From the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market to stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the thrill of the Space Needle Observation Deck, Seattle offers something for everyone. For those looking to explore off the beaten path, the city is full of hidden gems. Here’s a guide to some of the Emerald City’s best-kept secrets.
Smith Tower
The Space Needle gets all the attention, but it’s not the only building in Seattle offering a bird’s-eye view of the city. Smith Tower is known as Seattle’s original skyscraper, and while it’s no longer the tallest in the city, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown, stadiums, the waterfront, and yes, even the Space Needle. You can also host parties and weddings at this historic spot.
Dr. Jose Rizal Park
Want to capture the Seattle skyline but don’t want to deal with crowds? Skip the popular Kerry Park and head to Dr. Jose Rizal Park instead. This park on the west side of Beacon Hill offers beautiful views of downtown, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. There are trails for biking and walking as well as an off-leash area for pooch playtime.
Secret Beach
As its name suggests, Secret Beach is one of the lesser-known spots along Seattle’s shoreline. You won’t find it on Google Maps – it’s actually hidden in a quiet neighborhood along Lake Washington. This waterfront hideaway features a flat, sandy beach and a grassy area that’s perfect for picnics.
Waterfall Garden Park
You can escape the busy streets of Seattle without ever leaving the city. Located on the site of the original UPS headquarters, Waterfall Garden Park is a secluded urban oasis. The park includes a 22-foot waterfall, tables and seating that make it a great spot for eating lunch or getting lost in a book.
Seattle Underground
What better way to explore the Emerald City than to see what it was once like? Seattle Underground is a catacomb-like network of storefronts and sidewalks that were once the hub of the city, but were buried when Seattle was rebuilt after the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. Daily tours offer visitors young and old the chance to learn about the city’s history.
Melrose Market
If the crowds at Pike Place Market are too overwhelming, head over to Melrose Market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Just up the street from Seattle’s downtown shopping district, Melrose Market opened in 2010 and occupies historic buildings from the early 1900s. The market is a go-to spot for award-winning restaurants and locally sourced goods and is considered a more modern and intimate version of Pike Place.
Theo Chocolate
Seattle is known for its coffee, but you can get your caffeine fix another way – by visiting the Theo Chocolate Factory. Established in 2006, Theo was the first organic and fair trade certified chocolate maker in North America. The company is committed to high-quality ingredients, and it shows in their mouth-watering products. From turmeric spice to salted toffee, Theo offers chocolate lovers a wide variety of fun flavors to choose from. Factory tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made, and you’ll even get to enjoy some sweet treats along the way.
Seattle Pinball Museum
Let your inner kid out to play! Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Seattle Pinball Museum boasts more than 50 vintage pinball machines. Spend a rainy afternoon playing everything from Pac-Man to Star Trek Enterprise – all the machines are free to play with museum admission.
A Seattle Mover You Can Trust
When moving to a new place, knowing some of the city’s hidden attractions can help you feel more at home. Let Continental Van Lines handle the logistics of your move while you focus on settling in and getting acquainted with your new neighborhood.
Continental Van Lines provides a comprehensive selection of moving services and world-class customer service, making us the moving company to trust in the Pacific Northwest. Call us today at (206) 937-2261 for your quote.