Blog

We’ve got a fun and exciting Seattle 4 day itinerary just for you. Whether you are here to explore the PNW, Washington state, or this is just an add on before or after you head off on one of the Alaska cruises that port here, we’ve got you covered. Myself and my fellow bloggers are giving you all the details for the best things to do with this Seattle 4 day itinerary. 

Now, if you have an extra day or are hanging out in Washington state, then don’t forget to visit nearby Tacoma and Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park. If you are doing multiple Seattle activities, then it may be more cost effective to purchase a Seattle CityPass or C3 ticket, which give you access to multiple locations for less than purchasing each ticket individually.

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Famous Seattle Landmarks

Pike Place Market

We start off our Seattle 4 day itinerary with some famous Seattle landmarks. The first famous Seattle landmark is Pike Place Market. Nothing is more iconic than having fish fly by your face after it was thrown by a local vendor. It’s super fun to be a part of the Pike Place Fish Market shenanigans that go on here daily. 

As you continue to walk down rows and rows of vendors, you’ll need to take in the beauty. Every day, fresh flowers are cut and put for sale here. Many local folks wait till the day of their wedding to pick up the seasonal fresh flowers from Pike Place Market. It’s definitely less expensive than what I paid for my wedding flowers. As you continue on, you’ll see all sorts of fish freshly and locally caught. The fresh fruits and vegetables are on beautiful display and many are also locally grown similar to that found at the Marche Jean Talon in Montreal.  

Starbucks Flagship Store

Second famous Seattle landmark is the original flagship Starbucks location. Established in 1971, this iconic coffee house is located right outside of the Pike Place Market, making it an easy stop to get to. As in usual coffee fashion, there is often a line that stretches from inside to outside, so be prepared to wait a little bit.  

Gum Wall

Third famous Seattle landmark is the gum wall. Okay maybe calling the gum wall a famous Seattle landmark is a stretch. Get it, see what I did there. Okay enough silliness. While maybe not the most famous, this may be the grossest Seattle landmark with everyones spit lining the walls. But how can you come to Seattle and not get a selfie here and spit out your gum for good measure. Don’t forget when visiting to keep an eye on the floor and your shoes when walking in and out of this little gum alley. 

Space Needle

• Written by Lisa Garrett from Waves and Cobblestones

The Space Needle is a highlight of our Seattle 4 day itinerary, and is a must-see attraction even if you only have one day in Seattle!  The Space Needle was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair and has become an iconic element of the Seattle skyline as well as one of the city’s most famous and recognizable landmarks.

With a height of 605 feet, the views from the top of the Space Needle can’t be beat.  Take a ride on a high-speed elevator to the top.  You can take in the panoramic views from the open-air observation deck, or stay indoors in the Loupe with its incredible revolving glass floor.  This is also a great place to relax.

It’s hard to get a great picture of the Space Needle from up close since it’s so very tall.  For a more complete picture, you’ll need to get a little distance.  Try heading over to the International Fountain if you want your shot to include the top of the Space Needle.

When you’re visiting the Emerald City, there are plenty of great hotels to choose from.  If you want to stay near the Space Needle, check out the Hyatt Place or Hyatt House.  It’s only a 6-minute walk from the Space Needle and other top Seattle attractions like the Museum of Pop Culture and the Chihuly Garden and Glass.

Indoor Activities in Seattle

Museum of Pop Culture

• Written by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

Even if you don’t go inside, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) deserves a spot on our Seattle 4 day itinerary. Formerly known as the Experience Music Project, this Seattle museum opened in 2000 in a distinctive futuristic building designed by architect Frank Gehry. Inside, you’ll find exhibits devoted to everything pop culture: from music and science fiction to video games and movies. 

But if you think this is a stodgy museum where you’ll just walk around reading informational placards, think again. While the museum provides a comprehensive overview of pop culture history, where the museum really shines is with its interactive elements such as the Sound Lab. Here you can experiment with creating your own music using various instruments and machines like electric guitars and mixing boards. You can also pay tribute to some Seattle’s best-known musicians including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Jimi Hendrix. 

