Add dates

Things to do in Seattle Waterfront

Our most recommended things to do in Seattle Waterfront

Seattle CityPASS®: Save 44% or More at 5 Top Attractions

1. Seattle CityPASS®: Save 44% or More at 5 Top Attractions

Make use of the Seattle CityPASS® on your next trip to Seatle. See amazing animals, fun pop culture, beautiful art, and incredible views — from the sky and the sea with your Seattle CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 44% or more on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Space Needle –day/night admission – includes two visits within 24 hours • Seattle Aquarium – general admission to all major exhibits with additional events subject to change Plus your choice of admission to 3 of the following attractions: • Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour – a 1-hour narrated Harbor Cruise Tour • Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) – general admission • Woodland Park Zoo – general admission • Chihuly Garden and Glass – general admission, plus a complimentary audio tour on your personal smartphone

Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

2. Seattle: Harbor Cruise with Live Narration

Admire the beauty of Seattle's vibrant and historic harbor on this narrated cruise. Enjoy the fresh air and a bit of history while taking in all the impressive sights, including the famous Space Needle. Start your tour from the Seattle Central Waterfront and get an impressive and comprehensive look at the city's most beautiful sights. Enjoy a perfect trip for tourists and locals alike and take in views from the outdoor open deck.

Seattle: Gray Whale Watching Tour

3. Seattle: Gray Whale Watching Tour

Discover the gray whales off the coast of Seattle on a relaxing boat tour. Be on the lookout for these giants of the sea as you learn about their biology and behaviors from an expert naturalist onboard. Board the boat at Pier 69 in downtown Seattle. With the guidance of Clipper’s expert onboard naturalist, you will be on the lookout for these huge special whales as they migrate north. Learn about their astounding annual migration from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea. Discover interesting facts about their behaviour and intelligence. As you cruise offshore of Seattle and Langley on Whidbey Island, try to spot the whales breaching the surface. The area is popular with grays due to the robust shrimp population. Each March and April, the gray whales detour from their off-shore journey into the Salish Sea to feed and fuel up for the remainder of their journey to Alaska.

Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

4. Seattle: Half-Day Whale Watching Tour

Hop aboard the only Seattle whale watching tour that leaves direct from downtown at Pier 69! The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest and biologically rich areas teeming with an array of spectacular wildlife. One of the best places to see transient orca killer whales as well as humpback, gray and minke whales breach, splash, feed and play in their natural habitat. Our popular half-day Seattle whale watching tour is a great option (and the most convenient!) for those visiting Seattle looking for a fun day on the water whale watching. Our watching tour features an expert onboard naturalist who guides and educates guests about the surrounding area, local sealife as well as wildlife. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll be offered a free trip! The perfect Pacific Northwest family or couples adventure to spend a beautiful day on the water and learn about local whales and sealife while observing these beautiful animals in their natural environment. As a member of the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we abide by all state and association viewing regulations to protect and and not disturb whales and sealife. Seats may be upgraded to window seats if space is available when checking in at terminal.

Must-See Seattle: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

5. Must-See Seattle: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Sit back, relax, and enjoy Seattle's most popular and important sights on this sightseeing bus tour. Hop on and hop off at any of the allocated tour stops to explore the sights that interest you the most. As you travel, enjoy panoramic views of the city from the open-top deck on the bus, plus a wonderful audio commentary giving you all the information you need. Hop off at popular landmarks including the space needle, one of the cities tallest structures and home to a wonderful observation deck and revolving restaurant. With the Premium Ticket, not only will you have access to all 16 bus stops, but you can enjoy the Scenic Panoramic Tour which gives you completely unrivaled views of the city. This ticket also includes a walking tour in the Pioneer Square Historic District, allowing you to take an in-depth look at some of Seattle's fascinating past.  Must See Seattle Route: •Space Needle & Seattle Center •Clipper Vacations •Edgewater Hotel •Pier 66 Cruise Terminal •Pier 55 & Argosy Cruises •Pioneer & Occidental Square •Historic Chinatown Gate •Panama Hotel & Tea House •Seattle Sky View Observatory •Seattle Central Library •Seattle Convention Center •Starbucks Reserve Capitol Hill •Capitol Hill & Jimi Hendrix Statue •Paramount Theatre •Westlake Center & Shopping •Pike Place Market •Pike Brewing Company •Seattle Art Museum •Pier 55 & Argosy Cruises •Original Starbucks at Pike Place Market

Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

6. Seattle: Tall Sailboat Sunset Harbor Cruise

Experience the romance of traditional sailing on sunset cruise through the Seattle Harbor. Relax on the boat's comfortable seats or take in the views from the high spacious decks. Have the chance to purchase some delicious snacks and drinks while you sail. Hop aboard the schooner 'Bay Lady' and depart from Pier 66 on Seattle's waterfront. Feel the thrill of letting the wind decide the direction of the ship. Admire sights like the Space Needle, Smith Tower, and on clear days, see Mount Rainier's snowy peak. Let the sunset over the mountain ranges of the Puget Sound take your breath away. Unwind with a drink from the onboard bar that serves a refreshing range of drinks like cider, beer, wine, champagne, soda, and water. 

