- Destinations
60 Summer Things to do in Seattle for Everyone (2025)
There is a reason Seattleites tend to spend their entire summer in Washington. After a gloomy, rainy winter and spring, the payoff of a beautiful summer is just too good to leave. You’ll often hear something like, “…but the summers here are SO worth it!” and I have to say they’re not wrong. After five summers in Seattle, here is a working list of the best things to do with a summer in Seattle, Washington.
This Seattle summer bucket list includes everything from live music, good eats, adventures near and far from the city center, and leisurely activities that capture the essence of the perfect Seattle summer.
Let’s get into it!
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60 Seattle Summer Activities In and Around the City
The long, sunny days in Seattle are exactly what we’re waiting for through a damp spring. We’re planning and plotting out everything Seattle has to offer when the sun finally peaks through the clouds.
Located between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, Seattle receives the cooling influence of the water and limits extreme temperature swings. It is the reason our winters are mild and our summers are gorgeous.
Free Activities in Seattle this Summer
Free summer activities in Seattle typically involve spending time outdoors at one of the many city and county parks. However, the city of Seattle does a wonderful job of providing free activities and events throughout the summer for the whole family to enjoy.
Here are some of the best free activities to do this summer in Seattle.
Watch the sunset at gas works park
Gas Works Park is located in the Seattle Fremont neighborhood on Lake Union with one of my favorite views of the Seattle Skyline. It is a popular park for free events like outdoor yoga, run clubs, and live music.
As of Summer 2024, a new brewery, Gasworks Brewing has opened up! Check out the new waterfront brewery for delicious beer and spectacular views of Lake Union.
Attend the Street art fair in Pioneer Square (Toys not included)
Pioneer Square, aka Seattle’s first neighborhood, hosts the Street Art Fair every year in August. The fair hosts over 30 local artists. The fair will be open every weekend in July and will host a variety of different free workshops.
The fair is located at 310 Occidental Ave S. Seattle, WA
Visit a Washington State Park on a free day
Throughout the summer Washington State Parks offer free admission days which can be found on the Discover Pass Website Here. Otherwise, a Discover Pass is needed to access Washington State Parks and has an annual cost of $35. You can purchase your Washington Discover Pass Here.
Summer Free Days in 2024: June 8th, June 9th, June 19th, and Sept. 28th.
Washington State Parks also hosts a variety of events throughout the summer!
Do Yoga at Flow in the Park at Lake Union park
Flow in the Park is a great way to move your body this summer. From 6-7 pm July 10th – August 28th in Lake Union Park you can attend Flow in the Park for free yoga classes. All you need is a mat or towel, a water bottle, and a desire to have fun!
Be sure to reserve your space on Eventbrite ahead of time!
Go tide pooling at Carkeek Park
The rocky shores of the Puget Sound make for the perfect tide pooling! You can see creatures like starfish, sea anemones, tube worms, chitons, limpets, sea slugs, snails and so much more. To make the most of your trip to the shore, consider going when the Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalists are there. They can teach you about tide pooling etiquette and share helpful identification tools!
Find the beach naturalist schedule here.
Hike to the West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park
From the West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park, you can spot sailboats, the Olympic Mountains, and the iconic Washington ferries. The Discovery Park trail system is well-managed and easy to follow as you make your way to the rock beach where the lighthouse is!
Walk Washington Park Arboretum
The Washington Park Arboretum is operated by the University of Washington and is accessible year-round for you and your dog. If you head to their website, you can download a self-guided tour of the park and learn more about the different plants.
Pack a picnic for Alki beach in West Seattle
Alki Beach in West Seattle is one of the more popular beaches in the city. It is the perfect place for sunbathers, picnickers, and people looking to walk the beach strip on Elliot Bay. Kayaking in this area is also a popular activity. Beach fires are also allowed at Alki Beach if you want to watch the sunset on the city skyline across Puget Sound!
