Over the last couple of decades, Seattle has evolved from a sleepy Pacific Northwest city to a must-see destination for those of us stateside and around the globe. Was it Starbucks, Amazon (both headquartered there), or the music scene that made it pop? Who cares: The fact is that Seattle is an incredible city on so many fronts, from it’s cool coffeehouse-dotted neighborhoods to its iconic Pike Place Market to its beaches and gorgeous gardens. If you haven’t tried exploring Seattle, why wait?

Join NextTribe in Seattle this summer! We’re taking a small group of women ages 45+ on a magical adventure there. Get all the details here. Attend our virtual Trip Preview on Monday, May 19th to learn more and the chance to win a $200 discount.

Happily wedged between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, this gem offers all kinds of memorable experiences. “I was blown away by Seattle when I first visited,” says NextTribe Founder and CEO Jeannie Ralston. “I felt as if I was walking into this amazing, under-the-radar party, with the best food, funky neighborhoods, and plenty of ways to get out on the water.” So here’s your invitation to learn more about Washington state’s Emerald City so you can plan on exploring Seattle in all its glory. 

A Brief Look at Seattle’s History

The history of this buzzy town is deeply tied to its indigenous roots and maritime trade. Before European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, the area was home to the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. The city’s modern development began in the 1850s, with industries like logging and shipping fueling its growth. The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 led to a citywide rebuild, giving rise to its distinctive late 19th-century architecture. In the 20th century, Seattle became a hub for aviation (Boeing), technology (Microsoft, Amazon), and coffee culture (Starbucks).

Today, it’s a forward-thinking metropolis with a rich historical foundation. And culturally, if you’re of a certain age, you know the city from the beloved “Sleepless in Seattle” Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks movie and the grunge scene that spawned such great bands as Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains (Nirvana came from nearby Aberdeen, Washington). 

Exploring Seattle: Weather and the Best Times to Visit

Seattle is known for its rainy reputation, but the city’s climate is more nuanced and enjoyable than many expect. Summers (June to September) are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, making it the ideal time for outdoor exploration. That’s when NextTribe takes its small groups of women to explore the city and its surroundings, because the weather is ideal for strolling through downtown Seattle and getting out on the water.

Seattle may be known for its rainy reputation, but the city’s climate is more nuaned (and enjoyable) than you might expect.

Fall (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter (December to February) sees frequent rain and mild temperatures around 40°F to 50°F. Spring (March to May) showcases blooming cherry blossoms and comfortable weather. For the best experience, most people will happily visit between late spring and early fall.

Whenever you choose to visit, you’ll likely find plenty of flights into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, known familiarly as Seatac.

Areas to Explore and Things to Do

Let’s talk about some of the best things to do when exploring Seattle. Get comfortable: There are a lot of them! What makes Seattle such a fun and satisfying place to visit is all its nooks and crannies. You can spend a long weekend having the best coffee of your life and taking in great art, or you could spend a week trotting around different neighborhoods, seeing the parks, boutiques, and restaurants, plus taking a boat ride or two. But despite being the state’s largest city, it never feels overwhelming…just charming.

Pioneer Square: Seattle’s First Neighborhood

Pioneer Square is where Seattle began. This historic district features red-brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and remnants of the city’s 1890s architecture. Highlights include the Smith Tower, one of Seattle’s first skyscrapers, and the Underground Tour, which takes adventurous visitors through the old city buried beneath modern streets. The area is also home to art galleries, boutiques, and lively bars, making it a great place for both history and nightlife lovers. The Waterfall Garden Park, a hidden oasis in the middle of the district, provides a peaceful retreat amidst the urban landscape.

Columbia Tower: A Sky-High View

For the best panoramic views of Seattle, head to Columbia Tower’s observation deck on the 73rd floor on a clear day. It’s the tallest building in the city and offers sweeping views of Mount Rainier, the Puget Sound, and the surrounding urban landscape. Unlike the more famous Space Needle and the Seattle Great Wheel, Columbia Tower is less crowded and provides a higher vantage point, making it a hidden gem for photography fans (watch out for the selfie-stickers) and skyline enthusiasts. The Sky View Observatory also includes interactive exhibits about the city’s geography and history. 

