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If you are lives in Seattle, you’ve probably spent some time playing Tourist in your town. Have you walked around Pike Place and seen the rubber wall? Have you ever been on the ferris wheel? If you’ve done those things and want to try something new, we’ve created a list of unique Seattle activities to help you change up your routine. From quirky museums and vintage shopping malls to exploring new neighborhoods and learning more about your city, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Whether you’ve lived in the city for a long time or are new to the city Rental apartments in Seattleread on to get started.
1. Complete your project in the Seattle Tool Library
Do you have unfinished projects that need additional tools? Or are you looking for a place to repair your bike? If you answered yes to any of these questions and need help and a place to go, the Seattle Tool Library is a great resource to check out.
With over 8,000 tools, ranging from table saws and ice machines to weed killers and catering equipment, available to the public free of charge, the NE Seattle tool library is a fantastic place. They have a community wood shop and free bike repair. So if you need to finish your project or tweak your bike this is the place to check out.
2. Check out the Seattle Pinball Museum
Are you looking for a fun take on museums? Visit the Seattle Pinball Museum. With many old pinball machines, you will be mesmerized by the interactive art.
“On a rainy day in Seattle, my favorite things to do are go to the Pinball Museum and then King Noodle for ground beef and noodle soup,” says Jen from Brimmer and Heeltapa Ballard neighborhood bistro.
3. Get lasting jewelry
When you are with your family or friends, enduring jewelry is a great way to share a lasting experience. Valerie Madison is the first Black and Latina owned jewelry store in Seattle. They offer a luxurious experience for those who want a modernized friendship bracelet. A beautiful evening begins in the charming neighborhood of Madrona.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Ballooning
4. Embark on a hot air balloon ride
If you’re looking for a unique way to see Seattle, we’ve got you covered. The only way to fully see the amazing scenery that Seattle has to offer is by air, and to create an unforgettable experience, you need to take a look at a hot air balloon.
“Seattle is best known for its evergreen forests, breathtaking mountain views and great opportunities to explore nature at every turn. My favorite way to explore the beauty of Seattle is in a hot air balloon,” says Chief Pilot Eliav Cohen. “Balloon rides are always awesome, but flying in Seattle right in front of Mt. Rainier at sunrise is epic. Ballooning in Seattle Sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides offer guests magnificent views of the Cascades and all of Puget Sound. In addition to the views, witness eagles soaring above the treetops, moose and deer frolicking in meadows, and salmon swimming up the White River. There are so many fun ways to explore Seattle; Getting a bird’s-eye view of panoramic views from a hot air balloon is one of the most unique things to do in Seattle.”
5. For dog lovers, visit Marymoor Park & Dog Yard
If you’re new to town, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how dog-friendly it is. From dog parks to lakes, Seattle offers residents great places your pup will love. Anyone looking for a top-notch dog park should visit Marymoor Park.
“I’ve visited most of the dog parks in the Seattle area, and Marymoor Park is an 11/10 for dogs and their pooch parents,” he says Kerstin Huang, a Seattle native. “Marymoor is an off-leash park set on 100 acres where your dog can roam while you go inside and enjoy the greenery around you. They also have a dog food truck and a self-service dog wash facility at the park entrance so you can clean your muddy paws after a day of exploring.”
6. Shop at the Fremont Vintage Mall
Unique things to do in Seattle can be easy. Just look in the neighborhoods you are in; There is something to love for everyone. Skip the shops around Westlake Center and explore local favorites like the Fremont Vintage Mall. These shops hide treasures that you will find with a bit of luck.
“One of our favorite things to do is visit the Fremont Vintage Mall‘ says Christina Hashtag cannabis. “A collective of vendors collect vintage and mid-century furniture, collectibles, clothing and more here. You’re sure to find curios of all kinds here, including vintage ashtrays and accessories.”
7. Take a walk in one of the city’s largest parks
Seattle has many beautiful parks throughout the city. There are many places to choose from, from Green Lake and Magnuson to Seward and Lincoln. The largest park in Seattle is Discovery Park, which is great for any occasion.
Brad Fitch, a Seattleite from Seattle Gummy Company, recommends spending some time in this beautiful oasis in the middle of the city. “One of our favorite things to do in Seattle is to visit one of the many beautiful parks. Specifically, Discovery Park is a 1,300-acre park right in town. It contains over 12 miles of trails so you feel like you can get away from it all and hike, bike, run or enjoy the panoramic views of Puget Sound.”
