Tips For Visiting Seattle In Winter

Wondering what to do in Seattle in winter? It may be chilly and it will probably rain, but there are still plenty of fun things to see and do.

In this guide, I’ll take a look at some of my favorite Seattle winter activities – both indoor and outdoor. Some are perfect for the whole family, whereas others make a great day out for couples.

Visit The Space Needle And Seattle Center

Winter in Seattle is the ideal time to visit the Space Needle – its most iconic symbol. The views from the two observations decks and revolving glass floor are still dazzling, although a little more overcast.

Additionally, the smaller crowds make it so much easier to enjoy all the other activities at the 74 acre Seattle Center surrounding it.

From the hands-on exhibits at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center to the stunning studio glass at Chihuly Garden and Glass, there is plenty here for the whole family to enjoy.

And don’t miss the Seattle Center Winterfest – a five-week celebration with holiday lights and ice skating that takes place throughout December. 

Tickets for the Space Needle range from $26 to $35 depending on age, or you can buy a joint ticket including the Chihuly Garden and Glass for between $35 to $57.

Go Skiing And More At Snoqualmie Pass

You can enjoy plenty of exciting Seattle winter activities – including skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing – at Summit at Snoqualmie. Just one hour from the city, it is Seattle’s closest ski hill and welcomes visitors of every age and ability.

If you’re visiting with children, check out the Central slopes which feature a beginner lift and slope, along with a training area where they can find their feet. Some slopes are floodlit at night, making for a uniquely thrilling experience, and there are plenty of extras on offer.

You’ll find a small complex with a ski/snowboard museum, a restaurant serving locally sourced comfort food, and the Dru Bru brewery, with a taproom and patio. 

Daily lift tickets must be bought online and range from $39 to $72, depending on ability and the date/time of your visit.

Visit The Animals At The Woodland Park Zoo

One of the best things to do in Seattle during winter is to see the 300+ species of animals at this award-winning zoo.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Woodland Park is renowned for setting international standards for care in zoos and offers world-class education and conservation programs.

Animals from all over the world are featured in their natural habitats and there are frequent special exhibits, including stunning winter light festivals. 

To avoid disappointment it is recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. Prices start at $11.50 for children up to $17 for adults, and there is a range of concessions available.

Take A Trip To The Bavarian Village Of Leavenworth

If you are visiting Seattle in winter, a day – or even a weekend – in this Bavarian-themed mountain village will be the highlight of your trip. In fact, it’s one of the best day trips from Seattle to do during winter.

Initially formed in the 1900s, the former timber community was transformed into a tourist attraction in the 1960s. Now, it’s packed with fascinating sights and activities, with German beer and food available at every turn and live polka music in the bars.

You can see 6,000 different nutcrackers in the nutcracker museum, go wine tasting in the wine shops, feed the reindeer at the local farm, or take a scenic hike.

Whilst there are activities here for the whole family, Leavenworth is a great place to visit as a couple so you can get a chance to sample all the amazing German brews!

Leavenworth is just a 2-hour drive from Seattle and has plenty of parking. It gets very busy around Christmas time so book any accommodation early and make dinner reservations in advance.

Learn Seattle’s Story At The Museum Of History And Industry

Tracing Seattle’s history from the days of its founding to its development into the modern city we see today, this charming museum is highly interactive and especially good for couples, or families with older children.

The building itself is beautiful, located right on the waterfront of Lake Union. Through its exhibits, you’ll learn about everything from the Oregon Trail and the Klondike Gold Rush to Seattle’s leading role in innovation and technology.

The cost of admission is $22 for adults, with children under 14 admitted for free. There are also various opportunities for free or reduced tickets.

Explore The Beauty Of The Underwater World At The Seattle Aquarium

Located on the Elliott Bay waterfront, Seattle Aquarium may be small, but it has plenty to see! Children will love the Life on the Edge tide pool exhibit, where they can touch live urchins, sea stars, and more.

The 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit is awesome, filled with a wide variety of Northwest sea life, whilst the fascinating Underwater Dome gives you an immersive 360-degree view. 

There are animal feedings and diver shows daily, and the emphasis throughout is on helping visitors understand what they can do to protect the world’s oceans and their inhabitants. 

The Aquarium offers ‘plan ahead pricing’ so that you can find the best deals possible when buying your tickets in advance.

Stroll Through Pike Place Market

One of the nicer Seattle outdoor activities for couples in the winter months is to spend a few hours at this bustling market and get a real feel for the local community.

Pike Place Market is the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers market and attracts 10 million visitors per year. Vibrant and lots of fun, it is a noisy mixture of shops, restaurants, and bars, with buskers providing entertainment and fishermen in waders displaying their catch.

It’s the perfect place to people-watch and to try some of the delicious delicacies on offer, from the Russian pastries at Piroshky Piroshky to the specialty cheeses at  DeLaurenti.

Pike Place Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., although some restaurants open earlier and stay open later.

If you want to experience Pike Place Market differently, you could join a local chef guide to learn about local production and taste the flavors of the Northwest. You can book your food tour here.

Take A Trip On The Ferry 

Although the Washington State Ferry system is mostly used for commuting by the locals, riding the ferries is fun for visitors!

And you can do it whatever the weather, as the ferries have both a viewing platform for when the sun is shining and a covered cabin for rainy days.

You can either drive on, then drive off at the other end and go exploring, or you can walk on. Walking might be the easiest option if you don’t plan on traveling too far at the other end, as it allows you to board the ferry first!

Head downtown and take the one-hour, one-way crossing to Bremerton, or the 35-minute journey to Bainbridge Island.

Don’t forget to look out for the local seals, porpoises, and sea lions along the way!

Final Thoughts On Seattle In Winter

Seattle is well-prepared for wintry conditions, with nearly all its activities sheltered from the elements and cozy coffee shops sprinkled throughout the city.

So why not have fun like a local and experience all the great things winter in Seattle has to offer, no matter what the weather has in store!

Heading to Seattle for a weekend? Read our 2-day Seattle itinerary.