Some of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions are totally worth it, while some just…aren’t. If you’re getting ready to move to Seattle – or if you’re new to the area – read on to find out which of the Emerald City’s tourist spots are worth getting trapped in.
Avoid: Ride the Ducks
While duck boat rides can be kind of fun (if not cheesy), the floating tourist trap on Lake Union is fairly expensive at $35 for adults and $20 for kids.
Worth It: Washington State Ferry Ride
Instead, take a round-trip ferry to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton. The Puget Sound cruise offers beautiful views at a lower cost. Pro tip: leave the car behind—it’s cheaper that way.
Want to get in the water? There are several nice beaches and parks close to downtown, including Madison Park, Leshi, Madrona, and Seward Park. Golden Gardens is another park with a good stretch of beach on the Sound. Seattle’s largest lake, Lake Washington, is warm enough for swimming in the summer, or you can rent a boat, canoe, or paddleboard. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available on Lake Union.
Avoid: The Space Needle and the Seattle Great Wheel
Essentially, The Space Needle and The Great Wheel are the same experiences: both offer a bird’s eye view of the city. A regular ticket for the Space Needle is around $35, and The Great Wheel will cost you $14. Opened in 2012, the 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel is a relatively new tourist attraction. However, the Wheel’s Pier 57 location on Seattle’s waterfront overlooking the Puget Sound is a total tourist trap, and you will inevitably end up wandering into the arcade and spending a small fortune. Skip both the Needle and the Wheel altogether and save yourself $50.
Worth It: Volunteer Park Observation Deck and Smith Tower
Get a photo of The Space Needle from ground level and get fantastic (and free) views elsewhere. The Water Tower Observation Deck at Volunteer Park is consistently voted one of the best free views in Seattle. The 48.3-acre park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood promises to be less crowded than Seattle Center or Pier 57. Climb up the spiral staircase to the top of the historic water tower from 10am ‘til dusk for stunning views of downtown.
Another option for panoramic views of the city is the Smith Tower downtown. Although not as flashy as the Space Needle, it is less expensive and has an observation deck on the 35th floor. When it was finished in 1914, the skyscraper was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Now it features a fallout shelter, the historic Otis elevators, and a speakeasy-themed bar so you can have a drink while enjoying the view.
Avoid: The Original Starbucks
Sure, you should see the OG Starbucks if you’re into that. But, there’s no point in waiting for forever in a long line for that grande iced caramel macchiato when you can just snap a photo and go to any of the other Starbucks in the city (or better yet, explore all the amazing micro-roasters). PS: The Starbucks near the waterfront in Seattle’s Pike Place Market is technically not even the original location. Established in 1971, the first Starbucks cafe was located at 2000 Western Avenue until it relocated to its current spot in 1976.
Worth It: Pike Place Market
While you’re getting your photo at the OG Starbucks, you might as well tour Pike Place Market. Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in the US. Sure, it’s still touristy, but the nine-acre historic district overlooks the Elliott Bay waterfront and houses a variety of unique shops, great restaurants, fresh produce stands, and craft stalls. There’s so much to explore at the market besides the token tourist photo op of the fishmongers throwing fish. Just try to avoid lunchtime during the summer at the height of tourist season; it is Seattle’s most popular tourist destination after all.
Avoid: Woodland Park Zoo
A zoo is a zoo, is a zoo. In terms of zoos across the country, this one doesn’t stand out and tickets are pretty steep. Just skip it—you can find much better things to do in the city with kids.
Worth It: Ballard Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, aka Ballard Locks, is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions. Snaking along the western edge of Ballard, the landmark locks allow boats to pass back and forth between Lake Union and Puget Sound. Mid-June through October, you can watch salmon migrate up the fish ladder from the viewing window. The Ballard Locks are also home to one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle, Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden. The locks, the surrounding gardens, and the fish ladder are all open year-round from 7am-9pm, free of charge.
You’ll save a lot of money and time by avoiding these spots while still getting a grand tour of Emerald City. Once you’re a local, or if you already are, find your next apartment on Zumper and avoid the neighborhoods surrounding these tourist traps.
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