17 Best Things to Do in Seattle in the Summer (2026)

As a longtime Seattle local who loves all the summer activities the city has to offer, I’m frequently asked, “When is the best time to visit Seattle?” There’s something to do in every season, but you can’t beat Seattle in the summer. The weather is warm, the sun’s out most days, and there’s no shortage of things to do in Seattle in the summer.

As a Seattle local, you’ll rarely find me outside of Washington during summer, with the exception of exploring Vancouver summer activities or other Pacific Northwest regions. I’m constantly going on new hikes, out on road trips, or visiting our national parks. By the time fall in Seattle rolls around, I’m exhausted from how much I cram in during this season.

Outdoor activities are at their peak this time of year, and you’ll also find a ton of festivals to enjoy in the sunshine. It was hard to narrow down my favorite summer Seattle activities, but these are the ones I keep doing every year and recommend to visitors. Here are the 17 best things to do in Seattle in the summer.

17 Fun Things to Do in Seattle in the Summer

Thanks to the gorgeous weather, there are tons of Seattle summer activities to do. Here are some to check out!

1. Take a Ferry Ride

Taking a ferry is one of the most common summer things to do in Seattle, so head down to Pier 52 to catch the ferry over to nearby Bainbridge Island. For only $8, you can walk on to enjoy the 30-minute ride across the water.

Some people enjoy doing a trip there and back, while others get off on the other side and walk up to the small downtown area to enjoy their Bainbridge Island day trip. This is one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you’ve never taken a ferry ride before, it’s a quintessential activity to do in the Pacific Northwest!

Another great island to visit close to Seattle is Vashon, as you’ll find no shortage of what to do on Vashon Island.

2. Visit a Sandy Beach

Seattle isn’t known for its sandy beaches, but Alki Beach in West Seattle is one of the few places you can find them. It’s the closest thing the city has to a California beach vibe, with a long stretch of sand, a paved waterfront path, and views straight across to downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains. People flock here when the weather is warm because it’s one of the best things to do in Seattle in the summer for families and groups.

You can play beach volleyball, swim in the water (it’s cold, even in August), rent bikes or rollerblades for the paved waterfront strip, or just bring a blanket and watch the sunset over the water. There are several casual restaurants along the strip if you want to grab fish and chips or ice cream while you’re there.

Alki gets busy on summer weekends, especially around July 4th when fireworks light up Elliott Bay. Parking can be tough near the beach, so arrive early or take the water taxi from downtown for an extra-fun way to get there.

3. Splurge on a Famous Waterfront Hotel

Since the weather is almost always gorgeous in Seattle in the summer, I always recommend splurging a bit and staying at a waterfront hotel with one of the best views in Seattle if you’re spending a weekend in Seattle.

The Edgewater holds a unique place in Seattle’s history, having opened its doors in 1962 to coincide with the World’s Fair (a fun Seattle fact). Overlooking the picturesque Puget Sound, this iconic hotel has welcomed many famous guests over the years, including The Beatles, during their 1964 tour. The band’s stay at The Edgewater made headlines when they were photographed fishing from their suite’s window.

The hotel features 223 guestrooms and suites, many of which boast stunning waterfront views and cozy gas fireplaces. You can indulge in delicious locally-inspired cuisine at the on-site Six Seven Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The Edgewater also provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, a well-appointed business center, and an assortment of meeting and event spaces.

4. Catch a Mariners Game at T-Mobile Park

Baseball season runs from April through September, which makes a Mariners game one of the easiest things to do in Seattle in the summer. T-Mobile Park sits in SoDo just south of downtown and is one of the most beautiful stadiums in Major League Baseball, with a retractable roof, views of the downtown skyline, and an open-air feel during summer evening games.

I’ve been to multiple games over the years, and the atmosphere is fun even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan. The stadium has solid food options (try the garlic fries, a Seattle staple), local beer on tap, and family-friendly sections. Evening games during summer are especially great when the sun is still up at first pitch, and the city is lit up by the time the game ends.

You can buy tickets directly through the Mariners’ website. Single tickets start at $15 for upper-deck seats, and weekday games tend to be the cheapest and least crowded. The Mariners also offer promotional nights throughout the summer, including fireworks games, giveaway nights, and themed events.

If you want a more affordable minor league option, check out the Everett AquaSox (the Mariners’ minor league affiliate, about 30 minutes north of Seattle) or the Tacoma Rainiers (their Triple-A team, about 30 minutes south). Tickets are typically under $20, and both stadiums have an old-school small-town baseball feel that’s a fun alternative to a big league game. We go to at least half a dozen AquaSox games every summer because they’re so kid-friendly.

