16 Best Things to Do in Seattle Alone (Solo Itinerary)
Are you feeling adventurous and want to explore Seattle on your own? If city attractions are your thing, then this vibrant city in the Pacific Northwest is sure to hit all the right notes!
Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, a foodie, or a culture vulture, you’ll find plenty to do in Seattle during your one-day visit.
Wake up early and make the most of your day with this jam-packed itinerary of the top things to do in Seattle alone.
1. Grab a Coffee
First things first – start the morning off right with a dose of coffee! Seattle is known for its coffee culture, so be sure to pay a visit to one of the city’s renowned independent cafes, such as Bauhaus or Storyville Coffee.
Better yet, visit the first-ever Starbucks location, which is located at Pike Place Market.
2. Pike Place Market
After refueling, take a leisurely stroll around the bustling Pike Place Market and explore its many stalls full of fresh produce and unique crafts.
The famous market has endless food vendors serving up fresh seafood dishes, pizzas, tacos, and more! Grab a cup of chowder from one of the seafood vendors, or try some freshly caught Dungeness crab.
You can also grab some souvenirs from the artisanal stalls along the way. Once you’ve filled your belly, take some time to watch the iconic fish-throwing ritual at Pike Place Fish Market.
3. Space Needle
If you’re looking for the best views of Seattle and also something to brag about, then taking a trip up the Space Needle is just the thing!
There are plenty of interactive features at the top and 360-degree views of Seattle and beyond.
There’s no better way to let people know just how daring your solo adventures are than by sending an envy-inspiring selfie from near the top! That’ll show ’em.
Itinerary to Seattle
Want to explore every nook and cranny in the city? Make sure you check out our 4-Day Itinerary to Seattle.
4. Alki Beach
If a beach day sounds like something up your alley and the weather is playing along nicely, don’t miss out on one of Seattle’s best beaches, Alki Beach.
Jutting off southwest Seattle into Puget Sound, this beach is famous for its appearance in the movie, Sleepless in Seattle.
Stroll along the paved pathway and take in the views of downtown Seattle, or lay your towel down and feel the sand between your toes with the ocean breeze on your face.
There are also tons of eateries along this beach too if you want to grab some lunch!
5. Ride the Monorail
Riding the Seattle Monorail is a unique way to experience the city – the original monorail was built in just 8 months for the ’62 World Fair!
Whether you’re a Seattle native enjoying a blast from the past or an out-of-towner seeing how the locals scoot around, for just three bucks you can board this classic and get your scenic-view fix.
Enjoy a glimpse of some of Seattle’s star attractions with views from either end of the one-mile track.
6. Explore the City on a Bike
As a green city, Seattle is an ideal place to rent a bicycle and head out to discover the city.
Just make sure you’re ready for some more challenging terrain – Seattle’s hilly landscape can make certain routes quite a ride!
Still not sure where to go? There are countless group bike tours available all year round that are sure to take you on an amazing journey.
7. Seattle Ghost Tour
Ever been curious about the dark, mysterious side of Seattle? The city has plenty to offer the lone wanderer in search of the supernatural.
Join a ghost tour and tread around downtown Seattle – your guide will take you through the city’s most haunted locations and even Seattle’s first cemetery – if you’re brave enough!
Don’t be afraid to venture out alone on this spooky discovery mission; unearth some secrets from the shadows and make Seattle’s history your own.
8. Seattle Ferris Wheel
Why take the standard downtown tour of Seattle when you can see all its beauty from the sky?
The Seattle Great Wheel stands 175 feet tall and has heated gondolas and an illuminated night show for those who are after dark thrills.
Spend a balmy day with panoramic views of downtown, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound while riding this one-of-a-kind attraction.
9. Catch a Hockey Game
Visit the brand-new Climate Pledge Arena (which was once the site of the 1962 World’s Fair) and enjoy a Seattle Kraken game with 17,000 other fans!
Being alone at an event doesn’t have to be awkward – strike up a conversation with fellow spectators while also cheering on the home team’s young talent like Matty Beniers and Shane Wright!
10. Hike Discovery Park
Calling all adventurers! If you’re feeling brave and want to spend a day exploring the wilds of Seattle, check out Discovery Park.
Reaching an impressive 534 acres, you could find yourself meandering through woodlands, the pebbly beach, or checking out West Point Lighthouse.
Visit the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center and treat yourself to more than just views – discover Native American artwork and exhibitions available free of charge.
11. Pike Place Market Food Tour
Are you a foodie at heart? This two-hour culinary journey features the opportunity to sample fare from nearly a dozen destinations like Local Color coffee shop, Beecher’s ‘World’s Best’ Mac and Cheese, and of course Britt’s Pickles.
Perfect for solo explorers, this tour will quite possibly spark some envy among your friends when they hear all about it.
12. Snoqualmie Falls
At the top of your must-see list should be Snoqualmie Falls, which just so happens to be the largest and most popular waterfall near Seattle – a massive 268 feet in height.
The good news? It’s right near the parking lot, with paved paths leading you right up to it so it’s great for a quick stop. It’ll be a wrap once you’ve admired its tremendous beauty, as there aren’t any trails for a hike back.
And the bad news? It tends to get crowded due to its convenience and easy access.
13. Pioneer Square
If you’re visiting Seattle and looking to explore the city on your own, put on your adventure hat and head to Pioneer Square.
This lively neighborhood is crawling with exciting things to do – browse vintage stores, or wander the cobblestone alleys between the remaining Romanesque revival architecture of the past.
After marveling at Pioneer Square’s fascinating history, go exploring its present by strolling among the hip restaurants, cafes and shops.
14. Ride the Ferry to Bainbridge Island
Climbing aboard a Seattle-to-Bainbridge ferry is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery.
Feel like stretching your legs? Head up to the outdoor decks and get some fresh air and peaceful views of the cityscape, framed by the majestic Puget Sound.
Or, if you’d prefer more comfort, opt instead for cozying up inside with expansive windows all around so you don’t miss a single bit of the miles-long panoramic vista.
And taking the ferry is a real treat – not only do you get beautiful views of Seattle, but you can also have one heck of a light show!
On a nighttime ferry ride, keep your eyes trained on the water below – it could be harboring an artist’s palette of bioluminescence.
15. Underground Tour of Seattle
Book yourself a ticket to Seattle’s Underground Walking Tour. You’ll get to explore the roots of this city – not just hear about its history, but walk around it!
From city blocks to underground passageways, you’ll get to gobble up tons of knowledge about Seattle and make a few friends along the way.
16. Amazon Spheres & Amazon Go
If you want to experience Amazon at its finest, pay a visit to the Amazon Spheres.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they offer 90-minute guided tours of their headquarters to the public.
After checking out Amazon’s urban campus, make sure you head over to their experimental store – Amazon Go.
You can grab what you need and walk out without batting an eye at a cashier or self-checkout machine – simply amazing!