Seattle: 3-Hour City Tour by Bus

7. Seattle: 3-Hour City Tour by Bus

Discover the best of Seattle on a 3-hour guided, small-group tour covering almost 50 miles including three main stops: Pioneer Square, Ballard Locks, and a city skyline viewpoint for unforgettable photo opportunities. Sit back and relax as a knowledgeable guide presents Seattle's history, neighborhoods, and attractions. The tour visits the following highlights: • Pike Place Market • Olympic and Cascade Mountain views • Seattle waterfront • Historic Pioneer Square • Waterfall Garden Park • Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park • T-mobile Park and CenturyLink field • Chinatown and International District • Lake Washington • I-90 Floating Bridge • Mercer Island • Puget Sound views • Panoramic Seattle city views • Fremont neighborhood and Troll • Lake Union and Ship Canal • Fishermen’s Terminal • Ballard Locks/salmon ladder • Discovery Park • Scenic Magnolia Bluff with its stunning homes and views • Seattle Center & MoPop

From Seattle: Ferry Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

8. From Seattle: Ferry Day Trip from Seattle to Victoria

Board a high speed catamaran and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Salish Sea to Victoria, and explore the best Victoria has to offer, from historic buildings to beautiful gardens on this day tour. Hop on board the boat in Seattle and get ready for the perfect day trip to Victoria. Settle in and find yourself a comfortable seat by a window. Enjoy a short and scenic cruise through the Salish Sea, and admire the beautiful scenery along the way. Arrive in Victoria and enjoy five hours to explore the city however you wish. Browse unique shops, sample artisanal delicacies, or visit the flower-filled Butchart Gardens. Explore Victoria with the freedom to choose your own stops, before heading to the Victoria Clipper Terminal in the heart of the city to return to Seattle. Board the boat and venture North through Puget Sound to take in the majesty of the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle: One-Way Locks Cruise

9. Seattle: One-Way Locks Cruise

Take a ride on a boat elevator during a 2-hour cruise departing from the Seattle Waterfront or South Lake Union. On this 1-way cruise, venture through Elliott Bay, Ballard Locks, and Lake Union. Enjoy spectacular views and experience first-hand the transition between salt and fresh water on this exciting ride. During the journey, get a feel for what it means to follow the tides of the Puget Sound, as the boat is lifted and lowered in the Ballard Locks. Fully-narrated and full of fun facts, bring the whole family along for an entertaining and informative experience. Glide past large fishing vessels docked to unload their catch, seaplanes landing or taking off, the fascinating Gasworks Park, and more.

Seattle: Night Tour with Local Guide

10. Seattle: Night Tour with Local Guide

Explore Seattle’s many interesting and diverse neighborhoods during a 2-hour tour through the city. Hear wonderful stories and anecdotes about the Emerald City from your knowledgeable and entertaining narrator. Start your tour as the sun sets over Seattle. Meet your friendly local guide at the meeting point before setting off on an adventure to discover the city. Become acquainted with various popular points of interest from Alki Beach to Queen Ann Hill. As the sun sets over the Olympic mountain range, take in Seattle’s most popular vista points with incredible views of the Emerald City skyline during this two-hour, live-guided night tour. Return home with unforgettable images etched in your mind of Elliot Bay, the Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountain ranges.

12 activities found
Sort by:

Other Sightseeing Options in Seattle Waterfront

Want to discover all there is to do in Seattle Waterfront? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Seattle Waterfront

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 486 reviews

Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting the city. Gary, our guide, was fantastic and super knowledgeable. We were lucky in having a smaller group (8 of us) and Gary made us feel super welcome and showed off some of his singing talents! All in all, we had a great time and a brilliant tour guide!

Brian was very knowledgeable and patient, loved the history he shared for all the places we visited. My only complaint was the difficulty I had in locating the exact spot to meet the bus, maybe some sort of signage would be helpful.

This is a wonderful way to see the sights and save money at the same time! I'll do this again in every city I go to.

Easy to redeem. Got the time slots for all experiences. Highly recommend upgrading cruise to see the locks cruise!

It is awesome experience for that price in the Seattle downtown.