21 Weird, Unique, and Fun Things To Do In Portland Oregon
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, has long had a reputation for being, shall we say…weird. That’s no insult, either. Portlandiers wear…
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Portland, Oregon’s largest city, has long had a reputation for being, shall we say…weird. That’s no insult, either. Portlandiers wear that badge with pride.
That weirdness the city is known for brings in tourists by the millions, annually. Recently, those millions included the two of us.
We visited a number of tourist attractions and local favorites during our visit in order to bring to you, dear reader, our list of twenty-one weird, unique, and fun things to do in Portland.
Some of these include links to their own, detailed posts we typed up. So if you’d like further information on that particular one, give that link a tap (psst, doing so also helps support this site. Thanks in advance).
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A Quick Note About Portland…
It’s no secret. Portland has been in the news a lot recently and you’ve no doubt noticed.
Between the protests, homelessness, and crime, its been never ending.
For prospective, we stayed, ate, and walked around downtown Portland. Not once did we feel threatened and no one ever bothered us.
That said, there are homeless camps everywhere and crimes such as theft and vehicle break-ins are common.
Much like any city you visit, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close by. You shouldn’t have a problem.
That being said, let’s get on with the list!
1) Voodoo Doughnuts
Much like you can’t visit Seattle without hearing about Amazon or Starbucks, chances are good that if you’re coming to Portland, someone will mention Voodoo Doughnuts.
They’re not the best doughnuts in the city (in our humble opinions), but they’re delicious and certainly the best at making creative, unique doughy treats.
A few of our favorites include the Bacon Maple Bar, Dirt, The Homer, Vicious Hibiscus, Maple Blazer Blunt, and the Voodoo Doll (their signature donut).
They have a couple locations but for the true experience, head to the Old Town store. This is the original location.
Get there early to avoid the line (it gets long). We arrived around nine and were able to walk right in but during the tourist season, that rarely happens.
They also accept online orders and offer delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats if you don’t want to make the trip to the store.
2) Funhouse Lounge
Catching a comedy show at the Funhouse Lounge is one of those quintessential Portland experiences you must do.
They offer a variety of shows such as comedy musical parodies, stand-up comedy, improv, amateur nights, burlesque, and more.
They also have a clown room you can check out while you’re there. Unfortunately for us, it was being used as a storage room at that time, so we couldn’t see it.
The show we came for, however, was hilarious! It was a musical parody of the classic film, Pulp Fiction. The actors and actresses were superb.
To see their current schedule and purchase tickets, check out their website.
3) Mill Ends Park
This one definitely falls under the “weird” category of this article. Mill Ends Park is a tiny (and we mean, TINY) urban park in the middle of the street near an intersection.
With a total area of just 452 square inches in a two-foot circle, Mill Ends Park is likely the smallest park you’ll see anywhere in the world.
There’s only room to safely fit two to four people, max. So if there’s a group already there, hang out on the sidewalk until they’re done.
It is located near the intersection of SW Taylor and S Naito PKWY and can be easily accessed from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park (near the fountain).
4) The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Unfortunately, we ran out of time and couldn’t visit this awesomely weird place, but you definitely should!
This museum is packed with creepy exhibits, merchandise, and artwork. Per their website, it isn’t recommended for small children.
For further information, you can check out their website here.
5) Witch’s Castle
Witch’s Castle was one of the highlights for us. Not just because we got to explore the ruins of this local favorite, but because the hike on the way was stunning!
Located in the boundaries of Forest Park, the hike to Witch’s Castle (or Stone House) begins at either the Upper or Lower Macleay Park along the Wildwood Trail.
It’s a short, half-mile hike from the upper trail or a near equally short 3/4 mile hike from the lower trail to Witch’s Castle.
The lower portion of the trail was closed during our visit, so I can’t speak on what it’s like. The upper portion, however, is stunning.
If you’re in Portland and you’re even remotely into hiking, you need to check this one out. For more detailed information, read our guide here.
6) Pioneer Courthouse Square
Long known as, “Portland’s Living Room”, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a 40,000 square-foot public space in the center of Downtown Portland.
When there’s not a pandemic going on, the city holds many local events and concerts here. It also features a few local food trucks and a Starbucks.
Even when there isn’t an event going on, it’s still worth checking out. There’s plenty of artistic exhibits to see and during the holidays, the city Christmas Tree is on full display.
7) Wishing Tree
Since 2013, tourists and locals alike have been writing their wishes on little white tabs and hanging them from this special tree.
