If you’re looking for the best Seattle shore excursions, trust me, I get it. The moment your cruise ship docks in this city, a world of possibilities opens up before you. And with a limited window of time, you’re faced with that crucial question: how do you make the most of every precious minute? Seattle, a city I’ve come to adore, nestled between the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, isn’t just a picturesque port; it’s a vibrant hub of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. For cruise travelers like you, seeking unforgettable experiences, this translates into an extraordinary opportunity to step beyond the familiar comforts of the ship and dive headfirst into experiences that truly capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
Forget the generic, pre-packaged Seattle Shore Excursions that herd you from one crowded landmark to another. I’m talking about crafting a shore excursion that resonates with your unique interests, whether you’re a family seeking kid-friendly thrills, an adventure enthusiast craving outdoor escapades, or a culture vulture eager to delve into the city’s rich history. Seattle offers a diverse tapestry of attractions, from the iconic Space Needle piercing the skyline to the bustling, sensory overload of Pike Place Market. Picture yourselves kayaking on Lake Union, with the city skyline reflecting in the gentle ripples, or hiking through lush forests to witness the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls. Imagine strolling through the vibrant International District, sampling exotic flavors, or embarking on a whale-watching expedition in the pristine waters of Puget Sound.
This isn’t just about ticking off tourist hotspots; it’s about forging unforgettable memories. It’s about feeling the spray of saltwater as you sail past orcas, tasting the freshest seafood straight from the market, and gazing upon the city’s panoramic views from a mountaintop—experiences I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying myself. It’s about discovering the hidden gems that make Seattle so unique, from the quirky exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture to the tranquil beauty of Kubota Garden.
I understand that time is of the essence. That’s why I’ve meticulously curated a list of 20 exceptional Seattle shore excursions, each designed to maximize your time in Seattle and provide an authentic, immersive experience. I’ve considered every detail, from family-friendly ratings and age-appropriate options to price ranges and direct links to tour operators. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden or a heart-pounding adventure in the wilderness, my guide will help you navigate the myriad of choices and create a Seattle shore excursion that perfectly aligns with your travel aspirations. So, step ashore, embrace the Emerald City, and let the adventure begin!
20 Seattle Shore Excursions To Add To Your Bucketlist
The Iconic Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass: Panoramic city views and stunning glass art.
- Links: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Prices: Space Needle ($35-$49), Chihuly ($32-$39), Combo available.
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Pike Place Market & Underground Tour: Bustling market vibes and subterranean history.
- Links: Pike Place Market, Underground Tour
- Prices: Pike Place Market (Free), Underground Tour ($24-$27).
- Family-Friendly Rating: Pike Place Market ★★★★★, Underground Tour ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: Pike Place Market (All ages), Underground Tour (7+).
Seattle City Highlights & Locks Cruise: Comprehensive city tour and boat navigation through the Ballard Locks.
- Links: Search “Seattle city tour locks cruise”, Ballard Locks
- Prices: $75-$150 (varies).
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Interactive exhibits on music, sci-fi, and more.
- Link: MoPOP
- Prices: $30-$35.
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Whale Watching & Puget Sound Cruises: Marine wildlife encounters and scenic sound cruises.
- Links: Search “Seattle whale watching tours”, Argosy Cruises
- Prices: Whale watching ($120-$180), Puget Sound cruises (varies).
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: Whale watching (5+), Puget Sound cruises (All ages).
Interested in getting your photos taken while you’re in Seattle?
Discovery Park Hike & Magnolia Bluff Views: Urban nature escape with breathtaking vistas.
- Links: Discovery Park, Search “Magnolia Bluff viewpoints Seattle”
- Prices: Free.
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Kayaking on Lake Union & Gas Works Park: Waterfront paddling and unique park exploration.
- Links: Search “Lake Union kayak rentals Seattle”, Gas Works Park
- Prices: Kayak rentals ($30-$50/hour).
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: 8+.
Snoqualmie Falls & Pacific Northwest Hiking: Majestic waterfall and lush wilderness trails.
- Links: Snoqualmie Falls, Washington Trails Association
- Prices: Free, transportation varies.
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
The Boeing Factory Tour (Everett): Aviation marvels and airplane assembly.
- Link: Boeing Future of Flight
- Prices: $30-$40.
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: 4+.
Ferry to Bainbridge Island & Island Exploration: Scenic ferry ride and charming island discovery.
- Link: Washington State Ferries
- Prices: Ferry fares vary, island exploration (Free).
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Alki Beach & West Seattle Views: Panoramic skyline views and beach relaxation.
- Link: King County Water Taxi
- Prices: Water taxi fares vary, Alki Beach (Free).
- Family-Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Seattle Aquarium: Explore Puget Sound marine life up close.
- Link: Seattle Aquarium
- Prices: $30-35
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
International District Food Tour: Sample diverse cuisines and learn about the area’s history.
- Prices: $50-100 varies by tour. Search “Seattle International District food tour”
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Volunteer Park & Conservatory: Beautiful park with a Victorian-era greenhouse.
- Link: Volunteer Park
- Prices: Park (Free), Conservatory ($6).
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI): Seattle’s history and innovation.
- Link: MOHAI
- Prices: $22-25
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Seattle Great Wheel & Waterfront Park: Ferris wheel with stunning views and waterfront strolls.
- Link: Seattle Great Wheel
- Prices: Great Wheel ($15-18).
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Theo Chocolate Factory Tour: Learn about chocolate making and sample delicious treats.
- Link: Theo Chocolate
- Prices: $14-16
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Kubota Garden: A beautiful Japanese garden in South Seattle.
- Link: Kubota Garden
- Prices: Free.
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park: Breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking trails.
- Link: Mount Rainier National Park
- Prices: Park entrance fee, tour costs vary.
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★, hiking varies.
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages, hiking varies.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Explore diverse art collections in the heart of downtown.
- Link: Seattle Art Museum
- Prices: $25-30
- Family Friendly Rating: ★★★★
- Appropriate Age Options: All ages.
Add photos to your seattle shore excursions
And here’s a thought to truly elevate your Seattle experience: imagine having me ‘tag along’ on one of these local excursions, capturing your adventure in a way that feels both authentic and beautifully styled. Picture yourself in your favorite outfits, or even better, exploring my client closet for something truly special, as we wander through Pike Place Market, hike to a breathtaking viewpoint, or explore the waterfront. I’ll be there to document the candid moments, the laughter, the shared wonder, transforming your shore excursion into a personalized photoshoot experience. It’s more than just getting your photo taken; it’s about creating an unforgettable memory, a story told in stunning images, where you’re the star. Let’s turn your Seattle adventure into a cherished collection of photographs that you’ll treasure forever.
