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Active adventures in the Emerald City exploring historic treasures and popular attractions. Ready to get inspired?

Best Native American Landmarks

# Tilikum Place Park (Chief Seattle Fountain)

See the life-size statue honoring Chief Sealth, a Suquamish and Duwamish leader. Since 1912, this sculpture commemorates Native American welcoming and friendship with European settlers. Located on the historical boundaries’ claims, this place is called “Tilikum,” meaning “tribe, people, relations, friends,”

Did you know?

In 1853, the city was named after Chief Sealth. Originally, Native Americans called it “Zechalalitch,’ and Europeans labeled it “Duwamps.”

# Pioner Square Totem

Erected in 1899, this totem became a symbol of Seattle, a city built on Native American territory. The original totem was carved in 1790 to honor a Tlingit woman named Chief-of-All-Women. Stollen on Tongass Island (Alaska) by European settlers, it was transmitted to the Seattle City Council a few months later.

Since 1940, a reproduction carved by Tlingit craftsmen stands on site.

Best historic buildings

# The Smith Tower

Built in 1914, the Smith Tower was the tallest skyscraper west of Mississippi until 1931. To visit the 35-story building, you can join the historic talking tour or head up to the observatory bar for a cocktail with a view.

# The Bon Marché (Macy’s)

In 1890, Josephine and Edward Nordhoff started a dry goods store in Bell Town. They named it after a Paris retailer:  Le Bon Marche Maison Boucicaut (at the time, Edward worked for its competitor in Paris). The shop grew and expanded from $338,000 in revenue in 1900 to $8 million in 1923.

Built in 1928, this original flagship store is now operated by Macy’s and has been a city landmark since 1988.

# The oldest Starbucks

Grab a coffee from the first Starbucks in the world. Established in 1971, everything in this location is original: from the logo on the front door to the interior furniture. Today, this store is still in operation and offers exclusive beverages for visitors.

Best Museums

# Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a museum dedicated to glass blowing. Discover the work of American artist Dale Chihuly through eight galleries, a large glasshouse, and a garden. Absolutely stunning!

# The Klondike Museum

Did you know that 70% of Klondike stampeders traveled through Seattle? Follow their gold rush adventure from Seattle to Canada’s remote territories and its impact on local communities.

To learn more, read my article “Klondike Gold Rush, the Grand Adventure.”

# The Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture immerses you in American entertainment focusing on music and movies. The museum pays tribute to local music legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix. There are also four themed exhibitions, including horror and sci-fi movies and Television shows, to see a selection of iconic artifacts.

The Pros? The Sounds Lab offers multimedia installations and soundproof rooms to play multiple instruments: mixing consoles, guitars, drums, and more. It’s really fun!

Best Unusual Curiosities

# The Gum walls

A small alley with walls covered with gums! This sticky attraction is extending regardless of the effort to clean it for public health concerns.

In 2015, more than 2,350 pounds of gum were removed!

# The Freemont Troll

A giant troll holding a Volkswagen Beetle. Meet The Troll, a massive 18-foot (5.5 meter) sculpture under one of Seattle’s oldest bridges, the George Washington Memorial Bridge. 

In 1990, the Fremont Arts Council launched a competition to improve the area.  Artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Ross Whitehead, and Donna Walter created this sculpture, now mascot of this neighborhood. 

# Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Enter this shop to view a unique collection of curiosities amid souvenir objects. Opened in 1899 by Joseph Standley, it regroups diverse items: shrunken heads, a Fiji mermaid, a mommy, skulls, and more.

# The Giant Shoes Museum

For a few quarters, see some giant shoes, including real clown shoes. Danny Eskenazi started this surprising one-wall museum, and he still looking to collect the World’s Tallest Man’s shoes.

Best Landmarks

# Space Needle

Seattle’s most iconic landmark is a 605-foot-tall observation tower built for the 1962 World’s Fair. In addition to a 360-degree panoramic view, walk on the revolving glass floors and sip a drink at the bar.

Before your visit check these “10 fun facts about the Space Needle.”

# Pike Place Market

Founded in 1907, the Pike Place Market expends today over nine acres and includes more than 400 shops, craftspeople, farmers, and restaurants.

One of the oldest markets in the US, is home to the first store licensed to women (1912) and the first coffee shop (1908).  

# The Ballard Locks

In 1917, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the locks connecting the Puget with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Today, the busiest locks in America welcome more than 40,000 vessels per year.

Don’t miss the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder for an underground view of aquatic life. In August, watch out for salmon heading upstream.

Best City View

Venture into the streets to feel the vibe and gaze at the Seattle skyline.

Based on my visit on September 2023

Ready to explore Seattle?

Pin this for later to help you plan your day in Seattle!

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Plan your visit:

• Location: Seattle, Washington
• More information is available at: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/historic-preservation/city-landmarks/landmarks-list

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