It’s located on the corner of NE Morris street and 7th avenue on private property. The owner of the property keeps blank tabs on the tree. Simply pick one and write down your wish.
8) McMenamins Kennedy School
Kennedy School was originally built in 1915 and served as a public elementary school until 1975. It closed and remained vacant for years.
The McMenamins brothers, who were the founder’s of Oregon’s first post-prohibition brewpub, purchased the property and began restoring it in 1997, saving it from demolishment.
A lot of effort was made to preserve the building and its contents, such as; using school book pages as wallpaper, framing yearbook photos, and painting murals of former students.
These days, what was old is now new again as Kennedy School retains much of its original charm. In the former classrooms, you can now find bars, restaurants, lodging, shops, and more!
To get information on room rates and more, check out their website here.
9) Pittock Mansion
Pronounced, Pit-tick, this beautiful home was where Henry and Georgina Pittock lived in the early 1900’s. Henry Pittock was the owner of the newspaper, The Oregonian, and is often credited as the man who built Portland.
Georgina found her way to Portland along the Oregon Trail and would go on to find success in founding numerous charities and organizations such as Ladies Relief Society and Women’s Union.
The family would occupy the mansion until 1958, when the Grandsons of Henry and Georgina would put it up for sale. It sat empty for years and was heavily damaged by storms.
After holding fundraisers, the city would eventually acquire the property and restore it. Today, self-guided tours are offered to the public.
To purchase tickets or for more information, go here.
10) Portland Japanese Garden
Once dubbed by former Ambassador of Japan, Nobuo Matsunaga, as, “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan”, the Portland Japanese Garden is a can't-miss destination.
Unfortunately, we were rained out on this day and couldn’t go (expensive cameras and water don’t mix). To see pictures of this beautiful place, head over to their website here.
11) Eat Gourmet S’mores at ‘1927 S’mores Company’
Remember sitting around the campfire and enjoying that sweet, chocolaty classic, S’more? Well, you can now enjoy one in a downtown setting as well.
Located on SW Alder street in Downtown Portland, 1927 S’Mores Company serves up amazing gourmet s’mores and hot chocolate.
In our travels, this is the first time we’ve encountered a place solely dedicated to s’mores, so we felt it deserved a spot on this list.
Be sure to get there early, as the interior isn’t spacious at all. You can view their Yelp profile here.
12) Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It has served Portland since 1971 and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The store has multiple entrances, several levels (with elevators), and has over one million books for sale. You can find just about any book you could think of here.
The original, flagship location can be found on W Burnside street in the downtown area. If you’d like to browse their inventory online, you can do so here.
13) The ‘Keep Portland Weird’ Mural
Remember at the beginning of this article when I stated, “Portlandiers consider their weirdness as a badge of honor”? Here’s the proof.
It’s one of the many murals found throughout the city, but it’s special because it represents the city’s quirky nature and the individualism of its citizens.
It’s painted on the back of Dante’s Nightclub in Old Town, right across the street from VooDoo Doughnuts (making it an easy two-for-one trip).
The exact address is 350 West Burnside street.
14) The Redwoods at Hoyt Arboretum
This is another one we got rained out on and wish we had more time to explore. This short loop trail starts near Hoyt Arboretum and goes through a beautiful forest of redwood trees.
You can find it in Washington Park, not too far from the Japanese Garden and Portland Zoo.
15) Cartlandia
Since Kisha is a natural-born foodie, us coming here was a no-brainer. With over 30 food trucks to choose from, Cartlandia is every foodie’s dream come true.
It is located on SW 82nd avenue and is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Covered seating is plentiful and on-site parking, while limited, is available.
Here, you can find just about every category of food, including; BBQ, Mexican, Asian, Egyptian, breakfast, desert, and so much more.
For up-to-date information on which carts are currently on site, check out their website here.
16) White Stag Sign
This one is more for the Photographers out there (unless you happen to enjoy staring at signs in the middle of the night).
You could always photograph or see the sign during the day but at night, when it’s all lit up, is best, in our opinion.
The sign is viewable from the waterfront, but it is partially obstructed by trees. To get the best view, head up to the Burnside Bridge.
Either side results in a great photo but in my opinion, I liked the left side of the bridge (facing the sign) the best. This area can be a bit sketchy a night. So if you go, be cautious.
