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Planning Your Trip To Seattle

I first visited Seattle in 2013 and despite the oft-talked-about rain, I fell in love with the city. It’s very easy to get around without a car and it’s filled with fantastic experiences one can only get in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. Below I’ll take you through some of the more unique things to do in Seattle. From walls covered in chewing gum to breathtaking National Parks, and that famous Seattle Space Needle, I’ll give you all the cool places in Seattle and the surrounding areas that you simply must see.

As you’ll see, there’s plenty to do in this awesome city. I’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Seattle. But you could easily spend a week there and throw in some exciting day trips.

Pack a bag and let’s head to the Emerald City!

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

The best time to visit Seattle is in September and October. Summer is peak tourist season, so while the city is brimming with activity, hotel rates are at peak highs. Winter brings shorter daylight hours and colder days which can deter many visitors. I first visited over the New Years’ holiday and while the weather was quite mild compared to my northeast upbringing, I was surprised by the mere 8 hours of sunlight each day.

How to Get to Seattle

Seattle Tacoma International Airport is a direct flight away from most major US airports. SeaTac International is home to 31 airlines offering both domestic and international routes. Best of all SEA is a convenient light rail trip away from the city.

How to Get Around Seattle

It’s actually quite easy to get around Seattle without a car. While public transit isn’t as expansive as New York City or Chicago, it does have enough coverage to get you to most points of interest.

Link Light Rail

Link Light Rail runs from Seattle International Airport with stops at the University of Washington, downtown Seattle and South Seattle. The line takes about an hour to run from end to end. Trains run every 15 minutes from 5 am to 1 am Monday thru Saturday and 6 am to midnight on Sundays and holidays. All Link Light Rail cars and stations are wheelchair accessible. You can purchase an ORCA card at a ticket machine, online, or at a retail location. Daily passes and single-ride tickets are both available.

Buses

King County Metro buses are another great way to get around the city. You can pay for your trip with cash, ORCA card, or Transit Go ticket which can be purchased through the Transit Go app. Buses are equipped with lifts or ramps for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Streetcars

Streetcars run through the South Lake Union and Capitol Hill areas of Seattle. They accept the same payment methods as buses.

Monorail

If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to travel between Westlake Center in the downtown area to tourist attractions like the Pacific Science Center and the Space Needle, the monorail is a great option. You can pay by cash or ORCA card.

Ferry

If you’re looking to venture into Puget Sound and explore some of Washington State’s beautiful islands, you’ll need to do so by ferry. You can purchase tickets through the Washington State DOT website. All ferries and terminals are accessible to people with disabilities.

Where to Stay in Seattle

Luxury

Hotel 1000 - 1000 1st Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98104

This 5-star hotel is in a prime location in the heart of downtown Seattle. Mere steps from the Elliott Bay waterfront smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, the business district, and Pioneer Square, it’s hard to find a more convenient location to stay.

Wheelchair-accessible rooms and hearing-accessible features are available.

Hyatt at Olive 8 - 1635 8th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101

This 4-star property was my personal choice when visiting Seattle. Hyatt is the very first LEED-certified green hotel in Seattle.

Wheelchair-accessible rooms have an accessible tub or shower and offer grab bars and a raised toilet seat.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco - 1101 4th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101

I split my time in Seattle between the Hyatt at Olive 8 and the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. While both hotels are great choices, I really fell in love with the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. It has a prime location, within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, tons of great shopping, local sports stadiums, and some of the best restaurants in Seattle. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco is also extremely pet-friendly. Even going so far as to offer us our own little beta fish for our stay since we weren’t traveling with a pet. There’s a hosted wine hour in the lobby each evening, luxe bathrobes, and a refrigerator and yoga mat in every room. The hotel also offers complimentary tea and coffee in the lobby each morning.

Accessible rooms offer an accessible tub with grab bars, a handheld showerhead, and a roll-in shower with grab bars. All common areas such as the business center, gym, and restaurant are also wheelchair-accessible.