Set up hammocks at magnuson park
Magnuson Park is always busy in the summer, but on almost 9 acres of land, you’re bound to find a relaxing corner of the park to set up a hammock and read a good book. Magnuson Park also has water access with a boat lunch, and a large off-leash area for dogs and hosts a variety of kids’ summer camps.
When you’re done relaxing, head over to Magnuson Brewing for fish tacos and a cold beer.
Iconic Seattle Activities
There is so much to see in downtown Seattle and with over 20 unique neighborhoods you could spend a lifetime truly exploring every facet and unique personality. If you’re limited on time and want to see the best, tours are an easy way to learn about the history and culture of the city. Emerald City Bicycle Tour brings you on an active tour through some of my favorite neighborhoods and provides phenomenal commentary along the way.
Here are some of the best iconic summer things to do in Seattle.
Prominent in the skyline, the space needle was built for the Seattle Worlds Fair in 1962. Now, you can enjoy some of the best views Seattle offers or even grab a quick bite to eat or drink at the Atmos Cafe and Wine Bar.
Tickets to visit the Space Needle start at $35. You can purchase your ticket ahead of time here.
The Chihuly Glass Garden and Museum is a breathtaking museum of curated art crafted by Dale Chihuly a local Seattle Artist. The garden is magnificent on a perfect summer day and the museum is a great way to beat the summer heat. I find myself bringing visitors here time and time again and have never gotten sick of it.
The entry fee for the Chihuly Glass Garden and Museum starts at $35. You can purchase your ticket ahead of time here.
For 360-degree views of the city of Seattle, Sky View Observatory is known to have the best. But don’t stop with just the views, plan your visit around dinner or better yet, sunset to get the most out of your visit. The Sky View Observatory Cafe has a great menu for those looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
Standard admission costs $25, but other packages include drinks and vouchers.
Photo-Op at Post Alley
Some call it art, some call it an abomination, but most call it a must-see Seattle spot in Pikes Place Market. Post Alley, aka, the Gum Wall is your iconic Seattle Photo op. And if you’re looking to leave your mark on Seattle, here is your chance.
Explore Fishermen's Terminal
Fishing is a significant industry in Seattle. If you or anyone you’re visiting Seattle with has the slightest interest in the industry, visiting the Fishermen’s Terminal is a phenomenal side trek worth taking. Some of the boats in this terminal are part of the hit reality TV show, Deadliest Catch. If that interests you and you like whiskey, Mischief Distillery in the Fremont neighborhood ages some of their barrels on the deadliest catch boats.
Buy Flowers at the Iconic Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is likely the most iconic area in Seattle. This is where you’ll find the flying fish, local artists, and of course the beautiful flowers from local farmers. Nothing says Seattle Summer more than a fresh bouquet from Pike Place Market.
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
Up for a little thrill and spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound? Consider purchasing a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, the largest Ferris Wheel on the West Coast.
Tickets for the Seattle Great Wheel start at $20 for adults.
Tour the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium located on Pier 59 is within walking distance from Pikes Place Market and happens to be my favorite place in Seattle. This aquarium focuses on the rehabilitation of marine animals and housing animals that can no longer survive in the wild. The conservation focus of this aquarium does mean that the aquarium is rather small so you will only need around 2 hours there, but they have been constructing additions to further aid their conservation efforts.
The aquarium has both indoor and outdoor exhibits so I suggest going on a day that has somewhat decent weather which shouldn’t be hard to find during a Seattle summer!
Take in the city from below. On a warmer day, this underground walking tour is the perfect tour to beat the heat and take in the city from a unique perspective. This tour takes you through the underground tunnel system below Pioneer Square built in the 1890s.
Activities to Beat the Heat
While Seattle summers are unmatched, there is the occasional stifling day or Seattle rain storm. Seattle has no shortage of museums so whether you’re looking for an air-conditioned or dry space, here is a short list of some of the best!
