100 Things to Do in Seattle Before You Die

For many in the United States, Seattle is that city at the end of the road. “The far upper left corner of the country, right?” they might ask. “Where Starbucks and Nirvana come from, I think.” These things are true, but there's so much more to discover in this crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Yes, the legacy of Nirvana still runs through independent music stores and radio stations, but the influence of Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Pearl Jam, Macklemore, and many others also energizes the city's vibrant music scene. Food lovers will taste the sea almost everywhere, but Seattle's delicious eats are shaped by the cuisines of the world, from Asia to the American South. Sports fanatics will delight in the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks as well as thrill to the exciting and high-energy Rat City Roller Derby. If you're looking for adventures outside the arena, you won't be disappointed. Set in the middle of a nature-lover's paradise, the area offers mountain climbing, hiking, rivers, beaches, gardens—even seaplanes, if you want the view from above. Let this second edition of 100 Things to Do in Seattle Before You Die be your guide to the Emerald City, whether you're here for a festival, a family weekend, or a lifetime.

Jake Uitti is a Seattle-based writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Seattle Times, Alaska Beyond Magazine, and The Stranger. He’s lived in the Emerald City for eleven years since moving from Princeton, New Jersey, and his forthcoming book, Unique Eats and Eateries of Seattle, will make you very hungry.