10 TOP Things to Do in Washington September 2026

A coastal landscape with dense green forests, rocky cliffs, and a clear blue sea.

A nighttime cityscape with the Space Needle prominently lit in Seattle.

A marina with numerous sailboats docked, surrounded by trees and a rocky shoreline.

A large, stately building with a symmetrical facade, a central entrance with a blue door, and a balcony with ornate railings.

A mountain overlook with two wooden benches and directional signs.

Things to do

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

£62

per traveller

96% of travellers recommend

Seattle: Seattle Art Museum Admission Ticket

£22

per adult

74% of travellers recommend

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

£79

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

£57

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

From Seattle: Day Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC

£153

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of Mount Rainier National Park

£12

per traveller

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

£23

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

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Top places to visit

1. Seattle Waterfront

Seattle’s western border ends at the waterfront where the views across Puget Sound to islands and mountains are enhanced by elegant yachts, ships, cruise boats and ferries. Walk along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch and browse quaint shops, explore the public spaces and piers, and enjoy the smells of the ocean air and freshly cooked seafood from the dozens of restaurants along the piers.

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A marina with boats docked, a city skyline with tall buildings, and a bridge in the background.

2. Pike Place Market

Street performers and vendors vie for attention on the pleasantly busy cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market. It’s home to some 200 stalls and shops, some of which have been family-operated for generations. Amble among the wide aisles in the main arcade taking in the cornucopia of sounds, smells and sights. Sample seasonal fruits, smell the fresh bouquets of flowers, and admire handmade jewelry and art.

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A neon sign for the Public Market Center with a clock above it.

3. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is famous for providing a stunning backdrop to the skyline of Seattle, and this huge volcano holds a treasure at its base: a beautiful national park.

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A snow-capped mountain with dense forests in the foreground.

4. Space Needle

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs.

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A tall tower with a circular observation deck, surrounded by purple flowers and green foliage under a clear blue sky.

5. Seattle Center

Seattle’s famous cultural and entertainment precinct is a must for any visitor to the city. The Seattle Center is home to many local major sporting teams, and some of the key performing arts institutions are also based within the large complex. Throw in some of Seattle’s major cultural institutions, a range of upscale restaurants and bars and a choreographed water show, and you’ll see why its easy to keep coming back to the Seattle Center.

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A park with a fountain, a tower, and people sitting on benches.

6. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is on the Olympic Peninsula, surrounded the Puget Sound on three sides, and just a few hours’ drive from Seattle. This lush rainforest is a sparsely inhabited reserve of rivers, waterfalls, mountains, beaches and wildlife. It takes its name from the glacial peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Just one main road, Highway 101, encircles the peninsula, linking the small cities of Port Angeles and Port Townsend with Olympia, Washington State's capital city.

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A mountain lodge with snow-capped peaks in the background.

What to do in Washington

Stay near popular Washington attractions

Seattle Waterfront

9.2/10 (16,453 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

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Where to stay in Washington

Find the best Washington areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Washington

Downtown Seattle

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

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A beach with tall trees and a wooden staircase leading down to the shore.

Seabrook

If you're spending some time in Seabrook, Old Stump and Community Garden are top sights worth seeing.

A festive street with brightly lit buildings and a crowd of people.

Downtown Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Icicle Gorge or Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

A greenhouse with glass panels, surrounded by a garden with yellow and purple flowers.

Capitol Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Broadway while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

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A harbor with boats, a Ferris wheel, and a city skyline with skyscrapers.

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

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