigate these underground passages and view original architecture, you’ll learn intriguing anecdotes and hear about some of the colourful characters that shaped Seattle’s development.

World renowned zoological park dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and animal welfare. Spanning over 92 acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing nearly 300 species. Visitors can explore naturalistic exhibits and witness engaging animal feedings and demonstrations. With a commitment to sustainability and conservation, Woodland Park Zoo provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Smith Tower, a historic skyscraper in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, was the tallest building west of the Mississippi when it opened in 1914. It offers a nostalgic journey with its vintage Otis elevators and an observatory deck providing panoramic views of the city, the Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. The Chinese Room, featuring ornate decor, adds to its charm. Smith Tower combines historical elegance with stunning vistas, making it a unique destination for visitors to Seattle.

The Port of Seattle is one of the major gateways to Alaska and with our cruise partner, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), you can experience the beauty of the Inside Passage as you sail northward aboard one of their wonderful ships. Enjoy top-notch amenities, diverse dining options, and thrilling entertainment while cruising past majestic glaciers and wildlife-rich waters. Explore charming Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with opportunities for shore excursions like whale watching and hiking – the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.

The Burke Museum, located on the University of Washington campus, is a premier natural history and cultural institution. It features extensive collections in palaeontology, anthropology, and biology, showcasing fossils, Native American artefacts, and regional wildlife. The museum’s “Behind the Scenes” design allows visitors to observe ongoing research and curation. With interactive exhibits and engaging educational programmes, the Burke Museum offers a dynamic experience, connecting visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest.

Step up to the plate at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, and experience MLB’s pride of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re catching a game or exploring on a non-game day, you can enjoy a 75-minute behind-the-scenes walking tour of this premier baseball facility. For a comprehensive sports experience, don’t miss tours of Seattle’s other iconic venues: Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, and Climate Pledge Arena, the city’s premier arena for hockey and basketball. Chat with Travel USA to access exclusive areas normally restricted to players, coaches, and staff across all of these legendary stadiums.

Discover the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which encompasses three distinct facilities: the Seattle Art Museum downtown, the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park located on the waterfront. Explore a diverse range of exhibits at SAM’s central location, delve into Asian art and culture at the Volunteer Park facility, and enjoy striking outdoor sculptures with stunning waterfront views at the Olympic Sculpture Park. Each venue offers a unique perspective on art, making SAM a rich and varied cultural experience. One museum, three must-see locations!

The Seattle Monorail, a historic and iconic transit system, connects downtown Seattle with the Seattle Centre, home to the Space Needle and other attractions. Established for the 1962 World’s Fair, this elevated train offers a quick and scenic two-minute ride between Westlake Centre and Seattle Centre. With trains departing every 10 minutes, the monorail provides a convenient and unique way to experience Seattle’s urban landscape, making it a favourite for both tourists and locals.

Seattle’s waterfront is a vibrant hub where visitors can savour fresh seafood and explore local crafts. The Seattle Aquarium showcases fascinating marine life, while the Great Wheel offers panoramic views of the city and Elliott Bay. Lined with seafood restaurants, shops, and piers, the area also features harbour tours and lively maritime activities. Enhancing the experience, a major refresh of the waterfront is underway and set for completion in 2025, promising an even more dynamic blend of urban energy and scenic beauty.

Seattle is home to the original Starbucks, founded back in 1971 in Pike Place Market. Today, it is one of the world’s largest coffeehouse chains with their global headquarters still in the city. Coffee lovers are invited to visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an immersive experience featuring state-of-the-art roasting facilities, interactive brewing methods, and an expansive tasting room where they can savour exclusive small-batch coffees from around the globe.

A charming retreat situated across the Puget Sound from Seattle, offering a tranquil escape with its laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can explore the island’s quaint downtown area, dotted with artisan shops, galleries, and cafes whilst outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, beaches, and parks. The island also features historical sites, wineries, and opportunities for kayaking or paddle boarding, making it a delightful destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Seattle’s largest public park in north Seattle is the perfect place to walk and hike, spanning over 500 acres of natural beauty. Visitors can explore forested trails and stunning viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop is a popular trail that takes hikers to West Point Lighthouse at the northern end of Elliot Bay from which, on a clear day, Mount Rainier can be seen in the distance.

Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers’ markets in the United States. Established in 1907, it offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, seafood, artisanal goods, and international cuisine. A must-visit destination in Seattle where visitors can witness the iconic fishmongers’ fish-throwing tradition, explore unique shops, and discover local crafts. To enhance your experience ask us about the chef-guided tour – your chance to be taken around the market by a local chef, with a selection of light, local bites along the way.

The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world featuring an extensive collection of historic aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation artifacts. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, climb aboard iconic aircraft, and learn about the evolution of aviation and aerospace technology. The museum also offers a robust docent program, where knowledgeable volunteers provide guided tours, share insights, and enhance the educational experience for visitors of all ages making the museum an enriching destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

The Seattle Public Library’s Central Library, designed by Rem Koolhaas, stands as an architectural marvel in downtown Seattle. This striking glass and steel structure not only houses an extensive collection of books and digital resources but also features captivating public art. Spanning 11 floors, the library includes the innovative “Books Spiral” – a bright, open space where patrons can meet, browse the web, or read. With numerous community programmes, free Wi-Fi, and stunning city views, the library serves as a vibrant cultural hub, making it a must-visit landmark for both tourists and locals.

Embark on a truly unique experience on the water in Seattle. These custom-built vessels feature a built-in hot tub that can accommodate up to six people, allowing guests to relax and unwind while cruising through scenic waterways like Lake Union. With easy-to-operate controls and panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains, hot tub boat rentals offer a memorable and indulgent way to enjoy Seattle’s picturesque waterfront. There are two options available on Lake Union – check with Travel USA for more details.

Located at the tech giant’s Redmond campus, offering an interactive experience showcasing the company’s innovations and history. Visitors can explore exhibits on AI, gaming, and cloud technology, and get hands-on with the latest Microsoft products like Surface devices and Xbox consoles. The centre provides insights into future technologies and Microsoft’s impact on the world, making it a fascinating destination for tech enthusiasts and anyone interested in the evolution of computing.

Embark on a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Boeing Everett Factory, the world’s largest factory, to witness 777 jets being assembled firsthand. Located just 30 minutes north of Seattle in Mukilteo, the tour also includes access to Boeing’s Future of Flight latest exhibits, Sky Deck and Gallery experiences. Your chance to gain a unique insight into commercial jet production and an engaging glimpse into the innovation and craftsmanship behind air travel. Book early to avoid disappointment  – check with Travel USA for more details.

Experience live sport – the American way! Catch the adrenaline, the cheers, and the thrill of a live game – because experiencing sports the American way is an absolute must! In Seattle there are 7 pro teams to choose from, including MLB’s Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seahawks NFL team. Chat with Travel USA to score your tickets and we’ll look to lock in your seats before you even pack your bags!

Argosy Cruises offer a scenic journey through Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle skyline. Narrated tours provide insights into the city’s history, maritime industries, and natural beauty, including views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. Relax aboard a comfortable vessel with indoor and outdoor seating options, perfect for sightseeing and capturing memorable photos of Seattle’s waterfront and bustling harbour activity.

An engaging science museum located near the Space Needle at Seattle Centre. It features interactive exhibits on topics such as physics, biology, and environmental science, as well as IMAX theatres, a planetarium, and a tropical butterfly house. Designed to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning, the centre offers hands-on activities for all ages making it a dynamic destination for families and science enthusiasts seeking to explore the wonders of the natural world.

Showcasing the extraordinary glass artwork of Dale Chihuly. Situated at the Seattle Centre this immersive exhibition features indoor and outdoor displays, including stunning glass sculptures, intricate installations, and vibrant botanical gardens. Visitors can marvel at the interplay of light and colour, explore the artist’s creative process, and gain insight into the world of glassblowing.

Kerry Park, located in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighbourhood, offers one of the city’s most iconic views. From this small hillside park, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramas of downtown Seattle’s skyline, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and on clear days, Mount Rainier. It’s a popular spot for photographers and those seeking a picturesque backdrop. With its serene setting and breathtaking vistas, Kerry Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to capture the essence of Seattle.