Mid Range

Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown - 1113 6th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101

Located within walking distance of the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market, the Crowne Plaza offers well-appointed affordable rooms with a 24-hour front desk, optional breakfast included packages, and a 24-hour business center.

Accessible rooms feature roll-in showers. the property also offers a wheelchair-accessible fitness center, concierge desk, business center, restaurant, and lounge. Signage is also in braille.

Budget

Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown Lake Union - 211 Dexter Avenue N, Seattle, Washinton 98109

If you’d like to save money and be super close to the Space Needle, look no further than the Holiday Inn Downtown.

The hotel offers eight accessible rooms with portable bathtub seats.

Unique Things to Do in Seattle

This is a list of all the best attractions in Seattle along with accessibility information for each. Whether you’re planning a 1 day trip to Seattle or a 7 day trip to Seattle, you’re sure to find amazing activities to keep you entertained and have you falling in love with the Emerald City.

1. The Seattle Space Needle

Visit this iconic piece of the Seattle skyline and see the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. The Seattle space needle provides one of the best views of this gorgeous city. It’s also one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids.

This iconic observation tower stands 605 feet tall and offers 360-degree views from its three viewing areas. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair it drew over 2.3 million visitors. Fun fact, it was also built to withstand earthquakes as strong as 9.0 and winds up to 200 mph.

I recommend the Seattle Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket.

The Space Needle is located at 400 Broad Street, Seattle, Washington 98109.

Those in wheelchairs should see a team member upon arrival where they will be directed to a courtesy entrance located near the gift shop on the ground floor. Team members can also assist with elevator access between floors. Service animals are welcome.

2. Pike Place Market

Pike Place Farmers Market is famous for its fresh foods, local craftsmen, and artisans, being home to the very first Starbucks and its world-renowned fishmongers tossing their catches of the day through the air. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat, check out some local crafts, or see these high-flying fish artisans in person head down to the market.

Pike Place Market encompasses a nine-acre area overlooking Elliot Bay. It’s a great spot for breakfast or lunch. It’s a foodie paradise. You might even recognize the Athenian Seafood Restaurant from the hit film Sleepless in Seattle.

Be sure you visit the Market’s lower level where stalls specialize in collectibles, vintage goods, and even magic tricks. It’s a delightful collection of curiosities that add to the charm of this Pacific Northwest city.

I recommend the Pike Place Market Food Tour.

The market is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The market bell officially rings for opening at 9 am, but some stalls open for breakfast as early as 6 am. Most vendors close around 4 pm, though you will find some bars staying open until 1:30 am.

Pike Place Market is located at 1 st Avenue and Pike Street.

Handicapped parking is available on Western Avenue in the Pike Place Market or Public Market garages. There are two large accessible restrooms at the market, one on the far north end of the Soames/Dunn Building and the second in the Sanitary Market Building near the middle of the market. Most restaurants have wheelchair-accessible seating and ramps.

3. Woodinville Wine Country

Wine lovers rejoice, this picturesque wine lovers’ paradise is only 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, making it an easy day trip. Woodinville offers restaurants, wineries, breweries, and shops scattered amongst four distinct districts in the gorgeous Sammamish River Valley.

Woodinville offers more 90+ rated vintages than any other wine region in the world and is the heart of Washington State wine. With such an impressive collection of wines, you might assume Woodinville is a gathering of snobby sippers, but it’s really not! It’s as unpretentious as it gets and incredibly welcoming no matter what your level of wine knowledge.

I recommend the Woodinville Warehouse Wine Pass to see and taste the most of Woodinville Wine Country. Or, if you’d like a guided tour with round-trip transportation, check out the Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour.

For more information, check out the Woodinville Wine Country website.

4. Pacific Science Center

A great activity for kids, Pacific Science Center has been igniting curiosity for over 60 years. This awesome science and technology museum features a tropical butterfly house, maker space, IMAX theater, and a planetarium with daytime laser shows. Located at the foot of the Space Needle PacSci also offers virtual visits to their digital collection.

