May 5, 2026
This content was created in partnership with Visit Seattle.
With two centrally located cruise terminals and easy access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle is a destination in its own right, as well as a departure point for cruises to Alaska. Don’t pass through too quickly! The Emerald City has plenty to discover before or after your cruise. Add a day or two to your trip to explore these itineraries.
Day One: Explore Classic Seattle
Welcome to Seattle! Spend your first day exploring the city’s iconic cultural landmarks at Seattle Center, conveniently located between Seattle’s two cruise terminals. Later, head over to the Seattle waterfront and take in the sights and views.
Morning: Seattle Center
Start your day at Seattle Center, an arts and cultural gathering place in the heart of the city, packed with iconic attractions and activities. Spend some time at these top attractions:
- Visit the Space Needle, where panoramic views reveal the city skyline and Puget Sound
- Explore Chihuly Garden and Glass, which showcases stunning, world‑renowned glass installations
- Experience the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), featuring immersive music, sci‑fi, and pop culture exhibits
- Wander the Gates Foundation Discovery Center, where inspiring global stories come to life
Lunch
Stick around and enjoy a bite to eat at Seattle Center or head over to the Seattle Waterfront for additional options.
Seattle Center
- Enjoy the Armory Food & Event Hall, offering diverse casual dining options
- Sip and unwind at The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass, featuring light bites and drinks
- Try Taylor Shellfish Farms, serving fresh oysters and shellfish with a casual atmosphere
Waterfront
- Dig in at Ivar’s Acres of Clams, a local chain dishing up fried fish and chowders
- Kick back at Pike Place Bar & Grill, serving burgers, wings, and more in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant food scene
Afternoon: Waterfront
Enjoy family-friendly attractions and picturesque seafood restaurants along Seattle’s front porch.
- Visit Pike Place Market, a historic public market filled with produce, crafts, and lively vendors
- Explore the Seattle Aquarium, home to Pacific Northwest sea life and hands‑on exhibits
- Ride the Seattle Great Wheel, taking in sweeping views of Elliott Bay from a giant Ferris wheel
- Wander Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor art and green space overlooking the water
- Cruise with Argosy Tours, enjoying a narrated harbor tour from the water
Wayfinding tips:
- Walk between Seattle Center and the waterfront (15 minutes) using the Olympic Sculpture Park as a natural connector
- Seattle Center is a short walk north along the waterfront from Pier 66 or a quick rideshare from Pier 91
- Take the Monorail from downtown to Seattle for another quick option
- Use the free summer waterfront shuttle, which connects Seattle Center with major waterfront attractions
Day Two: Explore Seattle Neighborhoods
Venture into Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods. Each offers a unique vibe and is just a short walk or ride from downtown.
Option 1: South Lake Union and Capitol Hill
Morning: South Lake Union
Peruse first-rate restaurants and cool cultural draws amid Seattle’s tech industry hub.
- Visit MOHAI, a museum featuring Seattle history and innovation
- Experience the Center for Wooden Boats, offering hands-on maritime heritage activities
- View the Amazon Spheres, the iconic glass domes featuring unique architecture (limited tours available; advance reservations recommended)
- Relax at Lake Union Park, perfect for picnics, kayaking, and people-watching
- Browse the REI Flagship Store, featuring outdoor gear, an indoor climbing wall, and interactive exhibits
- Check out the South Lake Union Discovery Center for interactive displays on neighborhood development and local history
Wayfinding tip: Travel 10 minutes east by car to reach Capitol Hill from South Lake Union.
Lunch
Stay for lunch in South Lake Union or head to Capitol Hill or the nearby Central District.
South Lake Union
- Enjoy lakeside dining with fresh seafood at Duke’s Seafood
- Savor Vietnamese dishes at Ba Bar, known for creative cocktails and vibrant flavors
Capitol Hill
- Taste Biang Biang Noodles, a trendy, industrial-style Chinese noodle house dishing up dumplings, baos, and chicken wings
- Visit Dick’s Drive-In, a Seattle icon since 1954, serving classic burgers, hand-cut fries, and creamy shakes with retro charm and speedy service
Central District (optional)
- Dine at Communion Restaurant & Bar, celebrating creative, modern soul food
- Explore local art at Arte Noir, showcasing BIPOC artists and cultural expression
Afternoon: Capitol Hill
Explore a thriving and diverse district with trendy restaurants, whimsical shops, and LGBTQIA+ night spots.
