SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE?
If you’re thinking that all Seattle has to offer is constant rain and gloomy skies, then you are missing out on a lot of fun my friend. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the culture of Seattle seems to be the lifeblood of the city, which has seemingly created an identity that benefits from its unusual juncture of urban buzz and rural escapes.
Known for its eclectic neighborhoods and nightlife, this city that rests on the Puget Sound offers a vast array of things to do and places to see. That said, there’s really no way that you could get bored when visiting Washington’s largest city! If anything, you will probably find yourself “Sleepless in Seattle” after all of our diverse culture and entertainment options.
Whether a newbie or lifelong local, you’ve got to explore all the best things to do in the Emerald City. Now, of all the incredible experiences to be had, this is in no way a complete list — but it’s a start! Here are 5 cool attractions worth visiting in Seattle.
1. FREMONT TROLL
Just what lurks in the depths under the bridge in the Fremont neighborhood? Home to tech and artsy types alike, only in a quirky area like this would you find a child-eating troll grasping in its hand, an old VW encased in concrete — we’re totally kidding on the child-eating part!
Lucky for you, it turns out to be a friendly one. Inspired by the folktale Billy Goat’s Gruff, the 18-foot sculpture was made by Steven Badanes (who apparently had never made a statue before) and has been residing underneath the Aurora Bridge since the early 1990s. Long story short, the neighborhood held an art competition to rehabilitate the area under the bridge and, thus, this colossal creature came to be.
This statue may be the most famous troll sculpture residing under a bridge in all of the U.S. In fact, part of the troll’s address is actually North Troll Ave! If you plan to visit, it is highly encouraged to clamber over the sculpture (for free) and to take as many selfies as your dear hands can handle.
2. POST ALLEY
In this buzzy town, every local will give you a different list of must-see places to visit in Seattle and this is certainly on that list. Winding through the town’s premier tourist attractions, Post Alley is in the thick of the tourist zone and feels older than the city centered around it, but also may be one of Seattle’s quirkiest attractions.
It’s said that Post Alley was originally named for the Seattle Post, which was located at the southern end of the area at Yesler, up until the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. From the many fish-tossers and beer-slingers to the eclectic flower stalls and gum wall, this place has an old-time charm and is rambling with a colorful assortment of activities.
Dive in and throw down a cold one with the best of them at the infamous Kells Irish Bar or if you’re looking to move and groove, why not head over to The Alibi for cocktails and the opportunity to show what you’ve got out on the dance floor.
Although certainly glorious in all of its entirety, perhaps Post Alley is one of downtown Seattle’s not so best kept secrets that easily gets passed by tourists (we’re talking 10 million of them per year) who frequent Post Alley’s neighbor, Pike Place Market.
Wander off the regular Pike Place Market path, into an escape of Post Alley’s old-world charm and, even if just a little, slower pace.
3. ALKI BEACH
Populated by beach volleyball players, sun worshipers, and beachcombers, this natural attraction located in West Seattle flaunts it’s own Pacific Northwestern charm.
Most visitors are surprised to learn there’s a beach at all, much less one within twenty minutes from downtown. Nonetheless, it offers 2.5 miles of sandy beach, with a great seawall for walking and a little people watching too.
During low tide, enjoy the tidepools in Puget Sound (which emerge as the water slowly recedes the shore) often shared with seagulls and crabs among the beautiful, rocky formations.
When you’ve had enough of feeling wet sand in between your toes, along a two-mile stretch of the beach, you’ll find a fair number of volleyball courts, restaurants, bars, cafes and even and a few first-come, first serve BBQ grills and fire pits.
4. DOWNTOWN SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Seattle Central Library’s architecturally distinct structure is something you’ve probably never seen before. This 11-story flagship library made of glass and steel is located in downtown Seattle and opened in 2004 but there has always been a public library in downtown Seattle since 1891.
Whether you’re interested in art, architecture or reading, this place offers self-guided tours, bus schedules, and of course, free WiFi.
Feel free to head up to the 10th floor to enjoy a scenic view of Elliott Bay or venture off on a self-guided cell phone tour.
5. OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK
This attraction located just north of downtown is where nature meets culture. Not only is it free, but it’s also a feast for your eyes.
At nine-acres, it boasts a beautiful waterfront park with several pieces of larger-than-life art scattered all along gravel paths that travel their way down to the Elliott Bay shore. Interestingly, much of the park’s initial budget was used to transform over 1000 feet of the seawall and shoreline, in hopes to revitalize the city’s salmon population — an ongoing testament to the diverse interests of Seattleites.
Knowing that the environment is being helped while strolling around and gazing at all of the contemporary art is something to smile about, and you don’t have to be a treehugger to do so.
The orange-colored Alexander Calder piece called The Eagle accompanied by a line of matching orange chairs or Jaume Pensa’s four-story-high meditative white head among other stunning pieces are not to be missed!
ENJOY SEATTLE LIKE A NATIVE
Let’s be frank, Seattle really does have so much to offer and we didn’t even mention any of the main attractions such as the Space Needle, CenturyLink field, or the Chihuly Garden & Glass Museum! However, this is a good start to get you inspired. We hope your travels are full of wonder and discovery and for you natives out there, what’s your favorite Seattle adventure?