5. Go on a Road Trip

There’s no better time to go on a Seattle road trip than summer in Seattle. There are various long weekend getaways from Seattle that you can visit if you’re looking for a vacation. You can head over to the Cascade Mountains or out to the coast to see the Pacific Ocean.

A great idea for a road trip is doing a drive around the Olympic Peninsula. You can walk through a rainforest, visit the coast, and spend a day in Olympic National Park.

If you’re looking for a longer vacation, check out my Pacific Northwest road trip, which will take you to some of the best spots in the area. You’ll get to see the mountains, ocean, and even a rainforest!

Want to get out of the state? You’ll love going on a Seattle to Yellowstone road trip that has you visit plenty of fun stops along the way to the most famous national park.

Need help planning out your road trip? I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to see exactly how long it’ll take from one point to the next and find new places to add to my itinerary!

6. Go Whale Watching

One of the most iconic things to do in Seattle in the summer is to go on a Seattle whale-watching tour. This is the perfect time to see our local whales playing in their natural habitat, and they love showing off for the boats (all of which keep a respectful distance).

I’ve done this multiple times, and it never gets old the first time you see that first whale tail. Seattle seems to be known for it, so I’m always happy to take friends on tours when they come as well. I recommend going on a morning tour while the waves are a bit calmer, plus it’s easier to spot the whales then.

7. Visit Mount Rainier National Park

There are plenty of things to do in Seattle and many quick Seattle day trips you can do to get out of the city. These are a great way to experience more of the state and spend your day in Seattle in the summer.

Mount Rainier is the most famous mountain in the state and a beautiful place to visit when you’re looking for a Seattle summer activity. Depending on traffic, it’ll take you about three hours to get there, but it’s worth the long Mount Rainier day trip.

Stop at the visitor’s center at this national park to learn about the area, and then head out on various hikes around the mountain. There are hikes at Mount Rainier for every level, whether you want to take a casual hike through the wildflowers or push yourself with a tougher one.

However, you should note that the summer weather here is different, and you won’t see the snow melt until about July. That means I wouldn’t plan any hikes until that time, and the wildflowers don’t bloom until about August (which makes it one of the best things to do in Seattle in August!).

This makes the area one of the most popular places to visit in Seattle in summer and is on many people’s Washington bucket lists.

8. Explore Underground Seattle

The current city of Seattle was built on top of the original town, which is both fascinating and terrifying, depending on how you look at it. The history is interesting, though, so it’s worth the $22 ticket to access otherwise restricted areas beneath the streets of Seattle and see original structures left from the 1800s.

While this is a popular thing to do in Seattle in the winter, it’s also ideal when you want a break from sunny summer days in Seattle. I’ve done this a handful of times and still learn new facts each time I go, thanks to the tour guides. They’re also really funny, which was unexpected on this history tour.

9. Tour the City with a Seaplane

One of the best Seattle summer activities is taking a seaplane to see the city from above. You can book a tour from South Lake Union or Lake Washington and take a short trip across Lake Union, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound.

If you’re in town visiting, it’s fun to do this at the beginning of your trip to get your bearings on the different neighborhoods. I’ve lived here for most of my life, and only did this for the first time a few years ago. It’s fun even if you’re a local!

10. Go Scuba Diving

If you’ve ever been in the (cold) water in Seattle, you might think I’m crazy for recommending scuba diving. However, Seattle has some fantastic creatures down below that are worth checking out, and I’ve been scuba diving in Seattle numerous times at this point.

You can rent a wetsuit if you’re worried about being cold, but I’ve found I’m fine in a dry suit during the summer. Some popular places to dive in the area are West Seattle, Edmonds, and Whidbey Island (which is one of the top things to do on Whidbey Island). There are plenty of shops to take lessons at and rent gear – I use Underwater Sports for both my gear rental and hiring an instructor for an hour to come out with me.

11. Take an Ice Cream Cruise

The Lake Union Ice Cream Cruise is one of Seattle’s most underrated summer activities and a fun, low-cost way to see Lake Union from the water. The 45-minute narrated tour leaves from Fishermen’s Terminal (Dock 9) every Sunday from March through late September, with extra Friday and Saturday sailings during peak summer. The boat cruises through the Lake Washington Ship Canal to Lake Union for a relaxed look at the city from the water.

