Things to See & Do in Seattle

Washington State’s largest city is Seattle. Seattle is known for being home of the iconic Space Needle, headquarters of large tech companies, and for raining all the time. Amber and I have visited Seattle twice once in June 2018 and again with Michael in September 2022. Each time we have gone we have enjoyed the city. We visited some of places again and some we did for the first time.

United States Naval Undersea Museum

This museum is located in Keyport, Washington. We stopped by it on our way into Seattle from Olympic National Park. This was a new place for Amber and I. The museum is the only official Navy Museum that exhibits all the undersea activities of the Navy. They have a large collection of torpedoes and undersea vehicles. When Amber, Michael, and I arrived we watched as two large vans pulled up in the parking lot and a field trip of Navy servicemen and woman got out. As we began the tour, we kept hearing them push buttons on how to pronounce submariner. One of our favorite parts was the exhibits about the naval dolphins and sea lions. They had various videos showing how these Navy animals detect mines and intruders.

Space Needle

Probably the most iconic site to see when visiting Seattle. The Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall spire in the Seattle Center. Amber and I had been to the Space Needle in June 2018 while it was under renovation. Seeing it again with Michael was really a treat since we were able to see it finished. This time Amber and I got to experience the finish observation deck and the rotating deck.

While on the observation deck there are QR codes that you can scan that assist with what you are viewing n the distance to the various mountains to the tall skyscrapers in downtown. It made the experience more enjoyable by knowing what you were viewing instead of just viewing the scenery.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center. This gallery showcases the beautiful works of local Northwestern Washington artist Dale Chihuly. Amber and I had visited here back in 2018 and required Michael to go. When Amber and I went back in 2018 the gallery reminded us of a mix of Willy Wonka and Dr. Seuss.

They had an audio tour that took you through each gallery. On the audio tour it had various art critics talking about Chihuly’s work but also had Chihuly talking over his thoughts and why he created various works.

On the audio tour you learn that these collection Chihuly called "the uglies"

The centerpiece of the Chihuly Garden and Glass is the Glasshouse. It is a 40-foot-tall glass structure filled with a suspended 100-foot-long glass sculpture of reds, oranges, yellows, and amber.

Past the Glasshouse is the garden. The garden is a special location because Chihuly got to work directly with the landscaper to specially choose plants to compliment the glass sculptures. Also in the garden is a theater. When we were there this year, we got to watch glassblowing in process.

Pike Place Market

This 9-acre public market located in downtown Seattle is Seattle’s original farmers’ market. This market is so large with many winding alleys, various levels, and stairways. Like the first time I was there it was overwhelming with all the different wares that are sold there. It ranges from souvenirs, games, books, art works, and various food. This time around we got to experience the famous fish throwing. While we were exploring, we stopped by a large crowd of people and then a fish was thrown in our direction. We watched as it was being thrown around by the staff. Our stopping spot was probably not the best because we would have been smacked in the face if they had missed.

Also, a spot close to the marketplace is the famous gum wall. It is a narrow alley covered in used chewing gum.

The Gum Wall — Gum Wall as of 2018...though it looks the same in 2022

Pier 57 “Miners Landing”

At Pier 57, the Seattle scene changes from hipster to old west. We took Michael there to since it was one of our favorite spots to relax when we were there back in 2018. However, this time it was partly under construction. We did stop for a bit to get ice cream.

There is the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings over Washington. Amber and I, back in 2018, experienced both of these attractions on the pier. Amber was quite nervous about Ferris Wheel since it goes right over the water but ended up enjoying it. While resting a few different times we kept hearing the audio for Wings over Washington. After a few times we decided why not let’s give it a try. It was a 4D experience of flying over various parts of Washington and became a highlight of the trip.

The Splintered Wand

This is a wizard pub and wand shop. As we stepped in it fells like you were transported off the streets of Seattle to something akin to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. Up the stairs you are taken to the wand shop where you are able to craft a wand while you wait for your food or after once you get the courage to do so.

We ate there for dinner. Amber and Michael both had magical smoking cocktails (thanks to some dry ice). Which fun fact from the trip we had watched an episode of How to Drink where Greg made a cocktail with dry ice and how it could kill you. These were safe since they use specials straws with strainers on the bottom. Michael's first smoking cocktail was the Balrog (bourbon, brûlée, orange and aromatic bitters).

We each got a different entrée of the finest magical beasts and were simply amazed by the theater of the pub. After dinner we got a dessert which was served in a cauldron that they put on fire.

Museum of Pop Culture (aka MoPOP)

This was something we didn’t do in 2022 but did do in 2018. We viewed their permanent collection that ranges from Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction, and Jimi Hendrix. In 2018, their rotating exhibit was Marvel themed which worked nicely with Amber and I going to ACE Con to see Tom Hiddleston and Sabastian Stan.

The museum is a place where everyone will find something that they enjoy.