Most Iconic Seattle Landmarks

Seattle, Washington

Tucked amidst the stunning Pacific Northwest Coastline is where you’ll find the iconic city of Seattle, Washington. Infamous for being a gloomy and rainy city, Seattle’s wet climate sustains the region’s lush and thriving environment – creating the ideal conditions for beauties such as the Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce to flourish. It is impossible to discuss Seattle’s beauty without mentioning their expansive mountain ranges, crisp brackish bays and lakes, and misty coastlines. In addition to sublime scenery, Seattle is a cultural hub that has found its way among the highest populated cities in the United States. Seattle’s metropolitan area is home to over 4 million residents, making it the 15th most populated city in the United States! This city, an area where natural beauty collides with innovation and creativity, attracts nearly 40 million tourists each year. Read along with the following blog, as we give you the inside scoop for the most iconic spots to visit on your next trip to the Emerald City! 

Mount Rainier National Park

Our first suggestion is a landmark that needs no introduction. If you’ve ever had the privilege of visiting Seattle, Washington, then you’ll understand why Mount Rainier National Park is such a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. Sitting approximately 60 miles southeast of Seattle, this impressive volcanic mountain is often observable from Seattle when visibility is good. If you’re planning a visit to Mount Rainier National Park, it is important to be prepared for an afternoon of exploration and hiking. Plan accordingly, making sure to wear proper footwear (preferably hiking boots or tennis shoes,) pack lots of water and snacks, and be prepared to take tons of photos of Mount Rainier’s gorgeous scenery! If you’re planning to visit this summer, we suggest you visit the park around late July to early August to catch a glimpse of the park’s subalpine meadows exploding with vibrant wildflowers. If you miss the wildflower bloom, don’t worry, this national park offers breathtaking views year round! 

Skyline Trail 

Yes, we know, Skyline Trail is also at Mount Rainier National Park. However, this mind-blowing trail is so fascinating that it deserves its own paragraph! The Skyline Trail is a 5.5 mile loop that starts and ends at the Paradise Visitor Center. Hikers can choose to hike the loop in either direction, although many opt for the clockwise route for a more gradual ascent. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the optimal time to visit is from late July to early August when all the snow has melted, however, conditions remain solid until late October. Five and a half miles may feel out of reach or daunting for the average person, but don’t stress, The Skyline Trail path is maintained extremely well, and most sections are either paved or graveled. With 5.5 miles being a bit of a time commitment, many visitors opt to only hiking one or two miles, and turning back. The best part about hiking though, is that the choice is totally yours! The choice to spend your afternoon people watching and sightseeing, hiking the duration of your visit, or even waiting in the car (if that’s your thing,) is completely your choice to make! 

Alki Beach and Alki Point

Most people are either beach people or mountain people, and our next suggestion is for those who prefer to spend their time with their toes in the sand! Alki Point is a picturesque seaside escape, alongside Elliot Bay in West Seattle. Located roughly 15-25 minutes from downtown Seattle, depending on traffic, Alki Beach is accessible by car or water taxi. If you’re from out of town and feeling adventurous, we suggest taking the extra time to travel via water taxi! Not only is traveling by water taxi fun and unique, but it also allows you to capture Seattle from a new perspective. When you arrive at Alki Beach, there are loads of weather-permitting activities worth giving a try! Remember, even in July, the daytime average temperature in Seattle ranges between a cool 75-80 degrees, with nightly lows in the mid 50s. Because of this, most bodies of water do not reach highs over 70 degrees, keeping the water crisp and refreshing year round. If you’re a wimp like me, and not prepared to participate in a polar plunge, I recommend renting a paddleboard or kayak. If you’re more interested in a sightseeing experience, Alki Beach offers a 2.5 mile paved walking path along the beach. Alki Beach is known for having the finest panoramic views of downtown Seattle, so don’t miss the opportunity to pull out your phone and snap a few photos!

Seattle Space Needle

Although outdoor activities are an important part of Seattle’s identity, taking on the great outdoors is not everyone’s vibe. Our next suggestion is a must-do experience, regardless of if you’re a first time visitor, or a lifelong local. The Seattle Needle, located just 1 mile north of downtown Seattle, is the ideal location to get once in a lifetime views of the Seattle skyline and metropolitan area. This landmark is hard to miss, but for your convenience, the address is 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, and is easily accessible by Seattle charter bus, car, ride share, and public transportation. Admission for this attraction is $35 for adults, with additional discounts available for kids and seniors. To avoid unnecessary wait times and crowds, consider booking ahead of time on the Seattle Space Needle website, and visiting during the morning on a week day. However, if crowds don’t phase you, the most popular time to visit, unsurprisingly, is at sunset. Don’t forget to wear your most instagram-worthy outfit, bring your most trusted photographer friend, and snap those photos! While touring the observation deck at Seattle’s Space Needle, look out for stunning views of Pugot Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

Book Today With Motor Coach West! 

Hopefully this blog gave you the inspiration you needed to plan the vacation of your dreams in Seattle, Washington. Seattle is saturated with thousands of unique landmarks worth visiting. It would be impossible to include every marvel landmark in one blog, so be sure to do your own research! However, when it comes to choosing the best charter bus company to safely transport your group, we have all the research you need! Our top-notch motor coaches, comfortable seats, and affordable rates set Motor Coach West apart from other charter bus companies, and guarantee a positive transportation experience. Request a quote today, and see why so many people choose to travel with Motor Coach West!