You’ll see some really iconic spots from the water, including the houseboat from Sleepless in Seattle, the Fremont neighborhood waterfront, Gas Works Park from the lakeside, and one of the busiest drawbridges in the world. The captain provides historical narration about Seattle’s transformation from a mill town, the development of Lake Union, and the floating home communities along the way.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for kids 5-13, and $2 for kids under 5 (pets ride free). Ice cream is sold separately on board. The boat is informal and family-friendly, with parking at Fishermen’s Terminal. Book your spot at the Seattle Water Tours website ahead of time, especially for weekend sailings during peak summer.

12. See Hydroplane Races at Seafair

The weather during a Seattle summer is ideal for water activities, and Seafair takes full advantage of that. Held the first weekend of August every year, Seafair is one of Seattle’s most iconic summer events, featuring a weeklong celebration centered on Lake Washington.

The main attraction is the hydroplane races, where high-speed unlimited hydroplanes tear around the lake at speeds over 200 mph. The boats are loud, fast, and create massive rooster tails of water that you can see from miles away. The free public viewing areas on the lake’s shorelines fill up early on race weekend, so plan to arrive at sunrise or be ready to walk a long way from parking.

The Blue Angels also perform aerial demonstrations during Seafair weekend, with their practice flights starting Thursday and the main shows on Saturday and Sunday. You can hear them roaring over the city for days, a real Seattle summer tradition. I used to work downtown and loved to hear them zoom past during practice runs. Seafair 2026 takes place the first weekend of August.

13. Attend a Concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville is about 30 minutes north of downtown Seattle and hosts one of the most popular summer concert series in the Pacific Northwest. From June through early September, the winery’s open-air amphitheater hosts major acts ranging from classic rock and country to comedy and indie, all set against the backdrop of the winery grounds.

I went to my first concert there almost 15 years ago (Blondie!) and try to go at least once every year (I’m actually going three times this summer). You can bring a picnic, grab a glass of Chateau Ste. Michelle wine, and settle in on the lawn for the show. The vibe is laid-back and outdoor-summer-perfect, and Woodinville’s surrounding wineries make it easy to turn the day into a full Woodinville wine country trip.

For something bigger and grittier in downtown Seattle, Bumbershoot is the city’s flagship summer music festival, held at Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend. It’s been running since 1971 and pulls major lineups across music, art, comedy, and food. I’ve been several times, and it’s always a fun way to end summer. This year’s dates are September 5-6, 2026.

For more nightlife-driven Seattle summer experiences, check out my guide on things to do in Capitol Hill for the city’s best concert venues, patios, and food scene.

14. Head Out on a Hike

Locals are big into hiking in Seattle during summer, so head up to whatever trail you decide to do early to get a spot in the parking lot. There are many summer hikes along I-90, so you can be hiking in less than an hour from leaving Seattle.

Some popular ones are Mt. Si, Rattlesnake Ridge, and Twin Falls. Just make sure to go early to get a parking lot, as hiking is popular in Seattle in the summer.

My favorite hikes in the state are in the national parks, so I encourage you to check out hikes in North Cascades and Olympic National Park hikes (I love going on a trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park in the summer).

I also have a list of easy Washington hikes if you have kids or just want to go for a stroll. In addition, check out some of the best hikes in Washington State (in my opinion).

Hiking is also a great cheap activity in Seattle when you’re on a budget. You may need to pay $5 for a day pass to park at the hiking trailhead, but you can save money by bringing your own snacks and water.

15. Visit a Waterfall

There are many beautiful waterfalls in Washington, but Snoqualmie Falls is one of the closest and biggest ones. You can see it from the top or walk down about a mile to get great photos from the bottom.

I highly recommend staying at the stunning Salish Lodge & Spa located on-site and having breakfast with a view of the falls in the morning (read my Salish Lodge review for more details). I stayed there for the first time ever a few years ago and found the splurge worth it, as it’s so relaxing.

We also have some beautiful waterfall hikes in Washington you’ll want to check out this time of year that will take you around Seattle, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Similarly, Portland in the summer is a fun time to take a trip to see the waterfalls down there as well.

