Article about what to do during your Seattle long layover. Note that if you have a long layover in Seattle at SeaTac airport, please take into account the time transportation and getting back through airport security will take!
A Seattle long layover may seem daunting initially, but if you have enough time, you should go out and explore Washington State! With some planning and a sense of adventure, you can turn this stopover into a memorable experience. From iconic landmarks to local flavors, here’s your guide to making the most of your Seattle long layover.
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Transportation Into the City
If your layover is at the SeaTac Airport, you have a few options for getting to Downtown Seattle. Seattle is known as the 8th most walkable city in the United States, as everything is connected by public transportation.
Public transportation is the cheapest option to stay within your budget. The Link light rail will take you directly to the Westlake Station in Downtown, and from that station, you can take the monorail to Seattle Center, where you may be spending all of your layover. This trip will take you about 45 minutes and will cost you less than $5 each way.
Comparatively, if you do not trust your skills in taking public transportation, you can always use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. Using a rideshare service may be a faster ride to where you want to go, but prices may be expensive, as rates will vary. While taking rideshare may seem like the better option, you may have to account for any difficulties that may arise, causing a delay in time, such as waiting for the rideshare and any vehicle accidents that may occur, causing traffic on the road.
Airport Luggage and Bag Storage
If you have a lot of luggage and do not want to bring your luggage with you while you explore Seattle, SeaTac Airport offers multiple options to store your luggage. If you can, check in your bag for your flight to your final destination. If this is not an option, the airport has many services such as SmarteCarte and Bounce that will store your luggage for a fee.
Reserve Your Spot in The Airport Security Line
If you do not have TSA Pre-check or Clear, which will shorten your time in security and allow you to make it to your next flight on time, consider saving your spot in the security line.
10 Things To Do During Your Seattle Long Layover
Map of Seattle long layover locations
Note that the map and this section (this small section about the map locations) was added during editing by the admin of this website to give a better idea of the layout of the city and the distance between the items mentioned in this post.
While the light rail does, fortunately “link” the airport with downtown Seattle and has made it easier to get around the city, you will need to take into account the time you have available and make sure to check the light rail schedule, which you can do on the Sound Transit website or with the Transit Go app (iOS | Android with which you can also purchase tickets).
We use a static image of our map to improve loading times and only use map loads for those who need it. To view the interactive map, click here or on the map image.
1. Visit The Space Needle
For panoramic views of the city and beyond, take a trip to the top of the Space Needle. This iconic landmark offers 360-degree vistas of Seattle’s skyline, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains. Snap some photos from the observation deck before descending back down.
2. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Dedicated to celebrating the creativity and innovation of popular culture, MoPOP offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Step inside and discover exhibits featuring iconic artifacts from music, film, video games, and more.
3. Eat a Meal at Pike Place Market
No visit to Seattle is complete without a stop at Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States. Lose yourself in the maze of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and local delicacies. Be sure to catch the famous fish toss at Pike Place Fish Market and snap a photo with the iconic Rachel the Piggy Bank.
4. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum
Located near the Space Needle in Seattle Center, this museum showcases the mesmerizing glass art of Dale Chihuly. Wander through indoor galleries filled with vibrant sculptures and delicate blown glass vessels before exploring the outdoor garden, where Chihuly’s creations blend seamlessly with nature.
5. Walk Along the Waterfront
Seattle’s waterfront offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, making it the perfect place to kick off your layover adventure. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, stopping to admire the historic piers, bustling marinas, and iconic landmarks like the Seattle Great Wheel.
6. Explore Capitol Hill- Seattle’s Arts and Entertainment District
Hop on the light rail and make your way to Capitol Hill, Seattle’s vibrant arts and entertainment district. Wander through eclectic boutiques, quirky galleries, and indie record stores, soaking up the neighborhood’s creative energy. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite at one of Capitol Hill’s trendy eateries or sample local brews at a neighborhood brewery.
7. Eat (and Drink) Your Way Through Seattle
Seattle is a culinary paradise, with diverse dining options to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, gourmet cuisine, or international fare, you’ll find it all here in Seattle.
Seattle is synonymous with coffee, and no layover would be complete without sampling some of the city’s finest brews. Head to a local coffeehouse like Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room or Seattle Coffee Works to savor a cup of freshly roasted java and immerse yourself in Seattle’s coffee culture.
8. Rent a Bike to Explore the City
While Seattle is very walkable, many rent e-bikes to explore the city. Take a ride to see the public art around the city, visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, as well as stop by the Amazon Spheres. Amazon Spheres is free and open to the public on the first and third Saturday of the month, you will just need to make a reservation.
9. Tour the Underground of Seattle in Pioneer Square
Step back in time with a visit to Pioneer Square, Seattle’s historic district. Explore the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets, red-brick buildings, and ornate architecture, including the iconic Pioneer Building and Smith Tower. Dive into Seattle’s past with a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park or the Underground Tour, which takes you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to explore the city’s underground tunnels.
10. Visit the Museum of Flight
While it’s not in Downtown Seattle, the Museum of Flight is close to SeaTac Airport for those with a shorter layover or who don’t want to go too far from the airport. This world-renowned museum offers a captivating journey through aviation and space exploration history. Explore an impressive collection of aircrafts, step inside historic cockpits, marvel at NASA artifacts, and learn about the pioneers who shaped the future of flight.
Before you head out on your layover, make sure that you keep track of the time to ensure you are back to the airport in time for your flight, as you do not want to miss your flight. Don’t forget to account for the time it takes to get through security as SeaTac security is known to take some time. Have a fun layover exploring Seattle, but as always, be safe and be aware of your surroundings.
