Last updated on August 6th, 2025
Looking for the best things to do in Seattle in the summer? We’re sharing 21 ideas to help you take advantage of the city’s perfect summer season.
Seattle has arguably one of the best summers in the entire country. With warm temps, long days with late sunsets, and tons of sunshine, it’s the most glorious time of the year! After months of gray skies and steady drizzle (which, to be honest, we grew to love too), the city absolutely comes alive in the summer.
We spent three amazing years living in Seattle before hitting the road full-time in our Sprinter van, and we totally get why locals soak up every single second of it. Even after visiting all 50 states, Washington still has some of our favorite places in the entire country. And it’s at the top of our list if we ever decide to put down roots again!
In this guide, we’re rounding up the best things to do in Seattle in the summer that make this season so fun. We’re sharing our favorite places to visit, things to see, local food recs, and tons of ideas to help you make the most of those long, sunny summer days in Seattle.
- Best Things to Do in Seattle in the Summer
- 1. Explore Pike Place Market
- 2. Visit the Space Needle
- 3. Head Out to the Mountains for a Hike
- 4. Enjoy a Meal on a Patio
- 5. Spend the Day at the Beach
- 6. Wander around the city’s parks
- 7. Get out on the water
- 8. Go camping
- 9. Catch a game
- 10. Visit the National Parks
- 11. Take a Summer Ferry Ride
- 12. Wander the Farmers Markets
- 13. Treat Yourself to Some Ice Cream
- 14. Explore Seattle by Bike
- 14. Chase Waterfalls
- 15. Watch the Sunset from Kerry Park
- 16. Go Rafting or Tubing Near Seattle
- 17. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Towns
- 18. Yoga in the Park
- 19. Go flower picking
- 20. Experience a Seattle Summer Festival
- 21. Go to the Washington State Fair
- Planning Your Trip to Seattle in the Summer
Best Things to Do in Seattle in the Summer
1. Explore Pike Place Market
No trip to Seattle is complete without a stroll through Pike Place Market. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. But it’s also packed with so much local character, history, and ridiculously good food that we still think it’s worth it.
The market has been around since 1907 and has local vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and fresh seafood to jam, art, honey, and baked goods. Plus, in the summer, everything’s in season and the flower stalls are overflowing.
Some things we always recommend doing while you’re there include wandering the stalls, watching the fishmongers toss salmon, grabbing a pastry from Piroshky Piroshky, and picking up a tub of Beecher’s cheese curds for later.
2. Visit the Space Needle
The Space Needle is a must at least once, and summer is hands down the best time to go. The open-air observation deck sits 520 feet above the city with amazing views of downtown, Puget Sound, the mountains, and even Mount Rainier if it’s a clear day. There’s also a rotating glass floor if you’re up for it. We recommend going in the late afternoon and sticking around for sunset when the city lights start to glow.
A+K tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions (like Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, or the Seattle Aquarium), check out the Seattle CityPASS. It can save you a good chunk of money.
3. Head Out to the Mountains for a Hike
Summer is, without a doubt, the best time to hike in Washington! The snow has finally melted off the high elevation trails, the wildflowers are in full bloom, and alpine lakes become accessible. Some of the best hikes in the state can only be reached for a few short months each year, and if you’re lucky enough to catch them in peak season, it’s magical.
One of our all-time favorite hikes in the state is Colchuck Lake. The trail is about 8 miles round trip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, and while it definitely makes you work for it, you’ll get to hike through the forest, cross a boulder field, and end up at a bright turquoise lake surrounded by jagged peaks.
Navaho Peak is another summer gem. It’s around 11 miles round trip with just under 3,800 feet of gain and gives you gorgeous ridgeline views, early season wildflowers, and way fewer people than other hikes with a similar payoff.
We also love Goat Lake. This trail winds alongside a creek and ends at a glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains. It’s about 10.5 miles round trip with 1,400 feet of elevation gain and has a more gradual climb than the others.
And Maple Pass Loop might be our favorite trail in all of Washington. This 7.2-mile loop gains around 2,000 feet and is stunning from start to finish, with lake views, alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and wildflowers everywhere in July and August.
Check out our full Washington hikes guide for more trail ideas in the summer near Seattle.
