Summer is almost here and before you know it, it’ll be gone in the blink of an eye. So with that in mind, we want to help you guys have the best summer possible. Part of that is of course getting out and about in the city and having some fun. Between getting out in nature, eating food, and seeing art, there are plenty of amazing things to do this summer. Here are 29 things to add to your Seattle summer bucket list.
Outdoors
We’re all about those stunning summer hikes. Especially the ones with super fun features at the end like Denny Creek’s natural waterslide. No need to line up at the water park when you can just slide to your heart’s content right in nature. Get ready for your new favorite hike.
Where: Denny Creek
It’s a simple one but it might not be the first thing you think of doing. Seattle has so many amazing places to bike with opportunities to take both short and long rides depending on what you’re feeling. Of course, we made a list of our favorite places for you guys.
There’s nothing better than a beautiful walk on a perfect summer day. We recommend checking out one of our city’s stunning botanical gardens. It actually turns out that there are a ton and we’ve gone ahead and created a list for you so that you don’t have to look too hard. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Taking a trip to the islands is always a good idea if you ask us. You can go as far or as close to town as you’d like and riding the ferry is always great fun. Just imagine standing up there on the top deck, wind in your hair, taking in the stunning sound views. Pretty idyllic if you ask us.
When: Service daily
Where: 801 Alaskan Way
Cost: Varies by route
Now that spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner, the plants are blooming. That includes our state’s wildflowers which are starting to pop up statewide. Treat yourself to a hike full of beautiful blooms that you won’t soon forget.
Explore Lake Washington on kayaks
Agua Verde is one of the coolest spots to dine right on the lake but they also happen to offer some pretty sweet boat rentals. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard by the hour depending on your preferences. You and your sweetie can rip around on kayaks in Lake Union or head over towards the Arboretum for an unforgettable nature experience.
When: Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-8 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Where: 1307 NE Boat St
Cost: $23+
Of course, going to the beach is on our summer bucket list. Whether you want to just chill by the water, check out a lake, or the sound, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite spots. Just don’t forget your towel, bathing suit, and some SPF.
Go hiking with Trailhead Direct
For the 2022 season, you will be able to visit Mount Si. The Trailhead Direct buses will originate from “Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station and service every 30 minutes to Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si…”
When: Until September 11th
Where: Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station
Cost: $1.50-$2.75
Perhaps the highlight of PNW summers is ending them with some amazing berry picking. There are tons of farms offering u pick blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. You can pick to your heart’s content and get farm-fresh berries for a screaming deal. Just remember to freeze and save some for winter.
Art and Culture
Take a walk at the Olympic Sculpture Park
Summer is the time to explore our city’s stunning Olympic Sculpture Park. You can check out some amazing local and international artist’s works and also get an amazing view of the sound. If you’re really feeling it afterward, walk down Myrtle Edward’s trail for some extra views.
When: Open daily 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset
Where: 2901 Western Avenue
Cost: Free
Some of this year’s themes include “Outside Your Comfort Zone,” “Banned or Challenged Book,” “Blue Cover,” and “Sci-fi or Fantasy by a BIPOC Author.” You can also fill in squares for “Read Outside,” “Set Somewhere You’d Like to Visit,” “Set South of the Equator” and much more. It’s the perfect chance to read something new!
When: Throughout the summer
Lauren Halsey’s show is the Seattle Art Museums’ next upcoming exhibition. Her work “spans sculpture, installation, and architecture, including site-specific projects, particularly in the South Central neighborhood of Los Angeles.” Further, “her work maintains a sense of civic urgency and free-flowing imagination, reflecting the lives of the people and places around her and addressing the crucial issues confronting people of color, queer populations, and the working class.”
When: Until July 17th
Where: 1300 First Ave
Cost: $19.99+
From Dawn to Dusk: Nordic Art from Sweden’s Nationalmuseum
Check out 56 paintings by Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish artists held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, right here in Seattle. You’ll see scenes of everyday life, portraits, and landscapes by Vilhelm Hammershøi, Hanna Hirsch-Pauli, Carl Larsson, August Strindberg, Anders Zorn, and many others.
When: Until July 17th
Where: 2655 NW Market St
Cost: $20
Recent Acquisitions: Jeffry Mitchell
The Frye is showcasing work from local “gay folk artist” Jeffry Mitchell. This show highlights his work with lotus bulbs and is sure to be one of the better shows that you see this year. Think bright, happy, and fun pieces.