8. Discover a new neighborhood
Seattle is a big city, and each neighborhood has its own charm. Exploring these neighborhoods is a unique experience in itself as each city has a different flair. Stroll through the Junction in West Seattle or browse the quaint shops in Wallingford.
“One of our absolute favorite places in Seattle has to be Columbia City,” shares Ellen Throneberry community for youth, an organization that connects Seattle High School students with a dedicated mentor and community. “Stop by Off Alley for delicious, creative, locally sourced bites (don’t skip the foie gras), then end your day with ice cream and classic arcade games at Full Tilt.”
Darby Bundy, a Seattle native, says, “My favorite thing to do is spend a whole day in one of Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods and enjoy the local shops and restaurants. In Georgetown I like to visit Georgetown Records, Fantagraphics Books and Gallery. You’ll also want to sample the amazing Korean flavors at Bopbox for lunch before embarking on a local brewery tour with stops at Machine House, Jellyfish, and Georgetown Breweries. When hunger strikes again, I head to the Georgetown Liquor Co. for a punk rock scene and a hearty plant-based French dip or Reuben sandwich, which always hits the spot.”
9. Plan a day at Lake Union Park to see the seaplanes
Southlake Union Park is a beautiful place for those who live in downtown Seattle. As a city park, you have access to green spaces, a small beach, and docks. An excellent spot for a picnic and to watch the various water activities.
Annalee Shum, a Seattle local, shares, “My favorite things to do in Seattle when I’m in Seattle are walking past Lake Union Park to watch the seaplanes, rent a boat from the Center for Wooden Boats, or just enjoy a good book on the lake. Whenever I feel hungry, I go to the café in the Museum of History and Industry. If you are lucky enough to be in town during Design Festival in Seattle Block Party in August, the park will be filled with large-scale interactive installations and pop-up programs, all inviting the community to celebrate the role design plays in shaping our world.”
10. Head to the Union Bay Nature Area for bird watching
The Union Bay Natural Area includes 74 acres of habitat and 4 acres of shoreline perfect for bird watching. With over 200 species of birds spotted in the area, the Union Bay Natural Area is considered one of Seattle’s top birding spots.
“As someone who is interested in bird photography, I love the Union Bay Natural Area and the University of Washington Arboretum,” shares Cheryl Pacific Northwest and beyond, a journal of nature, photographers, and activities in Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest . “There are many hiking trails, but with its swampy areas, it’s a great place to get close to birds. You can rent a boat at the nearby Waterfront Activities Center to explore some of these areas of Union Bay from the water.”
11. Get together with your community and sing
Seattle has many unique places of worship, and if you’re looking for a place that brings your community together, your neighborhood is a good place to start.
In the Madrona district you can join the Choral Evensong epiphany, an episcopal church. This candlelit, choir-led service is a great way to reset and re-focus. Let the old songs and poems overwhelm you in a way that requires nothing more than presence.
12. Take the ferry to one of the nearby islands
A unique thing about Seattle is a day trip to one of the islands. You have many islands to choose from, such as the San Juan Islands to the north and Vashon Island to the south. There are many charming towns to discover. Bainbridge Island is also a great destination to explore using the ferry terminal in downtown Seattle.
“One of my favorite things to do in Seattle is ride my bike through downtown Seattle and get on one of the ferries that go to Bainbridge Island,” she says Sierra Jessup, a local photographer. “It’s a great way to see the Seattle skyline from the water and visit the cute and artistic town of Bainbridge Island. Blackbird Bakery is a must for incredible pastries and breads. If you want to take a longer drive you can visit Fay Bainbridge Park and walk along the beach.”
13. Connect with your community in other ways
If you’re looking for a unique way to connect with your community in more ways than one, you should check them out Doxacon Seattle, held at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville in February. This fan convention explores a wide range of Christian themes in science fiction, fantasy, gaming and pop culture.
14. Take part in the Duck Dodge Sailing Race
“For those with the water gene, there’s nothing quite like doing the Duck Dodge Sailing Race in Lake Union in Seattle,” he says Danny Varona, a local real estate agent. “This decades-old beer can regatta attracts 50 to 200 sailboats on Tuesdays from 7pm to 10pm. From Star Wars to Tropical Night, there’s a unique dress-up theme every week. When the sailboats moor together after the race, jump from boat to boat and meet others.”