4. Enjoy a Meal on a Patio
One of the first things we learned after moving to Seattle is that when the sun comes out, you eat outside. If it’s dry and bright, you’ll find people flocking to patios, rooftops, and any patch of grass that’ll hold a picnic blanket. After months of rain and gray, eating in the sunshine is non-negotiable.
Our favorite spot is Marination Ma Kai in West Seattle. It’s right on the water and has the best view of the downtown skyline. Their tacos and kimchi fried rice are so good! Bonus: it’s right on the Alki Trail, so we usually follow it up with a walk along the beach.
A few other patio spots we love:
Bongos: This one’s just steps from Green Lake and has a super fun, casual vibe. The patio is literally filled with sand, so it feels like a little beach escape right in the city.
Westward: Right on the edge of Lake Union with a fantastic view. It’s great for a slightly fancier dinner (or brunch!).
Ray’s Café: A Ballard classic, especially at sunset. Their deck overlooks Puget Sound and the Olympics, and it’s a solid pick if you’re in the mood for seafood and a scenic view.
5. Spend the Day at the Beach
Seattle might not scream “beach town,” but summer here definitely comes with some solid beach days, especially when the temps creep into the 80s and the sun is shining. And while you probably won’t be lying out in a bikini or swimming for hours (unless you’re braver than us), spending a day at the beach is one of the best ways to soak up Seattle’s summer weather, and there are a handful of great spots around the city to do just that!
Alki Beach in West Seattle is probably the most classic beach day pick in Seattle. It’s a long, walkable stretch with soft sand, volleyball courts, fire pits, and a paved path that’s perfect for biking, rollerblading, or just strolling with a coffee. Plus, on clear days, you get an awesome view of the Seattle skyline across Elliott Bay.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening spot, Golden Gardens in Ballard is a favorite for catching the sunset. It has a big open beach, grassy areas, and it’s also one of the few beaches where you can light a beach fire in the summer!
Carkeek Park in North Seattle is another great beach spot. It’s more tucked away, with trails, tide pools, and a pedestrian bridge that takes you over the train tracks to a rocky beach with killer views of the Olympic Mountains.
The beach at Discovery Park takes a little more effort to get to since you have to walk about a mile from the parking area, but the trail is easy and pretty, and it leads down to a quiet beach covered in driftwood with a lighthouse and beautiful views of Puget Sound.
6. Wander around the city’s parks
Seattle has a ton of green space, and summer is when locals try to take full advantage of it. There are a few great parks to walk, bike, picnic, tan, or just lay in the grass with a drink and good company.
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park, and it seriously has everything. The main loop trail is around 3 miles and winds through open meadows, forested paths, and along high bluffs with beautiful views of the water. If you follow the trail all the way down, it leads to a driftwood-covered beach with a lighthouse!
Gas Works Park sits along the edge of Lake Union and has one of the best views of the downtown skyline. It was once a gas plant, and some of the old structures are still part of the park, which gives it a really unique feel. The big grassy hill is super popular for picnics, kite flying, and summer evening hangs, especially when there’s live music or an outdoor movie. Definitely a fun one to check out if you’re near Fremont or the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Green Lake in North Central Seattle is another great park that has a paved 2.8-mile loop around the lake that is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading, and the lake itself is often filled with paddleboarders and swimmers on hot days. There are grassy areas to lounge, spots to launch boats or floaties, and there are plenty of shaded grassy areas for hanging out, plus food and coffee spots close by!
7. Get out on the water
One of the best parts of summer in Seattle is how easy it is to spend time on the water. Between Lake Union, Lake Washington, and the Puget Sound, you’re never far from a way to paddle, cruise, or float. And honestly, there’s no better way to spend a sunny day in the city.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are always at the top of our list, especially on Lake Union. You’ll paddle past floating homes, get to see seaplanes taking off and landing, and get awesome views of the skyline. Alki Beach is a great spot to rent gear and paddle along the edge of Elliott Bay.
If you are hanging with a group or just want something super easy, rent from the Electric Boat Company. You can bring snacks, drinks, music, and cruise around Lake Union in your own little boat. No boating experience needed, and it is such a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Because Seattle is weird and wonderful, you can float around the lake in a literal hot tub boat. We didn’t get the chance to try this one ourselves, but it’s definitely on the list. People either laugh at it or book it immediately (maybe both).
