Seattle Things To Do

7 Nice To Know Facts About Seattle

1.The Denny Party, a group of American pioneers, are credited with founding Seattle on November 13, 1851.

2.The iconic airplane factory, Boeing Company, originated as a boat company and was founded in the Seattle area by William Boeing.

3.The world’s largest coffee chain, Starbucks, was started in Seattle in a place known as the Pike Place market in 1971.

4.Those of you who suffer from Gephyrophobia (fear of bridges) may want to avoid the bridge that connects Seattle and Medina, across Lake Washington. It is the world’s longest floating bridge. When you are traveling on the I-90 from Seattle to Mercer Island, you go across the  world’s first floating bridge, built in 1950

5.In 1907, on East Marginal Way in Seattle, the first gas station was opened.

6.For all you rock and roll fans, did you know that Seattle was the first city in the US to play a Beatles song on the radio?

7.Seattle was the first city in the United States to elect woman mayor, Bertha Landes, elected 1926. Coincidentally, every mayor of Seattle since has been male.

Space Needle

The space needle was built in 1962 for the world’s fair. This has become the most-recognized landmark in Seattle.  I would recommend that you take the 43-second elevator ride to the observation level where you are able to get a better view of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mount Rainier. If you are afraid of heights, this part may not be for you.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

The museum was designed by Frank Gehry. He designed it to look like a smashed guitar from above. This place is a must-see for music and movie lovers. Exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games, horror films to Nirvana, to the Seahawks, and more.

Pacific Science Center

If you visit the pacific science center, your kids will be over the top happy. The museum is a family-friendly atmosphere where your children explore galaxies near and far in the planetarium,  get up close and personal with colorful creatures in the Tropical Butterfly House and maneuver a two-ton granite ball all by yourself! Your kids will feel like Hercules when they move it!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Dale Chihuly is a world-renowned glass blower who was born in Seattle. The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is dedicated to his works. The museum holds the most comprehensive collection of his art to date, with interior galleries featuring a variety of his work in the medium.  The glasshouse contains a vibrant 100-foot-long sculpture in hues of red, orange, and yellow. This eye-popping sculpture is suspended from the ceiling making it look like its floating in the air.

Central Public Library

This has to be one of the most impressive libraries that I have ever seen. The Seattle Central Library is composed of enough glass that could cover over five football fields. I would hate to be that window cleaner!

vSmith Tower

In 1914, the city’s first skyscraper was built. You have to ride on the manually operated elevators to the 35th-floor observatory, where 360-degree views will make you pause for a second to enjoy the view.

Seattle Aquarium

The Aquarium is located on Pier 59 on the waterfront. If you are traveling with small children, they will be entertained by sea otters and various sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean, from puffers to giant clams. Take a walk in the underground dome where you can watch the shark swim overhead.

Seattle Great Wheel

Pier 57 is the home of the Seattle Great wheel which has now become a part of the city’s skyline. The wheel was built in 2012, and has become an eye-catching sightseeing opportunity.

Museum of Flight

If you are an airplane enthusiast, this museum is your heaven. The museum has one of the largest air and space collections in the country. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in!

The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour

If you have always wanted to see how planes are built, then you must visit Mukilteo to take a tour of a working Boeing factory. It is the world’s largest building by volume. On the tour you will see 747s, 777s, and Dreamliners in the making. While you are there you will also learn about airplane advancements from jet fuel to in-flight entertainment systems. From early technology or the Boeing planes to the latest advancements, you will see it all here!

Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

If you’re a coffee lover, you have to visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room on Capitol Hill. It’s the coffee version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! It’s a coffee wonderland, where you’ll find exclusive beverages, various brewing methods, a coffee library, and more. Taste all the types of coffee til your heart’s content. Go early in the day if you want to be able to sleep that night!

Puget beer tour

Sorry kids, this one is not for you!  For a look (and drink) into a local craft beer experience, you will be visiting breweries in Seattle, South Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and  Everett. You will also get to meet the brewers themselves. Try all the unique flavors in the tasting rooms. Very knowledgeable tour guides that are there to answer any questions you may have about the breweries. Oh, it gets better, once the guide knows your particular beer preferences, they will try their best to give you a taste of beer perhaps not on the tasting menu that you may like. Now, that’s a great tour!