The Museum of Pop Culture or MoPop is a family-friendly museum, but if I’m being completely honest with you, I believe it is the parents who will truly enjoy this museum the most. With exhibits highlighting the career accomplishments of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendricks, and paraphernalia from Star Wars and Indiana Jones there is no shortage of exhibits that might be past the time of those born in the 2000’s.
However, with other various interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Entry tickets for the Museum of Pop Culture begin at $34.50.
For those of you or those in your party who love planes, take a tour of the Boeing Space and Flight Center. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into building and testing commercial planes. The tour also includes interactive exhibits and a flight simulator.
The pick-up location for this tour is located in Seattle making it easy for people visiting the area to get there.
Learn more about this tour here.
A fantastic kid-friendly museum is the Pacific Science Center. The Pacific Science Center is located in the same area as the Chihuly Glass Garden and Museum and Space Needle which makes it easy to hit them all in a day!
In the summer months, the Pacific Science Center hosts Happy Hours for 21+ adults where they serve food and drinks and keep the exhibits open late. If you’re looking for something fun to do on a summer night in Seattle, I suggest finding a happy hour night at the Pacific Science Center.
To find a happy hour event, you can look at their event calendar here.
Cheer on a Seattle Storm Game
For some excitement on a rainy day, attending a game from the four-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm. Grab tickets for the Seattle Storm for as little as $25 at Climate Pledge Arena in Downtown Seattle.
The Seattle Art Museum or SAM is an easy way to beat the summer heat in Seattle. Spend an hour or two walking through their rotating and permanent art exhibits. If you’re keen on visual arts, this is the museum for you!
You can purchase your tickets ahead of time here.
Located in the Seattle neighborhood, Ballard, the National Nordic Museum is a quaint museum encapsulating Scandinavian history. While it is a good place to beat the heat, their summer events calendar has some amazing kid-friendly events.
Spend 2-3 hours at the Museum of Flight watching a 3-D movie, exploring exhibits, seeing a NADA Space Shuttle, and sitting in an actual cock pit. This museum is a more accessible option to the Boeing Tour.
Summer Outdoor Leisure in Seattle
Some of the best things you can do in Seattle this summer involve the outdoors, from visiting one of the hundreds of Seattle parks, going to a baseball game, or relaxing on a picnic blanket at an outdoor concert. Summer in Seattle involves a delightful combination of leisure and activity.
Here are some of the many activities you can do this summer in Seattle that involve a warm summer breeze and maybe a little activity.
The Woodland Park Zoo is located in another quaint Seattle neighborhood, Phinney Ridge. The zoo has over 300 animals in a beautifully crafted park. Use the interactive map to plan your visit and learn more about each of the animals as you walk through the park.
For even more fun at the Woodland Park Zoo, attend ZooTunes, their outdoor concert series!
A great option for those looking to learn more about the city of Seattle, its history, culture, and architecture, is to book a harbor cruise with Argosy. This was one of the first tours I did when I moved to the Pacific Northwest and I’m still sharing facts about the city that I learned on the cruise. For example, the city was built on sawdust.
Argosy offers several different cruise options. Another phenomenal one is the Lake Union Boat Crusie which shares the history of the house boats and the University of Washington’s Row Team.
Does anything say summer in Seattle more than a Mariners Baseball Game? T-mobile Park has some phenomenal city views and tickets to the games are affordable. Beer prices…not so much. But unless you’re doing the 9-9-9 challenge, it is still a relatively cheap summer in the city!
What is the 9-9-9 challenge? 9 innings, 9 hot dogs, 9 beers. I would not recommend it.
Picnic at Green lake
Green Lake, the lake in the Green Lake neighborhood, is the perfect place to set up a picnic, read a book, or play volleyball in the park. This area is always bustling with people, but the area is still large enough to find a place to spread out and relax.
