Finding cheap or free things to do in Seattle can be easier than expected, even when paying for hotels, travel and dining. You don’t need a deep wallet to breathe the saltwater scent of the Puget Sound or see the Olympic Mountains from street corners. In fact, you can skip the expensive observation decks and still fill your days with vibrant public markets, free museum days and quiet forest hikes.
While the dry, sunny months of July and August are the best time of the year to visit Seattle, these budget-friendly adventures await you in every season. From hidden gardens, odd roadside trolls and beach bonfires, here’s how to experience the best of the Emerald City for $10 or less.
1. First Thursday Deals
Some of the best museums in Seattle waive their admission fees on the first Thursday of every month. You can visit popular attractions like:
- The Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S. (free first Thurs. 5-9 p.m.)
- The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), 860 N. Terry Ave. (free first Thurs. all day).
- National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St. (free first Thurs. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM), 1300 1st Ave. (free first Thurs. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.)
Once you finish your museum tour, head to Pioneer Square for the First Thursday Art Walk. This historic neighborhood turns into a lively open house where galleries open their doors for free and local bars offer happy hour specials to keep the night going.
2. Frye Art Museum
Admission and parking are always free at the Frye Art Museum, a rare perk in this part of town. The galleries mix moody 19th-century German paintings with edgy contemporary art, so the collection feels eclectic rather than stuffy.
You can see everything in about an hour, making it a good spot if you need free things to do in Seattle that don’t take the whole day. Since the visit is short, you’ll have plenty of time to head over to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass to fill the rest of your afternoon.
3. The Center for Wooden Boats
The Center for Wooden Boats might not be at the top of the average Seattle travel guide, but it’s packed with fun, free activities. For example, you can book a one-hour Peapod rowboat rental for free. Turn it into a half-day adventure by walking the docks to see the exhibits before you head out on the water.
To make the most of this, get there right when they open at 10 a.m. to secure a boat. Once you push off the dock, you’ll get a front-row seat to watch seaplanes land on Lake Union.
4. Pike Place Market
Strolling through Pike Place Market is one of the best free things to do in downtown Seattle. Here, you can watch the famous fish-throwing between fishmongers, see buskers perform live music or find the Gum Wall in Post Alley.
You can also visit the original Starbucks location as part of a search for the best coffee in Seattle. Be sure to leave time for delicious snacks at Piroshky Piroshky and Mee Sum Pastry.
5. Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle waterfront is filled with free and fun things to do, close to the Seattle cruise port. You can walk along Alaskan Way, relax on the floating dock at Pier 62 or visit Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54, where you’ll find shrunken heads and mummies.
If you get hungry, head to the walk-up window at Ivar’s Fish Bar on Pier 54 for a cup of their famous clam chowder. If you want to splurge on a special dinner later, head to the AAA Approved Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge for their famous Creole cuisine.
6. Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of the top places to visit in Seattle, but tickets are pricey. Fortunately, you can get a great view of the tower for free from nearby Denny Park. The park also often hosts markets, movies and life-size chess games, with local food trucks, so you can grab a cheap lunch and eat on the grass with the iconic spire as your backdrop.
If you want to eat at a place with one of the best restaurant views in Seattle, walk over to AAA Three Diamond-designated Lola for its Mediterranean kebabs and made-to-order donuts.
7. Ballard Locks
See a century-old engineering marvel up close at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Most locals simply call them the Ballard Locks, and visiting them is one of the best free things to do in Seattle on a sunny day.
Located along the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the lock system helps move boats from the water level of Puget Sound to that of Salmon Bay (and vice versa) in just under 15 minutes. Visitors to the locks can also explore a museum, a botanical garden and a room where you can watch salmon swim through the canal.
8. Olympic Sculpture Park
Get some fresh air at Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Art Museum’s free outdoor park that blends visual arts with breathtaking natural scenery. Start at the glass-walled PACCAR Pavilion and grab a map, then wander the Z-shaped path that zigzags down a hill and over train tracks toward Elliott Bay.
Along the way, you’ll see contemporary art sculptures, native plantings and seating areas as well as excellent vantage points for taking photos of the waterfront and the distant Olympic Mountains.
9. Amazon Spheres
The Amazon Spheres are a free architectural landmark you can enjoy from the sidewalk or by booking a weekend public tour on the first or third Saturday of every month. The glass domes are filled with 40,000 plants, ranging from beautiful to alien-looking. Stop by the nearby Amazon Community Banana Stand during weekdays for a free banana.
