Things to do in Seattle, Washington (WA): The Best Sights & Landmarks

Geocaching is a real-world treasure hunting game that inspires and enables discovery, exploration, and adventure. Each year, thousands of visitors travel far and wide to create unforgettable memories at Geocaching HQ's Visitor Center and discover Fremont's greatest spots through the self-guided HQ GeoTour.

A wide walkway lined with old buildings and shops.

Seattle’s “must see” is now a “must do” following the Space Needle’s multimillion-dollar renovation. Glide onto The Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor, for never-before-seen views of the structure and the city. Lean into tilting glass walls on the open-air deck and float over Seattle on one of 24 angled Skyriser glass benches. Sip and sample the Pacific Northwest’s best while savoring the thrilling views. The future. Now open.

Private View Packages Now Available! Experience Sky View Observatory exclusively for 1-Hour for yourself and up to 4 people - 5 People total! * Temporarily Closed for General Admission.* Sky View Observatory in downtown Seattle is the ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City. Here you can map out your entire Pacific Northwest experience! Sky View is located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center. At 902 feet, it offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the city of Seattle.

Residential neighborhood near Lake Union.

Connect to the extraordinary at Seattle Center, an active civic, arts and family gathering place, centered around the International Fountain, in the core of our region and the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. More than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations that reside on the grounds, together with a broad range of public and community programs, create thousands of events on the 74-acre campus and attract over 12 million visitors each year. At Seattle Center, our purpose is to create exceptional events, experiences and environments that delight and inspire the human spirit to build stronger communities. Activities at the Center generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income.

Enjoy Smith Tower like you've never seen it before. Immerse yourself in new exhibits that take you on a journey through the past one hundred years. Make your way to the top of the tower for an amazing vantage point from the Observatory, including an open-air deck that will give you 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond. Then take a moment to indulge in a Prohibition-inspired craft cocktails and shareable plates with a group of friends or your loved ones. And don't forget to make a wish in the Wishing Chair. It's the perfect selfie to post of your visit to Smith Tower.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.