Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Seattle for First-Time Visitors
March 05, 2025
Discover Seattle’s top 15 must-see attractions, from the iconic Space Needle to the lively Pike Place Market. Explore the city’s coffee culture, grunge music roots, and stunning natural scenery.
As a photographer who loves coffee and grunge music, it is a no-brainer that Seattle is one of my favourite cities in the world. I’m from Wales, and Seattle shares a very similar climate—the moody and rainy vibe of the city manifested itself in the legendary grunge music scene of the 1990s. Today, it is a city unlike most in the United States—proudly embracing counterculture, innovation, and a progressive and vibrant attitude.
The weather is a big part of Seattle’s identity. I loved walking around the city, capturing reflections in puddles, bright umbrellas passing beneath gloomy skies, and the gleaming white Space Needle piercing the clouds as they rolled in heavy with the next shower. Those same showers feed Washington state’s beautiful foliage—inner city gardens and the parks beyond are filled with lush evergreen trees. Venture out of Seattle to discover natural beauty around Puget Sound, the state forests, and Mount Rainier National Park.
1. Kerry Park
Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighbourhood is one of Seattle's most iconic viewpoints. It offers a postcard-perfect panorama of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. So many promotional shots of Seattle will have been taken from this very spot, so you certainly won’t win points for originality, but who cares when the view is this spectacular.
This small park is most frequently visited by photographers seeking the perfect cityscape, couples enjoying a romantic stroll, and tourists seeking the ultimate Seattle selfie.
2. The First Starbucks
The world's first Starbucks opened at Pike Place in 1971. This location remains open today and is a must-visit for coffee lovers, retaining its wooden counters, vintage branding, and the original brown mermaid logo. These days, though, it's more of a tourist attraction, not a coffee stop. Most visitors line up to experience the birthplace of the global coffee empire and purchase souvenir cups.
3. Pike Place Market
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Visitors can watch the famous fish-throwing vendors, explore artisan shops, and enjoy delicious bites from bakeries and seafood stalls. The market's iconic neon signs are a perennial favourite for photographers.
4. Washington Park Arboretum
Nestled along the shores of Lake Washington is this 230-acre park managed by the University of Washington. This garden features diverse plant collections, exotic trees, winding trails, and scenic waterfront views. The Japanese Garden is the photographic highlight. Visit in spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms, or visit in the fall for rich reds and oranges as the leaves fall.
5. Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center, initially built for the 1962 World's Fair, is an interactive science museum for all ages. It features hands-on exhibits about space, physics, the environment, and human health. The Tropical Butterfly House is a favourite exhibit for photographers where colourful butterflies flutter freely.
The planetarium offers mesmerizing space shows, while the IMAX theatre screens nature documentaries and blockbuster films. The outdoor water exhibits and life-size dinosaur models make it an excellent place for family trips.
Learn more: The Art of Butterfly Photography: Pro Techniques Unveiled 
6. Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is a lush, 92-acre urban oasis home to over 900 animals from around the world. The zoo presents animals in habitats designed to mimic their native environments. Giraffes, lions, and zebras roam the African Savannah, while jaguars and orangutans live in the Tropical Rainforest. Guests may also experience interactive activities like giraffe feedings, a petting zoo, and a butterfly garden.
To get the best photos from your visit, check out our top tips for wildlife photography.
7. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum showcasing the work of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit features stunning, gigantic glass sculptures inspired by nature. The Glasshouse is a particular highlight with its breathtaking 100-foot-long sculpture in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The outdoor garden blends glass installations with natural greenery. Inside, galleries display delicate and intricate glass pieces, including Chihuly's famous chandeliers.
8. The Space Needle
Seattle's most famous landmark towers 605 feet (184.4 m) above the city. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown Seattle. You may spot Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and beyond on clear days. A glass floor, added during recent renovations, provides a thrilling perspective looking straight down.
9. Centennial Park
Occupying a prime position on the Seattle waterfront, Centennial Park is a peaceful green space with photogenic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Photographers will enjoy the beautiful rose gardens, plus watching ferries and cruise ships pass by. It's a prime spot for sunset views, offering a quieter alternative to busier city parks.
10. The Museum of Flight
Aviation lovers (AV geeks) will love The Museum of Flight, one of the world's most significant air and space museums. Located near Boeing Field, the museum houses an incredible collection of historic aircraft, including a Concorde, a retired Air Force One, and WWII fighter planes. The Space Gallery showcases NASA artefacts, including a full-scale space shuttle trainer. Interactive exhibits let visitors sit in cockpit simulators or explore the history of flight innovation.
11. Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59 showcases marine life from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Visitors can see playful sea otters and jellyfish and even walk through an underwater dome surrounded by fish.
Interactive touch pools allow guests to feel starfish and sea anemones, while informative exhibits highlight conservation efforts. Don't miss the giant Pacific octopus, known for its intelligence and camouflage abilities.
With daily feeding demonstrations and engaging educational programs, the Seattle Aquarium is a fun and family-friendly destination that connects visitors with the ocean's wonders.
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12. Gas Works Park
The rusted structures of the former gas works have been preserved, giving the park a unique, post-industrial feel. Located on the north shore of Lake Union, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the Seattle skyline.
For more inspiration and tips about architecture photography, check out Skylum's guide to architecture photography.
13. The Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57 is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the United States, standing 175 feet (53.34 m) tall. Head here on a clear day to enjoy spectacular views of Elliott Bay, the downtown skyline, and the surrounding mountains. The ride is a must-do for first-time visitors.
The enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas make it a great experience in any weather. Visitors can upgrade to the VIP gondola, which features a glass floor for an even more thrilling ride. 
14. The Gum Wall
The Gum Wall is one of Seattle's weirdest attractions—a brick wall covered in thousands of pieces of chewed gum in every colour. The tradition started in the 1990s when theatregoers stuck gum to the wall while waiting in line, and it has since become an ever-growing interactive art piece.
Despite occasional cleanings, visitors continue adding their own sticky contributions. Whether you find it fascinating or gross, the Gum Wall is a quirky Seattle landmark worth visiting (and a fun place for unique photos!). 
15. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a mecca for music, sci-fi, and pop culture lovers, founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Outside, the museum's striking, colourful design by Frank Gehry is a treat for architecture photographers. Inside, visitors can explore the history of grunge music, iconic film props, and gaming innovations.
Highlights include the Jimi Hendrix exhibit, a horror film section, and interactive sound labs where you can play instruments. MoPOP hosts major temporary exhibits on topics like Marvel superheroes and a retrospective about Nirvana, one of Seattle's biggest musical exports.
More Seattle Inspiration
For an even more incredible selection of photography opportunities in this great city, check out PhotoHound for even more Seattle photo spots. You will find hundreds of images, many lesser-known gems, and in-depth advice about the photo locations on this list.
We'd love to see what you capture on your travels in Seattle! Make sure to tag us on social media #madewithluminar