The Pacific Science Center is wheelchair accessible. Aides accompanying a guest with a disability receive complimentary admission by calling (206) 443-2844 prior to their visit. Multiple accessible parking spaces can be found in the Claypool Memorial Garage. Wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis with ID as a deposit. Service animals are welcome.

For tickets and more information, visit the Pacific Science Center website.

Address: 200 2nd Avenue N, Seattle, Washington 98109

5. Olympic Sculpture Park

Created by the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Park is a free-admission outdoor modern and contemporary sculpture park located in Belltown at the northern end of the Central Waterfront and the southern end of Myrtle Edwards Park.

I only recently got turned on to sculpture parks with my visit to New Jersey’s Grounds for Sculpture. But they make for awesome photos for your scrapbook or social media. Plus, Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the best free things to do in Seattle.

The Park has ADA-accessible ramps and the main path through the park is graded to provide universal access. Wheelchairs, including an all-terrain wheelchair, are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Audio tours and printed transcripts are available at the front desk.

Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121

6. Washington Park Arboretum

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum is an oasis in the city. The park contains a breathtaking assortment of plants from the Pacific Northwest and beyond including the Japanese Garden located on the south end of the Arboretum. The gardens also feature a Pacific Connections Garden, Woodland Garden, Rhododendron Glen, Azalea collection, and Shoreline Island which showcase plants from nearly 100 countries. It’s like taking a trip on your trip.

Guests can take the Arboretum TRAM Tour and visit six continents in one hour with a fully narrated tour.

Most of the trails are accessible. Those with limited mobility are invited to drive and park in the lots along Arboretum Drive. All 16 benches on The Arboretum loop are fully accessible.

Address: 700 East Washington Blvd, Seattle, Washington

7. The Giant Shoe Museum

One of the more weird things to do in Seattle, The Giant Shoe Museum is a true oddity located at Pike Place Market. resembling an entrance to a circus sideshow, the museum occupies a chunk of the Old Seattle Paperworks store. The museum showcases part of the collection of Danny Eskenazi, who became obsessed with giant shoes after learning his grandfather was once the owner of a wingtip owned by Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man.

In an effort to recover that massive wingtip, Eskenazi offered $1,000 to anyone who could find the shoe. Sadly, it remains lost, but the Giant Shoe Museum is a collection of other shoes discovered along his quest to regain the illusive wingtip.

If you think that’s odd, you don’t know the half of it. Guests are invited to drop quarters into coin boxes and then peer through old-time stereoscope-style viewing slots where they’re rewarded with the site of various massive shoes, including another pair of size 37 shoes once worn by Wadlow. For the price of two quarters, visitors can look behind a heavily curtained window and be greeted with the site of the “world’s largest collection of giant shoes,” about a dozen in total.

The Museum is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Address: Store #424 Pike Place Market

8. West Point Lighthouse

Head to Discovery Park to check out the West Point Lighthouse and beautiful views of Puget Sound. It’s a peaceful place to watch sailboats pass by, see seahawks catching fish, and capture pictures of the waterfront.

Word of warning, the walking trail down to the lighthouse is fairly easy, but the walk back up from the bluff is strenuous for some. If you have mobility issues or small kids in your party, there is a shuttle bus that will take you between the Lighthouse and the Visitors Center. You can also obtain a parking permit to drive down to the lighthouse if you have a handicapped person or small children in your group.

Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, Washington 98199

9. Golden Gardens Park

Looking for great views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains? Want to throw a beach bonfire? Stroll through gardens, fish, sunbathe, or hike a short loop trail? Then Golden Gardens Park is the place to be. The park even has an off-leash area for dogs on the north end of the park. So if you’ve traveled to Seattle with your furry friend you have the perfect place to get them some exercise.

Golden Garden’s Park is also one of the best parks in Seattle for watching a sunset or sunrise.

For more information on Golden Gardens Park, check out their website.

10. Olde Curiosity Shop

Opened by Edwards Standley in 1899, The Olde Curiosity Shop has long been home to some of Seattle’s weirder oddities. Over the course of five generations, this museum has amassed quite a collection of shrunken heads, natural oddities, taxidermied critters, mummies, and manmade wonders from around the world. The museum hosts more than a million visitors a year and even offers plenty of oddities for sale so you can take home your own three-headed duck, taxidermied bat, or replica shrunken head.

