Things to Do in Seattle, Washington

Outdoor Things to Do in Seattle

With no shortage of scenery, Seattle's magnificent landscape alone is reason enough to visit Washington's Emerald City. In fact, Seattle is home to over 400 parks with Discovery Park being the largest at 534 acres. Of the things to do in Seattle, many recreationists travel from around the globe to enjoy Washington's great outdoors.

For those who appreciate getting lost in nature, the mountainous outskirts of Seattle, sloped in lush forests and laced with astonishing waterfalls, offer first class hiking. During the winter months, skiers and snowboarders flock to the same mountains to carve through layers of fresh powder at neighboring ski resorts. People seeking a less aggressive sport without sacrificing the stunning panoramic views can hit the links at a variety of pristine golf courses peppering the isthmus.

If escaping land is the objective, watercraft rentals and charters open up Seattle's elaborate waterways to kayakers, sailors, anglers and other watersport aficionados. Washington State Ferries can be found just down the street from King Street Station's drop-off. Another popular offshore excursion, fun for the whole family, is whale watching where visitors can observe both Gray and Orca whales hunting throughout Puget Sound and into the Pacific.

Social Things to Do in Seattle

Complementing Seattle's natural aesthetic appeal, a bustling city thrives with activity. Amtrak travelers wishing to engage in city affairs within walking proximity of King Street Station may choose from a wide selection of social hotspots, including fine dining, live music, professional sports, famous bars and much more.

Depending on your preference, Seattle's restaurants promote some of Washington's most unique cuisines. With plenty of small-scale vendors and expanding base of talented chefs, you'll find a collage of delectable dishes suitable for everyone.

For foodies, less than a mile away from King Street station is the world famous Pike Place Market where shoppers can select from an array of fresh seafood, produce and specialty items. After checking out the market, walk across the street for a fresh cup of coffee from the original Starbucks.

If inclined to join the masses for a ballgame, Seattle is home to two professional sports teams, the Mariners (MLB) and Seahawks (NFL). The Mariners play at SAFECO Field, a retractable roof baseball stadium with a seating capacity of 47,476 located near Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood.

Hardly a block away, the Seahawks play at CenturyLink Field. The stadium ranks 21st in size compared to other pro football stadiums and holds a maximum seating capacity of 72,000. Because both stadiums fall within a half mile radius of King Street Station, passengers can catch the train into town, detrain, forgo traffic and parking, and walk to the event.

Historic Things to See in Seattle

Looking to experience Seattle's history by visiting local museums and historic monuments? Seattle's rich history presents a ripe opportunity to absorb its cultural past, present and future.

Amtrak will drop you off at the perfect starting spot — 0.3 miles from Pioneer Square, Seattle's historic area. After getting the scoop on Pioneer Square's distinctive brick and stone buildings, head underground for a subterranean tour of Pioneer Square's network of tunnels. Here you'll get a snapshot of Pioneer Square's original street grade that eventually gave way to the brick buildings above.

Once the underground tour is complete, consider cruising up Alaskan Way. Along the route, you'll pass the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market and Odyssey-Maritime Discovery Center.

If continuing north is part of your itinerary, catch the monorail near the market. The monorail will bring you directly to other iconic sites such as the Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture and prominent Space Needle.