17) Tom McCall Waterfront Park
While you’re nearby checking out White Stag, be sure to spend some time exploring Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
It runs adjacent to the Williamette River and is around 36 acres in size. You’ll get amazing views of Portland’s many bridges and see many art installations along the way.
Cherry Blossom Trees dot the walking path and are a special treat for the eyes if you get here while they’re in full bloom.
18) Mount Tabor Park
Located just a short drive from the downtown area, Mount Tabor Park is a large forested park covering what was once an active volcano!
It has hiking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and amazing 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
19) The Portlandia Statue
The Portlandia is a sculpture by Raymond Kaskey. It’s easy to find as it’s right along the sidewalk and above the entrance of the Portland Building on SW 5th avenue.
The sculpture was commissioned by the city in 1985, is 34-feet high, weighs 6.5 tons, and is based on the Portland city seal.
It is located just a few blocks away from Pioneer Courthouse Square, making it an easy jaunt once you’re done exploring that.
To get photos form an elevated position, head over to the building across the street and go up the escalator.
As it’s private property, I asked a Security Guard if it was ok and he let me go in. So keep that in mind if you decide to do the same.
20) Discover Art Murals
Portland, including and especially the downtown area, is littered with amazing art murals on the sides and rear of buildings and walls.
21) Chase ALL The Waterfalls
While you won’t find any in the city itself (aside from the few cascades in Forest Park), you’ll find a whole bunch of them just outside of it.
Just around 30-minutes or so up the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway is where you’ll find the majority of them.
A few of the most popular ones include Multnomah Falls (the tallest waterfall in Oregon), Bridal Veil Falls, Elowah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and so much more!
List Recap:
VooDoo Doughnuts
Funhouse Lounge
Mill Ends Park
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Witches Castle
Pioneer Courthouse Square
The Wishing Tree
McMenamins Kennedy School
Pittock Mansion
Portland Japanese Garden
1927 S’mores Company
Powell’s Books
The ‘Keep Portland Weird’ Mural
The Redwoods at Hoyt Arboretum
Cartlandia
White Stag Sign
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Mount Tabor Park
Portlandia Statue
Art Murals
Chase Waterfalls
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Our 5 Favorite Things To Do in San Antonio
In 2019, a whopping 40 million people visited the Alamo City and we were fortunate to be among them. San Antonio was one of those cities we’ve always wanted to visit so when…
In 2019, a whopping 40 million people visited the Alamo City and we were fortunate to be among them. San Antonio was one of those cities we’ve always wanted to visit so when the company my wife worked for at the time decided to honor her (and many others) at a conference there with the offer to fly us out and put us up, it was a no-brainer.
San Antonio is known for many things, including being the second home of the famed, late singer Selena. In fact, parts of the 1997 movie of the same name was filmed along the banks of perhaps the city’s most popular attraction; the world-famous Riverwalk.
In this article, we’re going to cover five of our favorite attractions that we experienced during our trip. Some of these are uber popular and are what the city is most known for, but there’s also a couple that may surprise you. After the list, we’ll fill you in on where we stayed and sprinkle in a few tips to help you make the best out of your trip.
1) The World Famous Riverwalk
The San Antonio River Walk.
One of the two most famous attractions in the city, the River Walk is 15-miles long and winds through roughly 5-miles of downtown San Antonio. There are multiple entry points along the river and thus, there is no fee to simply walk along the banks and enjoy the scenery.
Dotted along the river are multiple restaurants, hotels, shops, and various attractions that charge their own fees. The most popular being cruising the river itself. We took a cruise with Go Rio Cruises and while it was a bit of a headache to find the launching point, we found the cruise itself to be fun, informative, and relaxing.
We didn’t try many restaurants on the river as we tend to get away from the touristy areas and dine where the locals do, but there is one that we highly recommend and that’s, “Boudro’s on the Riverwalk”. The service was incredible and the shrimp n’ grits was easily the best i’ve ever eaten.
An address you can use for GPS purposes is:
849 East Commerce Street
2) Japanese Tea Garden
San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park.
We never would have thought to check out a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio but after reading many great reviews and seeing so many beautiful pictures, we decided we would pay it a visit. Admission is free and it isn’t very far from the downtown area, so it’s an easy drive or Uber ride away.
The tea garden is located at Brackenridge Park and is open daily between the hours of 7am - 5pm. As stated above, admission is free but if you’re looking to do a professional photoshoot here, you’ll need to contact them to obtain a permit. Dogs are permitted provided you keep them on a leash.