Even if you’re not a huge music fan, you’ll likely find something that sparks your interest at MoPOP. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame is a must-see as well as the “Indie Game Revolution” exhibits. If this all sounds a little overstimulating, don’t worry, MoPOP does frequently host sensory-friendly programs for need less noise and light. In fact, MoPOP often hosts special events like films and concerts, so it’s definitely worth check out their event calendar as you plan your Seattle trip.

Museum of Flight

• Written by Sophie from Delightful Travel Notes

• You can visit the Museum of Flight daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and expect to spend at least several hours here. On the first Thursday of every month, it stays open late with free admission from 5:00 PM.

The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. If you are an aviation enthusiast or have an interest in history, technology, and space exploration, this museum is a must-visit destination in Seattle.

Since its establishment in 1965, the Museum of Flight has grown immensely in both size and collection, featuring over 150 aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable ones include the Apollo 17 Lunar Module ascent stage mockup, the first Boeing 747 ever built, the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, and the Concorde. Beyond airplanes and space vehicles, the museum also has exhibits focusing on pilots, astronauts, and engineers who have contributed to aviation history.

Visitors can participate in exciting and interactive tours for an immersive experience. The tours often provide a more in-depth look at specific aircraft or exhibits and include insights from knowledgeable docents who can share background information and historical context. In addition, the museum also offers a range of educational programs for students and the general public, such as workshops, lectures, and camps.

Seattle Aquarium

• Written by Taylor from Culture Craving Couple

Downtown Seattle is not just Pike Place and coffee! Situated on Pier 59, overlooking the Elliot Bay Waterfront you’ll find the Seattle Aquarium, the ninth largest aquarium in the USA!  The aquarium houses 6 more exhibits year-round: the Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, and the Underwater Dome and Marine Mammals.  The dome is a real highlight of the Aquarium where you can see otters and seals swim, splash, and play the day away. During the day, visitors can watch sea otter or seal feedings, learn about the local marine life in Washington State, or visit an underwater dome to feel like you’re right in the depths of Puget Sound! With over 18,000 feet of marine life to explore, visitors are bound to find an exhibition that interests them.

An important feature of the Seattle Aquarium is its focus on sustainability and regeneration of the Ocean. Their Ocean Pavilion focuses on teaching visitors how they can do their part to help ocean health can be restored as well as focusing on sustainable operation design such as being 100% fossil fuel free and recirculating 96% of the buildings saltwater.

At the end of your visit, you’ll likely be hungry from all the walking and learning and the Aquarium also offers a cafe featuring meals such as burgers, fries, and snacks. Vegan and gluten-free options are available on request! A visit to the Seattle Aquarium is educational, fun, and an organization to feel good about supporting!

Seattle Underground Tour

• Written by Bett from Couple Travel The World

The “Bill Speidel Underground tour” is one of Seattle’s hidden gems and something that is an absolute “must do” in Seattle whether you are on a romantic getaway or a family vacation! It is called “Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour” as Bill Speidel started the tours back in the 1950s.

The Underground Tour takes you through Seattle’s old city including subterranean storefronts and sidewalks that formed the city before it was rebuilt on top of the former city after the Great Fire of 1889.  The tour passes beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House and the historic Pioneer Square.

The tour is a perfect introduction to Seattle and for this reason, it is recommended to do the tour in the first few days of your trip as your guide provides a full history of Seattle’s past while telling funny jokes and anecdotes to keep the tour light-hearted and fun. The tour is very popular and often sold out, so it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance! 

If you want to get a bite to eat before or after the tour, there is a restaurant attached to the tour called Doc Maynard’s Public House restaurant and bar, located right next to ticketing. The restaurant serves Northwest inspired entrees and fun Underground-themed drinks!

Chihuly Garden and Glass

• Written by Karen from Forever Karen

Positioned beneath the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass provides an exciting outing, whether you're an art enthusiast or not. The art museum showcases the incredible works of Dave Chihuly. Much of his work remains indoors and makes a great rainy-day activity in Seattle.

