8 Compelling Reasons to Explore Seattle During Your Alaska Cruise

Make sure to carve out some time to explore Seattle on your upcoming Alaskan cruise. The Emerald City is packed with attractions that will excite your sense of adventure.

Standing at 605 feet, Seattle's iconic Space Needle boasts an elevator ride of just 41 seconds to reach its summit. If you're up for it, you can tackle the 848 stairs for an unforgettable cardio challenge. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, its design is reminiscent of a flying saucer.

In 1907, frustrated citizens in Seattle took action against soaring produce prices set by opportunistic middlemen, leading to the creation of Pike Place Market. Over a century later, it remains a hub where farmers and artisans sell directly to the public, living by the motto "Meet the Producer." Today, visitors can explore over 500 shops and stalls, including the original Starbucks, and witness the famous fishmongers throwing fish at Pike Place Fish Market.

The Experience Music Project is an innovative museum celebrating pop culture. Designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry to look like a shattered guitar, it features exhibits on popular music, science fiction, and horror films. Notable collections include memorabilia from Star Trek, a showcase of 55 rock guitars, and displays dedicated to Seattle legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix.

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a captivating museum dedicated to the stunning creations of celebrated Pacific Northwest glass artist Dale Chihuly. The garden features vibrant, whimsical glass sculptures nestled among carefully chosen trees, plants, and flowers. Inside, the galleries explode with color, and films reveal the intricate process behind Chihuly's artistry.

Historic Pioneer Square is recognized as Seattle's first official neighborhood. Founded in 1852, it quickly became the lively heart of the Pacific Northwest. Today, Pioneer Square stands as a historical hub, highlighted by the striking totem pole at its center, a gift from Tlingit Native Americans of Alaska in 1938.

Next to Pioneer Square lies the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, commemorating the last great gold rush in history. The excitement began in 1897 when a Seattle newspaper announced the discovery of gold in Alaska, turning the city into a launching point for eager prospectors heading to the Klondike. Museum exhibits narrate the tales of those chasing fortune through letters home and display the tools used by miners, including dogsleds.

Explore the depths of Seattle with one of the Underground tours. After a catastrophic fire in 1889, Pioneer Square was rebuilt one level above the original sidewalks and storefronts. Today, these tours transport you through three blocks of underground corridors, allowing you to experience 19th century Seattle, including a restored saloon from the 1890s.

When you cruise to Seattle, don’t miss the Great Wheel, the city’s latest attraction. Opened in 2012, this remarkable ferris wheel is the tallest observation wheel on the West Coast, reaching 175 feet. It offers riders stunning aerial views of Seattle’s waterfront, downtown skyline, surrounding islands, and even Mount Rainier. The wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring a comfortable ride regardless of the weather.