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98104

11. Beacon Food Forest

One of the little hidden gems in Seattle, The Beacon Food Forest supports the local ecosystem by building healthy soil and increasing the diversity of plants in the area. It also helps to dismantle an unjust food system, brings together neighbors, and supports open harvest and collaboration within communities.

Growing foods like plums, blueberries, mulberries, peaches, persimmons, pears, and more on their 7-acre property, the food forest relies on volunteers and donations to bring food to an underserved community.

If you’ve never seen a food forest before it’s worth checking out. Beacon Food Forest is open from dusk til dawn daily. They also offer audio tours.

The Gathering Plaza, toolshed, bike path, and Education Plaza are wheelchair-accessible.

Address: North Beacon Hill adjacent to Jefferson Park at 16th Avenue and South Dakota Street

12. Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience

Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the country. Wing Luke is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate located in Seattle’s vibrant Chinatown-International District.

Representing more than 26 ethnic groups, the museum focuses on the art, culture, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. Containing more than 18,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, books, and oral histories.

From its award-winning exhibit on Bruce Lee to its mural art installations, the museum provides a thought-provoking look at Asian-Pacific American life and culture.

The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides assistive listening devices and closed captioning. Guests with disabilities needing caregiver assistance receive free general admission for their caregiver.

Address: 719 South King Street, Seattle, Washington 98104

13. Gas Works Park Seattle

Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park on the grounds of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. In 2013 the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The park contains what remains of the sole coal gasification plant in the United States. Because of its somewhat odd origins, the park is considered one of the strangest parks in the world.

Today the park contains a children’s play area, a kite flying hill, and an elaborately sculpted sundial. It’s also the starting point for Seattle’s World Naked Bike Ride. So, maybe avoid taking your kids to the play area on that day.

The park is wheelchair accessible apart from the steps of the machinery shed.

Address: 2101 North Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington 98103

14. Vashon Island Washington

One of my favorite parts of my trip to Seattle was my trip to beautiful Vashon Island Washington. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of things to do on Vashon Island. See a lighthouse, look for bald eagles, enjoy quaint coffee shops, and delicious Vashon Island restaurants, and sample some of their unique wineries.

The largest island in Puget Sound, Vashon, has about 10,000 people. The island is also known for its orchards and wineries, some of which focus on a drink called “perry”, an alcoholic beverage derived from pear juice instead of the traditional grapes. This makes Vashon Island wineries truly unique.

On the first Friday of each month, Vashon holds a gallery walk where local art galleries in town open to visitors. This is an ideal time to visit the island.

To get to Vashon you must travel by the Washington State Ferry System. The Vashon Island Ferry ride takes about 45 minutes. King County Metro also provides bus service down the length of Vashon Island daily. During peak commute times the buses drive onto the ferry from Seattle giving you the option of taking the bus onto the ferry or driving your own car/ rental car.

For more information, visit the Vashon Island website.

15. Volunteer Park

If you’re looking for another space to view that iconic Space Needle, take a leisurely stroll, and appreciate some art, I highly recommend Volunteer Park. It’s also great for taking some eerie photos in the fog as evidenced above.

Volunteer Park contains an amphitheater, a water tower complete with an observation deck, a conservatory, a fenced-off reservoir, the dramatic Art Deco style Seattle Asian Art Museum, a statue of William H. Seward, the sculpture “Black Sun” by Isamu Noguchi (often referred to as “The Doughnut”), a wading pool, and plenty of meadows and picnic tables for lounging and relaxing.

Volunteer Park is also home to free outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.

The Park and Conservatory are ADA-compliant.

Address: 1247 15th Avenue E, Seattle, Washington 98112

16. Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium ranks as one of the best aquariums in the world. Just ask me. I wrote the list. The aquarium not only has a dazzling array of coral reefs, bright tropical fish, and marine mammals like fur seals and otters, but it also focuses on sea life native to the Puget Sound and Washington State waters.

