Seattle is a city that offers plenty of fun things to do, even during the winter months. Here are ten ideas for ways to have a great time in Seattle during the winter:
Visit the Space Needle:
The Space Needle is a Seattle icon and offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. It’s a great place to visit on a clear, crisp winter day. Oftentimes you can see Mt. Rainier in the distance on a cold winter day when the sun is out.
Go skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts:
Seattle is within driving distance of several ski resorts, including Crystal Mountain and Snoqualmie Pass Ski Areas. Head up to the mountains for a day of skiing or snowboarding and if you’re seeing this post in summer, the ski areas have mountain biking available for an exhilarating summer thrill.
Check out the winter farmers markets:
Seattle has several farmers markets that are open year-round, including the University District Farmers Market and the Ballard Farmers Market, Seattle’s first year-round neighborhood farmers market. These markets offer a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown produce and other products.
Take a winter walk in one of Seattle’s many parks:
Seattle has a number of beautiful parks that are great for a winter walk, including Discovery Park, Gas Works Park, and Green Lake Park. Bundle up and take a stroll to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of the city. The Arboretum can also be a beautiful stroll in winter.
Visit the Pacific Science Center:
The Pacific Science Center is a great place to spend a rainy winter day. It has a variety of hands-on exhibits and educational programs that are perfect for all ages. They also have an IMAX theater and show the latest releases for a great immersive experience.
Check out Snoqualmie Falls:
Take a tour with us up to Snoqualmie Falls: Winter at Snoqualmie Falls can be breathtaking as the ice around the falls freezes and creates a bit of a winter wonderland. Warm up in the Salish Lodge with a fireplace located in the main lobby and take out coffee available at the restaurant next to the gift shop.
Explore the Seattle Art Museum:
The Seattle Art Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers. It has a diverse collection that includes works by artists from around the world. With over 25,000 pieces in the collection, it’s a great place to wander for a few hours on a cold day.
Take a brewery tour:
Seattle is home to a thriving craft beer scene, and several breweries offer tours and tastings. Check out breweries like Elysian, Fremont, and Georgetown for a fun and informative tour. If you’re visiting the Pike Place Market, be sure to stop by Pike Brewing. It boasts the largest microbrewery beer museum in the world and serves a variety of award-winning beers and delicious food. Don’t miss out on this unique and tasty experience while you’re in the area.
Visit the Woodland Park Zoo:
The Woodland Park Zoo is a popular attraction year-round, but it can be especially enjoyable in the winter when many of the animals are more active in the cooler weather. In the winter it’s transformed into a dazzling display of light and colors. Approximately 375,000 energy-efficient LED lights will be used to recreate wild animals and wild places in 2D and 3D along the zoo’s pathways.
Go shopping at the Pike Place Market:
And our favorite place in Seattle as we are here everyday for the start of our tours is the Pike Place Market. A popular tourist destination in Seattle, and it’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. It’s also home to a number of artisan food vendors and restaurants, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop.
Overall, Seattle has a lot to offer in the wintertime. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in the city. Just make sure you layer up as the marine air can make it much colder than you would expect.