Things to Do in Seattle

Explore the best restaurants, activities & accommodations in Seattle.

By: Ben Breslerman
Even though Seattle might be home to the loudest stadium in the NFL, that's just the beginning of what the city has to offer.

Whether you're in town for the big game or just vacationing with family and friends, there is no shortage of good food, good experiences and good fun to be had when visiting the Emerald City.
Where to Stay
If the walls of The Edgewater could talk … Known for hosting some of the greatest bands in rock 'n' roll history — from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones — The Edgewater is the only waterfront hotel in the Seattle area and is steeped in history. However, if luxury is what you're looking for, nothing delivers more than a Kimpton, and the Hotel Vintage is no exception. Hotel Vintage, a stylish boutique hotel located downtown, offers exceptional amenities and top-notch customer service. But if location is what you're after, it doesn't get much better than the Pan Pacific Seattle. Just walk out the front doors of the hotel, and in less than a mile, you can arrive at 2 of the city's top 10 attractions, the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
Where to Eat and Drink
Speaking of Pike Place Market, when you think “Seattle” and “food,” chances are the famed farmers market comes to mind. Filled with tasty treats, including some of the freshest seafood in the country, the open-air market is one of Seattle’s many iconic attractions; and yes, they do throw their fish! But the market isn't the only place to chow down on delicious foods while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. Canlis, one of the city's oldest family-owned restaurants, offers amazing American fare while also providing a bird's-eye view of beautiful Lake Union.

Although the city may be responsible for birthing the beast that is Starbucks, the coffee culture in Seattle goes far beyond the dominate coffeehouse. With 3 locations around the city, Caffe Vita, which specializes in small-batch coffee roasting, is one of top coffee shops in the world. But if you're looking for something more intoxicating than the sweet smell of roasting coffee beans, head to the Elysian Brewing Company's original location in Capitol Hill. The 220-seat beer hall is known as Seattle's premier craft brewer, having brewed over 350 beers since its inception in 1996.
What to Do
With so much to see, it's hard to settle on just a few suggestions for things to do in Seattle, but some come to mind more than others. Check out the Space Needle — or the entire Seattle skyline, for that matter — from Kerry Park. The view is exceptional. For the adventurer in you, two activities that I absolutely recommend when heading to the Pacific Northwest are clam foraging along the banks of Puget Sound and white-water rafting on the Tieton River in Yakima Valley. The views are amazing, but the experiences are even more so. Finally, Olympic National Park is a must-see. Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, the park encompasses 6,000 square miles of snowcapped peaks, lush forests and emerald lakes.

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