{"id":8006,"date":"2025-02-23T19:14:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-23T19:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thegrandcanyon.eu\/?page_id=8006"},"modified":"2025-02-23T19:25:03","modified_gmt":"2025-02-23T19:25:03","slug":"9-things-to-do-in-seattle-and-washington-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thegrandcanyon.eu\/es\/9-things-to-do-in-seattle-and-washington-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover Seattle and its surroundings: 9 must-do activities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover Seattle and its surroundings: 9 must-do activities<\/h2>\n\n\n
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This article is written by me, Pieter. In September 2024<\/strong>, I traveled to the United States for the seventh time<\/strong>. This time, I visited the vibrant city of Seattle<\/strong> and embarked on a road trip through the state of Washington<\/strong>. The natural beauty of Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier<\/strong> is absolutely breathtaking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Seattle, the largest city in the state of Washington, is a vibrant city beautifully situated between mountains and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re an urban explorer or a nature enthusiast, Seattle and its surrounding region offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this page, you’ll find nine amazing things you absolutely can\u2019t miss during your visit!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our hotels during the trip through Washington State<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Seattle: Hyatt At Olive 8<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Forks: Pacific Inn Motel<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Aberdeen: Best Western Plus Aberdeen<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Mount Rainier: Posada Paradise<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Snoqualmie: Snoqualmie Inn by Hotel America<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Transportation in Seattle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Getting around Seattle is easy with Lime electric scooters. You’ll find them scattered throughout the city, and they can be easily activated via the Lime app. The app is linked to your credit card, and charges are deducted automatically. Highly recommended!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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1. The Space Needle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Purchase a combo ticket<\/a><\/span>, such as one for the Space Needle and a harbor cruise. This is much cheaper than buying separate tickets.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Plan your visit early. I arrived on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, and it was still very quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting the iconic Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this futuristic structure offers panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the elevator to the top and enjoy the glass observation deck and the revolving floor, a truly unique experience you won\u2019t forget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Pike Place Market<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Try the delicious pasta at Beecher\u2019s Handmade Cheese<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Visit the very first Starbucks in the world<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stop by the famous fish stall, Pike Place Fish Co.<\/strong>, where employees throw fish to each other while preparing orders.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Pike Place Market<\/strong> is no ordinary market. It’s a vibrant hub of culture, history, and culinary delights. Located in the heart of Seattle, overlooking Elliott Bay<\/strong>, it\u2019s a place where you can wander through stalls, small shops, and unique attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The market is famous for its fresh produce and local delicacies. Expect colorful fruit and vegetable stands, artisanal cheeses, and handmade chocolates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major highlight is the legendary fish stall, Pike Place Fish Co.<\/strong>, where vendors throw fresh fish through the air. It\u2019s a spectacle that draws crowds daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond food, Pike Place Market offers art and crafts. You\u2019ll find unique jewelry, paintings, and handmade souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you explore, you\u2019ll likely come across live music and street performers, adding to the lively atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coffee lovers shouldn\u2019t miss the original Starbucks<\/strong>, located at 1912 Pike Place. The line may be long, but the store\u2019s historic ambiance and exclusive merchandise make it worth the wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that Pike Place Market has underground levels? Here, you\u2019ll find vintage shops, boutiques, and antique stores offering a glimpse into Seattle\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a moment to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Elliott Bay from the waterfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take your time exploring. Taste everything you can and set aside a few hours, as there\u2019s so much to see and do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pike Place Market<\/strong> captures the soul of Seattle. It\u2019s a place where locals and tourists come together, and every corner holds a new surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Pier Seattle<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Visit Miner\u2019s Landing<\/strong>, a great spot for families with an antique carousel, arcade games, and delicious ice cream from the Famous Seattle Ice Cream Company.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Ride The Seattle Great Wheel<\/strong> for an incredible skyline view. Tickets are easy to book online<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span> Take a harbor cruise from Pier 55<\/strong>. I booked a 1-hour tour with Argosy Cruises<\/span><\/a>, and it was absolutely worth it!<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Seattle\u2019s piers are among the most iconic and lively places in the city. Overlooking Elliott Bay<\/strong>, with a backdrop of towering buildings, they offer a mix of culture, great food, and unique attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pier 57, also known as Miner\u2019s Landing, is home to The Seattle Great Wheel<\/strong>, one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast. The views of Seattle\u2019s skyline and waterfront are breathtaking, both day and night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For fresh seafood, head to Ivar\u2019s Acres of Clams on Pier 54<\/strong>. Their clam chowder is a must-try, especially when paired with a local craft beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Pier 59, you\u2019ll find the Seattle Aquarium, a great place to learn about marine life in the Pacific Northwest. It\u2019s a fantastic activity for families and animal lovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The piers also feature unique shops, like Ye Olde Curiosity Shop<\/strong> on Pier 54. This fascinating mix of a museum and souvenir store offers an interesting slice of Seattle\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Visit Discovery Park in Seattle<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Hike the Loop Trail<\/strong>, an easy 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) route that runs through the heart of the park. The trail takes you through forests, open meadows, and coastal areas, making it ideal for a relaxing walk or jog.