Want to see the best sides of Seattle in just one day? Check out these top five tours designed to help you do just that.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The Space Needle and Puget Sound are just a few of the reasons to visit Seattle, but with its various museums, markets, and wilderness and sculpture parks, it can be difficult to know how to make the most of your limited time in the Washington State city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or simply have a day to spare and want to cram as much into an itinerary as possible with the assistance of some local expertise, here are five great Seattle day trips to get you started.
Seattle Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass Ticket
At the most affordable end of the scale is this combo ticket that acts as a sort of self-guided tour to Seattle. For one price you can experience the Space Needle, that ultimate Seattle landmark. From the open-air observation deck there are panoramic views over the city and across Puget Sound. The ticket also allows access to Chihuly Garden and Glass, which demonstrates the imaginative glass creations of Dale Chihuly. The ticket is valid for one day, but both sites are located next to one another. From $60 per person.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls
First-time visitors to Seattle might prefer to take this four-hour tour, which not only gives a broad introductory overview of the city, but also takes you out to one of the nearby natural wonders. The 268-foot (82-meter) Snoqualmie Falls lie roughly 30 miles east of the downtown area. Along the journey, you’ll pass by landmarks such as Pioneer Square, while time is provided to stop off at Kerry Park, which offers a great view of Seattle’s skyline, and the famous Pike Place Market. From $85 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Seattle Full-Day City Tour from Vancouver
If you’re planning to visit Seattle from Vancouver, across the border with Canada, there’s an excellent day-trip to the Emerald City available. The drive between these two great cities is around three hours, each way, and stops along the route will be included. But the highlights are located in Seattle, where you’ll have around four hours to explore the area around the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. This tour departs on Fri and Sat, as well as Tue from June to August. From $95 per person.
Seattle Full-Day City Tour
To discover the ins and outs of the Seattle scene, check this full-day tour of the city. Over nine hours your guide and driver will take you to the city’s major landmarks, including the Museum of Pop Culture, the Space Needle and Pioneer Square. Timings are flexible so that you can choose to spend more time at your favorite spots. Please note that admissions fees to any attractions along the route are not included in the price. Tours run once a week on Thursdays. From $135 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Book a Local Host Guide in Seattle
For the added insight of a knowledgeable local guide who either comes from or lives in Seattle (aka a Seattleite), you might wish to consider one of these private tours. Customize the Seattle tour to your own preferences from between two and eight hours, and you’ll be paired with a guide who matches your own interests. If you have somewhere in mind you’d like to explore, this can be added to the itinerary, otherwise you can provide some guidance and let your local expert arrange the rest. Tours available daily. From $196 per person.