Their 120,000-gallon tank replicates the coastal waters off Washington State and includes animals like Pacific spiny lumpsuckers, canary rockfish, wolf eels, salmon, sturgeon, sharks, skates, and rockfish. Guests can also view this incredible sealife from the impressive underwater dome.

It’s a really cool spot to see the sea life and mammals unique to the Pacific Northwest.

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. They also offer sensory kits for guests with sensory needs. Kits include KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted lap pads.

For Seattle Aquarium tickets visit their website.

Address: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, Washington 98101

17. Pier 57

While you’re there checking out Seattle’s awesome aquarium, be sure to have some fun on Pier 57. Sure, it’s as touristy as you can get, but the Seattle Great Wheel is still a fun time with great views of the city. There’s also a bevy of gift shops to buy all your Seattle souvenirs and plenty of seafood restaurants to grab a bite to eat.

The Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel consisting of 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each holds up to 6 passengers. The Ferris wheel is also wheelchair friendly.

Address: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington 98101

18. Snoqualmie Falls

A 35-minute drive from Downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washinton State’s most popular scenic attractions. And with good reason, the place is gorgeous.

The falls are comprised of a 2-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and the breathtaking 270-foot waterfall. The observation decks are open 365 days a year. Best of all the viewing decks and parking are both free! They’re also wheelchair accessible.

You might recognize these falls and The Great Northern Hotel from the opening credits of Twin Peaks. You can pop into the hotel for drinks or check out their gift shop which features a variety of Twin Peaks-inspired gifts. You can even spend the night in room 315.

Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE Snoqualmie, Washington 98024

19. Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee and Brandon Bruce Lee’s Graves

Located next to Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle is a site visited by over 10,000 people a year. The grave of legendary Chinese American martial artist and film star, Bruce Lee. Buried in 1973, his grave became a global pilgrimage site.

Lee’s son, Brandon Bruce Lee, is buried next to him. Both graves attract offerings such as figurines, candles, crystals, flowers, notes, oranges, and money from around the world. One notable guestbook entry in the Lakeview Cemetery office signed by Nurlan Adakhamov of Kazakhstan reads:

“I worked hard to save money and to spend them for this trip from Kazakhstan to USA, WA, Seattle. The only purpose of my trip was visiting Bruce lee’s grave and his son’s.”

It was truly inspiring to see the outpouring of love for both men. If you’re in Seattle I highly recommend stopping by to pay your respects.

Lakeview Cemetery opens every day at 9 am and closes at dusk. To view with graves, follow the car path up the hill as it turns right. A small stone-paved path leads down to the graves of Lee and his son.

Address: 1554 15th Avenue East, Seattle, Washington

20. The Gum Wall Seattle

One of the weirdest places in Seattle is The Gum Wall. It began in the 1990s when performers and patrons from Unexpected Productions started sticking their gum on the wall. The wall grew from a simple gum depository to an enormous expanse of sticky spent chewing gum covering Post Alley. Sure, it’s gross, but it also makes for a great shot for the gram.

The alley is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, Washington 98101

21. Kerry Park

I know, I know… could this list have any more parks? But Seattle has a lot of truly great parks and Kerry Park is no exception. If you’re looking for great views, look no further. Kerry Park has the best views of Elliot Bay and Central City. On a really clear day, you can even see Mount Rainier. Watch as the Ferries below glide across the water at sunset while The Space Needle glistens in the background.

Just know it can get busy at sunset so you’ll want to get there early to reserve your space and have an unobstructed view.

The park is wheelchair accessible.

Address: 211 West Highland Drive, Seattle, Washington 98119

22. Lake Washington

Lake Washington is the largest lake in King County and the second-largest natural lake in the entire state of Washington. If you’re into fishing, boating, or other water-related activities, this is your place. Some species found in the lake are Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch.

Admittedly, I’m not into fishing, but the lake is still a really peaceful place with good people watching. Neighboring Seward Park also offers a path for bikes and pedestrians as well as kayak launches.

