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.

Activities

Sky View Observatory Tickets

NZ$35

per adult

94% of travellers recommend

Half-Day Multnomah Falls & Gorge Waterfalls Tour

NZ$142

per traveller

96% of travellers recommend

Full-Day Mount Hood & Multnomah Falls Tour

NZ$234

per traveller

96% of travellers recommend

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

NZ$181

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

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

NZ$349

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Portland: 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Willamette River

Portland: 2-Hour Lunch Cruise Through Downtown

NZ$147

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Seattle: Seattle Art Museum Admission Ticket

NZ$50

per adult

74% of travellers recommend

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

NZ$54

per adult

90% of travellers recommend

Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

NZ$54

per adult

92% of travellers recommend

See all activities in Washington

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Seattle Waterfront

Walk all the way west from the heart of town and soon you’ll reach Seattle’s western border, the waterfront alongside Puget Sound with its islands and mountains beyond. This three-kilometre coastline is home to shops, piers and public spaces where you can wander and savour the sea air or taste some of the freshly caught fish on offer all around.

Learn more

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

2. Pike Place Market

Lining the cobbled streets of Pike Place Market, you’ll find scores of shops and stalls, some of which have been kept in the same families for generations. It is a busy, thriving place where you can try the seasonal fruits on offer, smell the fresh flowers and admire the local arts and crafts.

Learn more

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

3. Mount Rainier National Park

Rising nearly 4,400 metres into the sky, Mount Rainier towers above Seattle and is home to a stunning national park spanning an area of 616 square kilometres. Its 25 glaciers and huge snowfields melt each spring, supplying the region with water and revealing a striking landscape that is a designated Wilderness Area, complete with streams and waterfalls, as well as forests and alpine meadows.

Learn more

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

4. Space Needle

Rising to an impressive 184 metres, Seattle’s famous Space Needle dates all the way back to 1962. Its unique futuristic design, with a panoramic viewing platform atop irregular legs, makes it an iconic fixture of the skyline.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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

6. Olympic National Park

Surrounded on three sides by the Puget Sound, the Olympic Peninsula is just a few hours away from Seattle but feels like an entirely different corner of the world. The Olympic National Park which covers the peninsula is made of a rich rainforest with rivers flowing through as well as incredible waterfalls, mountains and beaches.

Learn more

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)

This three-kilometre waterfront stretch is one of Seattle’s foremost leisure and entertainment destinations. Soak up some of the atmosphere as you wander round.

See properties

Our guide on 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.

See properties

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.

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.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.