We’re spending Thanksgiving week in Washington and looking for the best things in Seattle to see and do. With our daughter and our 2 grown sons, plus Kelly, we have 2 full days to experience Seattle together. And we’re making the most of it. Check out our 2 day itinerary and see the best of Seattle!
Planning Best Things in Seattle to See and Do in 2 Days
We know we want to start with Seattle’s iconic attraction, the Space Needle. Though Drew and I have been before, the rest of the family hasn’t. So we want to go back with them. The Space Needle is located in an area called the Seattle Center that houses other must-see attractions. And the good news is you can buy a CityPASS® ticket and save money visiting these multiple attractions.
With CityPASS, we get access to 5 attractions including the Space Needle and the Seattle Aquarium. We also get our pick of 3 additional attractions. But the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium are not located near each other. Therefore we’ll split the 5 attractions over 2 days. (If you only have 1 day, they also have a C3 pass where you can pick any 3 attractions.) So our Day 1 plan is Chihuly Garden and Glass in the morning, followed by lunch at the Armory. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) followed by the Space Needle just before sunset. And after that we’ll visit the Seattle Christmas Market, only open this time of year, which requires a separate admission. They are all within walking distance of each other in the Seattle Center.
For Day 2, we’ll do a harbor tour within walking distance of the Seattle Aquarium. In addition to the last 2 attractions, Pike Place Market is also nearby. So our plan is to do the tour in the morning, get lunch nearby at Post Alley Pizza. Then we’ll visit the aquarium in the afternoon and take the walkway connecting the aquarium to Pike Place Market. And though we’ve been to the market before, we’ll have to make a stop again.
Best Things in Seattle – Chihuly Garden and Glass
In the morning we walk from our hotel to the monorail which takes us right to Seattle Center. And the 1st thing we want to do is Chihuly Garden and Glass, the #1 rated attraction in Seattle.
Our boys are running late, so we check out their gift shop first. There’s all kinds of neat things from souvenirs to art supplies and even glass sculptures. We just look while we’re waiting, since we’ll be back afterwards.
With CitiPASS app, it says we need to make a reservation, though all times are available. So when the boys arrive just after 11:30AM, we book the next time at 11:45AM. Though they let us in about 10 minutes early to start our journey through this wonderful museum.
There are so many incredible displays of glass sculptures to see. But we want to highlight a few of our favorites starting with the Persian Ceiling. Here the ceiling is the art with many different colors and glass shapes seen above. The whole room lights up with different colors.
Another room we find fascinating is the Chandeliers. Here there are many chandeliers intricately designed and in different colors. The craftsmanship is truly amazing.
The Glasshouse is another room with amazing glass sculptures that look like flowers along the ceiling. And you can see the Space Needle clearly even on a cloudy rainy day. It’s a great place to get a photo.
Other things to see at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Another thing we thought was very interesting was the glassblowing demonstration. Behind the airstream next to the Glasshouse, they do demos throughout the day. We happened to time it right to see how they worked as a team to make a glass vase.
We finish at the theater which plays a movie about Dale Chihuly, which is equally fascinating. Though Becky loved the museum so much that she went back through it backwards before meeting us at the gift shop. Overall we spent an hour going through the museum, and now we’re ready for lunch.
The Armory
Just next door is The Armory, which is a food and event hall. Walking inside we can see it is already decorated for the holidays. And they are many people working to put the final touches on a large Christmas village and model train display.
All around the display is a food court full of the best things in Seattle to eat. The boys get Seattle-style hot dogs topped with grilled veggies and cream cheese. While Becky gets pizza, and our daughter gets chicken wings. I get a steak and mushroom pie from one place and a cup of seafood chowder from another. Where else can you get a meat pie and chowder at the same place! After about 45 minutes, we’re ready to go to another of the best things in Seattle to see and do.
Best Things in Seattle – Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)
It’s a short walk from the Armory to the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). And this is one attraction that you do not need to reserve a time on the CitiPASS app to enter. We get there about 1:30PM.
The outside of MOPOP is interesting with its colorful building and shape. And inside there are displays you can see from multiple genres of pop culture. The 1st we visit is the Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction.
Inside are exhibits from all kinds of science fiction movies and TV shows. They have an interactive starship as well as over 150 artifacts from everything from Star Wars to Star Trek and more. Another section houses Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic with original items from that genre. In addition to these regular exhibits, they have other exhibitions on Asian Comics, horror films and more.
One area the kids like is the Indie Game Revolution. Apparently it’s the largest interactive gaming exhibition in the world. With over 15 games from around the globe, they grab controllers to play some unique games. We have fun in MOPOP for over 1.5 hours before we head outside. While we wait for everyone to meet, our daughter plays at the outside playground. It’s a great place to let her play until we’re ready to head to the Space Needle.