While he works with mixed media, he is best known for his intricate blown glass pieces that adorn hotels and museums in Las Vegas, London, and Singapore. Dave Chihuly's artwork is iconic, and his vivid glass sculptures dominate the Seattle exhibit. Each room offers a unique experience, from simple vases to enormous chandeliers. As you stand before a chandelier, you must wonder about the process of blowing each piece and then assembling the thousands of pieces onto a wire structure. In a darkened room, his Float Boats feature two wooden vessels filled with giant glass balls. It's another signature of Chihuly's work.

Outside, the garden features glass flowers and organic shapes, which contrast significantly with the green space. While the garden is small, the spectacular pieces indoors are the museum's highlight. Expect to spend two to three hours at the gallery. Then, head to the Pluto Organic Café, a few blocks away. It offers a healthy menu filled with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan choices.

Amazon Spheres

• Written by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
• Free and open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Register online for your visit day and time. Reservations become available 15 days before the date.

If you're looking for an escape from the commotion of the city, another fun place to check out is the Amazon Spheres. Located in downtown Seattle, these massive spheres provide a stark architectural contrast to the urban downtown area. 

For those who don't know, the spheres serve as a large and innovative office space for Amazon employees. It was created with the intent of boosting productivity and providing a bit of brightness to their day. To accomplish this, the spheres also function as a massive botanical garden. Within the three glass domes, visitors will find an ecosystem full of thousands of plants that originate from 30 different countries. Each plant has a little plaque detailing what type of species, and staff is on hand to help you understand what you're seeing.

Furthermore, if you find yourself getting hungry, there are some places to buy small snacks within the spheres. But, if you're keen on a larger meal, you'll want to opt for a nearby restaurant. So, if you find yourself craving an escape from the bustling Seattle city life, consider visiting the spheres. It's the perfect way to explore a fascinating architectural marvel as well as reconnect with nature for a little bit.

Seattle Outdoor Activities

Seattle Harbor Cruise

Seattle has an amazing city skyline, but one that is best appreciated from the water. A part of Seattle’s iconic skyline that is hard to miss is Mount Rainier standing strong as part of this beautiful landscape. So, hop on board your local sightseeing boat for a one-hour narrated tour from Elliott Bay. During this tour, you'll learn all about the history of the area. From your Seattle harbor cruise, you’ll get the best photos of the Seattle skyline including some famous Seattle landmarks like the Space Needle, the ferris wheel, and Mount Rainier. Given the length of time of this cruise, this can easily be added to other sights and excursions on your Seattle 4 day itinerary. 

Seattle Ferry

• Cost: Seattle to Bremerton or Seattle to Bainbridge Island: Adults (19+): $9.85, Seniors (65+): $4.90, Age 18 and under: Free. The return ride from Bremerton to Seattle or Bainbridge Island to Seattle: Free

If you want a less expensive way to see Seattle’s city skyline, then you can take one of two ferries that depart from Seattle. The ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island which is about a 40 minute ride per way or the ferry from Seattle to Bremerton which is about an hour ride per way. There is no narration, but it still offers beautiful views of Elliott Bay, Seattle’s city skyline, and Mount Rainier. 

Once you are in Bremerton, you can either stay on the ferry and make your way back or check out a few sites. The Puget Sound Navy Museum is right outside the ferry terminal and admission is free. Also within walking distance of the Bremerton ferry terminal is the Harborside Fountain Park which has tables and chairs for a picnic and a water fountain that the kids can play in (weather permitting). You can also check out Bremerton Boardwalk Waterfront which has restaurants, shops, and occasionally local vendor markets.

Once you are on Bainbridge Island, you can stay on the ferry and make your way back to Seattle. If you want to stay for a little while, you can walk the waterfront trail to a kid’s playground at Eagle Harbor Park. Located within walking distance from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal, you can find a few different museums. Bainbridge Island Museum of Art has free admission and so does the Bainbridge Historical Museum which is located in a 1900’s schoolhouse. Lastly, there is also the Kid’s Discovery Museum to visit. The kid’s museum does have an admission fee of $9 for adults and kids, but babies 1 and under are free.

