Exploring Seattle with CityPASS: Top Attractions

Seattle is a city bursting with vibrant culture, stunning views, and exciting attractions. One of the best ways to explore Seattle’s top spots is by using the CityPASS, which grants you access to some of the city’s most popular destinations. Here’s a guide to making the most of your CityPASS, focusing on the must-visit attractions. You’ll be able to choose 5 attractions from the below options:

Space Needle

A visit to Seattle isn’t complete without experiencing the iconic Space Needle. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

1. Booking and Arrival: Select your preferred time slot on the CityPASS app. Once you arrive, head to the timed ticket entrance. You’ll also be able to visit the Space Needle twice once in the day and then later on in the evening!
2. Exploring the History: Begin your visit by learning about the history of the Space Needle. There are informative displays and a chance to get a souvenir photo taken, which you’ll receive free by email.
3. The Elevator Ride: After exploring the history, queue for the elevator ride to the top. The ride itself is an exciting experience, offering a glimpse of the views to come.
4. At the Top: Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. The observation deck provides a perfect vantage point for photography enthusiasts.
5. Dining Options: There are two cafes at the top. One serves alcoholic beverages, perfect for a relaxing drink while taking in the views, and the other offers a variety of food and drinks.
6. Revolving Glass Floor: Don’t miss the level with the revolving glass floor. It’s an exhilarating experience to look straight down at the city beneath your feet.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and educational displays, making it a fantastic addition to your CityPASS itinerary.

1. Booking and Arrival: You won’t need to make advance reservations for this attraction.
2. Exhibits and Activities: The center offers a diverse range of exhibits catering to all ages:
   • Tropical Butterfly House: Walk through a lush environment filled with free-flying butterflies.
   • IMAX Theaters: Enjoy educational and entertaining films on a massive screen.
   • Planetarium Shows: Learn about the cosmos with engaging and informative shows.
   • Hands-On Exhibits: Explore interactive science exhibits covering topics from physics to biology.
3. Special Exhibitions: Check the schedule for any special exhibitions or events that might be happening during your visit. These often provide unique, limited-time experiences.

Woodland Park Zoo

The Woodland Park Zoo is a wonderful family-friendly destination, offering a chance to see a diverse range of animals and enjoy beautiful, naturalistic habitats.

1. Booking and Arrival: You don’t have to make a reservation but it is recommended to do so, when we visited it wasn’t super busy but if visiting on a weekend in Summer it may be worth booking in advance.
2. Getting There: The zoo is slightly out of the city centre. We opted for an Uber, and there was WiFi in certain areas of the zoo to help with ordering an Uber back.
3. Exploring the Zoo: The zoo is expansive with various themed areas. Some of our highlights included:
   • Bear Exhibit: Watching two bears play-fight and swim up close was a thrilling experience.
   • Other Animals: We also enjoyed seeing giraffes, mountain goats, zebras, and hippos.
4. Facilities: The zoo offers amenities such as cafes, picnic areas, and rest zones, making it easy to spend a full day exploring.

Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

Experience Seattle from the water with a stunning harbor cruise.

1. Booking and Arrival: You’ll need to make advance reservations on the app for this tour.
2. Tour Highlights: Enjoy a one-hour narrated cruise offering panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, waterfront, and historic neighborhoods.
3. Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as sea lions and harbor seals.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is another fantastic attraction included in the CityPASS. It’s especially great for families with young children.

1. Booking and Arrival: Like the Space Needle, you’ll need to book your tickets in advance via the CityPASS app. There is a separate queue for pre-booked tickets, which helps to avoid long lines.
2. Exhibits and Activities: The aquarium was busy when we visited, but there was plenty to see and do:
   • Interactive Areas: Staff members explained more about starfish and other sea life in the interactive areas, which were educational and engaging.
   • Play Area: There’s a play area where kids can learn and have fun simultaneously.
   • Marine Life: Highlights included seeing seals, puffins, jellyfish, and a wide variety of fish.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

MoPOP is a must-visit for music, science fiction, and pop culture enthusiasts. You don’t have to make reservations for this attraction.

1. Booking and Arrival: You won’t need to make advance reservations for this attraction.
2. Exhibits: Explore exhibits dedicated to icons like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, as well as interactive displays on science fiction, fantasy, and horror films.
3. Interactive Experiences: Engage in hands-on activities, such as playing instruments or creating your own movies in the Sound Lab and Indie Game Revolution exhibits.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

This stunning exhibit showcases the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.

1. Booking and Arrival: You’ll need to make advance reservations on the app for this attraction.
2. Indoor Galleries: Wander through galleries filled with intricate glass sculptures and installations.
3. Glasshouse: Marvel at the expansive Glasshouse, featuring a 100-foot long sculpture.
4. Garden: Stroll through the outdoor garden where glass art blends seamlessly with natural landscapes.

Tips for Using CityPASS in Seattle

• Plan Ahead: Booking your tickets in advance through the CityPASS app is essential, especially for popular attractions.
• Time Management: Allocate enough time for each attraction. The Space Needle and aquarium can be busy, so plan to arrive early.
• Transportation: Consider using ride-sharing services for attractions slightly out of the city center, like the Woodland Park Zoo.
• Enjoy the Extras: Take advantage of the free photo opportunities and interactive exhibits available at these attractions.

With CityPASS, you can efficiently explore some of Seattle’s top attractions while enjoying significant savings. Whether you’re marveling at the views from the Space Needle, watching animals at the zoo, or diving into marine life at the aquarium, Seattle’s CityPASS offers a convenient and memorable way to experience the best of the Emerald City.