City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Seattle, Washington
From the rugged peaks and evergreen forests of the Cascades and Mount Rainier to the parks and waterways of Puget Sound, Seattle offers a wide variety of unique sites, outdoor recreation and cultural attractions. While it’s commonly known as a tech headquarters (hello, Amazon, Microsoft and Google), it has the fourth largest port in North America and serves as a trade gateway to Asia.
The city sits on an isthmus between Puget Sound, an inlet to the Pacific Ocean, and Lake Washington, making it the perfect destination for boaters, outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Seattle boasts boating and kayaking on Lake Washington, Lake Union and Elliot Bay. You can even venture further west and head out into the Pacific Ocean on whale-watching trips and fishing charters. Note: Fans of Sleepless in Seattle will want to check out Lake Union, which is where Tom Hanks’ character lived aboard that very cool houseboat.
Let’s take a look at a few things to do from private boat dock rentals in the Emerald City of Seattle.
The Space Needle
Photo: Wikimedia
If you go to Seattle and don’t visit the Space Needle, did you really go to Seattle? Don’t risk it. Just go. The 605-foot-tall structure is located at Seattle Center and features stunning 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascades and Olympic Mountain ranges, downtown Seattle and beyond. It was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, which had an “Age of Space” theme that’s evident in the futuristic design. Test your love, or fear, or heights by standing on an all-glass floor and gazing through floor-to-ceiling glass. There’s even an area with a rotating glass floor.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Photo: Wikimedia
Chihuly Garden and Glass celebrates the art of glass sculptor Dale Chihuly in a natural setting. This long-term exhibition opened in 2012 at Seattle Center. There are eight galleries, the Glasshouse, a garden and a heated outdoor seating area. The Glasshouse conservatory is 40 feet tall and made of glass and steel. The main exhibit, an exquisite 100-foot-long flower-like piece done in warm shades of red, yellow and orange, is one of Chihuly’s largest sculptures. The garden has sculpture-lined paths with trees, flowering plants and shrubs. There’s also a theater that presents insight into Chihuly’s artistic process with interviews, glassblowing and demonstration videos.
Seattle Aquarium
Photo: Wikimedia
The Seattle Aquarium can be found at Pier 59 along the Elliot Bay waterfront. It opened in 1977 and features conservation education, family activities and marine animals such as harbor seals, river otters, sea otters, coral and other invertebrates. Don’t miss the 400,000-gallon underwater dome exhibit where you can get an up-close look at Puget Sound marine life such as sturgeon, skates, rockfish and a kelp forest.
Pike Place Market
Photo: Wikimedia
Looking for a place to purchase local vegetables, seasonal fruit and international items to stock the galley at your private boat slip rental? Pike Place Market is you answer to all that and more. Nine acres of farmers and crafts markets offer Pacific Northwest specialties, rustic breads, fresh meats and dairy, baked goods and imported items from France, Germany, Spain and more. Stroll through the historic district and visit bakeries, cafes, restaurants and quick-service eateries.
Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture has permanent and traveling exhibits on everything pop culture. Just a few examples include tattoo culture, horror films, movie and costume art, science fiction and fantasy, the ever-popular world of Minecraft and rock memorabilia. If you were a child of the ‘90s, you’ll definitely want to check out the displays on Seattle’s own Pearl Jam and Washington’s Nirvana. The museum hosts movies, book clubs and writing contests.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Add a little local history into your Seattle vacation with a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. It recounts Seattle’s involvement in the 1890s Klondike gold rush, and other local history, with exhibits on art and culture as well as activities such as films, ranger-led programs, a self-guided museum tour and Pioneer Square.
Miner’s Landing at Pier 57
Located on Elliott Bay in downtown Seattle, Miner’s Landing at Pier 57 offers dining and shopping, sea tours, amusement park rides and other fun attractions. At 175 feet tall, the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the country. Even if you don’t take a spin, it’s worth a trip for the nighttime LED light show. Wings Over Washington is a state-of-the-art theater ride with Pacific Northwest scenery in stunning 5K and laser art projection.
The next time you’re in Seattle, check out some of our ideas for day trips and excursions from wherever your boat slip rental is located.