We’re not saying to skip the Space Needle or the Great Wheel, but Columbia Tower is less crowded and provides a higher vantage point. That’s a win-win in our book.

Chihuly Garden and Glass: A Dazzling Display

Seattle is home to world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and his masterpieces are on full display at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. The museum features his brilliant, radiant glass sculptures that mimic natural forms, from colorful sea creatures to towering floral arrangements. (If you’re enthralled by what you see, go ahead and book a glass-blowing lesson at one of the city’s glass studios, where you can create your own piece of glass art to take home. That’s one of the hands-on activities NextTribers will experience next August.) The adjacent Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture, makes for a full day of exploration.

Hot-Tub Boat on Lake Union: A Unique Experience

Trust us: For an unforgettable and uber relaxing way to take in the Seattle skyline, rent a hot-tub boat on Lake Union. These heated floating tubs let you cruise the lake in comfort while enjoying stunning city views. Glide past houseboats, seaplanes, and the iconic Gasworks Park (more on that in a minute) while soaking in the warm water, making this a truly one-of-a-kind Seattle activity. If you prefer a more traditional boating experience, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake.

Whale Watching on the Puget Sound

Seattle’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes it a prime spot for whale watching. Tours departing from the city often spot orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales in the Puget Sound.

You can’t NOT gasp as the whales breach! Watching them is a true highlight of time spent in Seattle.

The best time for whale watching is between May and October, when migrating whales are most active. Many tours depart from the Seattle waterfront, while others venture to nearby islands such as the San Juans for a closer look at these majestic creatures. Some eco-friendly tours even offer hydrophones, allowing visitors to listen to whale vocalizations. “This is such a highlight if you’re visiting Seattle from your landlocked or southern home turf,” says Ralston. “You can’t NOT gasp as the whales breach!”

​The Seattle Art Museum

Whether you’ve got a rainy afternoon or a glorious one, do step inside and visit this sprawling art museum. The Seattle Art Museum has a stunning collection and exhibitions, plus cool events (conversations with curators, poetry readings). Also check out the affiliated Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park. 

Queen Anne Neighborhood: Scenic Walks and Charming Streets

One of Seattle’s most picturesque neighborhoods, Queen Anne boasts historic homes (so fun to gawk at), stunning views from Kerry Park, and a delightful mix of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The neighborhood is divided into Upper and Lower Queen Anne, with Upper Queen Anne offering a quiet, residential feel, while Lower Queen Anne has trendy bars, theaters, and concert venues.

Don’t miss a sunset view from Kerry Park—it’s one of the most photographed spots in Seattle. Nearby, the historic Queen Anne Boulevard walking trail offers a scenic stroll through tree-lined streets and absolute dream houses.

Pike Place Market: A Culinary and Cultural Icon

Watch (and watch out!) as fish are flung at this iconic location. No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market. This marketplace offers everything from fresh seafood to artisan goods to the original Starbucks. Dig into piroshkies and clam chowder as you wander around or grab a seat at one of the eateries there.

Pike Place Market is a favorite of locals and tourists alike: Great food, the very first Starbucks location, and those high-flying fish!

For a deeper dive, take a food tour to sample local specialties like smoked salmon, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and the market’s best bakeries. Be sure to explore the lower levels of the market, where you’ll find hidden bookshops, magic stores, and quirky local vendors.

Gas Works Park: Industrial Charm Meets Green Space

Located on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park features remnants of an old gas plant converted into a public park. The park’s rolling hills, enormous antiquated industrial structures, and waterfront location give it major presence. It’s a favorite for picnicking, kite flying, and panoramic views of the Seattle skyline.

When exploring Seattle and its Gas Works Park, you just might see after-work revelers testing out a gigantic slip-and-slide.

