How many items can you check off of this Seattle spring bucket list?
From the first day of spring in March to the first day of summer in mid-June, Seattleites hold their breath and hope for dry, sunny days. Sometimes we get lucky and are blessed with spring flowers, outdoor brunch, park picnics, and lake outings. Other times we must admit defeat and seek out rainy day activities such as going to a sauna or an exhibition. We have all of those options and even more on this epic guide to making the most of Seattle in the springtime.
Ready to tackle your Seattle spring bucket list? Here are the top things to do in Seattle in spring:
1. See the famous Seattle cherry blossoms
The biggest sign of springtime in Seattle is the blooming of cherry blossoms all around the city. The most famous are at the University of Seattle, and you can take advantage of yummy food and drink while you’re there thanks to the annual U District Cherry Blossom Festival.
Need more? See our guide to the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seattle.
2. Go to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Another famous flower festival in the area is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. It takes place throughout all of April and is worth the short drive from Seattle to see the colorful fields of tulips.
3. Experience the world of FRIENDS™
Springtime in Seattle is full of rainy days. If you want to get out of the house, check out a cool exhibition in Seattle like The FRIENDS™ Experience. Get tickets for select dates this April!
4. Have a fun weekend at the spring fair
Every April the Spring Fair comes to nearby Puyallup, WA. For two weekends you can enjoy fair food, rides, games, events, kid-friendly activities, and more. Read all about this year’s Spring Fair before you go.
5. See an immersive Van Gogh exhibition
This spring is your last chance to walk through Van Gogh: the Immersive Exhibition here in Seattle. The exhibition is leaving mid-April, so be sure to get your tickets now if you haven’t gone yet!
6. Buy fresh flowers at Pike Place Market
You can buy flowers at Pike Place Market year-round, but springtime is the best for the annual flower festival that happens over Mother’s Day weekend every May.
7. Shop at weekend and farmers markets
Seattle has excellent weekend markets year-round with food, handmade crafts, and produce. But we particularly love Seattle’s farmers markets, many of which take a break during the winter months.
8. Go to a spring concert
Excited for some live outdoor music after a long winter spent indoors? Check out Belltown Bloom on May 5-6 as well as the Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concerts that start in May.
9. Have brunch outdoors
On the first sunny weekend morning this spring, all of Seattle’s patios will be packed for brunch. Plan ahead with our guide to the best outdoor brunch spots in Seattle.
10. Spend a sunny day on Lake Union
Whether you rent a kayak or a free wooden boat, it’s always nice spending the first warm day of spring on Lake Union. If it’s still chilly, opt for a hot tub boat rental instead.
11. Take a ferry to a nearby island
Which island? It doesn’t really matter. Whether you take a day trip from Seattle to Bainbridge, Vashon, or Whidbey, you’re sure to have a lovely spring day full of nature walks, wine tastings, and good eats.
12. Catch a Mariners game
Spring means it’s baseball season! Get yourself over to T-Mobile Park and chow down on a Seattle dog while cheering on the Mariners.
13. Warm up in Seattle’s saunas
Spring in Seattle can be a cruel mistress. If you’re frustrated by the chilly days, head to Seattle’s best saunas to warm up.
14. Get drinks on a rooftop bar
You may be surprised to learn that there is a decent amount of rooftop bars in Seattle. Spring showers needn’t deter you; many of Seattle’s rooftop bars have heated and covered sections.
15. Have a picnic in a park
Every Seattleite has a favorite park for picnics (more often than not, it’s the one that’s in our neighborhood). Some of the most stunning parks in Seattle that make for a lovely springtime picnic are Green Lake Park, Gas Works Park in Fremont/Wallingford, Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill, and Discovery Park in Magnolia.
16. Cheer on the Sounders
If you’ve ever been to a Sounders match at Lumen Field, you know how lively their supporters get. Go on a warm, sunny day this spring and you’ll have a great time.
17. Go on a whale sighting tour
Starting in May, you can see humpback whales in the Seattle area. Orca season starts later, around mid-June. Check out our guide to whale watching in Seattle.
17. Treat yourself to ice cream
Is it over 50 degrees and sunny? Time for ice cream. See our guide to the best soft serve in Seattle. And don’t forget about Free Cone Day in April!
18. See the West Seattle flower house
This famous house in West Seattle (1396-1400 Alki Ave SW) gets even more colorful every spring as the flowers bloom. Drive by to check it out and then take a stroll along Alki Beach.
19. Meet friends at an outdoor brewery
There’s nothing like having a beer and some food truck bites outside on the first warm day of spring. Your best bet is to head to the brewery paradise that is Ballard, although we also like the Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden.
20. Go on a spring hike
Seattle is lucky to be in such close proximity to three stunning national parks, not to mention over 100 state parks. Take advantage of free parks admission on April 22 for Earth Day and go on a springtime hike. Our guide to the best Washington state parks can help you decide where to go.
21. Take a bike ride through Seattle
Seattle is full of scenic bike trails, so once the skies clear and the weather warms up grab your bike (or rent one) and get out there.