8. Go camping
One of our favorite parts about summer in Washington was how easy it was to sneak in a camping trip, even on a random weekend. There are so many awesome options close to the city!
Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular and scenic spots for car camping close to the city. It’s about 1.5 hours north of Seattle, and the park has campsites that are just a short walk from the cliffs, coastal trails, and epic views of the bridge. It does fill up fast in the summer, so we definitely recommend booking a site in advance if you can.
If you’re up for a little backpacking, Pete Lake is such a good one. The trail is mellow and about 9 miles round trip, with river views and shade most of the way. It ends at an alpine lake, surrounded by gorgeous mountain views of Big Summit Chief and Chimney Rock.
There are also tons of other options for camping around Mount Rainier, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, or throughout the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, so if you’ve got a free weekend and a sleeping bag, chances are you’ll find a spot to fall asleep under the stars.
9. Catch a game
Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, going to a game in Seattle during the summer is just plain fun. We went to a few when we lived there and always had a blast! Between the views, the food, and the big crowd energy, it’s a solid way to spend an afternoon or evening.
If you’re into a more relaxed atmosphere, a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park is perfect. The views of the skyline and Puget Sound are beautiful, and the food is surprisingly good.
For something more high-energy, check out a Seattle Sounders match at Lumen Field. The crowd is wild in the best way, with nonstop chants, drums, and cheering. It’s loud, exciting, and super fun, even if you’re not usually into soccer.
A+K Tip: Both stadiums are super easy to get to from downtown. You can grab dinner or a drink nearby before the game, or explore the stadium neighborhoods afterward (Pioneer Square, the waterfront, and the International District are all within walking distance).
10. Visit the National Parks
One of the best parts about Seattle’s location is that you’re within a few hours of three national parks. And summer is the absolute best time to visit all of them! The weather is ideal, roads and trails are (mostly) clear of snow, wildflowers go wild, and the views are some of the best in the State!
Mount Rainier National Park is the closest, about two hours from Seattle, and on clear days, you can actually see the mountain from the city! We love this park for the wildflower blooms in the Paradise area in July and August. Plus, you’ll find waterfalls, alpine meadows, glaciers, and plenty of mellow trails if you’re not up for a big climb.
Olympic National Park is about 2.5 to 3 hours away (including a ferry ride or a longer drive around the peninsula), and it’s by far the most diverse. Here, you can explore alpine lakes like Lake Crescent, lush rainforests like the Hoh, and rugged coastlines like Rialto Beach, all packed into one place.
North Cascades National Park is around 2.5 hours from Seattle and is one of the least visited national parks in the country, but the scenery is incredible. It’s home to jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Diablo Lake is an easy drive-up viewpoint, but if you’ve got time, trails like Cascade Pass are absolutely stunning.
11. Take a Summer Ferry Ride
Washington is home to a ton of islands, and several of them are easy to reach from Seattle by boat. Plus, there’s something so fun (and super Pacific Northwest) about taking a ferry on a sunny Seattle day. We’ve visited Bainbridge, Whidbey, and Orcas Island so far, and each one is gorgeous! Even if you’re just going for the ride, it’s totally worth it.
The easiest island to reach from Seattle is Bainbridge Island, with a quick 35-minute ride from downtown. Once you arrive, you can walk straight into Winslow, the main town area, and browse shops, grab a bite to eat, sip a coffee, or stroll along the waterfront.
Whidbey Island takes a little longer to get to. You can either take the ferry from Mukilteo or drive around and come in from the north. While you’re there, check out Ebey’s Landing for a bluff hike with incredible views. Langley is a cute stop for shopping and lunch, and Deception Pass State Park has gorgeous coastal scenery and great trails to explore.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, the San Juan Islands, like Orcas, San Juan, or Lopez, are full of beaches, scenic drives, kayaking, whale watching, and quiet towns to wander. You’ll need to drive to Anacortes to catch the ferry, and it’s a good idea to book ahead in the summer.
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do while you’re out there, especially on Whidbey or Orcas, check out our Seattle Day Trips Guide for some of our favorite stops.
