Seattle

Marine life

If you think “Sleepless in Seattle” has set the bar for romance in this city too high, don’t be discouraged just yet. There are plenty of equally romantic things to do in Seattle, whether you need anniversary ideas or activities for a first date.

A rainy day walk through the city’s best neighborhoods, a cozy cooking class near Pike Place Market, or dinner at the Space Needle are perfect opportunities for couples to create lasting memories. Need more ideas? Here’s a list of 12 romantic activities in Seattle that echo the magic of those classic rom-coms.

Discover Seattle’s romantic side

Showstopping romantic activities for special occasions: Take a private sailing trip on Puget Sound at sunset.

Romantic neighborhoods to explore on date night: Stroll through Ballard, known for its charming streets with cozy restaurants and bars perfect for a romantic evening.

Secret spots for romantic moments: Discover the hidden corners of Kubota Garden with picturesque photo spots that create perfect romantic moments.

Grey skies, strong drip coffee, and views of Mount Rainier against a skyline of skyscrapers are totally Seattle. Home to the Space Needle and birthplace of Starbucks and grunge music, Seattle has a little bit of everything, from outdoor escapes to immersive museums like MoPop.

If it’s your first time in Seattle, walking the rainbow streets of Capitol Hill and witnessing the salmon-tossing spectacle at Pike Place are rites of passage. From Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods to must-try foods like Beecher’s Mac & Cheese, this first-timer’s guide fills you in on all the things to know about Seattle for your first visit.

While the rainy weather of the Pacific Northwest doesn't lend itself to a tropical getaway, you'll still find some beautiful beaches in Seattle. The best beaches in Seattle are picturesque urban oases with Olympic Mountain views, like Pocket Beach, or shallow-water snorkeling havens, as you’ll find in Titlow Park.

If your wishlist of things to do in Seattle includes a sand-between-the-toes summer experience, head to Madison Park Beach for lakeside activities. If historic landmarks are high on your itinerary, check out Alki Beach on the city's west side. In Seattle, there's a beach for everyone.

1. Alki Beach, West Seattle

From Pike Place Market to the Smith Tower, Seattle is brimming with amazing sights that are waiting to be explored. This guide to the best places to visit in Seattle is packed with must-sees for art and history lovers, families, nature enthusiasts, adventurous types, and everyone in between.

Think sci-fi, music, and video games at MoPOP; epic views from the Space Needle; encounters with nature at Woodland Park Zoo; and 312,000 square feet of art at the Seattle Art Museum. Consider this roundup of Seattle’s top 15 attractions your key to unlocking the highlights of Washington’s largest city.