You could easily spend hours here enjoying the year-round flora, stone walkways and bridges, the 60-foot waterfall, Japanese pavilion, and more. When we were here (mid-day in July) there was literally no crowd. It was peaceful, tranquil, and the perfect way to escape the hoards of tourists at other more popular spots.
The address for the tea garden is:
3853 N. St. Mary’s Street
3) The Alamo
The Alamo in San Antonio.
When thinking of going to San Antonio, the Alamo is more than likely going to be what most people put on their “to-do” list and for good reason. The Alamo is a significantly historic building where a lot of people died during the Battle of the Alamo is 1836 (including Davy Crockett).
As with the prior two entries in this list, the Alamo is free to visit (timed reservations now required). One caveat to this is while you can take pictures of the exterior of the building and out in the garden behind it, taking pictures or filming inside the Alamo itself is prohibited. I asked about this and was told it is due to it still being an active mission.
We highly recommend paying a visit and seeing it for yourself. The interior is very small and won’t take long to look through, but you’ll also have the beautiful garden grounds in the back that includes a mini museum, a water fountain dedicated to Davy Crockett, and bronze statues of the most-known individuals who fought here.
The address to the Alamo is:
300 Alamo Plaza
4) Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio.
The Natural Bridge Caverns gets its name from the 60-foot limestone bridge above it and was discovered in 1960 by four college students. It has since turned into a huge entertainment complex with zip lining, mazes, wall climbing, obstacle courses, restaurants, and shops making up the surface activities.
Under the earth, however, is where the main attraction lies. There are two tours available. The first being the Discovery Tour, which is their most popular. You’re guided 180-feet below the earth’s surface through multiple impressive rooms. For the more adventurous, the Hidden Passages Tour takes you through the natural darkness of the cave and into rooms not seen in the Discovery Tour.
Tickets can be purchased online or on-site (you’re better off with the former) and it seems that prices are determined by which day you want to come. Weekends are higher priced than mid-week. Adult prices range from $23 to $32 with child tickets ranging from $15 to $20. You can check exact prices and dates here. Keep in mind that admission to the surface attractions are additional. Parking is free, though.
The address to the caverns is:
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
5) The Historic Pearl
The historic pearl district in San Antonio.
We discovered the Pearl district by complete accident and it ended up becoming our favorite part of the trip. We were on our way to a great bakery in the area called, “Bakery Lorraine”, and after our brunch, we decided to abandon our plans and stay to explore the area.
The old Pearl Brewery building has since been converted into, “Hotel Emma”, and is a stunningly beautiful hotel. Stunning goth and industrial style decor come together to form the interior. The lobby is open to the public and we highly encourage you check it out. Next time we’re in San Antonio, we’re definitely booking a room here.
On Saturdays the Pearl hosts a famers market, the third campus of the Culinary Institute is here, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and more! There’s also a small section of the river behind Hotel Emma. This vibrant community is well worth exploring. You could spend a couple hours or all day here.
There’s no exact address but for GPS purposes, you can use Hotel Emma’s address:
136 East Grayson Street
Where We Stayed
JW Marriott in San Antonio.
JW Marriott
As stated at the beginning of this article, our main purpose coming to San Antonio was because the company my wife worked for at the time was holding a conference there and she was one of the employees being honored for her work and dedication. The company comped both our flight and hotel for the event. The hotel they put us up in is where the event took place; the JW Marriott.
We’re not hotel reviewers, but we very much enjoyed our stay here. They take great care of the property as everywhere you look you’ll find an abundance of lush greenery and flora. The lobby is huge and instead of just a pool, they have an entire water park out back that’s included in the price of your room.
The rooms were clean and well organized while the bedding was incredibly comfortable. The shower was walk-in style and the view from our balcony was amazing. The customer service from the staff was impeccable in every way possible. It’s truly a great property.
The only downside was how far away it was from literally everything in the city. Thankfully, the majority of the event took place on property and transportation was provided to us for activities off property, so it wasn’t a huge issue. For clarity, it is a 30-minute drive from this hotel to the Riverwalk (one-way). Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of booking here.
Our Airbnb
Since the event was only going to be a few days, we decided to extend our time in San Antonio by booking an Airbnb that was closer to the action. After searching through all the listings, we decided on the, “Butler’s Attic”. It was located in a quite neighborhood that was just a short walk away from Pearl and a quick Uber ride away from just about everything else.