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>On the west side of the park, you’ll find the West Point Lighthouse<\/strong>. This picturesque lighthouse is located right on the beach and is a beautiful spot to enjoy the views over Elliott Bay.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Discovery Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Seattle. This vast nature park offers endless hiking trails, open fields, and stunning views of Puget Sound\u2014perfect for a relaxing day in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the park\u2019s cliffs, you can enjoy spectacular views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you\u2019ll see Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park is large, so bring a map or download a trail app for navigation. Water and snacks are useful, as facilities are limited. Start early in the morning to enjoy the peace and fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mount Rainier National Park<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stay one or two nights at Posada Paradise<\/span><\/a>, a charming cabin lodge in the heart of the park.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Hike the Skyline Loop<\/span><\/a>, a 9.2-kilometer (5.7-mile) trail that takes about 3.5 hours and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Mount Rainier National Park<\/strong> is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States. Towering at 4,392 meters (14,411 feet), Mount Rainier attracts thousands of visitors each year. The park features two popular areas, Amanecer<\/strong> y Para\u00edso<\/strong>, each with its own unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amanecer<\/strong>, on the east side, is the highest point accessible by car. The views are breathtaking, with panoramic landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Hiking at Sunrise takes you through alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain, perfect for adventurers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Para\u00edso<\/strong>, on the south side, is famous for its colorful wildflower meadows in summer. Here, you’ll also find the Skyline Trail and stunning waterfalls like Myrtle Falls<\/strong>. This area is easily accessible and perfect for families or a relaxing hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both areas offer a unique experience of Mount Rainier. Sunrise provides a serene and rugged escape, while Paradise is vibrant and lively. Together, they showcase the full beauty of this extraordinary park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6. Olympic National Park<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Highlights for us were visiting Hall of Mosses<\/strong> y Ruby Beach<\/strong>. Indescribably beautiful!<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a diverse landscape of rainforests, mountains, and beaches. Ruby Beach is one of the most stunning beaches, with its rugged coastline and iconic sea stacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For nature lovers, a visit to the Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest is a magical experience\u2014here, the trees look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Forks: the town of the Twilight movies<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Stay at the Pacific Inn Motel<\/strong><\/span><\/a> during your visit to Forks. This cozy motel is centrally located in Forks. In the morning, you can enjoy a nice breakfast at the nearby “The In Place” diner. You can also easily walk to various souvenir shops.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>Visit the Forks Timber Museum<\/strong>. The museum offers insight into the life and work of the loggers who once played a key role in the region\u2019s economy. There is also a replica of Bella Swan’s red Chevrolet pickup truck. See the photo below.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Forks, a small town in the heart of Washington State, became world-famous thanks to the popular Twilight movie series<\/strong> and books by Stephenie Meyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This quiet town attracts fans from all over the world who want to experience the mysterious atmosphere and the world of Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Although the movies were mostly filmed elsewhere, Forks has fully embraced the Twilight theme. You will find shops with Twilight merchandise and themed caf\u00e9s where fans can immerse themselves in the world of vampires and werewolves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Museum of Flight<\/strong> Seattle<\/h4>\n\n\n
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<\/path><\/svg><\/span>The Museum of Flight is definitely worth a visit. The number of aircraft on display is impressive. You can see a Concorde<\/strong> and an Air Force One plane<\/strong>, the aircraft used by the President of the United States. A unique experience!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>The museum is located near Seattle\u2019s airport, making it an ideal place to visit on the day of your flight, as long as it\u2019s later in the afternoon, of course.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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The Museum of Flight in Seattle is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. Discover more than 175 aircraft, including a Concorde and the original Air Force One. This interactive museum is perfect for families and offers a fascinating insight into the history of aviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We flew home on a Thursday afternoon, with our flight back to Amsterdam at 6:10 PM (local time). This gave us plenty of time to visit the museum, which opens at 10 AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets for the Museum of Flight can easily be booked online here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Visit a Seattle Mariners<\/strong> baseball game<\/h4>\n\n\n
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Tips!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span>If you really want to experience American culture<\/strong>, go to a sports game! For Americans, this is a true social event. Families and friends gather to watch a game, get caught up in the atmosphere, and enjoy a pizza or hamburger in the stands.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Are you a sports fan? Then be sure to attend a Seattle Mariners<\/strong> baseball game at T-Mobile Park<\/strong>. The season runs from April through September, with the possibility of playoffs in October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means you have plenty of opportunities to catch a game during the spring and summer months. The stadium not only offers an incredible atmosphere, but also spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay, especially at sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, attending a game is a quintessential American experience. It\u2019s not just about the sport\u2014it\u2019s about the whole event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, and an enthusiastic crowd coming together to cheer on the Mariners. It\u2019s a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in American sports culture.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sobre el autor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hola, me llamo Pieter. En 2009, hice mi primer viaje a Estados Unidos. En 2012, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 y 2024, tuve la oportunidad de viajar de nuevo a este pa\u00eds tan especial. En este sitio web, escribo con gran pasi\u00f3n y placer sobre una de las maravillas m\u00e1s bellas de la naturaleza, el Gran Ca\u00f1\u00f3n. En esta p\u00e1gina<\/span><\/a>, puedes encontrar todos mis blogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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