Tours & Family Fun
Seaplane tour
Take flight in a seaplane from Lake Union in the heart of the city and see the major landmarks from above!
Boeing factory tour
Not in Seattle strictly speaking, but a very popular tour worth the trip north to Everett. Reservations recommended.
Microsoft Visitors’ Center/Museum
They say Bill spends most of his time here these days, shaking hands with visitors and passing out free money. Just kidding.
Gates Foundation Visitor Center
Wonder where all the money goes? Come and learn about the foundation’s work to help the world.
Beneath the Streets
A more personal look at what is underneath Seattle’s Pioneer Square (birthplace of Seattle).
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Dale Chihuly, internationally renowned glass artist and local celebrity, has brought the best to this space. Located in the grounds of the Seattle Center.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
We could have put this under coffee shops, but there are better choices for that.
Pike Place Market
One of the city’s most popular destinations for natives and tourists alike. See the original Starbucks, but watch out for flying salmon!
Seattle Waterfront
Just down the stairs from the Market, home to harbor cruises, the Seattle Aquarium, and don’t miss Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe!
Seattle Great Wheel
A new addition to the waterfront, the great wheel is built over the water and is the tallest wheel on the West Coast.
Pioneer Square
Dining, art galleries and more amidst historic old Seattle buildings. Home of the underground tour.
Space Needle
The unmistakable icon of the Seattle skyline with breathtaking 360° views. Located at the Seattle Center, grounds of the 1962 World’s Fair.
Woodland Park Zoo
Besides award-winning naturalistic animal exhibits, hosts a great family-friendly summer concert series, Zoo Tunes.
Central Library
Rem Koolhaas-designed building opened in 2004 to both acclaim and controversy. Free tours (both General and Architectural) available.
Ballard Locks
Officially the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, this engineering marvel allows boat traffic to pass from Lake Washington into Puget Sound but prevents the lake, at higher elevation, from draining into the Sound. See the pesky sea lions devouring the spawning salmon!