Hot Tub Boats on Lake Union
The hot tub boat rentals on Lake Union are a popular activity in the summer months in Seattle. Grab a group of friends and take in the city views from the lake. Bring food and drinks while you motor around the lake in a floating hot tub boat. In the summer, Lake Union is bustling with landing seaplanes, paddleboarders, and private boats.
Take a romantic sunset cruise this summer. I suppose it doesn’t have to be romantic, but I can’t think of a more romantic date night than a sunset sail complete with local wine and beer.
Remember, it is always colder on the water than it is in the city! Dress appropriately.
Jam Out at an Outdoor Concert
There are plenty of outdoor concerts and music festivals in and around Seattle in the summer. Outdoor concerts in Seattle are hosted at Lumen Field, Woodland Park Zoo(ZooTunes), and University Village(Summer Concert Series). Popular festivals in Seattle include Day In Day Out and Bumbershoot at Seattle Center and the Capitol Hill Block Party.
If you feel up to venturing outside Seattle, my two favorite outdoor concert venues are Marymoor Park and Chateau St. Michelle.
Have a Bonefire at Golden Gardens
Golden Gardens is located on the Puget Sound with beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. While the Seattle park is perfect any time of day, it is especially perfect at sunset. You will need to pack in your own firewood and a fire pit for a bonfire, but it is absolutely worth it.
Otherwise, a day trip to the park holds the possibility of seeing orcas from the shore!
Learn About Salmon at the Ballard Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, or Ballard Locks, is one of the best spots to learn about the local salmon. This city park has an education exhibit for visitors to learn about the salmon ladder in the locks that help salmon get to and from their spawning site and the Pacific Ocean.
This park has beautiful gardens to walk through and a parking lot making it easy to access.
Get coffee at the espresso chalet and hike heybrook lookout
One of the most iconic hikes and coffee shops in the area is Heybrook Lookout and the Espresso Chalet. Heybrook Lookout is a crowd-favorite trail off of Highway 2 to an old fire lookout. The trail is about 1.9 miles with a gradual elevation gain.
Espresso Chalet is known for having one of the best views a coffee shop could have. The chalet’s patio overlooks the mountainous area and in the distance, you can see the Bridal Vail Falls. Bridal Vail Falls is another popular trail connected to Lake Serene.
Attend the Oddities Flea Market in Pioneer Square
The Oddities Flea Market comes to Seattle in early Summer. The Oddities Flea Market has items, gifts, and art from local artists as well as artists and collectors known for their unique tastes and styles.
You will need to purchase tickets in advance to access the flea market.
Bring Your Dog to Bark at the Park at the Seattle Mariners Game
Is there anything cuter than a dog in a baseball jersey? Probably. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your dog to Bark at the Park at T-Mobile Stadium to see the Seattle Mariners play. Bark in the Park is typically hosted once a month for the duration of the summer. Each night has a different giveaway from a bowl, collar, toy, etc.
Be sure to check their website for information regarding bringing your puppy and reserving a seat for them.
Bike the Burke Gilman Trail
The Burke Gilman Trail is a 27-mile paved trail that runs from the Seattle Neighborhood of Ballard to the City of Kenmore at the top of Lake Washington. This trail is popular for walkers, runners, and bikers. Along the trail, you can stop and grab a beer at the Burke Gilman Brewery near University Village.
Learn more about the trail here.
StoryWalk PopUp in the Park
Find a Story Walk PopUp in a local Seattle neighborhood. Story Walks incorporate the outdoors and reading interactively for young children.
Check their website for the latest installations.
Watch an Outdoor Movie
Outdoor movies are a popular activity in the city with various areas to catch a classic flick. So pack some snacks, bring a large blanket, and enjoy the show.
- Movies at Westlake Park
- Movies at Marymoore Park
- West Seattle Outdoor Movies
Summer Activities for the Foodies (and Drinkies)
Looking to explore the food options in Seattle? This list has you covered.
