Ready to experience a string of outdoor adventures this winter?
While Seattle largely remains gray and gloomy during the winter months, it’s still a lovely time to visit the city. And if you’re traveling for the first time, you’ll be surprised to see a different sort of creative and cultural energy flowing through Seattleites.
Most people swap outdoor adventures for cozy places like coffee shops. While other popular winter attractions include music fests and local museum tours, among others. But it’s not the end of the road for thrill-seekers, as outdoor winter adventures are a stone’s throw from the city.
Thanks to its Pacific Northwest location, Seattle features a diverse terrain from beaches to skiing slopes. Adventure enthusiasts can head out to the less-crowded Stevens Pass or hike the frigid trails of Mount Rainier National Park. On that note, here are the ten most popular wintertime activities near Seattle.
10 Exciting Things to do in Seattle this Winter
There is no shortage of family-friendly wintertime activities in Seattle. But these are our top ten contenders.
Explore the Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is the perfect place to explore natural habitats during the winter. And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll thoroughly enjoy spending a day amidst nature. Situated next to Green Lake Park, Woodland Park Zoo adapts to Seattle’s icy conditions with heated indoor exhibits and mesmerizing holiday lights display.
If the weather gets too wild, visitors can explore much of the park while staying indoors. And the zoo even has a rain-ready map for when the need arises. For example, the Tropical Rain Forest exhibit is an excellent place to explore while avoiding the weather.
Hike Through the Icy Trails of the Pacific Northwest
The mesmerizing Pacific Northwest doesn’t run out of outdoor adventures during winter. While the mossy landscapes and mountains provide new scenery to explore. Some of Seattle’s most scenic hiking trails are located right outside the city. And they are an excellent way to stay active during the frigid months.
Several marathons encourage Seattleites to hit the pavement during winter. And the Seattle Marathon is the most notable of the bunch. The event is hosted on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving and draws thousands of participants from all over the state.
Visit Fox in a Box Escape Rooms Seattle
Escape rooms are an excellent way to spend a winter afternoon fighting crime and solving mysteries with your squad. And if you’re in Seattle this winter, don’t forget to visit Fox in a Box Escape Rooms, the #1 escape room in Seattle. Find a family-friendly puzzle that the kids will love and enjoy 60-minutes of pure adrenaline rush.
If you’ve never experienced a game escape room before, it’s the perfect excuse to visit our Seattle escape room. That’s not all! We received the coveted TripAdvisor 2021 Traveler’s Choice Award. And we’re thrilled to craft a bespoke experience for you! So, what are you waiting for? Book your slots now!
Ski at Stevens Pass
The mountains around Seattle are a treat for skiing, and Stevens Pass is one of the most popular spots. Located less than two hours from the city, visitors can try their hands at downhill pursuits at the Ski Resort.
Spread over 1000 acres, it’s one of the best properties in Washington State. And the amenities include ten chairlifts for transporting skiers and snowboarders, mountain dining, and a slew of fun weekend entertainment. You should also visit the Stevens pass Nordic Center to learn more about cross-country skiing and snowshoeing expeditions.
Board a Ferry to the San Juan Islands
A trip to the San Juan Islands is a must on your travel bucket list when visiting Seattle during winter. And despite being the “off-season,” the coastal getaway provides several excellent opportunities to relish the season.
Friday Harbor is the biggest community on this tiny archipelago and is the base camp for exploring the region. You’ll find several cozy winter accommodations here while a fleet of ferries travels between the mainland every day. Popular tourist attractions include hiking, watching morning storms crash on the rocky beaches, and relaxing spa visits.
Spend a Weekend a Leavenworth
There is no shortage of fun weekend getaways near Seattle. And apart from Stevens Pass, tourists can also drive down to Leavenworth. The Bavarian-themed tourist destination is the hub of exciting winter expeditions. And as the days start getting shorter, the evenings transform into a wonderland of bright and colorful lights displays.
Leavenworth’s top attractions include swirls of sensory details that define the season. Primary among which are roasting chestnuts, the village of lights, and caroling choirs. Leavenworth’s proximity to prime mountainous terrain makes it the perfect weekend destination during winter. And cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the top attractions here.
Visit a Museum in Seattle
Seattle has several fascinating museums that are best explored during winter. And while these establishments are pretty popular during the summer, the charm amplifies on a gloomy winter day. The Museum of Pop Culture is a local favorite, and some of its most popular exhibits are the music-making equipment and detailed displays.
The Museum of Flight is next on our list. Home to thousands of exciting aviation artifacts, it’s the largest exhibition of its kind in the world. Other notable museums in Seattle are the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Pinball Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
Explore the Seattle Waterfront
Experience Seattle’s proximity to Puget Sound by strolling around the waterfront on a bright and chilly winter morning. The famous Pikes Peak Market marks the entrance to this iconic part of the city. And the best part about visiting in winter is the absence of tourists.
Travelers can enjoy several exciting winter activities on the waterfront. Hop aboard the Seattle Great Wheel or take a guided cruise on the water. The entire waterfront is accessible on foot, which is great fun during winter. You should also visit the Seattle Aquarium, which is at a stone’s throw.
Watch a Quiet Sunset from the Space Needle
The Seattle Space Needle is an iconic structure in the cityscape. Constructed in 1962 for the Space Fair, the Space Needle remains a popular tourist destination. With two observation decks and a revolving glass floor, the panoramic view from the top is unparallel.
While the Space Needle is popular during winter, it’s the best month to visit if you’re trying to avoid a crowd. And while the view is amazing, it’s not the only attraction. The Seattle Center Winterfest attracts locals during December. And the five-week celebration packs several affordable and thrilling family-friendly activities like ice sculpting, ice skating, and more.
Find a Secluded Spot on the Beach
Seattle is home to several fantastic beaches that remain packed with locals and tourists during summer. But as the crowds disperse during winter, finding a secluded spot by the beach is relatively simple. Discovery Park, the largest beach in Seattle, puts up a unique face at the onset of the cold. And the icy trails intrigue the most avid adventurers.
This 500-acre public park is close to the city center and is the perfect destination for long walks by the beach and random wildlife sightings. Apart from Discovery Park, you can also check out Golden Gardens Park and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park when you’re in town.
Ready for an Awesome Vacation in Seattle this Winter?
Seattle packs several enjoyable family-friendly wintertime activities that promise to liven up your vacation. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or are looking for a leisure trip, there is no shortage of options in Seattle.
If you like this blog and would love to read more, check out our blogs section. And if you’re visiting for the first time, here are eight things that you should know about Seattle. For queries, get in touch today.
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