The owners took great care in designing this one. They managed to make this relatively small space feel roomy and comfortable. The shower is a walk-in and all the amenities such as body wash and shampoo are provided. You can come and go as you please through the side door with coded, keyless entry. The only downside, to me, was the stairwell. Lugging our luggage up that thing wasn’t fun.
Stairs aside, this was one of the best Airbnbs were ever stayed in and would not hesitate to book it again. You can view the full listing here.
Tips For Your Trip
Texas mural in San Antonio.
Avoid summer, if possible. We visited San Antonio in July and believe me, that would not have been our first, second, or even third choice. The event we were attending was in July and it was that or nothing, so off we went. Summer is miserably hot, humid, and attractions are insanely crowded. We were told by multiple locals that spring and winter are the best times to visit.
Ride sharing is prevalent. Outside of any sponsored event activities in which transportation was provided to us, we utilized Uber for practically everything except for the Caverns (which was event sponsored). We never had an issue with any drivers and never waited longer than a few minutes for one to show up.
Eat local. San Antonio has many, many great local restaurants to choose from. Unfortunately, a lot of people stick to the ones located along the banks of the Riverwalk. With the exception of Boudro’s, we were told by multiple Uber drivers and locals to avoid the restaurants there as they cater to tourists and don’t have very high standards. A few places we can recommend are Bourdro’s, Bakery Lorraine (Pearl), NOLA, and Smoke Shack BBQ.
Take day trips! There are a few great day trips you could take from San Antonio that I wish we had time for. Some of these include Austin, Fredericksburg, Guadalupe River State Park, New Braunfels, Gruene, and more! Be sure to look into some of these and include 1-2 into your plans.
Conclusion
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17 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Seattle
Let’s face it, Seattle is not a cheap city to visit. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and the like. While a lot of them are worth what they cost, it helps to…
Let’s face it, Seattle isn't a cheap city to visit. Between hotels, restaurants, attractions, bars, etc, it adds up. While a lot of them are worth their cost, it helps to have free or cheap options to offset that.
We visited the Emerald City in 2020 and 2021. Between the two visits we experienced everything listed below and some! Because we saved so much doing these, we just had to share them with you.
The following list is of 17 attractions, activities, or eateries that are either free or close to it. In each listing we list the cost (or as close to it as we can) so you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.
1. The Fremont Troll
Cost: Free
If you’re going to visit Seattle, you’ll need to pay toll to the Fremont Troll. It was constructed by four local artists in an attempt to help rid the area of drug dealers and other undesirables.
It’s made up of steel rebar, concrete, and wire and weighs 13,000 pounds. While it’s free to check out, parking is limited and there are no public restrooms. You’ll also be contending with crowds during the tourist season as this spot is popular with Instagrammers.
2. Gas Works Park
Cost: Free
Located on the north end of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a 19-acre public park that was once the site of the Seattle Gas Light Company. Nature has been slowly overtaking the rusted process equipment and makes for an excellent place to explore and photograph.
Near the entrance of the park is a small playground for kids, partially made up of the abandoned equipment. This park is a wonderful place to hang out, enjoy a picnic, or to take in the views of the downtown lights at night.
3) Eat Your Way Around Pike Place
Cost: Less than $10 per item
Man oh man. If you haven’t experienced any of the many awesome eateries in and around Pike Place, you’re missing out on some goodness. From Rachel’s Ginger Beer (pictured above) and Pike Place Chowder to Beecher’s and Piroshky Piroshky, you’ll never go hungry.
Best of all, most of these places offer small entrees below $10 bucks and they can be split between two people. When you compare that to most other restaurants throughout the city, it’s a cheap activity for the foodie in your group.
4) Photograph the City at Night
Cost: Free
My personal favorite activity in Seattle is grabbing my camera, heading out to nearly anywhere in the city, and photograph the area at night.
Yes, Seattle isn’t without its problems and you will need to be mindful of your surroundings, but I have never been in a position where I felt like I was in danger.
Pike Place and the surrounding downtown areas are my personal favorite locations. You will need the proper equipment but as long as you have those, this activity is totally free.
5) UPS Waterfall Garden
Cost: Free
Also known as UPS Park, this pocket park was built in the 1970’s in Pioneer Square near the original United Parcel Service building. It features a man-made, 22-foot waterfall surrounded by colorful floral and greenery. There is seating in the upper deck providing a wonderful place to sit and relax for a bit. The waterfall wasn’t operating when we were here so unfortunately, we have no photos to show you. You can follow this link to the official website of Pioneer Square to see one.