On sunny days, it’s a popular and perfect place for yoga sessions, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings. I will share that I saw a group of 30somethings there, creating a gigantic slip-and-slide on a hillside one the evening. The ingredients seemed to be a large plastic tarp, several bottles of dish soap, lots of water, and perhaps some adult beverages for the participants. It was a hoot! The park also offers excellent cycling trails and a connection to the Burke-Gilman Trail, one of Seattle’s best biking routes.

​Starbucks Roastery: A Coffee-Lover’s Paradise

This massive concept store is like a caffeine theme park: There are all manner of specialty blends, interactive brewing demonstrations, and merchandise galore for the coffee fiend in you.

​Japanese Garden: Step into a Serene Scene

This almost 4-acre sanctuary amid the Washington Park Arboretum is an absolute stunner. Winding paths, weeping trees, a mesmerizing koi pond, some turtles: It’s just heaven. While not huge, it’s worth a detour to see this spectacular place. (Note: Check hours before going; there are some seasonal closings to contend with.) Consider getting tickets to the tea ceremony at the garden’s tea house. 

Volunteer Park for Its Superb Greenhouse

Another local treasure is Volunteer Park. Located in the trendy Capitol Hill neighborhood, it’s got great grounds and a fabulous greenhouse, perfect for ducking into on a rainy day–or even a sunny one. 

Ballard Neighborhood: Fun and Funky 

This area is known for its vintage shops, trendy restaurants, so it’s a great option for taking a short walk and enjoying one of Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods.

Spend an afternoon digging through Ballard’s vintage shops, eating at their trendy restaurants, and watching boats navigate the locks.

Bonus: It’s also home to the fascinating Ballard Locks, where visitors can watch the salmon run through tubes and see boats navigate the locks between fresh and saltwater.

Golden Gardens Park: A Day (or Hour) at the Beach

Make like a local and catch the sunset at this beautiful beach. Watch the locals picnicking, gathering around bonfires, and taking in the views of the Olympic Mountains. (We Ubered there and back.)

The Seattle Public Library’s Awesome Architecture

If you love modern architecture, take a gander at Seattle’s awesome library designed by Rem Koolhaas. It’s a striking glass-and-steel structure that will thrill  design lovers and book enthusiasts.

Pop Culture, Anyone?

Seattle is also home to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): A futuristic museum celebrating music, film, and gaming, featuring interactive exhibits on everything from Nirvana to sci-fi films.

The Great Outdoors Awaits

One last note if you’re thinking of visiting Seattle: If you’re the outdoorsdy type, keep in mind that Olympic National Park and the Cascades National Park are just a couple of hours drive away. And if you prefer to take in the view vs. get into the midst of rugged nature, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier while in town.

Best Food and Drink to Try in Seattle

Seattle’s culinary scene is deeply influenced by its coastal location and innovative food culture. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

• Fresh Seafood: From Pacific Northwest oysters to Dungeness crab and salmon, Seattle is a seafood lover’s paradise.
• Geoduck: A local shellfish with a sweet, briny flavor, often served raw or in chowder. You may know it if you’re an adventurous sushi eater.
• Coffee: Seattle’s coffee culture is legendary—try an espresso at a local roastery. There are plenty of options beyond Starbucks. A favorite is the Moore Coffee shop downtown, known for its latte art and retro decor.
• Pike Place Chowder: This creamy, flavorful clam chowder is an institution at Pike Place Market.
• Craft Beer: The city’s breweries, like Fremont Brewing and Reuben’s Brews, serve top-tier Pacific Northwest craft beers.
• Teriyaki: A Seattle staple, the city’s teriyaki scene is known for its flavorful, marinated grilled meats served over rice.
• Molly Moon’s ice cream: There are several locations around the city. Try a seasonal flavor or go with classics like Honey Lavender, Yeti (loaded with granola chunks), or Melted Chocolate. 

So much great food and drink awaits in Seattle: There are coffee, teriyaki, ice cream, craft beer, and seafood scenes. You will eat very, very well.

Have fun exploring Seattle. As you’ve seen, there is so much to savor!