It’s no secret that Washington boasts beautiful nature spots. Seattle itself, although it’s a big city, is a hub for nature lovers with its plethora of parks, waterfront access, arboretums, and lake activities. There are so many outdoorsy things to do in Seattle, you’ll get to fall in love with Washington’s nature all from the convenience of staying in Seattle.
Seattle is possibly the greenest city I’ve traveled to. I love Chicago’s lakefront, New York City’s Central Park, and the vast desert of Arizona, but Seattle has it all with a huge waterfront of Puget Sound, the Cascade mountains in the distance, massive lakes, and an amazing selection of city parks and outdoor spaces.
If you’re a fellow nature enthusiast, these outdoorsy things to do in Seattle are sure to curb your desire to get outside and explore the natural world. From laid back parks to more adventurous activities, enjoy the outdoors in the bustling city of Seattle. It’s called the Emerald City for a reason afterall!
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Our Favorite Things to Do in Seattle Outdoors
The options for outdoor activities in Seattle are nearly endless, but if I had to choose, these are my top 10 picks! Keep reading for even more things to do in Seattle outside.
Seattle Hotels
- citizenM Seattle South Lake Union – 8.8/10, $$$, great location and breakfast (Click here to book citizenM in Seattle)
- Palihotel Seattle – 8.3/10, $$$, very chic and cozy, great location (Click here to book Palihotel Seattle)
- Mayflower Park Hotel – 8.6/10, $$$, nice restaurant onsite and close to Pike Place (Click here to book the Mayflower Park Hotel)
1. Hike at Discovery Park
One of the best outdoor spaces in Seattle is Discovery Park. Located north of Downtown and just south of Ballard, Discovery Park is the largest green space in the city with many miles of hiking trails, beaches, and Puget Sound views.
You could easily spend an entire day exploring Discovery Park, but if you only have a couple of hours, I recommend hiking to the West Point Lighthouse. You’ll get to enjoy lush forest views on the hike in and walk along the beach near the lighthouse.
2. Stroll through the Washington Park Arboretum
A nice arboretum is hard to pass up, and Seattle’s arboretum is not only overflowing with plants and trees (even Redwoods!), but it’s also totally FREE to visit. As part of the University of Washington, the Washington Park Arboretum is a great place to get outside and enjoy Seattle’s green beauty. It’s not called the Emerald City for no reason!
You can also add a visit to the Seattle Japanese Garden that sits at the south end of the arboretum. It costs $10 for general admission, but I found it worth the money to see this gorgeous outdoor space in Seattle.
3. Join an Electric Bike Tour of Seattle
If you don’t feel comfortable biking in the city by yourself, then this 3-hour guided electric bike tour of Seattle is perfect for you! Get outside and enjoy Seattle’s beauty with the help of a local guide and an electric bike that will make navigating the steep hills of Seattle much easier.
See parts of Seattle that you otherwise likely wouldn’t explore and fall in love with the Emerald City’s charm. Book an e-bike tour of Seattle and get outside!
4. Kerry Park at Sunset
If you plan to enjoy the sunsets in Seattle (I highly recommend it), then Kerry Park is the best place to go to watch the sunset colors wash over the city view. Sitting high up, Kerry Park is a free little green space that offers the best view of Seattle’s urban beauty.
You can also visit Kerry Park anytime during the day, and you’ll still be rewarded with amazing views. Or if you want to catch a sunset but wish to see it over the water, head to one of the piers, like Pier 62, to watch the sunset over the water. Both places are on this self-guided Seattle walking tour!
Check out what to wear in Seattle, no matter what time of year you’re visiting!
5. Soak in a Hot Tub Boat on Lake Union
Yes, that’s correct, you can relax in a hot tub while it floats around Lake Union. It’s like the best of both worlds for those who want to get out on the water without freezing and enjoy the Seattle skyline. This is a great option for couples or for friends and family who can all share the rental. They generally fit up to six people.
The design of these Dutch hot tub boats is made to make you nearly eye level with the water of Lake Union. It feels like you’re swimming in the lake, but it’s nice and toasty warm. Learn more at Lake Union Hot Tub Boats.
6. Picnic at Gasworks Park
A Seattle classic, this well known park is a must visit for every traveler, but if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll have an extra appreciation for Gasworks Park. Known for its decommissioned oil plant, Gasworks sits on the north side of Lake Union.
This is another great place to catch the sunset. Or go for a picnic lunch in the middle of the day! It does get busy when the weather is nice as the view of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline are immaculate from Gasworks Park; but it’s popular for a reason. This is a must-visit outdoor space in Seattle!