Best Things in Seattle – The Space Needle
On the CitiPASS app we reserved our spot at the Space Needle for 3:45PM. We want to be up top at sunset, which is 4:24PM today. But before we do, we have to check out something in the gift shop. It’s their Mold-A-Matic machine introduced when the Space Needle opened at the 1962 World’s Fair. It’s only 1 of 27 machines still being used throughout the United States. And it makes a neat Space Needle souvenir.
Afterwards, it’s time for us to go up to the top. After scanning our passes, we walk up a ramp above the gift shop. We pass an infographic that shows the timeline from when the Space Needle was built to modern times. And then we head to the elevator. Once on, an attendant pushes the button and quickly explains some of what we see on the way up. And after a minute we make it to the 1st observation deck called the Loupe.
The Loupe is the world’s 1st and only rotating glass floor. And it freaks Becky out. She does not want to walk on the glass. But the kids and I have no problems. And our daughter even lays out over the floor just to show her mommy it’s safe.
After she takes a couple pictures of us, she finds a way to the edge over some rafters. She lands at a spot she can’t see through and parks to take in some great views of the city.
Once she is okay with the glass, she gets used to the floor rotating very slowly. There’s a lounge on this level, but we decide to take the stairs up to the Observation Deck.
The Observation Deck of the Space Needle
Once we make it to the Observation Deck, we see a bar and get some drinks. The good news is the floor on this level is not glass and does not rotate. As we walk around we see the boys and Kelly are getting some food from Tiptop Cafe.
On this deck we can also walk outside still surrounded by glass, but no roof. There are also glass benches to sit and just enjoy the views. And by this time the city is starting to light up.
We watch as Seattle is coming alive at night. Though outside is getting cold, so we decide to head back in for a little bit. After over an hour up top, we decide to take the elevator back down to the gift shop. By now it is really dark, and we’re getting hungry. So we walk past the Armory to the Seattle Christmas Market.
Seattle Christmas Market
The Seattle Christmas Market just opened last weekend and we are excited to visit it while in town. But since the CitiPass tickets did not include it, we purchase tickets when we arrive. They are less than $7 per person before 5:00PM, and go up to over $12 afterwards. And of course we arrive just after 5:00PM. But once we have tickets, we’re amazed at the amount of lights on display.
Once inside, we go through a wishing tree forest where you can write your wish and put it on a tree. And on the other side, we make it to the Marktplaz where all the vendors are. But 1st we head to the Pyramid.
Located in the middle of the market is the Christmas Pyramid. Here they serve glühwein, or a traditional mulled wine. It’s nice and warms us up. Also, on the 2nd level is a band is playing traditional music. But we’re ready to check out more vendors.
There are vendors selling all kinds of European gifts. We find everything from Siberian wool socks, to German ornaments to Turkish lamps. But it’s the treats that will get you including toffee popcorn, macaroons, and of course German pretzels. They even have fudge around the corner!
We don’t get past the treats unscathed, but we are hungry for dinner and find some schnitzel to share. And the cooking brats smell so good, so we get some. We enjoy spending time together, walking around and eating, before we’re ready to head back to the monorail. After 2 hours at the market, we make it back to our hotel around 7:30PM. It’s been a full Day 1!
The Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market
Our Day 2 plan starts with coffee and breakfast before meeting our sons for the harbor tour at 10:45AM. And one of the best things in Seattle to see and do is the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market. But we’re running late and only have about 20 minutes, and there’s always a line.
We’re told while in line that this is technically not the original Starbucks. Apparently the original was a couple blocks away, but it burned down. But they both originated in Pike Place Market, so visiting this one counts. And inside a sign says the “First Starbucks Store”.
Once inside, we are welcomed and told we can shop on the left. And then when we’re ready, we can order at the counter on the right. They have various exclusives including mugs and other souvenirs. After a few minutes browsing, we head to the counter. The gentleman taking our order is really nice and allows us to take our time. We order a mug directly from him as well as some toasted almond orange lattes only sold here.
While Becky is checking out, our daughter and I run next door to Piroshky Piroshky to get food. A piroshky is an Eastern European turnover sandwich or pastry and they come in both sweet and savory options. We order one with egg and bacon, and another with Nutella as well as a raspberry swirl. Then we meet back with Becky. We’re supposed to be at the harbor tour 30 minutes early and we’ve got about 5 minutes to spare. So instead of walking about 15 minutes, we order an Uber to get there.
Best Things in Seattle – Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
Despite taking an Uber, we’re still late for our Seattle Harbor Cruise. However upon arrival at Pier 55, we’re redirected to Pier 54 due to construction. So we rush over with our unfinished coffees and piroshkies. They do not allow food or drinks onboard, but we find out we have until 10:42AM to board. So with time to spare, we find a table nearby and finish our breakfast.