6) Downtown Murals
Cost: Free
There are murals literally all over the city. So much so, you’d be hard pressed to not see one. While my personal favorites are in the Greenwood neighborhood (as stated in this article), the downtown area has a lot worth searching for.
There’s no real starting point. Especially if you’re staying in the downtown area. If so, simply leave your hotel and start walking around. It won’t take long.
7) The Post Alley Gum Wall
Cost: Free
It may be called the gum wall, but it really should be called, “Gum Alley”, because it is far more than just one wall. A good chunk of this section of Post Alley is covered floor to ceiling, on both sides, in gum.
It’s quite gross if you think about it, especially considering the times we’re in. Regardless, it’s still something you have to see at least once. You can even add to it, if you wish. There’s a gumball machine further down the alley.
8) Support Local Coffee Shops
Cost: Around or less than $10
Supporting local restaurants, shops, operators, etc, is super important. Now more than ever. Even if you’re a Starbucks diehard, you’re in Seattle. The practical birthplace of the coffee shop.
There are dozens of amazing shops in the city. My personal favorite being, “Anchorhead”. Ever had a “Quaffle”? It’s a waffle and croissant combination. You’re not going to find anything like that at Starbucks.
9) Snoqualmie Falls
Cost: Free parking available and free entry. We spent just over $9 bucks in gas, round-trip
While not in Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a simple, 30-40 minute drive from the downtown area and is more than worth the trip.
If you’ll need to rent a car, then this would not be a super cheap outing (although our rental only costs us $45 bucks for 24 hours). If you already have a vehicle, it’s just gas.
There’s a free parking lot at the falls across the street, no entry fee, and it’ll cost you a minimal amount in fuel. Check out our article here for all the information you’ll need to plan a visit.
10) Take in the Views
Cost: Free (mostly)
I say ‘mostly’ because while you can go to dozens of spots throughout the city to get an amazing view, a lot of them will charge you for the privilege.
The Space Needle, Columbia Center, etc, all come at a fairly significant cost. If you want free views; the waterfront, Kerry Park, the ferry (small fee), Lake Union, and Gas Works Park are great options.
11) Seattle Public Library
Cost: Free
Chances are good that during your visit to the emerald city, it will rain at least once. That’s just a fact of life in Seattle. If the weather service is predicting a particularly heavy rain day during your visit, you may want to consider checking out the Seattle Public Library. There’s no admission fee and you’re free to read all you want while you’re there. What draws locals and visitors here is the architecture. The interior is simply stunning and unlike any Library you’ve seen.
12) Check out Historic Boats on Lake Union’s South Shore
Cost: Free
Located on the south shore of Lake Union you’ll find, “The Center for Wooden Boats”. They’re an indoor/outdoor museum showcasing the history and modern use of wooden boats.
They feature free programs for all such as providing a one-hour rental in one of their peapod rowboats that accommodate up to 5 and toy boat building lessons for kids.
Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit in 2021. You can visit their website for up-to-date information.
13) Take the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Cost: $9.05 per adult and $4.50 per youth (6-18) and seniors (65 +)
A ride on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and back is reasonably priced and once you’re on the island, it’s an easy walk from the terminal to the main strip where a lot of the shops, restaurants, and museum are.
There’s also a few taxi services available to take you around. We took “Viking Taxi” from the terminal to Bloedel Reserve and we paid $15 for a one-way trip.
If you have kids, the ferry ride alone will probably excite them. You can visit the Bainbridge Island website for a complete listing of all there is to do.
14) Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Cost: Free
Since we’re on the subject of Bainbridge Island, while you’re there be sure to stop by the Museum of Art. It is located at the beginning of the main strip and is a short walk from the ferry terminal.
On the second level, they have multiple paintings from Kimberly Trowbridge of the Bloedel Reserve and some Native American art pieces. The bottom floor features artwork inspired by social justice.
The pieces are truly beautiful and inspiring. Visit their website for current hours and exhibits. Admission is free but they do appreciate donations.
15) Tour the Amazon Spheres
Cost: Free
Amazon built the spheres for their employees as a place they can go to escape the typical office environment and be inspired by this urban jungle that houses over 40,000 plants from 30 countries.
Non-employees (tourists) are allowed to visit this amazing place on the weekends and can take part in guided, informative tours. Currently, due to covid, the spheres are temporarily closed to the public.