12. Wander the Farmers Markets
One of our favorite things about Seattle in the summer has got to be the farmer’s markets! It seems like there is one happening almost every day of the week, and they’re such a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially when the weather’s nice. You’ll find fresh local produce, handmade goods, street food, flowers, and live music, all in different neighborhoods. We loved walking through the booths, sampling random things, and grabbing lunch from a food truck or pop-up vendor!
Probably the most well-known farmers market has got to be the one in Ballard. It happens every Sunday year-round, rain or shine, and stretches through the heart of downtown Ballard. There’s a huge variety of vendors including farmers, cheesemakers, local bakers, cider and kombucha stands. If you’re only going to visit one market, this is the one we’d recommend.
Fremont Sunday Market is nearby, and we would describe it as part farmers market, part vintage market, part craft fair. You’ll find food trucks, handmade jewelry, thrifted clothes, and unique art pieces. It’s a great spot to wander if you’re looking for something a little more eclectic.
Beyond those two, there are neighborhood markets popping up all over the city during the week in places like Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Columbia City, Phinney Ridge, and more. We especially loved the Queen Anne market on Thursdays.
13. Treat Yourself to Some Ice Cream
Is it even summer in Seattle without ice cream? When the temps finally creep into the 70s or 80s, there’s no better excuse to cool off with a scoop (or two!). And thankfully, Seattle has no shortage of awesome spots to grab a cone.
One of our personal favorites is Frankie & Jo’s, which is 100% plant-based and somehow still manages to be insanely creamy and delicious. Their flavors are super creative, like Chocolate Tahini Supercookie or Salty Caramel Ash, and they rotate seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.
Molly Moon’s is another solid choice. You’ll usually see a line out the door on warm evenings, but it’s totally worth the wait. Their ice cream is made with local, seasonal ingredients, and the flavors hit the spot.
Salt & Straw, originally from Portland, has also made its mark in Seattle with unexpected flavors like Honey Lavender or Pear & Blue Cheese. They’re the kind of flavors you maybe wouldn’t order anywhere else, but somehow they just work. And if you can’t decide, you can always get a flight and try a few!
14. Explore Seattle by Bike
One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to explore Seattle in the summer is on two wheels! There are a ton of bike-friendly paths all over the city, so if you’re looking for a longer ride or just want to cruise along the waterfront with a coffee in hand, there’s a route for it. Plus, you don’t even need your own bike! Apps like Lime and Bird, make it super easy to rent a bike or e-bike on the fly. Or you can stop by Seattle Electric Bikes to support a local business.
For a longer ride with lots of variety, the Burke-Gilman Trail is great. It stretches 17.2 miles through neighborhoods like Ballard, Fremont, and the University District, passing parks, breweries, and even skimming Lake Washington. It’s mostly flat and nicely separated from traffic, so it’s great for a longer ride with lots of scenery (and snack stops).
If you’re looking for something shorter, the 2.9-mile loop around Green Lake is flat and super scenic, though it can get a bit busy.
And for waterfront views, the Alki Trail in West Seattle is hard to beat. This 7.6-mile trail gives you awesome views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and downtown Seattle across the water. It’s relatively flat, with plenty of places to stop for ice cream, coffee, or tacos.
A+K Tip: Be aware, Seattle isn’t the flattest city, but with so many trails and e-bikes available, it’s definitely doable.
14. Chase Waterfalls
Chasing waterfalls is one of our absolute favorite things to do in the summer in Seattle. While it’s true that some falls slow down as the summer goes on (especially later in August), there are still plenty that are worth the drive and are super easy to access!
Snoqualmie Falls is just 45 minutes from the city and offers several great viewpoints, as well as a dramatic 268-foot drop. There’s a big viewing platform, restrooms, a gift shop, and the Salish Lodge right above if you’re in the mood for a meal with a view.
Franklin Falls is a fun, low-effort hike (about 2 miles round trip). The trail follows the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River through a pretty forest and ends at a 70-foot waterfall that’s especially misty and refreshing in the summer.
And if you’re up for more of a workout, Wallace Falls is a longer option at almost 5 miles round trip, with a good mix of forest, river views, and multiple waterfalls along the way.
