We have lived in Seattle for less than a year, but have had a steady stream of visitors.  And for those that play the ‘I-don’t-know…what-do-YOU-want-to-do?” game, I’ve developed a solid list of activities for when I need to play “tour guide.”

• Take a hike.  When you see it daily, you can forget how the mountains & enormous evergreens initially took your breath away. There is so much outdoors to explore in the Pacific Northwest.  For the moderately adventurous, I recommend hiking Rattlesnake Ridge.  For the less adventurous, walk the trails of Discovery Park or visit Snoqualmie Falls.  For visitors that don’t mind a little bit of a drive, check out Deception Pass.
• In the evening, take the Seattle Underground Tour!

• Start the day with breakfast at Pike Place Market.  So many delicious options, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest visitor.  While you’re there, swing by the Gum Wall for a photo and grab coffee at the Original Starbucks.
• Then, walk down to the waterfront for a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel.
• Next, head over to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.  This is beautiful day or night.
• Right next door you’ll find the Space Needle.  Go ahead and take a ride to the top [because, well… it’s Seattle… you just have to.]

• Start the day with a famous Top Pot Doughnut.  If you visit the one in Ballard, be sure to say hi to the Fremont Troll.
• For the rest of the day, choose-your-own-adventure:
  Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island
  -OR-
  Visit Alki Beach in West Seattle

• Stop at the Seattle Aquarium after your ride on the Great Wheel.
• The Duck Tour is another great, kid-friendly way to see the city.

• Take a tour of Boeing’s Aviation Center.
• Watch the boats pass through the Ballard Locks and tour the botanical garden.

Disclaimer:  I originally wrote this article for the Seattle Local Mom Blog.