Discovery Park

• Written by Emily from TheMandagies

If you love outdoor adventure, Discovery Park is one of the most popular destinations for hiking in Seattle. Located on the west side of the city, along the Puget Sound, Discovery Park boasts over 530 acres of wooded trails, historic buildings, and walkable beachfront.

Some of the most popular trails include the Discovery Park Loop, North Loop, and Lighthouse Loop. The main features of these trails are sea views, lighthouse access, beachfront walking, and lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. Don't forget your binoculars! Many people spot orca whales just offshore, sea lions, and lots of birds in the area.

If you love history, you can also explore the many historic buildings on the park grounds. Fort Lawton was a short-lived US Army base within the park, in which several buildings were constructed between 1900-1910. Some buildings are public but some buildings are private, so keep an eye out for signs! The park is also home to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

Don't have a car? That's no problem. You can access Discovery Park by the King County Metro Bus System (on the 19, 24, and 33 lines). Alternatively, if you live close to the grounds, like in the Magnolia Neighborhood for instance, you can even walk!

Kerry Park

• Written by Rebecca from Veggies Abroad

If you're looking for gorgeous Seattle skyline views without the hefty price tag, head to charming Kerry Park. Year-round, the park is well-known for its panoramic city views, including famous landmarks like the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains. It's often considered one of the best vantage points in the city for photographers and visitors (it’s also been the setting for TV shows and movies).

The park is located on a steep hill (be prepared for a workout or take the bus or Uber/Lyft), but the elevated vantage point makes it ideal for city views, especially at sunrise and sunset. In addition to enjoying the view, when the weather is nice, the park features lovely gardens, and it's a popular summer picnicking spot. It is important to note that the park isn't massive, so don't expect endless acres of gardens and trails — it's just a lovely little slice of green space that's been carved out within the city.

Kerry Park is located in the beautiful Queen Anne neighborhood, which is filled with historic homes, trendy restaurants, and boutique shops. After your visit, consider keeping your workout going and wander just 15 minutes north of the park to check out Seattle's only fully vegan sushi restaurant, The Sushi Samurai.

Ballard Locks

• Written by Laura of Hi Friends It's Laura

The Ballard Locks are an entertaining way to spend an afternoon with your parents, children and well-behaved leashed dogs in Seattle. Formally named the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, these locks allow ships to cross from the salt water of Shilshole Bay into the freshwater Lake Union shipping canal. Not just ships cross through the locks - salmon swim their way through to reach their spawning grounds upriver. 

Walk around the botanical gardens and around the shipping canal to see large tour boats, Alaskan fishing vessels from Deadliest Catch and even kayaks making their way in and out of locks. On the bay side of the locks, seals and sea lions swim around, gorging on the migrating salmon. You can see the fish swim through a fish ladder via a viewing room with exhibits explaining how Coho, King and Red salmon make their way to spawning grounds inland. 

Seattle Food Tour

• Written by Tabitha Bailar from Travel Compositions

A fun way to explore Seattle's culinary scene is by taking a walking food tour. It's a great introduction to different restaurants around the city, giving you ideas of where you might want to go back for more. A professional guide will walk you through Seattle, hitting up different food establishments. You'll get to sample an array of different eats, often trying foods you may not have thought to try yourself. Not only will you have fun while tasting delicious bites, you'll also learn some Seattle history along the way; even locals often learn new things about their city on these tours. 

There are many types of food tours in Seattle to choose from: a donut tour, a chocolate tour, a Pike Place Market food tour, a vegan tour, or a street food tour, just to name a few. And most, if not all, food tours take place all year round rain or shine; it is Seattle after all.  You'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and be able to stand for around 2 hours. Depending on your tour, some paths have an incline or steps. Come hungry, because no doubt you'll leave full.

Restaurant: Plum Bistro

Plum Bistro is a completely vegan restaurant located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Not only is it completely vegan, but they also cater to gluten free, soy free, and nut free diets. Plum Chopped is also a part of Plum Bistro and is a salad bar located next door and Sugar Plum is the dessert section of Plum Bistro. All that to say, Plum Bistro will definitely have what you are looking for. For those of us with dietary restrictions, this place has so much to choose from and the food is delicious! So be sure to stop in.

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.