The University of Washington offers a boat rental facility on the lake in Union Bay. They offer canoes and rowboats by the hour.

Address: Seward Park 5898 Lake Washington Blvd South, Seattle Washington 98118

23. Seattle Food Tour

Seattle is an amazing food city and there are a number of Seattle food tours, but since this is a blog all about accessibility and travel I’m going to recommend the following wheelchair-accessible food tours:

24. Seattle Art Museum

Commonly called SAM, the Seattle Art Museum’s main location is in downtown Seattle. The museum’s collection includes 25,000 pieces. Amongst them is a coffin in the shape of a Mercedes Benz by Kane Quaye of Ghana, and early Italian paintings by Dalmasio Scannabecchi, Puccio di Simone, Giovani di Paolo, and Bartolomeo Vivarini. They also have an extensive collection of twentieth-century American paintings and Aboriginal Australian Art.

Admittedly it’s not full of the most recognizable pieces in the world, but it’s a cool collection even for the most casual art lover.

The museum is wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome. Caregivers are admitted for free.

Address: 1300 1st Avenue, Seattle, Washington

25. The Fremont Bridge Troll

The Fremont Troll is located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The Fremont Troll history stems from an art competition aimed at hostile architecture. Hostile architecture, if you’ve never heard the term before, refers to a design created to deter the presence of rodents, rubbish, or human beings. It aims to create a piece of art instead of a homeless encampment. Personally, I find this notion odd and unsettling. But the giant bridge troll design easily won the vote and quickly became a cultural icon.

Naturally, it was not as well received by the homeless community or activists who quickly vandalized the sculpture.

The troll is a mixed-media colossal statue under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The troll clutches a Volkswagen beetle in one hand as if it has just grabbed the car from the road above. Originally the car held a time capsule with a plaster bust of Elvis Presley, but that was stolen early on when the sculpture was vandalized.

The Fremont Troll measures 18 feet high, weighs over 1 ton, and is made of steel rebar, wire, and concrete.

Address: North 36th Street Seattle, Washington 98103

26. Pioneer Square

Known as Seattle’s first neighborhood Pioneer Square is a great place for shopping, eating, and enjoying the first Thursday Art Walk. If you’re interested in taking a tour of Seattle’s haunted history, or nimble enough to explore a tour of underground Seattle, here’s the place to do it.

Pioneer Square is known for its Renaissance Revival Architecture, quirky boutiques, and top-notch lunch spots. I highly recommend taking a stroll through the area. No matter where you stop, you’re sure to pop in somewhere interesting.

For more info and a list of shops and attractions, check out the Pioneer Square website.

27. Lake Union Seattle

Lake Union is another freshwater lake in Seattle. I bring it up for one reason and one reason only… Lake Union Park and the Lake Union Hot Tub Boat Rental. Yeah. You can literally rent a floating hot tub and bob around the lake. These wood-fired hot tub boats allow you to soak in complete relaxation while taking in views of the Seattle skyline, The Space Needle, and Gas Works Park. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For more details on the Lake Union Hot Tub Boats, check out their website.

Address: 2401 North Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington 98103

28. Mount Rainier National Park

If you take only one day trip from Seattle, Paradise Mount Rainier should be that trip. The Paradise section of the park is filled with beautiful sites and is perfect for a day trip.

Less than 60 miles from Seattle lies Mt Rainier National Park. It’s about a 2-hour drive if you have access to a car. Alternatively, you can hop on an organized day tour complete with a guide who narrates the trip. I recommend the Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour From Seattle.

It’s also possible to take one of the city buses to Enumclaw in King County, then arrange a taxi or ride-share service to the park.

If you’re disabled and don’t have a National Parks Access Pass, I highly recommend getting one. The Access Pass allows US residents with a permanent disability to gain free admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. If you don’t have one, click on the link above and they will take you through the necessary paperwork.

Mount Rainier is a 369-sq mile Reserve southeast of Seattle. The park surrounds glacier caped 14,410-foot tall Mount Rainier. Visitors can drive up to 6,400-foot high Sunrise Point for breathtaking views of the volcanic Mt. Rainier and Mount Adams. There are also plenty of trails of varying levels and large wildflower meadows in the summer months.