10. Ferry Or Water Taxi
Riding a Washington State Ferry or water taxi is a cheap way to see the skyline of the Emerald City. If you want to explore the island before you head back, the Bainbridge Island Discovery Tour is a great way to see the local history and parks. Otherwise, just catch the return leg right after sunset to see the city lights sparkle over the water.
11. Seattle Free Walking Tours
Join the Seattle Free Walking Tours for guided walks where you only pay what you feel the tour was worth. Choose the “Seattle 101” route for downtown history or the “Market Experience” to explore Pike Place. The true beauty of these tours is that you get to see local secrets you won’t find on a map.
After getting a taste of the city with a walking tour, take this to the next level by getting some cheap sightseeing tickets for your favorite spots.
12. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is a free wilderness escape located right inside the city limits. The Loop Trail winds through dense forest and open meadows before dropping you onto a sandy beach near the historic lighthouse. It feels like one of the best day hikes from Seattle simply because you get the rugged scenery without the long drive. Reward yourself at AAA Three Diamond-designated Ray’s Café afterward for seafood with a mountain view.
13. Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park is a free community hub in the center of Capitol Hill. The park is often filled with markets or sports matches, making it a top pick for things to do in Seattle this weekend. While you’re there, check out the viral “Hot Rat Summer” mural or walk across the street to Oddfellows Café + Bar for coffee.
14. Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a free public space that sits on the site of a former gasification plant. The rusted industrial machinery gives it a steampunk movie set look. Don’t forget to climb the grassy “Great Mound” to watch seaplanes land on Lake Union. To truly enjoy the view, you can even have a picnic on top of the mound.
15. Kerry Park
At Kerry Park, the Space Needle lines up perfectly with Mount Rainier, which delivers a truly memorable photo op. It is a quick stop, so snap your picture, and then walk down the hill to AAA Diamond-designated Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge for a Cajun feast.
16. Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a free coastal strip that feels more like California than the Pacific Northwest. The paved path is always busy with roller skaters and longboarders, making it great for people-watching. You can also come here to listen to outdoor concerts or explore the tide pools at low tide. The energetic vibe makes this one of the best beaches in Seattle.
17. Golden Gardens Park
At Golden Gardens Park, you can see locals slacklining between the trees or wading in the cold water. But the real draw is the free fire pits right on the sand. The evening bonfires create a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for mingling with friends. Be sure to claim a fire pit early so you have a front-row seat to watch the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains.
18. Kubota Garden
Kubota Garden is a free hidden gem tucked away deep in South Seattle. The 20-acre landscape blends traditional Japanese design with native Northwest greenery, so you find bright red bridges and waterfalls nestled among the pines. If you want to experience a side of Seattle off the beaten path, this quiet sanctuary is well worth the detour.
19. Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park is a free public space in Capitol Hill with two major landmarks. First is the historic Volunteer Park Conservatory, a Victorian glasshouse that is inexpensive to enter and filled with exotic orchids and cacti. For the second one, you must climb the 107 stairs of the Water Tower Observatory for a 360-degree, free view of the city.
20. Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is a free public sculpture that lurks under the Aurora Bridge and is one of the most unique free fun things to do in Seattle. The massive concrete figure is crushing a real Volkswagen Beetle in its hand. While this is the most famous monster, you can hunt for four other giant wooden trolls hidden near Seattle.
21. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Admission is free at this National Park site located in the historic Cadillac Hotel in Pioneer Square. It’s an interactive museum that tells the story of the 1897 gold rush. You can watch free films or join a ranger-led walking tour of the neighborhood during the summer.
How To See More Expensive Seattle Attractions on a Budget
With pass programs and membership perks, you can experience the top things to do in Seattle without breaking the bank.
These tools help you slash entry fees drastically:
- AAA Trip Canvas: Use this tool to plan trips, get expert advice and book vacation packages. It also unlocks exclusive discounts on tour packages, tickets and hotels for AAA Members.
- CityPASS: This bundle ticket saves you nearly 50% on admission to five major attractions. It includes heavy hitters like the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium.
- TeenTix: Teenagers between 13 and 19 can sign up for a free pass. With it, they can buy day-of tickets to arts and culture events for just $5.
- Military Discounts: Active duty personnel and veterans should always carry ID. Most major museums and parks offer significant price cuts at the ticket counter.
Book Your Trip to Seattle With AAA
Exploring the Emerald City doesn’t have to require a massive budget. Mixing these free activities with smart planning is the best way to experience the top things to do in Seattle.
When you are ready to go, use AAA Trip Canvas to find the best hotels in Seattle at a discount. AAA Travel also helps you save money in cities around the world. You can use it to book discounted tours and see attractions with exclusive member discounts.