After finishing our breakfast, we board with about 10 minutes to spare with our daughter. But Drew and Kelly arrive just minutes too late to watch the ship depart. Fortunately, they’re able to switch to the next cruise at 12:05 PM.
After a quick safety briefing, the bar is open with drinks and snacks. And we are off on our 1-hour cruise around Elliott Bay. As we leave Pier 54, we can see Pier 55 next door being worked on. And as we continue, we hear our guide explaining about the sights we’re seeing. At the end of Pier 57 is the Seattle Great Wheel, and over Pier 59 is part of the Seattle Aquarium.
Not only are we getting great views of the city, but we’re learning so much about the waterfront. For instance, the Edgewater Hotel was built over Pier 67, and people used to be allowed to fish right from their balconies!
We have a table inside, but I’m enjoying the views out front. I convince Becky to join me while our daughter saves our table. While looking over the bay, we spot black-and-white guillemots. And we continue along the shoreline past the Space Needle to Elliott Bay Marina before turning back.
Headed back on our Seattle Harbor Tour
On the way back we’re seeing more of the other side of the bay as we head south. Though it’s too cloudy to see Mount Rainier in the distance, and it starts raining a little. We go back inside before they point out some sea lions that like to hang out on a floating fence.
We continue further until we can see the sports stadiums. And on the other side they point out a fuel ship from Jacksonville called the Louisiana. And a little further is a shipping container vessel being unloaded.
They explain about the 4 cranes simultaneously off-loading the containers to the port. I don’t think we’ve ever been so close to one before, and it’s fascinating watching them offload the containers. After cruising past the ship, we head back to Pier 54. We arrive right at 1 hour from when we started, but it’s raining harder now.
Best Things in Seattle – the Seattle Aquarium
With the boys still wandering Pike Place, we head to the Seattle Aquarium to escape the rain. The aquarium is spread across 3 buildings with 2 different entrances, the closest one at Pier 59. Once inside, we show our CityPASS, and even without a reserved time they let us right in. Matt isn’t with us yet and we have his ticket, but they assure us it’s no problem. He can join us when he arrives. And the first thing we encounter is a photographer ready to take our picture.
We buy the pictures with 4 different backgrounds which also come with the digital downloads. And afterwards we explore the Pier 59 building which houses many educational displays starting with the Window on Washington Waters. Here you can experience what it’s like to see below Neah Bay. Upstairs is their café, and if we keep walking we pass their gift shop. But the next room has more sea creatures and you can touch them.
There are multiple pools where you can touch some of the fascinating creatures found in Washington tide pools. And it’s when our daughter leans in to touch a sea star, she gets her coat sleeve wet. But it was worth it… The other thing we find interesting in Pier 59 is the giant Pacific octopus that you can see, but can’t touch. After taking her wet coat off, we head outside to Pier 60.
Seattle Aquarium Pier 60
We exit the doors of Pier 59 to the outside to see a completely different building. We’re excited because Pier 60 is where the marine mammals are. And our daughter is obsessed with otters.
When we walk around the outside we see a sign for harbor seals. We thought we saw one on our harbor cruise. And apparently they are the most abundant marine mammal in Puget Sound. But we’ve never seen one up-close.
As we look into the tank, one swims right up to the window. Our daughter reaches her hand out as if to pet it. And then it’s gone. But when we walk inside, we can see them swimming underwater as well. We also see a much larger Pacific fur seal swimming around in a different tank. Past the fur seal we enter the Underwater Dome.
This undersea dome provides 360-degree views into the life in Puget Sound. In this 400,000 gallon habitat, we can see all kinds of fish found in nearby waters. It’s about this time that Matt texts us asking where we are. He decided to skip the harbor tour and walk around Pike Place. So we head back to Pier 59 to scan his ticket when he arrives. And once we have Matt, we head back to Pier 60 to see the otters.
The cute sea otters like to swim on their backs and spin around. And the river otters are equally cute and very fast swimmers. About this time Drew and Kelly are done with their harbor tour and meet us at the aquarium. With all of us back together again, it’s stopped raining and we are ready to eat lunch.
Post Alley Pizza
Back across the street from Pier 55 is a place Drew wants to check out called Post Alley Pizza. What’s interesting about this place is they only allow pick-up orders for whole pies and salads. But if you come in person, you cam get specialty slices and hoagies.
Inside this place is tiny. There’s a drink cooler, a table for two, and a counter to order. Their daily specials are written on paper plates tacked to the wall. They have Italian, veggie or tuna hoagies as well as daily veg and daily meat pizza slice options. They also have standard pepperoni or cheese slices.
I order a daily meat slice with sausage and peppers and a 6″ Italian hoagie with their hoagie jazz. It’s their special sandwich spread which sounds interesting. Becky orders a pepperoni slice and a cheese for our daughter. Drew also orders a hoagie, while the rest order various slices.