Address: 39000 State Route 706 East Ashford, Washington 98304

29. San Juan Islands Washington

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the San Juan Islands. This archipelago of 172 islands is ideal for bird watching, camping, sailing, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The islands are reachable by ferry from Seattle. and offer a peaceful respite from the city. There’s rarely a bad time to visit the islands as their unique location means the temperature rarely gets above 70 degrees or below the 40s. The islands also experience less rain than Seattle as they sit inside the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains.

I recommend going if only for the resident Orca pod. If you’ve ever wanted to go whale watching, this is the place to do it. There are over 80 resident Southern Killer Whales in this pod who have made the San Juan Islands their home. To see them take this Whale Watching Tour from Friday Harbor.

For more information, head to the official San Juan Islands website.

30. Olympic National Park

If you still haven’t gotten your national park fill, head to Olympic National Park. This National Park is famous for its wildly diverse landscapes. Encompassing nearly a million acres the park features glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rainforests, and more than 70 miles of coastline.

Again, I highly recommend signing up for a National Parks Access Pass if you’re permanently disabled.

The shortest route from Seattle to Olympic National Park requires taking a ferry from downtown via the Bainbridge Island ferry. If you’re looking for a group tour from Seattle, I recommend the Olympic Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch. However this tour does include some easy nature trail hikes that are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Road, Port Angeles, Washington 98362

31. Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Are you a Starbucks devotee? Then you’ll love the reserve roastery located just 9 blocks from the original Pike Place Starbucks store. Explore the art, science, and theater of coffee craft and artisanal baking at this epic shrine to the world of coffee. Guests are able to book tours, experiences, and events in the roastery.

The roastery features a constantly changing collection of rare coffees from around the world, coffees such as Vietnam Da Lat, Kenya Kangunu, Columbia Huila Pink Bourbon, Hawaii Ka’u, Sun-Dried Uganda Red Cherry, and more.

Address: 1124 Pike Street, Seattle Washington 98101

32. Seattle Pinball Museum

The Seattle Pinball Museum features pinball games from as far back as 1934 to present-day games produced by Jersey Jack Pinball, Dutch Pinball, Spooky Pinball, VP Cabs, and Stern Pinball. There are over 50 games at any one time though machines are in regular rotation. Guests can pay admission the $20 admission which buys access to playing pinball to your heart’s content.

The museum also sells vintage sodas, craft beers, ciders, and snacks.

The museum is wheelchair-accessible and open Friday through Monday from noon to 6 pm.

Address: 508 Maynard Ave South, Seattle, Washington 98104

33. A Hot Air Balloon Ride

I’m always on the lookout for accessible adventures. This is why I was thrilled to discover Dream Catcher Balloon, a unique hot air balloon designed with everyone in mind. Their two-seated balloon allows those with mobility issues, seniors, veterans, and others to experience a hot air balloon ride that doesn't require climbing over a basket.

I LOVE hot air ballooning. Even though I have a fear of heights hot air ballooning is somehow one of the most peaceful, relaxing, and magical experiences a human being can have. I cannot recommend it enough.

Rides depart about 2 hours from Seattle and require passengers to fill out an ADA Balloon Adventure Form prior to booking their trip. For more info see the link above.

34. A Seattle Street Art Tour

Follow my Seattle street art guide to view some of Seattle’s amazing murals and graffiti. This free activity will have you viewing some of the best art in the city.

Day Trips From Seattle

There are many amazing day trips from Seattle. From Mount Rainier to Victoria, BC, there’s something for everyone.

As you can tell by now there are plenty of fun things to do in Seattle. But more than that there are tons of unique things to do in Seattle. Experiences like hot tub boating, gum wall photography, curiosity shops, and a giant shoe museum. But beyond the weird and unique, Seattle is a foodie paradise, a gorgeous and accessible city with great public transportation and a friendly population.

If you’ve been to Seattle and have a tip you’d like to share, please leave it in the comments below.

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