5 unexpected things you absolutely have to do in Seattle

The Pacific Northwest region beckons people from around the world with its siren call. And at the center of it all is Seattle. It’s one of the most interesting and unique cities in the United States, and not just because of the mild winters.

Seattle is home to an incredible arts and culture scene, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country. Plus, there’s no shortage of coffee. While most people have heard of Pike Place Market or the Space Needle, this city has a lot to offer you might not be aware of.

Seattle Aquarium

Since 1977, the Seattle Aquarium has rested on the waterfront of the Emerald City. And part of its long term strategy over the next couple of decades includes growing in scope and size. But the current iteration of the aquarium is definitely worth the visit.

It has six main collections which include an impressive variety of fish as well as birds and mammals. Their seals and otters are worth the admission alone. That being said, their coolest exhibit might be the Giant Pacific Octopus, one of the most interesting animals in the world.

Museum of Pop Culture

Formerly known as the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, that mouthful of a name was changed to the Museum of Pop Culture in 2016. While the name has changed, one of Seattle’s most unique museums has remained the same.

MoPOP features a variety of exhibits covering science fiction, fantasy, horror and so much more. It also contains a massive collection of artifacts related to major artists like Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. It’s also always worth stopping by to see what current exhibits are set up.

Pacific Science Center

Seattle is home to the Pacific Science Center and it’s impressive array of features. That includes a planetarium, a laser dome armed with an epic sound system and a pair of IMAX theatres. Simply put, there’s a lot here to keep people entertained.

It also has an impressive ongoing events and program calendar, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. When you are building that plan, take a good look at their website. There are a lot of interesting assets there to help you on your way.

Washington Park Arboretum

Washington Park is an unbelievable public space in Seattle, one that is a perfect place to be at any time of year. It has a range of sights including the Seattle Japanese Garden. But the majority of the park is taken up by the Washington Park Arboretum.

It is a stunning place to say the least. The year-round foliage never fails to impress. But if you happen to be in town during the spring, this is a can’t miss stop. Azalea Way has to be seen in person to be believed.

Sky View Observatory

The view from the Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most defining characteristics. While it’s worth stopping at, it can also get quite crowded at times. On the other hand, the Sky View Observatory offers equally excellent views with much smaller crowds.

On the 73rd Floor of the Columbia Center, the Sky View Observatory has 360 degree views of the city and the region. In addition to enjoying the scenery, there’s also the Sky View Café and Bar if you want to grab a bite to eat.