7. Watch the Boats at Ballard Locks
This quirky outdoor activity is found north of downtown in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, which itself is a neighborhood worth exploring. At the Ballard Locks, you’ll find a fish ladder designed to let fish migrate every year, a dam to contain water from Salmon Bay, and the locks which allow both large and small boats to travel from the Sound (saltwater) into Salmon Bay and further to Lake Union (freshwater).
The locks allow the water level to change to get ships between the bodies of water. It’s like a slow-moving boat elevator! While the process can take a while, depending on how many boats there are, it’s fun to watch all the boats rise or lower depending on the direction they’re heading.
You might get lucky and also see some Harbor Seals waiting for a chance to travel through. There’s also a free museum in the visitor center to learn more about the history of the locks and the way they work.
8. Bike the Burke-Gilman Trail
Biking is a very popular activity in Seattle. Many commuters opt for bikes, folks exercise by biking, and even tourist get around by bike rentals found all around the city. While you can bike in many places throughout the city, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a long paved trail through the northern Seattle neighborhoods.
You can head to the University of Washington campus and hop on the trail here, or join in anywhere along the way through the north end of Seattle. You can rent bikes from a Seattle company, or grab public bikes, either Bird or Lime bikes, found across the city along with the electric scooters.
9. Explore the Seattle Waterfront
A huge draw to Seattle is the waterfront framed with mountains in the distance. While Seattle is the Emerald City and boasts plenty of green spaces, it also boasts “blue spaces” as well!
A great place to enjoy the Seattle waterfront is starting at Pike Place Market. In this area, you’ll find public piers and waterfront parks. You can walk north along the waterfront to the Olympic Sculpture Park, which is a fun place to explore.
From the sculpture park, make your way to the Seattle Center to enjoy the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, outdoor spaces, and other iconic Seattle attractions. And keep going for more stops on the ultimate Seattle walking tour!
10. Elliott Bay Sea Kayak Tour
Enjoy the beauty of Seattle from the water on this 2-hour guided sea kayak tour in Elliott Bay! Depending on the weather, you should be able to catch scenic views of the Cascade Mountains, Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and marine life.
The most unique and fun way to admire Seattle is from a kayak. With a local guide at the helm, you’ll see a side of Seattle most people never do! Sea kayaking in Elliott Bay may just be the perfect outdoor activity in Seattle to add to your itinerary.
11. Explore Olympic Sculpture Park
One of the coolest parks in Seattle is Olympic Sculpture Park, located right on the waterfront. You can walk north from Pike Place Market to this park, or head west from the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle is.
This is a fun outdoor place to enjoy Seattle’s greenery along with many sculptures in a 9-acre park. It’s an offshoot of the Seattle Art Museum, a great place to visit on a rainy day in Seattle!
Check out what to wear in Seattle, no matter what time of year you’re visiting!
12. Hike the Foster Island Trail
As someone who loves the convenience of a hiking trail within city limits, I highly recommend walking the Foster Island Trail for some scenic nature views in Seattle.
This 3.4 mile trail begins at the northern tip of the arboretum and takes you to Foster Island where you’ll get to see views of Lake Washington. Depending on the time of year you visit, this trail can get very muddy so be prepared.
13. Explore the Fremont Neighborhood
Seattle’s neighborhoods are all unique in their own way. Venture from Downtown and head north to the Fremont neighborhood above Lake Union. This quirky area is home to the famous Fremont Troll. You can easily walk around this part of Seattle and enjoy the cozy residential streets, stop for a beer at Fremont Brewing, and take a photo with the troll.
14. Tour the UW Campus
The prettiest college campus I’ve stumbled across is the University of Washington campus located right in Seattle. I recommend walking through the park to the Drumheller Fountain; from here keep walking on the main walkway to the library. Before you reach the library, turn around on the main walkway stairs and you might get lucky to see Mt. Rainier framed by the trees.
This is the perfect place to head to after you’ve explored the Washington Park Arboretum and enjoyed lunch or a snack at Oxbow Bakery. Just walk north on 24th Avenue and you’ll cross the Montlake Bridge right onto the university campus.
*Pro tip: Plan a trip to Seattle in early to mid April for a chance to see the cherry blossoms blooming on the University of Washington campus.
15. Visit a Sunday Farmers Market
While this isn’t the most adventurous activity, you’ll still be outside enjoying the charm of a Seattle farmers market. There are quite a few neighborhoods that host their own markets, and most of them are only open on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Two of the best spots are the Ballard Farmers Market, open Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, and the Fremont Sunday Street Market, open Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Plus you might go home with fresh baked goods, local produce, or the best souvenir.
16. Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
I consider this an outdoorsy thing to do in Seattle because 1) it’s so easy to catch the ferry from Seattle, and 2) Bainbridge Island is so quaint and the best way to explore is on foot or on bike. Winslow, the downtown of Bainbridge Island is all super walkable and really close to the ferry terminal.