16) Shop the Pike Place Vendors
Cost: Varies, but usually not much
Pike Place has a variety of vendors and after a rough 2020, they need your support now more than ever. You’ll find vendors of all kinds here.
Produce, jams, artwork, jewelry, spices, seafood, flowers, and more! If you can think of it, Pike Place will likely have it.
17) Stroll the Waterfront
Cost: Free
There a fewer things more beautiful than Seattle’s waterfront. Especially at night. With so many shops, restaurants, and attractions to choose from, you could spend a full day here.
No money is required to walk along the multiple piers, go for a jog, or break out your camera and shoot away. Currently, there is a lot of construction going on as the city works to improve and add to the area.
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15 Awesome Things You Can Do in Seattle
In this list, I’m going to cover 15 of the best things you can do in Seattle during your first (or returning) trip. I don’t expect you to get to all of them, but my goal is to provide you with an extensive variety of activities to choose from. Here we go…
I visited Seattle for the first time in March of 2020. Yes, right as Covid-19 was beginning to take hold in the states with Seattle (at the time) being ground zero.
Given what we know now, I probably would have delayed the trip to another time, but hindsight is 20/20, right? So with sanitizer in hand we boarded our plane, touched down, and had a blast. After a mere few days, Seattle became my favorite city.
In this list, I’m going to cover 15 of the best things you can do in Seattle during your first (or returning) trip. I don’t expect you to get to all of them, but my goal is to provide you with an extensive variety of activities to choose from. Here we go…
1) Seattle Space Needle
Seattle Space Needle at night.
Kicking off the list is the ultra-touristy, but at the same time must-do (especially if it’s your first time), The Space Needle. Standing at a commanding 605 feet, the, “Needle”, offers visitors a 360 degree view of the city below.
The main deck is where you’ll find the indoor observation deck and open-air viewing area at 520 feet. The second level observation deck features a glass floor for you to test your bravery on (if you dare) and get a clear view of the ground 500 feet below.
Check out our article on the Space Needle here.
2) Chihuly Garden & Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum exhibit.
Located next to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the awe inspiring glass artwork of Washington native, Dale Chihuly. Visitors move from room to room viewing examples of his work and descriptions of how they came to be.
In the garden, demonstrations take place on a regular basis. Local glass artists break down the painstaking process of forming and coloring the glass. A CityPass can be purchased that’ll give you access to the Space Needle, Chihuly, and more for a discounted price.
3) Catch a Game
Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle is home to both the Mariners (baseball) and the Seahawks (football). Regardless of which team your favorite is (even if you despise both teams), it never hurts to check out a local game if you can. Especially if your favorite team happens to be in town.
If you happen to be here during the off seasons or they’re on the road, you could always book a tour of either stadium to see the ins and outs. If you’re a fan of either team, this is a must.
4) Local Coffee Shops
Cup of coffee in Seattle.
“Coming to Seattle and drinking Starbucks is the same as flying all the way to Italy and dining at Olive Garden”. That is a direct quote said to me by a Seattle local. While Starbucks was born here and as much as I love my white chocolate mocha, I’d have to agree.
Seattle is littered with dozens of amazing local coffee shops and bakeries. You’d be hard pressed to visit even half of them during a single visit (though you’d have a lot of fun trying). One of our favorites, “Cafe D’arte”, serves up amazing coffee in historic Pioneer Square.
5) Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls outside Seattle Washington.
Nestled in the Cascade Range and only a 30 minute or so drive away from the city is the beautiful, 270-foot tall Snoqualmie Falls. It would be a crime to come to Seattle and not see one of the most famous natural attractions in the state.
If you’re flying in and don’t plan on renting a vehicle, don’t fret. You can book a highly rated tour on Viator that’ll not only take you to the falls and give you time to look around, but you’ll also receive access to the winery for a wine tasting before bringing you back to Seattle.
Check out our article on Snoqualmie Falls here.
6) Post Alley Gum Wall
The Gum Wall in Pike Place Market. Seattle.
Seattle may be well known for being the home of many artists and their respective art forms, but this may be taking it a bit too far. Located under Pike Place in Post Alley is where you’ll find Instagram famous, “The Gum Wall”. It’s literally an alley with each of its walls covered in gum chewed by locals and tourists alike.
You may be thinking to yourself that this is gross and, well, you’re not wrong. It is. However, don’t knock it ‘till you try it as it’s interestingly gross. It’s one of those things you must experience for yourself to fully appreciate.
To find it, head left down the ramp at the main entrance of Pike Place Market. When you get to the bottom of the ramp, turn left.
