Seattle Attractions

Seattle in August is warm and dry, and the average temperature is 77°F. The Seattle airport offers easy access to rideshare options and to a stop on the Link light rail, which runs straight into the heart of Seattle. For these reasons, we encourage our guests to avoid booking a car if possible and take advantage of transit options, walking, and carpooling.

Museums

Downtown is home to the Seattle Art Museum and its global art collections and temporary installations. Just a mile north is Olympic Sculpture Park, situated between downtown and Queen Anne.

Queen Anne is home to the Gehry-designed Museum of Pop Culture as well as Seattle Center, which contains the Space Needle. Chihuly Garden and Glass is in the same development, but there’s no need to visit since it will be open to our guests immediately following our wedding ceremony.

The National Nordic Museum inhabits a contemporary building near Ballard’s historic downtown and is dedicated to the Europeans who lived in the once-industrial area.

Just south of Seattle and the Boeing campus is the Museum of Flight.

Local Favorites

Seattle is home to the famed Pike Place Market, which is adjacent to the Original Starbucks and the gum wall. Also close are the best options for seeing Seattle by water: either the ferry to Bainbridge Island or the water taxi to Alki Beach. Historic Pioneer Square is nearby with unique attractions such as Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour (reservations required).

Until 2021 we lived in Ballard, a former industrial fishing village favored by Scandinavian immigrants. We recommend getting dinner on historic Ballard Avenue before the Welcome Party on Friday. Ballard is also home to the Locks and Fish Ladder, a uniquely Seattle experience.

In 2021, we moved to Queen Anne. The neighborhood is built into a steep slope that’s great to explore during a walk downhill.

Outdoors

For the best in-city view of Seattle, visit Kerry Park near the top of Queen Anne. Just down the hill is Seattle Center and its International Fountain, located just behind the Space Needle. 

The Fremont Troll is a local oddity near Ballard, home of Seattle’s only year-round farmer’s market each Sunday. Don’t miss the beach and playground at Golden Gardens.

On the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a 19-acre park on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gas plant. The industrial structures remain in place and make for a striking scene in front of the lake and the downtown skyline. 

Outside Seattle, consider visiting the 270-foot waterfall at Snoqualmie Falls, which has free parking and viewing areas. 20 minutes away is an easy hike at Rattlesnake Ledge.

Other

If you’re thinking about staying in the PNW for a few extra days, we highly recommend: