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Best Things to do in Seattle (2026)

Many of the best things to do in Seattle are about views and water. Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill gives the classic picture of the Space Needle in front of the downtown skyline, with Mount Rainier behind on clear days. Gas Works Park, on the north shore of Lake Union, keeps the towers of an old gasification plant and has a kite-flying hill looking across to downtown. For a view from the very top, Sky View Observatory occupies the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, the tallest building in Washington State.

On the waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 makes a short ride over Elliott Bay, and the Washington State Ferries crossing to Bainbridge Island gives a longer look at the city from the water for the price of a ferry ticket. Plan these around the weather and the light: sunset is the most popular time at Kerry Park and Sky View, and clear mornings are best for mountain views. Most of these experiences are free or cheap, which helps balance the cost of the city's paid attractions. Combine Kerry Park with a visit to Seattle Center, the Great Wheel with the aquarium and Pike Place Market, and Gas Works Park with lunch in Fremont or Wallingford.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Seattle

  1. Kerry Park Viewpoint Viewpoint, Queen AnneA small park on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park has one of the best-known views of Seattle, with the Space Needle, downtown and Elliott Bay.
  2. Gas Works Park Park and historic industrial site, WallingfordOn the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park keeps the towers of an old coal gasification plant and has a kite-flying hill with views of downtown.
  3. Seattle Great Wheel Observation wheel, WaterfrontOpened in 2012 on Pier 57, the 175-foot Seattle Great Wheel extends over Elliott Bay, with enclosed gondolas giving views of the waterfront and skyline.

Thing to do

2. Gas Works Park

Park and historic industrial siteWallingford

On the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park keeps the towers of an old coal gasification plant and has a kite-flying hill with views of downtown.

View details — Gas Works Park