Plus, Seattle has over 70 craft breweries within the city! So if you’re looking for a refreshing pint between bites, there are plenty of places to choose from.
Go on a Food Tour
If you’re looking for a food experience that encompasses true Seattle eats with an expert, consider going on a food tour. With so many different tours to choose from, it is easy to find a tour that meets the needs of you and your party.
Seattle and beyond Winery Tour
With Washington being the second largest Wine producer in the United States, it should come as no surprise that they produce some phenomenal wine. There are a handful of places where you can go to do a wine tour. Seattle, Bainbridge, Snoqualmie, and Woodinville are all hubs for wineries that would make it easy to do a wine tour of your own.
If you want your wine tour to be specially curated and come with a driver, there are a number of tour options to choose from.
Shop the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets are a popular opportunity to get locally produced jams, breads, jerky, and other foods. Popular farmers markets in Seattle include the Fremont Market, Ballard Market, and the Capitol Hill Farmers Market.
To learn more about the location, dates, and vendors of the Seattle Farmers Markets, check out their website.
Eat Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors
If you ask me, Ice Cream is a year-round dessert, but there is something about the seasonal flavors of Salt & Straw, Molly Moons, and Frankie and Joe’s that make ice cream a must-have summer treat. Every Seattle neighborhood has at least one ice cream shop if not two or three to choose from.
You could even do a Seattle Summer Ice Cream Crawl and rank your favorites!
Perfect Patio Brunch
One of the best parts about Seattle is that so many restaurants have outdoor seating, so even when you do go out to eat, you can still enjoy some time outside. But not every patio is made equal. Some of the best places to grab brunch are Terra Plata (Mexican), Saint Bread (Bakery & Cafe), Oddfellows Cafe & Bar(American), and Sabiene(Mediterranean).
Attend the Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair is located in Puyallup, about an hour south of Seattle. The State Fair begins over Labor Day Weekend and lasts through September. In addition to tasting epic state fair food, enjoy the free events at the fair.
For a more food and alcohol-focused event, the Taste Northwest is located on the same grounds and has free entry.
For more information, check out their site.
Brewery Crawl in Ballard (Food Trucks are a must!)
Ballard has one of the highest concentrations of breweries in Seattle in one area making it the perfect place to do a beer crawl. A good starting brewery for your crawl would be Reubens or Bale Breaker depending on the direction you want to walk.
All the breweries that are part of the Ballard Brewery District have a brewery passport that you can pick up at your first stop so you can check off each brewery along the way.
To learn more about the BBD, check out their website here.
Agua Verde Paddle Club & Cafe
If you want to combine food and activity like a true Seattleite, check out the Agua Verde Paddle Club. At Agua Verde, you can rent a stand-up paddle board, SUP, or Kayak by the hour. After you’ve enjoyed your time on the water, come back for some Mexican food at Agua Verde Cafe.
The prickly pear margarita is my favorite.
For rental rates, visit the paddle club site here.
View the cafe menu here.
Attend the Market at the Park at the Olympic Sculpture Garden
The Olympic Sculpture Garden is an extension of the SAM and during the summer market is the perfect time to visit! While enjoying the 9-acre contemporary sculpture garden, you can enjoy a bevy of delicious foods, treats, and drinks.
The Olympic Sculpture Park and Garden has free access year-round, but the Market is only open Friday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
View the menu here!
Eat Hotdogs at a Tacoma Rainiers Game
While outside of the city, the hot dogs at a Tacoma Rainiers Game are perfect. There is something to be said about the infectious energy of a minor-league baseball game. Almost every day of the week at the stadium there is a promotion, including Craft Beer Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday making it a cheaper alternative to attending a Mariners Game.
Plus, the Tacoma Rainiers Stadium has a gorgeous view of Mount Rainier.