If you’re looking for even more waterfall adventures, check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Washington.
15. Watch the Sunset from Kerry Park
We couldn’t write about summer in Seattle without mentioning Kerry Park. It’s easily the most iconic viewpoint in the city, and while it’s definitely no secret, it totally lives up to the hype (especially at sunset!)
The park itself is tiny, but the view is unbeatable. From up on Queen Anne Hill, you get a perfect view of the Space Needle, downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and if the skies are clear, Mount Rainier towering in the background.
A+K tip: If it’s packed and you want a quieter view, walk a couple of blocks south to Highland Drive. The view’s not quite the same, but it’s still beautiful and often less crowded.
16. Go Rafting or Tubing Near Seattle
If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your Seattle summer plans, heading to the river is a super fun way to do it. You can go for a laid-back float or something a little more wild. Either way, there are some great rivers within a couple of hours of Seattle that make for an awesome way to cool off on warm summer days.
Fall City Floating is probably the most popular local option for a float. You rent a tube (or bring your own), hop in the Snoqualmie River, and spend a few hours lazily drifting downstream. They offer shuttles to get you back to your car, so it’s easy to plan and doesn’t require much effort.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to try whitewater rafting, there are a few companies nearby that run guided trips in the summer on rivers like the Skykomish or Wenatchee. These are more of a full-day activity.
17. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Towns
If you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit, there are some awesome little towns within a couple of hours of Seattle that make for the perfect summer day trip.
Leavenworth is a gorgeous mountain town about two hours east of Seattle that leans all the way into the Bavarian village theme. Think timbered buildings, bratwursts, pretzels, and beer gardens. It’s definitely touristy, but in a really fun way. On a sunny day, you can wander the cute shops, check out the nutcracker museum, and then cool off by the river with an ice cream cone. Colchuck Lake and Icicle Gorge are both nearby if you want to hike while you’re out there.
Bellingham has a more laid-back coastal vibe. It’s north of Seattle and great for brewery hopping, grabbing lunch with a view, or exploring the historic Fairhaven district. The South Bay Trail runs right along the water and connects Fairhaven to downtown, and there are a few short trails in the area, like Whatcom Falls Park or parts of Chuckanut Drive, that are perfect for stretching your legs before heading back.
We put together a full guide to the best day trips from Seattle with all our favorite spots within a few hours of the city.
18. Yoga in the Park
One of the best ways to enjoy a summer evening in Seattle is by joining Yerbana Yoga in the Park. These donation-based outdoor classes happen on Thursday evenings during the summer at some of the prettiest spots in Seattle, like Gas Works and Kerry Park. Think open lawns, skyline views, and golden-hour light. It’s super laid-back and beginner-friendly, so all you need is a mat or towel, a water bottle, and maybe a layer for the evening breeze. You can check out the current schedule here.
19. Go flower picking
One of the prettiest ways to spend a summer afternoon near Seattle is heading out to the flower fields. There are tons of farms within a couple of hours of the city where you can wander through rows of colorful blooms, take a million photos, and pick your own bouquet to take home!
One of our favorite places to see flowers is on the Olympic Peninsula at Purple Haze Lavender Farm in Sequim. It’s especially dreamy in July, when the lavender is in bloom and the whole farm turns a gorgeous shade of purple. They also serve lavender ice cream and lavender lemonade (which honestly might be worth the trip on their own!). There’s also a little farm shop where you can buy soaps, lotions, and other goodies too.
If you’re planning a trip to the Olympic Peninsula, our blog post has everything you need to make the most of it. We break down what to see, where to stop, and how to plan a fun and easy road trip through the area.
20. Experience a Seattle Summer Festival
There’s pretty much always something going on in Seattle during the summer, and festivals are a big part of that. We made it to a couple while we lived there, and it was always so fun to stumble into an event!
The Fremont Solstice Parade kicks off the season in mid-June and is known for its body-painted bike riders, colorful floats, and completely wild energy. It’s weird, artsy, and very Fremont.
Seafair is more of a month-long celebration rather than just one event, with fun stuff happening all over the city. The main highlight is the weekend of hydroplane races on Lake Washington with the Blue Angels flying right over the city. The energy is super high, and if you can snag a spot by the lake or out on a boat, it’s such a fun way to spend the day.
