Seattle tours

Things to do in Seattle

Glass towers shimmer against misty mountains, ferries cross sparkling waters, and rich coffee aromas drift through lively markets. Seattle is a city where innovation meets natural wonder — a place where every street, waterfront, and forested park invites you to explore. Choosing Seattle tours that are private and customizable lets you shape your journey around what inspires you most — whether that’s art, history, cuisine, or the wild Pacific Northwest landscape. With your private Seattle tour, the city’s many faces open up to you — one unforgettable moment at a time. Top 10 Must-See Attractions on Your Seattle Tour Seattle’s famous landmarks and lively neighborhoods set the stage for unforgettable experiences. Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss during your tour: Pike Place Market Dive into Seattle’s bustling heart where fish fly through the air, flower stalls explode in color, and cozy cafés invite you to linger. Space Needle Ride to the top of this futuristic icon for panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the glittering cityscape. Chihuly Garden and Glass Wander among spectacular glass sculptures where vibrant forms twist and glow against a backdrop of natural light. Seattle Waterfront Stroll the piers lined with seafood eateries, quirky shops, and the Seattle Aquarium, always with the salty breeze in the air. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Step inside a bold architectural wonder and dive deep into the worlds of music, science fiction, fantasy, and pop art. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) Explore rich collections from Native American carvings to global contemporary works, curated with a strong Pacific Northwest spirit. Discovery Park Hike through forests and along dramatic bluffs where city life feels far away and wide ocean vistas open before you. Kerry Park Viewpoint Capture one of Seattle’s most iconic skyline views — a small park with big, unforgettable perspectives, especially at sunset. Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder Watch boats rise and fall between the lakes and Puget Sound while salmon battle their way upstream in this fascinating engineering marvel. Fremont and Its Eccentric Art Explore the self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe" where trolls lurk under bridges and public art surprises at every turn. Explore Seattle Off the Beaten Path with Your Guide For travelers who want to experience Seattle’s creative and quirky sides, these hidden gems and local favorites reveal a different side of the city: Pioneer Square Underground Tour Step beneath the modern city into the original Seattle streets, where history echoes through brick tunnels and hidden passageways. The Amazon Spheres Get a glimpse of the future inside lush, climate-controlled glass domes designed as part urban jungle, part high-tech wonderland. Volunteer Park Conservatory Breathe in the scents of tropical flowers, towering ferns, and desert cacti under historic glass domes in this peaceful park. Georgetown Neighborhood Discover Seattle’s edgy artistic side among industrial chic cafés, quirky shops, and old brewery warehouses. Gas Works Park Wander a hilltop park built on a former gasification plant, where rusted machinery meets sweeping city and lake views. Day Trip Ideas to Add to Your Seattle Itinerary Expand your journey beyond the city limits with these nearby destinations, each offering a refreshing change of pace and scenery: Olympic National Park Venture into a wild world of moss-draped rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged Pacific coastline on a day of outdoor adventure. Mount Rainier Marvel at glaciers, wildflower-filled valleys, and dramatic mountain vistas while exploring Washington’s iconic volcanic peak. Whidbey Island Ferry across Puget Sound to charming small towns, windswept beaches, and artist enclaves where the pace of life slows. Snoqualmie Falls Stand in awe at the roaring 268-foot waterfall, surrounded by lush forests and easy trails perfect for a refreshing day outdoors. Travel Tips for Your Seattle Tour A few simple tips will help you make the most of your private Seattle tour and move through the city with ease and confidence: Best Times to Visit: June through September brings sunny, mild days perfect for outdoor sightseeing and waterfront strolls. Getting Around During Your Journey: Seattle’s public transit, light rail, ferries, and monorail make it easy to explore. Walking neighborhoods like Downtown, Belltown, and Capitol Hill offers deeper discoveries. What to Wear on Your Tour: Layers are essential — Seattle weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket keep your journey easy in any season. Local Etiquette: Seattleites are friendly but value personal space. Queuing politely and recycling diligently are part of local culture. Explore Seattle Your Way In Seattle, snow-capped mountains meet the sea, music history lives in neon lights, and the smell of fresh coffee floats through bustling markets. Whether you dream of tasting your way through Pike Place, hiking along misty shores, or gazing across glassy lakes to distant peaks, your Seattle tour becomes as bold, creative, or relaxed as you wish. With ToursByLocals, your Seattle journey becomes private, flexible, and thoughtfully shaped around your passions. Find your perfect guide and let Seattle’s vibrant spirit and wild beauty reveal themselves to you — one unforgettable step at a time.