When: Until July 24th
Where: 704 Terry Ave
Cost: Free
Drive-in Movies at Marymoor Park
If you want a break from your regular old streaming you should check out drive-in movies at Marymoor Park. You can watch tons of movies ranging from feel-good classics to kid’s movies and more. Now that the good weather is here to stay, it’s the perfect time to get back into outdoor movie-going so be sure to check it out.
When: Until August
Where: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE Redmond, WA
Cost: $30 per carload
There are all sorts of concerts happening this summer, between June’s concert lineup and all of the upcoming festivals you’ll have no shortage of shows to see. From rap to indie rock, pop and more, it’s all happening this summer.
Food & Drink
Ice cream is one of our favorite treats to enjoy during the summer. It’s one of the best ways to cool down after a long summer day. Luckily, Seattle has so many amazing spots to grab ice cream with locations all over the city. Of course, we made a whole list for you guys.
At the end of the day, chances are that you could use a drink and maybe even a view. If that’s the case then we recommend heading to one of the city’s many amazing rooftop patios to unwind. As always we have a few picks and suggestions to help you guys out.
Local natural wine shop and bar La Dive actually offers a monthly wine subscription! When you sign up you can choose between three different subscription options. The first option is two bottles a month for $42, then four bottles a month for $84, or six bottles a month for $120.
Try a new restaurant
Trying a new restaurant during the summer just hits different than in the winter. Plus, Seattle has seen a huge influx of new names in the city. We’ve got a list of places for you to start out with, but of course, just keep following along as we learn about more and more!
Seattle has a lot of waterfronts and a lot of restaurants so you know what that means. We have a great selection of waterfront dining spots that you can check out no matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for. You don’t even have to ask, we already made a list of selections for you.
We know that you probably don’t need a reminder about Pike Place. But summer is one of the market’s best seasons so you might as well take advantage of it. Stock up on veggies, meat, stone fruit, and more. You can take it home and enjoy an amazing bbq to cap your perfect summer evening.
Hours: Daily 9 am-6 pm
Where: 85 Pike St
Waterfront dining is a must in summer and one of our favorite places to do it is at Taylor Shellfish Farm’s Chuckanut Drive restaurant. It’s a cute but no-frills spot where you buy your oysters and shuck them yourself at one of the outside picnic tables. It’s a tasty and unforgettable experience that you should have this summer.
Where: 2182 Chuckanut Drive
Hours: Daily 10 am-Sunset
Major Attractions
Splash to your heart’s content at Wild Waves
When was the last time you went to a water park? It’s probably been way longer than any of us even realize. So change that this summer and head to Washington’s most classic water park. Wild Waves is fun for people of all ages and isn’t too far out of the city. Just be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
When: Daily
Where: 36201 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way, WA
Cost: Season pass $99.99, Single-day ticket $54.99
If you’ve been meaning to hit the water, there’s no better way to do it than with Argosy Cruises. Seattle’s favorite cruise line is back with select tours for you to enjoy. You can learn facts about Seattle’s past and present and also see amazing views from the water. It’s a great thing to do solo or with friends and family.
When: Tours available daily
Where: 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201
Cost: $20+
Sure you might be used to the great wheel as part of the skyline at this point but when you think about it, it’s pretty dang cool that we have a waterfront ferris wheel. That being said, the ferris wheel is one of the most amazing places to catch a sunset in the city. So if you want to change up your view, definitely go for a ride.
When: Friday & Saturday:11 am-10 pm, Sundays 11 am-8 pm, Monday-Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
Where: 1301 Alaskan Way
Cost: $16
Other
Summer is the best time for dates, the world is truly your oyster when it comes to the possibilities for things that you can do. Of course, planning dates can take a lot of time and effort so we thought we’d help you guys out with some ideas. Whether it’s your first or hundredth date, we’ve got you covered.
If you’ve ever wanted to see Seattle the way a bird does, why not take a flight tour? There are several that operate both in and around the city meaning you can get urban or nature views or both! We made a small list of them for you.
Capitol Hill is kind of the center of Seattle’s nightlife, especially in the summer. But if you want to check out the neighborhood during the day there are a few gems that you should know about. Between shopping, eats, art, and more, we’ve got you covered with a list of things to check out.
Those are our additions to your Seattle summer bucket list. We hope that you check out at least a few of them and if you do, be sure to let us know what you think. Have fun out there Seattle!