16. Eat at Iconic Seattle Restaurants

There is no shortage of amazing seafood in Seattle, so you’ll want to try some of the freshest fish and crab when looking for what to do in Seattle in summer. Here are a few places I recommend:

• The Crab Pot – One of my absolute favorite restaurants during the summer in Seattle is The Crab Pot. There’s nothing better than sitting outside on their deck on a sunny day on the waterfront. These have a variety of crab, potatoes, corn, and sausage in them and are a blast to eat. They even give you a bib and a hammer to use!
• Red Mill Burgers – The first Red Mill Burgers opened in 1937, and there have been several locations around the area that have opened since. Everything from their burgers to their buns is tasty, and I always get the Verde Burger (warning – it’s spicy!).
• Dicks – Dicks is the place to go late at night to get cheap, greasy food. With multiple locations around the area, there’s almost always a line at this old-school drive-in no matter which one you’re at. Sir Mix-a-Lot and Macklemore both made the one on Broadway (in the Capitol Hill neighborhood) famous for music video shoots (I was here for the “White Walls” video by Macklemore!).
• Molly Moon’s – Possibly the most popular ice cream place in the city, you can spot it by the constant line that winds around the corner. There are half a dozen locations, including Capitol Hill and Wallingford, and I recommend trying the honey-lavender ice cream.

Buying a Seattle CityPASS is a great way to save money on ticket costs, as you’ll be able to see multiple Seattle attractions for one price!

If you’re looking for more things to do, check out my one day in Seattle itinerary.

17. Picnic at Gasworks Park

The hill at Gasworks Park is massive, so it’s the perfect place to grab your blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a scenic lunch. You’ll be at the north end of Lake Union and have beautiful views of seaplanes flying in and out, boats going by, and downtown Seattle.

This is also a very kid-friendly destination, as they can roll down the hill or walk around the structures. Gasworks is also one of the best spots for viewing the 4th of July fireworks but go early to grab a spot because all the locals will have the same idea.

Want to travel farther? Head out on an Oregon Coast road trip!

Where to Stay During Seattle in the Summer

Summer in Seattle is high season for travel, so book accommodations early. The waterfront area is the most convenient for first-time visitors and lets you walk to Pike Place Market, the ferry, and most downtown attractions.

For larger groups or longer stays, vacation rentals are also a strong option since you can split costs and have a kitchen. Browse vacation rentals in Seattle on VRBO for condos and homes across the city.

Visiting the city? Here’s how to get from SeaTac Airport to downtown.

Planning Your Trip to Seattle in the Summer

Here are some tips to plan your visit.

How hot does Seattle get in the summer?

Seattle summers are generally mild compared to other US cities, with daytime highs averaging in the upper 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit. July and August are the warmest months, with average highs of 72°F. That said, Seattle does see heat waves in which temperatures reach the 90s and occasionally exceed 100°F, usually for short stretches in July or August. Evenings cool down significantly, often into the 50s, so pack layers.

Does it rain in Seattle in the summer?

Seattle summers are actually quite dry compared to the rainy reputation. June can still see occasional rain (locals say summer doesn’t truly start until July 5th), but July and August are typically the driest months of the year. Expect mostly sunny days with the occasional gray or drizzly morning that usually burns off by afternoon. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is still smart to pack just in case.

What is the best month to visit Seattle in the summer?

July and August are peak summer months with the warmest weather, the longest days, and the most events. They’re also the busiest and most expensive times to visit. June is a great shoulder choice with fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, though you’ll see more rain. September feels like a soft transition with shorter days but still beautiful weather, especially in early September before fall arrives.

What should I pack for Seattle in the summer?

Pack lightweight clothing for warm days (T-shirts, shorts, breathable fabrics) plus layers for cool mornings and evenings (light jacket, cardigan, or hoodie). Bring comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be exploring on foot. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella is smart for the occasional summer shower. Sunglasses are essential since the summer sun in Seattle can be intense, especially around the water.

Is Seattle worth visiting in the summer?

Seattle in the summer is genuinely one of the best times to visit. The weather is the most predictable of the year, daylight stretches until past 9 PM in mid-summer, and the city is alive with outdoor activities, festivals, and waterfront energy. If you can only visit Seattle once, summer is the ideal season to plan around.

Do you need a car in Seattle in the summer?

You don’t necessarily need a car if you’re staying downtown and focusing on city activities. Seattle has solid public transit, and most major attractions are within walking distance of waterfront hotels. However, a car is essential for day trips to Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Peninsula, or hiking trails outside the city. If you’re planning road trips or hiking, rent a car for those days specifically.

Seattle in the summer is one of the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re catching a Mariners game, hiking through Mt. Rainier, kayaking on Lake Union, or just wandering Pike Place Market with a coffee, the city earns its reputation as a summer destination. After 30+ years of exploring it, I still discover new corners every season.

Whatever you choose from this list of the best things to do in Seattle in the summer, build in time for spontaneous moments. The 9 PM sunsets and warm patio evenings are what locals look forward to all year, and you don’t want to miss them by overscheduling