Seattle

Dolphin & whale watching

While the rainy weather of the Pacific Northwest doesn't lend itself to a tropical getaway, you'll still find some beautiful beaches in Seattle. The best beaches in Seattle are picturesque urban oases with Olympic Mountain views, like Pocket Beach, or shallow-water snorkeling havens, as you’ll find in Titlow Park.

If your wishlist of things to do in Seattle includes a sand-between-the-toes summer experience, head to Madison Park Beach for lakeside activities. If historic landmarks are high on your itinerary, check out Alki Beach on the city's west side. In Seattle, there's a beach for everyone.

1. Alki Beach, West Seattle

From Pike Place Market to the Smith Tower, Seattle is brimming with amazing sights that are waiting to be explored. This guide to the best places to visit in Seattle is packed with must-sees for art and history lovers, families, nature enthusiasts, adventurous types, and everyone in between.

Think sci-fi, music, and video games at MoPOP; epic views from the Space Needle; encounters with nature at Woodland Park Zoo; and 312,000 square feet of art at the Seattle Art Museum. Consider this roundup of Seattle’s top 15 attractions your key to unlocking the highlights of Washington’s largest city.

You may already know that Seattle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., with historic landmarks and trendy neighborhoods galore. Though Seattle can’t escape its identity as a rainy Pacific Northwest metropolis, Seattle in summer is a time for outdoor activities, Puget Sound cruises, and beach days.

Come June, Seattleites dawn on their SPF and head to spots like Alki Beach, Discovery Park, Lake Union, and Pike Place for their fix of warm weather fun. The rain-free forecast also means better sightseeing opportunities. Take advantage of this guide to 13 fun things to do in Seattle in summer to enjoy the city during its sunniest days.

Dig a little deeper beyond Seattle's famous nightlife and trendy young-adult scene and discover that Seattle is secretly a kid's paradise. Thanks to the city’s interactive museums, sprawling parks, and lots of kid-friendly attractions, Seattle is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. From the worlds of Harry Potter and Star Wars at the Museum of Pop Culture to colorful butterfly exhibits at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle has everything from immersive cultural experiences to fun-filled outdoor escapes. Here are the top 12 things to do in Seattle with kids for your next family adventure.