On the Fourth of July, Gas Works Park is the place to see fireworks over Lake Union. It definitely gets crowded, but the skyline views and all-day picnic scene make it one of those classic Seattle summer experiences.
If you’re into live music, the Capitol Hill Block Party turns several blocks of the neighborhood into a street festival with food, drinks, and tons of artists.
Bumbershoot usually happens over Labor Day weekend. It’s a big arts and music festival held at Seattle Center, with multiple stages, food trucks, art exhibits, and comedy shows all packed into one long weekend.
And if you’re more of a movie fan, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is a great way to catch indie films and international picks at theaters all across the city.
21. Go to the Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair is such a fun way to wrap up the season. It’s held in Puyallup, about an hour south of Seattle, and it’s one of the biggest fairs in the country! Here, you can expect all the classics like carnival rides, farm animals, rodeos, live music, deep-fried everything, and a ton of people. And of course, you have to get a Fisher Fair Scone. They’re warm, buttery, and filled with raspberry jam. So good!
Planning Your Trip to Seattle in the Summer
Summer is an amazing time to visit Seattle, but it’s also the most popular, so it helps to go with a plan. Here are a few quick tips to help make your trip smooth and enjoyable, especially if it’s your first time visiting or you’re coming from out of state.
How to get there
The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac. It’s a major hub with tons of direct flights, and getting from the airport to downtown is super easy. You can hop on the Link light rail straight from the airport and be downtown in about 40 minutes without needing a car.
Getting around Seattle
If you’re planning to stay mostly in the city, you really don’t need a car. Seattle is surprisingly walkable, especially in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Belltown, Queen Anne, Fremont, and Ballard. Public transportation is reliable (buses, light rail, and the Seattle Streetcar), and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used. Plus, there are bike and e-bike rentals everywhere if you want to cruise around the waterfront or through parks.
That said, if you plan to go hiking, take day trips, or visit the national parks, renting a car for part of your trip is a good idea.
Where to stay
There are countless areas to choose from, but here are some quick suggestions based on how you want to experience the city. We also have a detailed guide about these Seattle neighborhoods, which includes fun things to do and where to eat.
Downtown Seattle
Great if you want to be close to all the major sights (Pike Place, the waterfront, ferries, etc.) and don’t mind the hustle and bustle. This is where most of the hotels are.
Upper Queen Anne
More residential, quiet, and super walkable. You’re close to Kerry Park (great views!) and still just a short trip to downtown.
Ballard
A fun neighborhood with lots of restaurants, bars, and access to trails and the Ballard Locks. It’s a little more removed from downtown, but totally worth it if you want more of a local feel.
Fremont
It’s centrally located with good food, coffee, and access to trails like the Burke-Gilman. We spent a lot of time in Fremont when we lived in Seattle!
A+K Tip: If you’re choosing a vacation rental, just know that not all apartments or houses in Seattle have air conditioning. It used to be super uncommon (we didn’t have it when we lived there), but with more frequent heatwaves in recent years, it’s something to look for, especially if you’re visiting in July or August.
Know Before You Go
Prepare for crowds
Summer is Seattle’s busiest season, which means you’ll definitely be sharing the views, trails, and restaurants with other people. Popular hikes (especially ones with lakes or mountain views) can fill up early, and lines at spots like Pike Place Market or ferry terminals can get long. Our best advice? Start your days early and try to hit major attractions on weekdays if possible.
Keep an eye on wildfire smoke
Another thing to keep in mind is the wildfire smoke. Unfortunately, it’s become a pretty regular part of late summer in the Pacific Northwest. Some days are totally fine, but if there are fires nearby, the air quality can drop fast. We always check fire.airnow.gov to see current conditions and plan around it. If you’re sensitive to smoke, it’s not a bad idea to pack a mask or two just in case.
Save this guide with things to do in Seattle during the summer
About the Author
This blog post was written by our writer Nicoll. Learn a bit about her below!
After six years of full-time travel, Nicoll is now a mountain-loving mama living in Colorado with her husband Jake, their sweet baby girl Teagan, and their pup Gunner. She loves hiking, riding her dirt bike, and finding joy in the little things.