I’m glad we came later around 2:30PM, because our order is ready in less than 10 minutes. With some pizza boxes for our slices, and a bag for our hoagies, we carry them back to Pier 55. Just like earlier, we find some tables outside to sit and eat. The pizza slices are good with a nice crust. And the hoagie is stacked on a fresh baked roll. This is a big 6″ sub. Everyone is stuffed, but cold from being outside. And it’s here Becky decides to leave to go shopping at Portland Leather. So the rest of us head to the 3rd aquarium building.
Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion
The newest aquarium building is the Ocean Pavilion that just opened a few months ago. It’s just a short walk from Pier 59 and has a separate entrance. And though we scanned our CitiPASS tickets earlier at Pier 59, we have no issues entering this building.
Once inside we see a huge tank based on the Coral Triangle region in the Indo-Pacific. There are benches in front of the tank, and our daughter sits on the floor right in front of them. Many people are just sitting and enjoying viewing into this aquatic world. Behind the tank is a big open hall and some smaller tanks with exotic species on the other side.
This building is very modern compared to the older ones including their all-gender bathroom I have mixed feelings about. Let’s just say I felt uncomfortable using it by myself, and was glad my daughter didn’t need to go. Up the stairs is The Archipelago with a shoreline mangrove forest above a coral reef which is neat. And past an animal care area is another viewing point of the large tank.
We come upon a talk about the tank and its inhabitants, so we take a seat for a bit. Afterward, we continue on past several windows offering views from the top of the tank. We spot some fascinating creatures, including a giant guitarfish, spotted eagle rays, and leopard sharks. Downstairs there’s a small gift shop, but we don’t buy anything. We already picked up a sweatshirt for our daughter at the larger shop in Pier 59 after her coat sleeve got wet. And after about 45 minutes, we head back outside.
Overlook Walk
It’s already after 4:00PM, but we still want to go back to Pike Place Market. And now there is an easier way to get there. The Overlook Walk is also now open, which goes from the Ocean Pavilion to the market. We simply take the attached elevator to the top of the aquarium to start our walk.
The walk starts on top of the Ocean Pavilion with great views of the bay. It’s a nice walkway with sculpted landscape and lighting. It even has a little playground where our daughter gets to slide. It’s maybe a 10 minute walk before we enter the market.
Best Things in Seattle – Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market considered to be “the soul of Seattle” spans 9 historic acres of downtown. Iconic for images of vendors throwing fresh fish, it is so much more than that. Since 1907, this public market has been a place for locals and tourists alike to shop and eat. And though we’ve been here before, we come back every time we’re in the city.
The 1st thing we do is stop at Indi Chocolate for some warm drinks. Then we head to street level and walk through the market as the vendors are packing up. It’s definitely worth visiting during open hours, though Drew and I have spent hours here previously. And I always like to stop at the fish market to see what’s on display. Just above us is the iconic “Public Market Center” sign so we have to take some pictures.
Just past the fish market is also a set of stairs going down. And this leads to Post Alley (yes this leads to Post Alley Pizza). But what is down here under the market is what some people call a hidden work of art. I’m talking about the Gum Wall. This colorful display started back in the 90s, and continues to grow down both sides of Post Alley today.
After a quick stop at the Gum Wall, we leave the market to catch-up with Becky shopping. Just about 4 blocks up Pike Street is the Portland Leather flagship store. Becky is obsessed with their goods, and is still shopping when we arrive. And we eventually get back to our hotel around 5:30PM. Another full day!
Summary of Best Things in Seattle to See and Do
With 2 full days, we were able to see and do the best things in Seattle. The 1st day we explored the Seattle Center area. And if only 1 day in Seattle, this is the place to visit. Not only did we experience the Space Needle, we visited 2 museums. The 1st was Chihuly Garden and Glass, then lunch at the Armory. Afterwards, we visited MOPOP then the Space Needle at sunset. And we ended Day 1 with the Seattle Christmas Market open during the holidays each year. Day 2 we started at Pike Place Market at the original Starbucks before heading on a harbor cruise. And afterwards we visited the Seattle Aquarium’s 1st 2 buildings before lunch at Post Alley Pizza. Afterwards we went to the aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion, before taking the Overlook Walk to Pike Place Market.
Everyone loved Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle is awesome. And everyone had fun at the Christmas market. MOPOP and the aquarium both had some nice displays, though we all loved the otters. And the boat tour was very informative and provided great views. Additionally beginning and ending the 2nd day at Pike Place Market was great, though we can always spend more time there. But most of all we enjoyed spending time together. It’s been a great 2 days in the city, but now we’re headed to Mount Rainier for rest of the week!
Make sure to check back regularly for all of our adventures at Our Blog – Working Family Travels.