Have you ever experienced spring in Seattle?
If not, you’re in for a real treat. After a long, gray winter the sun starts to shine more, the days warm up, and flowers start peeking out everywhere. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything Seattle has to offer. We asked local Seattleites about the spring activities in Seattle that they look forward to the most. Check out this list so you know (or remember) what you have to look forward to in the upcoming weeks!
Here are locals’ favorite things to do during spring in Seattle:
1. The tulip festival
Several Seattleites mentioned their love for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival which takes place from April 1 to April 30 every year in the Skagit Valley. To read more about this year’s events and bloom information you can visit the tulip festival website.
2. Cherry blossom season
All of Seattle turns out for cherry blossom season. The pink blooms start showing up around mid- to late-March and last for about two weeks. To prepare for this year, you can read about the top five places to see cherry blossoms in Seattle.
3. Shopping at Seattle farmers markets
There’s nothing like shopping for fresh produce and flowers at the farmers market in the spring. Some of Seattle’s farmers markets operate year-round, but several are seasonal. This spring we’re looking forward to once again shopping the Columbia City farmers market (which returns in May) as well as the Lake City farmers market, the Phinney farmers market, and the Magnolia farmers market (all three of which return in June). For more info you can read our guide to Seattle’s farmers markets.
4. Exploring the Washington Park Arboretum
Springtime is many Seattleites’ favorite season for visiting the Washington Park Arboretum. Seasonal highlights in this arboretum include the blooming cherry blossoms, azaleas, and dogwoods along Azalea Way as well as the rhododendrons and magnolias in Loderi Valley.
5. Fishing in North Cascades
One Seattleite shared that they look forward to fishing in North Cascades National Park every spring. For more information about fishing in the national park, you can visit the National Park Service website.
6. Walks around Green Lake
On the first really warm, sunny day of spring you’ll find most of Seattle at Green Lake. The grassy lawn is ideal for picnics and the nearly three-mile path is scenic all the way throughout your walk/bike/jog. If you time it right, you’ll even be able to see cherry blossoms.
7. Spring bike rides
There’s nothing like a bike ride on a spring day. The Burke-Gilman trail is a great way to explore Seattle via bike. Check out our full guide of scenic bike trails in Seattle.
8. Hiking
It’s no secret that Seattleites love to hike year-round, but sometimes winter weather closures get in the way. Your hiking options in the nearby state and national parks increase greatly with warmer spring weather. And if you prefer not to leave the city, we have some scenic hiking trails in Seattle and nearby!
9. Rooftop bars
After a long winter of rainy and frigid weather, Seattleites will race to the top of the nearest rooftop bar on the first warm day. See our list of Seattle rooftop bars with incredible views.
You may also want to bookmark our list of restaurants with waterfront patios in Seattle and Seattle’s best outdoor brunch spots for some al fresco dining this spring.
10. Spring fairs
Springtime in Seattle and the surrounding area brings plenty of festival fun along with it. There’s the 2023 Spring Fair in Puyallup during April 13-16 and 20-23, the Northwest Folklife Festival on May 26-29, the U-District Street Fair on May 20 and 21, and the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival on April 27 through May 7.