Living in the Pacific Northwest means we have the opportunity for a vast array of experiences, both indoor and outdoor.

Thanks to our diverse landscape, experiences in Greater Seattle come in many forms and don’t need to cost a fortune.

Over the past decade, we’ve seen a rise in consumers looking for experiences over material items. Instead of spending their hard-earned money on material items, people are looking for experiences that will create amazing memories.

This shift can be attributed to several factors. While buying something you want can feel exciting, those feelings of excitement fade over time.

Unlike material goods, experiences introduce us to new things. Whether it’s a thrill we’ve never had before, or gaining a fresh perspective on the people and places around us, experiences bring something different to our day-to-day lives.

Here are our suggestions for those seeking some new and interesting experiences in Greater Seattle.

For the Thrill Seekers

Looking for something to get your blood pumping and your heart racing? These experiences in Greater Seattle are designed with thrill-seekers in mind.

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Want to see the city from a whole new perspective? Why not try doing it from the sky?

Hot air balloon rides give the excitement of being in the air without hurling along at high speeds. Hot air balloon baskets can hold anywhere from two to eight people, so you can make your experience a romantic moment for two or a fun ride with family and friends.

Indoor Skydiving
If jumping 10,000 feet from a plane is just a bit too daunting, then the next best thing is getting the rush of a skydive in a controlled environment. Appropriate for all ages and abilities, iFly Indoor Skydiving offers an instructor-led experience where you’ll learn the basics of indoor skydiving and then get to take your turn in the wind tunnel.

White Water Rafting
Ready to feel the fear and do it anyway? White water rafting is perfect for those seeking a group experience in the great outdoors. Not only is it an affordable day activity, but you’re even sneaking in some exercise! With multiple companies offering white water tours in the area, it’s also an experience that will be different every time you go.

For the City Explorer

It’s not unusual for people to not be fully aware of the amazing experiences their city has to offer. Here are some experiences in Greater Seattle ripe with local flavor, right in your own backyard.

Chocolate Indulgence Tour
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is one experience not to be missed. You’ll learn all about the history of chocolate making in Seattle and how the city came to have over 50 chocolatiers. See how chocolate is made and taste test some of the best chocolate the city has to offer.

Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour
If you consider yourself a foodie, head on down to Pike’s Place Market on Saturday or Sunday to learn where local chefs source the best ingredients. On your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some local microbrews while discovering some of the local hidden gems for food and drink.

Pop Culture Bike Tour
It’s no secret that Seattle has a long and storied place in pop culture, starting all the way back from the underground punk scene in the 1970s. Tours can be customized by skill level so you can spend an afternoon biking through the city discovering the rich history of culture and music at your own pace.

Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour
With a reputation for being one of the most unusual experiences in the city, this is a walking tour not to be missed. Originating all the way back in 1954, this tour takes you under the city to explore the lost remnants of the city that was built after the Great Seattle fire of 1889.

Steeped in Seattle history, discover the underground tunnels and learn all about how the city recovered from one of its biggest disasters.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Ask anyone who lives in the Pacific Northwest what they love about the area and the access to incredible outdoor activities is usually at the top of the list. If you love nature, here are a few experiences not to be missed.

Lake Union Sunset Cruise
Enjoy the magic of watching the sunset over the Seattle skyline. Great for both small and large groups, sunset cruises are ideal for those looking to kick back, relax and see the city from a whole new angle.

San Juan Island Kayak Tour
If you prefer your outdoor adventures to be more hands-on, a kayak tour is a perfect solution. Offering tours that span anywhere from a few hours to a few days, you can enjoy the majestic views of San Juan Island. With a guide heading up each tour, you’ll learn all about the ecology of the San Juan archipelago. No kayak experience is required, so this experience is suitable for everyone.

Camping
There’s no shortage of options for camping within a short drive of the city, so whether you prefer bare-bones camping with only a backpack or a more luxury experience in the comforts of an RV, you can make it happen. With many campgrounds and state parks offering camping sites year-round, camping is an experience that’s always an option.

Some of the most popular spots for camping include:

• Lake Wenatchee State Park
• Saltwater State Park
• Wallace Falls State Park
• Flowing Lake Park
• Camano Island State Park
• Deception Pass State Park
• Blake Island Marine State Park
• Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
• Penrose Point State Park
• Dosewallips State Park

Hiking
Hiking is one of those great outdoor activities that can be as short or as long as you want it to be. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of daily life, connect with nature and bask in the beauty of the PNW outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a flat trail for an easy stroll or are ready to challenge yourself with a mountain hike, there’s an abundance of options within the city and just a short drive away.

A few of our favorite trails include:

• Discovery Park
• Carkeek Park
• Washington Park Arboretum
• Rattlesnake Ledge
• Ebey’s Landing
• Summerland at Mt. Rainier National Park
• Chain Lakes Loop
• Dungeness Spit
• Maple Pass Loop
• Cherry Creek Falls

As you can see, there’s something for everyone looking for new and fun experiences in Greater Seattle. By choosing experiences over material things, you have an opportunity to build amazing memories that can be cherished for years to come.