Seattle Tourist Attractions

Seattle tourist attractions are varied and abundant in one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in the United States. Seattle sits on the edge of Puget Sound and is surrounded by lakes, rivers and incredible mountain ranges. Majestic snow-covered Mt. Rainier is visible in the distance. The Space Needle towers over the city as a reminder of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Ferry boats carry tourists and commuters alike between Seattle and Bainbridge Island and points beyond. There is a Seattle tourist attraction for every tourist to enjoy day or night.

1. Space Needle The Space Needle was built in 1962 as a part of the World’s Fair exhibit in Seattle. Since the end of the World’s Fair, the Space Needle has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years improvements have been made to the Space Needle that include the Space Base retail store, the revolving SkyCity restaurant—which still serves the original 1962 Lunar Orbiter dessert—valet parking and the SkyLine Banquet Facility 100 feet up the Space Needle. The Observation Deck which offers a 360 degrees look at Puget Sound and one of the most beautiful cities in America 520 feet off the ground. Space Needle: 219 Fourth Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109
2. The Smith Tower The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Smith Tower near the waterfront in Seattle was held in July 1914. It became an immediate Seattle tourist attraction when the Smith family boasted it to be the tallest building west of the Mississippi; however, in 1962, the Space Needle became the newest tallest building. From curb to the tip of the tower, the Smith Tower stands 489 feet and is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture. The seven elevators in the building, provided by the Otis Elevator company, shuttle tourists to the 35th floor to enjoy the Chinese Room and the wraparound public observation deck for a panoramic view of Mt. Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade mountains, and Puget Sound. The Smith Tower: 506 Second Ave. Suite #1021, Seattle, WA 98104
3. Seattle Ferry Boats A trip to Seattle is not complete without taking in the most famous tourist attractions Seattle has to offer, a ferry boat ride across Puget Sound. Drive your car onto the ferry to explore Bremerton or Bainbridge Island or walk onto the ferry for a scenic round trip across Puget Sound to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and the city skyline. Seattle Ferry Boats: 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52, Seattle, WA 98104
4. Pike Place Market One of the best known and popular Seattle tourist attractions is the Pike Place Market located at First Avenue and Pike Street near the waterfront. In 1906, Pike Place Market opened its doors to the public with only eight farmers selling goods. Today there are over 200 commercial businesses inside the market. Conducted 30 minute tours of the Pike Place Market are available to the public every Saturday and Sunday. There is lots to see and something for everybody from fresh fish and farm products to restaurants and souvenir/collectibles shopping inside the Pike Place Market. Pike Place Market: 1531 Western Ave. Seattle, WA 98101
5. Ivar’s Seafood Restaurants There is nothing better than coming off a ferry ride to a hot cup of Ivar’s clam chowder. Ivar Haglund began building a seafood restaurant empire when he opened his first seafood restaurant to feed the hungry tourists enjoying the aquarium on Seattle’s Pier 54. Ivar’s red clam chowder is as famous a Seattle tourist attraction as the Space Needle. That original Ivar’s restaurant, Acres of Clams, is still located on Seattle’s waterfront. Today there are almost 50 Ivar’s Bars, seafood restaurants and stadium concessions throughout the state of Washington. Ivar’s Acres of Clams: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104