Things to do on a Budget in Seattle this Spring

April 21, 2022

One of America’s most energetic cities, Seattle is packed full of great things to see and do during spring – including plenty that won’t break the bank.

Perched on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland. But it is the city’s cultural and entrepreneurial legacies that continue to burn brightly to this day, evidenced in its enduringly rich music scene, burgeoning modern tech sector, and amazing arts and sports institutions.

If you’re visiting Seattle this spring and would like to fill your itinerary without spending a fortune, here are some of the city’s best budget-friendly activities and attractions.

Visit a free museum during First Thursday

A great way to delve into Seattle’s cultural scene on the cheap, on the first Thursday of every month the public gets the run of some of the city’s best museums with free entry for all.

Among the venues that participate are the Museum of History and Industry, which is devoted to teaching and preserving the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the country. Highlights include the museum’s permanent exhibit “Essential Seattle”, which offers a photographic and historical perspective on the city’s history from the day Captain George Vancouver’s ship first sailed into Elliott Bay in 1792 to the present day.

Location: 860 Terry Avenue North, Lake Union Park
Opening hours: Mon–Sun 10am–5pm

Another highly distinguished museum that can be visited completely free of charge on First Thursdays each month is the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. The state’s oldest museum dates back to 1890 and holds over 12 million artifacts and specimens spanning art, anthropology, biology and geology.

Location: 4300 15th Avenue Northeast
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10am–5pm (Closed Monday)

Soak up Seattle’s heritage at Pioneer Square

Seattle’s oldest neighbourhood, Pioneer Square is home to an array of architectural gems, art galleries, cafés and bookstores. It’s the ideal place to soak up the city’s fascinating history.

Visitors can step back in time by visiting attractions such as the Klondike Gold Rush museum, Smith Tower, and Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour where you’ll traverse dark subterranean tunnels and winding passageways.

Attend a fun-packed festival

Take a stroll back in time and discover how early residents lived, worked and played at the Port Townsend Victorian Heritage Festival. Hear stories of Victorian business ventures, colourful historical characters and how the boom eventually faded.

Events include presentations by historians, a Victorian fashion show, restored home tours, walking tours and a community Contra Dance.

Location: Port Townsend
Dates: 29–30 April & 1 May

Another exciting event is the International Children’s Friendship Festival, one of Seattle’s most eagerly awaited springtime celebrations. Children experience cultures from around the world through music, folk dancing and art.

Location: Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center
Date: April

Immerse yourself in Seattle’s maritime heritage

A living museum dedicated to preserving the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest, the Center for Wooden Boats offers a range of engaging activities. Visitors can admire historic wooden vessels, learn about sailing traditions, or walk along the docks and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There are also toy boat building classes and occasional boat rentals available throughout the year.

Location: 1010 Valley Street
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 10am–4pm

Go and see a fascinating car exhibition

The exhibition “Reclaimed Rust: The James Hetfield Collection” showcases custom vehicles created through collaborations between Metallica frontman James Hetfield and renowned automotive designers.

Inspired by artistic styles ranging from Art Deco to film noir, these unique cars push the boundaries of automotive design.

Location: America’s Car Museum, Tacoma

Explore a world-famous market

There are few better ways to understand a city than by visiting a local market. Pike Place Market is one of the most famous marketplaces in the Pacific Northwest and a must-see destination for visitors.

The bustling open-air market is packed with fresh seafood, colorful fruit and vegetables, artisan goods and street performers, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Take in some whale-watching

Puget Sound’s largest residents — whales — are an incredible sight. Visitors can join whale-watching tours departing from Seattle to spot orcas and humpback whales that inhabit the waters of the region.

Tours range from kayak excursions around the San Juan Islands to boat trips and scenic seaplane experiences.

Celebrate the start of boating season

Seattle celebrates the arrival of spring with the Opening Day of boating season, typically held during the first week of May. Festivities include boat parades, races and community celebrations.

The Seattle Maritime Festival follows shortly after with demonstrations, boat tours, maritime poetry and family-friendly activities.

Check out stunning cherry blossoms

Seattle’s mild spring climate creates beautiful cherry blossom displays across the city. One of the most famous viewing spots is the University of Washington campus.

Hundreds of blooming trees line the pathways and surround the historic Gothic-style buildings. The Liberal Arts Quadrangle is particularly famous for its breathtaking blossoms.

Embark on a day trip to Bainbridge Island

Just a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island offers a peaceful escape from the city. Visitors can explore forest gardens, scenic walking trails, ponds and meadows.

Popular attractions include the Bloedel Reserve and local art museums.

Catch a baseball game

Few experiences are more American than attending a baseball game. Seattle is home to the Major League Baseball team the Seattle Mariners.

Fans can watch games at T-Mobile Park while enjoying classic stadium food like hot dogs, peanuts and cold drinks.

Location: 1250 1st Avenue South

By Paul Joseph