Attractions in Seattle

Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks provide a navigable connection for ships passing between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lakes Union and Washington. It's a fascinating look at nautical engineering and local ecology.

Sitting on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium focuses heavily on the marine life of the Puget Sound region. It's a leading institution for marine conservation and offers engaging exhibits for families.

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a stunning, historic Victorian-style glass greenhouse. It offers a lush, tropical escape from the frequently grey Seattle skies, featuring thousands of beautiful, exotic plants across five distinct show houses.

Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, the Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre zoological garden known for creating realistic, immersive bioclimatic habitats for its animals. It is globally recognized for its conservation and education efforts.

Hidden under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (Aurora Bridge), the Fremont Troll is a colossal, interactive public sculpture. Crushing a real VW Beetle in its massive hand, it’s a quirky and beloved symbol of the funky Fremont neighborhood.

Designed by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, the Seattle Central Library is a breathtaking feat of modern architecture. Its unmistakable geometric glass-and-steel exterior hides a brilliant, functionally innovative interior.