There are lots of green, and blue, spaces on Bainbridge Island, like Grand Forest West and East, Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, and Manzanita Park. But if you want to stick to walking, the Winslow area is perfect for a day trip from Seattle.
You can walk down the charming little streets. Stop for coffee at Pegasus and stroll to the waterfront of the Winslow Wharf Marina, and sip on a craft beer on the patio of Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse.
17. Walk Around Seattle Center
A more urban park to enjoy in Seattle is the entirety of the Seattle Center. Here you’ll find the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) and other iconic Seattle attractions. But the best part?
You can enjoy the Seattle Center without stepping foot into any of these museums. While I recommend Chihuly and MoPop, the areas surrounding these establishments are worth visiting.
Stop by the “Artists at Play” playground for a unique outdoor playground, walk around the International Fountain and snap some photos of the Space Needle showing off, and walk through the little Poetry Garden.
18. Volunteer Park Conservatory
Yes, a conservatory is technically inside, but if you’re outdoorsy, there’s a good chance you enjoy nature of all kinds! The Volunteer Park Conservatory is an amazing place to visit in Seattle to enjoy the fresh blooms, fern room, cactus garden, and seasonal displays.
Because the conservatory is inside, it’s a great place to curb your outdoor desire even on the rainiest of days in Seattle. It’s only $6 per adult for general admission, and the rooms are overflowing with greenery and flowering plants. Plus, you can snag a fun souvenir from the cute little gift shop.
19. Golden Gardens Park
One of the best city parks in Seattle is Golden Gardens Park. It is a little further away from downtown, but it’s worth the trek if you have the time to add this outdoor activity to your Seattle itinerary.
Golden Gardens Park offers visitors great views of Puget Sound and the mountains, plus there are trails and an off-leash dog area. If you visit in the summer, you can go for a swim at the Golden Gardens Beach or at least stick your toes in the water. TIP! Visit during low tide to see more sealife in the tide pools.
For a more unique experience, book an hour at the Bywater Sauna to enjoy the Puget Sound views from the coziness of a sauna. Their website allows you to search availability and book the sauna. Know there might be other people with you, but the site tells you how many people are currently booked for that date.
Check out what to wear in Seattle, no matter what time of year you’re visiting!
20. Day Trip to Nearby Hiking Trails
Seattle itself has so many outdoor spaces with its numerous parks, waterfront trails, and public gardens. But to not include nearby hiking options would be remiss. If you have a car as well as the time to plan a day hiking trip from Seattle, here are some of the best places to visit.
- Wallace Falls State Park – About 1.5 hours from Downtown Seattle
- Snoqualmie Falls – About 45 minutes
- Snoqualmie Pass – (yes, it’s a different place from the falls!) About 1 hour
- Tiger Mountain State Forest – About 45 minutes
21. Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Seattle in spring brings some of the best tulip blooms in the world. You can wander around downtown and into the neighborhoods, arboretum, and conservatory to views tulips as they bloom like crazy in the spring in Seattle.
If you have a car, plan a day trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, about one hour north of downtown Seattle. There are five farms to choose from, ranging in size and admission cost (the most expensive being about $20 per person).
The largest tulip farm is RoozenGaarde, which is 50 acres and has over 200 different tulip and daffodil varieties bloom yearly. You can learn more about the Skagit Valley tulip farms and buy tickets here.
Where to Stay in Seattle
The best areas to stay in Seattle are downtown or the area of Belltown. These are both nice neighborhoods and really close to so many of the best outdoorsy things to do in Seattle. Plus, they’re great for those visiting without a car!
If you’re willing to stay outside of downtown, then Ballard and Fremont are both great places to stay as well. Below are some of the best hotels in Seattle, and they are all in the Downtown/Belltown area.
- citizenM Seattle South Lake Union – 8.8/10, $$$, great location and breakfast (Click here to book citizenM in Seattle)
- Palihotel Seattle – 8.3/10, $$$, very chic and cozy, great location (Click here to book Palihotel Seattle)
- Mayflower Park Hotel – 8.6/10, $$$, nice restaurant onsite and close to Pike Place (Click here to book the Mayflower Park Hotel)
In Conclusion: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Seattle
With so many options for things to do outside in Seattle, you’ll get your full share of nature time even while enjoying this big US city. From city parks to arboretums to hiking trails to waterfront views, Seattle is a great place to get a mix of urban and outdoorsy activities. Like Tucson or Phoenix, but in a totally different biome!
These outdoorsy things to do in Seattle will keep you busy during your trip and likely leave you wanting to return to explore more of Seattle and Washington’s scenic nature spots. While Seattle is a fun city to explore with its plentiful museums and indoor activities, it’s so nice to be able to get outdoors without having to leave the city!