7) The “Postcard View” from Kerry Park
Seattle skyline from Kerry Park.
If you’ve been looking at pictures of Seattle, chances are you’ve seen this view. Photographers and Instgramers alike flock to Kerry Park to snap a photo of what’s known as the, “Postcard View”, of the skyline. On clear days, even Mount Rainier will make an appearance.
Be sure to bring a zoom lens and a tripod for stability because the view is actually much further out than it looks in most photos. Even if you don’t have those, though, you’ll still get a decent shot worthy of that share button.
The exact address for Kerry Park is:
211 West Highland Drive, Seattle, WA 98119
8) Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park in Seattle.
Located at the north side of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a near 20-acre public park that was once owned and operated by the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant in the early to mid 1900’s.
Today, visitors can see, explore, and photograph the remnants of the plant. There are also pathways for walking/jogging and reservable picnic areas perfect for family gatherings.
The exact address is:
2000 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
9) Take a cruise on Seattle Harbor
Ferry in the Seattle Harbor.
Most people book a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island (rightfully so) without the realization that they could also book a cruise that sails along the Seattle Harbor and Elliot Bay. While you sail, a narrator details the history of the waterfront while the Olympic and Cascade ranges provide a spectacular backdrop for the city skyline.
10) Dine at Local Restaurants
Old Stove Brewery in Seattle Washington.
We have a rule when it comes to dining out while traveling; no chains or fast food whenever possible. Seattle has no shortage of amazing, local restaurants that are sure to appease every pallet.
You’ll find some good ones alongside and within Pike Place, but try to venture out into downtown and the local neighborhoods to find countless hidden gems. The pic of the flatbread above is from, “Old Stove Brewery”, in Pike Place. Amazing food, beer, and service.
11) Chris Cornell Statue at “MoPop”
Chris Cornell statue in Seattle Washington.
Being a huge Chris Cornell and Soundgarden fan, once I found out about his bronze statue outside of the Museum of Popular Culture (or MoPop), I knew I HAD to see and photograph it as he was quite the influence in my life.
If you’re a fan, there’s no debate. The statue can be found along the exterior of the Museum of Popular Culture on the street side. In my opinion, at night is the best time to view/photograph it.
*Unfortunately, in late 2020, the Cornell statue was vandalized. Efforts are currently underway to restore it.
12) Admire the Murals in Greenwood
Wall art in Seattle Washington.
Street art is everywhere in Seattle, but my personal favorites were found in the hip neighborhood of Greenwood. This is also where we booked our Airbnb for our Seattle vacation.
We found out about the murals after trying to get a table at, “Flintcreek Cattle Co.”, but ended up having about an hour to wait. So we walked around and found them. They’re ever changing so the art never gets stale.
13) Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market in Seattle.
Pike Place has it all. Visit the market while fishermen throw freshly caught fish over your heads as they prepare them for sale. Head deeper inside and see all the fresh crab, produce, homemade jelly, spices, gifts, and more!
If you’re like most people and want get a picture of the infamous Pike Place sign, the exact address is:
85 Pike Street #500, Seattle, WA 98101
As with most places in Seattle, I highly recommend photographing it at night for the full effect.
14) Ride the Great Wheel
Seattle’s Great Wheel on the waterfront.
Located at Pier 57 on Elliot Bay, Seattle’s Great Wheel is fun for every member of the family (unless you’re with someone who’s terrified of heights). It has an overall height of 175 feet and it was the tallest Ferris wheel on the west coast when it opened in 2012.
Sure, just about every major city has one of these by now but if nothing else, the views of the city and Puget Sound you’ll get from the top will more than make up for it being, “just another Ferris wheel”. Going at sunset or at night would be best. Get your tickets here.
15) The Underground Tour
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour in Seattle.
I’ve saved what is perhaps the best for last; the underground tour. In the 1800’s, this part of the city was hastily built without any consideration of the rising tide that would regularly haunt them. Tons of muddy water would rush through town with enough force to consume children and small dogs.
In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire would burn around 25 square blocks worth of buildings to the ground. When the decision was made to rebuild, they did so by literally re-building on top of the remains of the old buildings and street. They accomplished this with retaining walls.
There are a few operators who conduct this tour but the biggest and most known is Bill Speidel’s. You get a quick rundown of the history of the area and are then taken underground to see what the original streets and some of its buildings looked like. I don’t normally like organized tours, but this one is well worth the money.
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