- Stroll on the walking paths at Cal Anderson Park
- Browse Elliott Bay Book Company, one of Seattle’s iconic independent bookstores
- Visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory, historic greenhouse and gardens
- Explore the Seattle Asian Art Museum and view art in a beautiful park setting
Wayfinding tip: It’s an easy walk between Volunteer Park, the Conservatory, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, located adjacent to one another.
Option 2: Ballard and Chinatown-International District
Morning: Ballard
Wander an historic Scandinavian neighborhood known for its maritime roots, inviting eateries, and eclectic shops.
- Explore the National Nordic Museum and learn about Nordic history, art, and heritage in a beautifully designed museum
- Watch boats pass through the Ballard Locks, and see salmon navigate the fish ladder in season
- Unwind at Golden Gardens Park, a scenic beach offering Puget Sound and mountain views
Lunch
Ballard
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Ray’s Boathouse, a classic waterfront restaurant with iconic views
- Grab a fresh, Mediterranean inspired meal at Sabine Café, known for salads, grain bowls, and specialty coffee in a sunlit, friendly setting
- Relax at Rough & Tumble Pub, offering craft beers, women’s sports broadcasts, and elevated pub fare
Chinatown-International District:
- Sip and taste Filipino-inspired coffee and desserts like ube cheesecake at Hood Famous Bakeshop
- Enjoy classic dim sum and Cantonese dishes at Jade Garden Restaurant
Wayfinding tip: Drive southeast 15 minutes from Ballard to reach the Chinatown–International District (C ID), adjacent to Pioneer Square and light rail stops.
Afternoon – Chinatown-International District
Explore one of the nation’s oldest and most vibrant Asian American neighborhoods.
- Tour the Wing Luke Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, showcasing Asian Pacific American stories and exhibits and offering guided neighborhood and food tours
- Play vintage games at the Seattle Pinball Museum, a quirky, interactive space
Day Three
Beyond Seattle: Day Trips and National Parks
Seattle is the perfect hub for exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Option 1: Bainbridge Island and Woodinville Wine Country
Morning: Bainbridge Island
Discover charm, natural beauty and rural character in the heart of Puget Sound. To get there, hop on a Washington State Ferry, enjoying views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic and Cascade mountains.
- Stroll through charming shops, waterfront parks, and local art galleries
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, known for free admission and rotating regional exhibits
- Walk the Waterfront Trail, connecting scenic viewpoints across the shoreline
- Find Pia the Peacekeeper, one of Thomas Dambo’s Northwest Troll sculptures
Lunch
- Dine at Harbour Public House, BIMA Bistro, or Ba Sa for a local favorite experience
- Enjoy coffee at the cozy and charming Pegasus Coffee House, the most Instagrammed spot on the island
Afternoon: Woodinville Wine Country
Spend the afternoon tasting award winning Washington wines just 30 minutes from Seattle.
- Sample local wines in the Hollywood or Warehouse districts, home to more than 100 tasting rooms
- Enjoy Pacific Northwest cuisine at Barking Frog, known for thoughtful pairings and seasonal dishes
- Relax with a picnic, choosing one of the many scenic winery gardens
- Book a wine tour with Butler Seattle to kick back and enjoy the ride
Option 2: National Parks and outdoor adventures
Seattle is a gateway to three iconic national parks and several remarkable state parks.
Mount Rainier National Park
- Join an Evergreen Escapes small-group guided hike, including meals and hotel pickup
- Explore with Tours Northwest, offering mini coach tours and optional hiking stops
Olympic National Park
- Experience the peninsula with Olympic Hiking Co., offering guided tours and customized shuttle services.
North Cascades National Park
- Travel with Evergreen Escapes, which offers seasonal tours with hiking and scenic stops
State Parks
Explore Deception Pass State Park, known for dramatic cliffs, bridges, and water views.
- Take a jet boat tour, whale watch, or explore marine wildlife with Deception Pass Tours
- Book a private driving tour with Totally Seattle to explore Whidbey Island and Deception Pass
Other excursions
- Tour Boeing’s Everett Factory, discovering aircraft assembly inside the world’s largest building
- Fly with Kenmore Air, experiencing stunning aerial views of Seattle on a scenic seaplane flight
Subscribe to Pier to Pier for updates on cruise and the Seattle Waterfront
