Top 5 Places to Visit in Seattle
Whether you're just visiting or a local looking to get to know your home base better, there are plenty of things to do in Seattle, Washington. This Pacific Northwest city has it all — a bustling waterfront, lush green spaces and a crisp mountain backdrop. For day trips and weekend excursions alike, grab your Zipcar and check out these sights in the Emerald City.
Explore the Seattle Center Monorail
The Seattle Center Monorail is an elevated, 1-mile monorail line that runs through the heart of the city. Ride the train to the Seattle Center for easy access to the iconic Space Needle and the sculptures at Olympic Park. Or head to Westlake Center — just a quick walk from the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Aquarium. From there, head over to Pike's Place Market for a meal and find out what chefs can do with ingredients pulled straight from the sea.
See the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit
Located just next door to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an art exhibit dedicated to the work of Dale Chihuly. After being introduced to glass art during his studies at the University of Washington, Chihuly's journey to mastery took him around the world. Finally, his work returned to the Pacific Northwest for good in 2012, with the debut of this longstanding exhibition.
Chihuly Garden and Glass consists of eight galleries and a botanical garden, giving guests a comprehensive look at his work over time. Spend a few hours perusing the galleries before grabbing some small bites at the on-site bar.
Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
Head down to Pier 57 to take a spin around the Seattle Great Wheel. This 53-meter-tall Ferris wheel has become a signature part of the city's skyline, and it remains one of the central things to do in Seattle for locals and visitors alike. Located at the end of the pier overlooking Elliott Bay, the Great Wheel will help you see the city in a completely different light.
Learn Something at the Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is one of the most interesting places to visit in Seattle. This independent, nonprofit science center is dedicated to fueling creativity and encouraging curiosity.
Visit the planetarium for a journey to outer space, meet marine life in the tide pools, or step into the tropics with a trip to the butterfly garden. Suitable for visitors of all ages, the Pacific Science Center is both fun and educational.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture
Of all the things to do in Seattle, the Museum of Pop Culture is one that anyone can enjoy. Another nonprofit museum, the MoPOP celebrates pop culture in all its forms. Go behind the scenes of iconic films like The Wizard of Oz and Halloween, or get to know some of Seattle's legendary musical acts, including Nirvana and Pearl Jam. With interactive and visually dynamic exhibits, you'll experience pop culture like never before.
When you're looking for things to do, Seattle is one of the best places to be. On your next trip to the Emerald City, let Zipcar help you get around.
