Things to Do in Downtown Seattle + Beyond
Whether you're crafting your ideal Seattle itinerary or simply looking for a spontaneous adventure, Kimpton Vintage Seattle is your perfect starting point. Situated in the heart of the city, our hotel provides easy access to historic theatres, urban wine tasting rooms, and other must-visit attractions. Peak travel seasons in Seattle are during the summer months, so consider planning your stay then for the most vibrant experiences. Most guests opt for a 3-4 day stay to truly immerse themselves in all Seattle has to offer. Whether you're flying solo, on a romantic getaway, or with the whole family, we're here to help. Dive into our recommendations for free things to do in Seattle. Additionally, our Hotel Calendar is a great resource for the latest events and activities happening on property or nearby, and don’t miss our Seasonal Attractions for special themed events throughout the year.
1-2 Seattle Day Itinerary
- Start any perfect Seattle day with a stroll through the vibrant hub of downtown Seattle — Pike Place Market & Post Alley, one of the country’s oldest and largest continuously operating public markets (and hands down the best free thing to do in the city).
- Walk down to the waterfront and along the Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal, an 11-acre complex that’s home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. Pier 66 is also an easy walk to the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel — and to the 9-acre Olympic Sculpture Park in the other direction (north).
- In the afternoon, soak in some of the city’s most photographed views from Kerry Park, where Mount Rainier mightily hovers behind the Space Needle on a clear day.
- Grab dinner in Belltown at a lively neighborhood spot like Bangrak Market.
- On day two, head to Seattle Center’s 74-acre expanse to stop by the central International Fountain and to spend time at iconic Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture).
- In the afternoon, head south to the Museum of Flight, or visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) before grabbing dinner at one of the many eateries lining Ballard Avenue; try Stoneburner or La Carta de Oaxaca. Visit on the first Thursday of the month to enjoy free entry to most museums.
3-4 Day Itinerary
- On days three and four, look into the seasonal schedule at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC, and next door’s T-Mobile Park, home field of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners. Both also host concerts and other large events.
- Find nature within city limits at Ballard’s Golden Gardens beach, Fremont’s Gas Works Park or the 534-acre Discovery Park, located on the shores of Puget Sound in the Magnolia neighborhood.
- Experience Fremont’s funky personality (evidenced by its beloved Troll ), before enjoying a meal at Kaosamai, Eve, or The Whale Wins.
- On your final day, take a water taxi from the downtown waterfront to West Seattle to gain a different vantage point of the Seattle skyline. Highlights here range from a Hawaiian-Korean meal at Marination ma kai to an afternoon spent at Alki Beach. Back in downtown Seattle, check out the live music scene that makes this city tick at Showbox Market or Moore Theatre.
Family-Friendly Itinerary
There's a plethora of family friendly activities that you can tailor to any age and interest.
- The Seattle Children's Museum, with interactive exhibits tailored for children up to age 10, is an excellent destination for families looking to ignite creativity and learning.
- Or opt for the Woodland Park Zoo: Spread across 92 acres, this zoo offers a delightful experience with various animals and habitats and an interactive Zoomazium for kids.
- If your little ones are airplane obsessed, you can take off at the Museum of Flight. The museum hosts a wide array of planes, a space shuttle trainer, and kid-friendly exhibits on the history of aviation.
- For future astronauts and archaeologists, get hands-on at the Pacific Science Center. Located near the Space Needle, it offers interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theatre. The Butterfly House and the Dino exhibit are perennial family favorites.
- Spend an afternoon strolling through Green Lake Park with a freshwater lake, playgrounds, and paddleboat rentals, it's a perfect spot for a relaxed family outing. Or sight see at Discovery Park (link: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/discovery-park): As Seattle’s largest park, families can hike trails, explore the beach, visit the lighthouse, and marvel at the stunning views of the Puget Sound.
- At mealtime, dive into local seafood delicacies at one of the family-friendly restaurants lining the waterfront."
Romantic Itinerary
- Fuel up with a Pike Place Market breakfast while watching Seattle bustle to life.
- Head south of downtown to make the most of SODO wine-tasting fun. While the thriving Washington wine scene counts Walla Walla (and nearby Woodinville, 30 minutes from Seattle) as its main hubs, there is plenty to be found within city limits, too. Visit tasting rooms for Sleight of Hand and Long Shadow/Nine Hats at SODO Urbanworks.
- If you’re enjoying a longer Seattle stay, keep on the wine theme by visiting farther-flung venues like Anelare and Sleeping Dog Wines (in Benton City, Washington), Reininger (with tasting rooms in Walla Walla and Spokane) and Westport Winery (in Aberdeen, about 120 miles southwest of Seattle). Dusted Valley has welcoming tasting rooms much closer to Seattle in Edmonds and Woodinville.
- Once back in downtown Seattle, grab a pre-show meal at Tulio, where the impeccable Italian dishes shine, too. Afterward, catch some live music at The Triple Door, or watch a dazzling musical performance under the grand domed ceiling of 5th Avenue Theatre.