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Why You Need to Experience Seattle before Your Alaska Cruise

It’s time for a vacation, and you’re longing for an Alaska cruise. With glaciers to see, mountain trails to hike, whales to watch and fishing villages to explore, you’re bound to have the time of your life. Cruise from Seattle, and start your vacation off with a bang before you board the ship.

With stunning beauty, loads of outdoor activities and exciting urban attractions, it’s no wonder the Emerald City is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. As vacation experts, we’ve created a list on why you should take some days to explore

With stunning beauty, loads of outdoor activities and exciting urban attractions, it’s no wonder the Emerald City is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations. As vacation experts, we’ve created a list on why you should take some days to explore Seattle. We do the research, you choose the fun!

Seattle. We do the research, you choose the fun!

a panoramic view of seattle

 

Savor the Flavors at the City’s Public Market

With so much to see and do, at the city’s public market, you could easily spend more than one day here. While you’re shopping for artisan-made wares, stop to see the friendly fishmongers throw fresh-caught salmon in a show that has been delighting locals and tourists for decades.

For more unique sights, make your way to the Gum Wall in Post Alley, or visit a museum dedicated to shoes in the market’s Down Under level.

gum wall near pike place market

Later when you need a break, sit on the outdoor plaza and listen to street performers while enjoying the views of Elliott Bay.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Seattle, you can satisfy just about any of your cravings at the market. Order a scrumptious, wood-fired pizza, plate of Italian pasta or a steaming bowl of clam chowder. For dessert, indulge in chocolate-covered cherries, try a mini cheesecake-on-a-stick, or sip on a prosecco float made with Italian bubbly and sorbet.

a sign pointing toward pike place market

Visit Local Zoos

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Seattle, visiting a zoo is a great option for the whole family. Observe lions, giraffes and hippos in the African Savanna, or get up close and personal with siamangs and orangutans.

While at the zoos, check out the showcase of Alaskan animals like brown bears, mountain goats, gray wolves, elk and snowy owls.

giraffes at an exhibit in the seattle zoo

Behold Seattle’s Spectacular Sights at the Space Needle

For breathtaking city and water views of Seattle, nothing beats a visit to the Space Needle. This iconic Seattle attraction, which was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, today rises over 600 feet in the air and attracts millions of locals and travelers alike every year. It continues to attract millions of locals and travelers alike each year.

With a lightning-fast elevator ride lasting a mere 43 seconds, you’ll arrive at three observation decks where you can take in views of Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains and — on a clear day — Mount Rainier.

a close up of the space needle

Visit a Museum or Aquarium

There are several museums in the Seattle area, one of which tributes to American pop culture with exhibits dedicated to superheroes, horror films, rock musicians, science fiction and much more. Some museums also feature movies that serve as an entertaining yet educational take on Seattle.

Not into pop culture? Check out a Seattle museum that features a magnificent indoor display of colorful, glass sculpture set against a pitch-black background. Also, see glass towers and spheres intermingle with camellias, lilies and dogwoods for a dynamic juxtaposition of nature and art.

If you’ve already tackled the museums, check out the wonders of the sea at Seattle’s famous Aquarium. You can see a variety of Pacific Ocean creatures from sea otters to sharks.

clowfish from an aquarium exhibit

Take a Stroll Down The Waterfront

If you have a hankering for fresh lobster, seared sea scallops or oysters on the half shell, the Waterfront is the place to eat. Enjoy mouthwatering food, sip wine and take in spectacular views on Elliott Bay. While out on the piers, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the waterfront with a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Also, you can visit an immersive state-of-the-art theatre for spectacular, aerial views of the entire state. This high-tech theater offers an adventure unlike any other with for a truly realistic experience.

You’ll also find your fair share of gift shops or markets where you can purchase souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Seattle or to bring home to friends.

a panoramic view of a seattle pier on the waterfront

Get Excited for Your Cruise to Alaska

Now that you’ve discovered everything Seattle has to offer including outdoor markets, zoos, museums, restaurants and spectacular sea views, get ready to book your Alaskan cruise. With glaciers to see, mountain trails to hike, whales to watch and fishing villages to explore, you’re bound to have the time of your life.

a carnival cruise ship sailing to alaska

For a true Alaskan experience, make sure to book a few exciting shore excursions. You can explore glaciers by helicopter and operate a dogsled in one fantastic trip or try a number of other adventures. Attend a lumberjack show and crab feast, navigate mountain trails by ATV or tour the Alaskan countryside by train for an epic vacation you won’t forget.