Venture Outside of Seattle This Summer
While Seattle is truly the best summer city in the Pacific Northwest, you’d be remiss to skip out on some of the beautiful areas surrounding the city. Washington has 3 National Parks, 140 state parks, and three national monuments. Not to mention countless quaint cities, gorgeous hikes, and beautiful lakes.
Here are some of my favorite adventures outside of Seattle!
Whale Watching in Washington is one of the most popular activities in the area. The Washington coast is home to Humpback, Minke, Gray, and Orca whales making it the perfect place to go whale watching. There are coastal areas where you can sometimes spot whales from the shore like Golden Gardens in Seattle and Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island.
The easiest way to see whales is by going on a guided whale-watching tour.
Washington has the largest ferry system in the United States, making it easy to get around the coastal islands. However, an extraordinary day trip from Seattle is to the beautiful city of Victoria, BC. The ferry drops you off at the docks near the downtown area where you can enjoy a day of shopping, eating, and enjoying the gorgeous flower beds around the city.
Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse National Parks in Washington having alpine, coastal, and rainforest areas. Depending on the type of adventure you want to have, you could spend the day trekking up mountain ridges, enjoying the lush canopy of the trees, or exploring the diverse tide pools of the Pacific Ocean intertidal zone.
A day trip to the park is absolutely doable and there are a variety of different tours available with pick-up options in Seattle making it easy to visit this diverse park.
Popular day hikes in Olympic National Park include the Hall of Moses, Mount Storm King, Rialto Beach, and Hurricane Hill.
Catch views of the gorgeous San Juan Islands this summer in Seattle by going on a guided Seaplane Tour! Stopping in Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, you will have the opportunity to walk around the cute downtown area for a little bit of time before taking off again to finish the narrating tour of the rest of the islands and see gorgeous views of the space needle.
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the best day trips during a Seattle summer. As of 2024, Mount Rainier National Park requires daily entry passes which can be reserved online at recreation.gov. This permit can be bypassed if you have a campsite reservation or book a tour.
Some of the most popular day hikes in Mount Rainier include Skyline Loop, Naches Peak Loop, and Silver Falls.
Mount St. Helens National Monument is another wonderful park in Washington that is worth visiting in the summer. The Wildflowers around the park are gorgeous contrasted against the rocky volcanic crater. A trip to the park could include going on hikes, attending a ranger talk, and watching a film about the eruption of 1980.
While it is a longer day trip, there are guided tour options that include pick-up locations in Seattle making it easier to get to!
Looking for a day of drinking beer and eating soft pretzels? Then the town of Leavenworth is just what you need. This Bavarian town is a two-hour drive east of Seattle making it just close enough to warrant a day trip. You can spend time shopping in the boutiques, drinking local beer and wine, and enjoying the beautiful views.
Take a day trip with a tour company for a guided tour of the Bavarian town and the various stops along the way.
Bike to Bainbridge Island
A trip to Bainbridge Island is the perfect Seattle summer day trip. The ferry terminal to Bainbridge Island is located in downtown Seattle making it easily accessible from the city. Enjoy your ferry ride While you can absolutely take your car, it is more fun to cruise around the city on a bike. Don’t worry, if you don’t have a bike, the City of Bainbridge has a bike rental right at the ferry terminal in Bainbridge.
My favorite spots on Bainbridge Island include Pegasus Coffee, Waterfront City Park, Sakai Park, Bainbridge Brewing, and the Labyrinth.
Pack It Up
I hope this comprehensive list of summer things to do in Seattle, Washington helps you plan your best summer in Seattle or best trip out to the Evergreen State. It truly is the best place to enjoy the great outdoors.
There is so much to do in the city that this list doesn’t even cover half of the options available, from swimming at Chasim Beach or Paddle Boarding on Lake Sammamish to name a few.
Summer in Seattle is one of my favorite things and I know it will be yours as well.
Need help planning some summer things to do in Seattle? Drop a comment at the bottom of this blog post and I would be happy to help you out!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
