Initially of 2022, I considered which locations I actually needed to go to that 12 months. Domestically, Seattle was on the prime of my want record, as I had by no means been at that time and I’ve heard so many nice issues about it. Because it is among the greatest cities within the U.S., I felt like I wanted to expertise it earlier than one other 12 months handed by. And I’m comfortable to say that I used to be capable of examine Seattle off my want record in October. I’m even happier to say that Seattle blew me away and I used to be amazed on the overwhelming variety of wheelchair accessible Seattle sights and issues to do!
From visiting iconic sights just like the House Needle and the world-famous Pike Place Market to discovering my new favourite museum (it may be Chihuly Backyard and Glass, however maintain studying to search out out), I had a lot enjoyable over the course of 5 days in Seattle. When you haven’t been to this phenomenal metropolis within the Pacific Northwest but, I urge you to begin planning your journey. Take a look at my suggestions under for a few of the finest wheelchair accessible Seattle sights and the place to remain throughout your journey.
Wheelchair Accessible Seattle Points of interest & Issues to Do
Sky View Observatory
After arriving in Seattle, my first cease was the Sky View Observatory! With gorgeous views, this was fairly the introduction to the town for me. I by no means knew that Seattle was so lovely till I visited the Sky View Observatory.
Whereas Sky View Observatory isn’t probably the most well-known observatory in Seattle (that undoubtedly must be the House Needle), it’s the observatory with the best view within the metropolis. Actually, I assumed the view from right here was higher than the one from the House Needle since you might really see the House Needle within the distance. I cherished that! Each observatories are completely value visiting throughout your journey although!
The Sky View Observatory is on the 73rd flooring of the Columbia Middle (an elevator takes you to the highest!) and as you gaze out the home windows, you’ll be 902 ft above the bottom. There’s a cafe and bar as properly, so you may have epic views whilst you eat and drink. I loved “The Edgar Flatbread” from the Sky View Cafe. It was a flatbread with grilled hen, bacon, smoked gouda, olive oil, apricot protect, and honey on it. I’d extremely suggest getting this flatbread, because it was scrumptious and have become considered one of my favourite meals in Seattle.
This was the proper introduction to Seattle for me and should you’d like to go to, remember the fact that Sky View Observatory is barely open from Thursday-Sunday each week. You could find ticket data right here.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium has many animals which you can see, which is superior, however additionally they do a improbable job of educating guests in regards to the animals and the encompassing waterways, together with Puget Sound. Whereas this aquarium is on the smaller facet, it’s positively value testing whereas on the Seattle waterfront. You may simply spend a full day having fun with every part that the waterfront space has to supply.
There are a ton of animals on show on the Seattle Aquarium and you’ll simply see all of them from a wheelchair. A few of my favorites have been the seals, otters, and puffins, however it doesn’t matter what form of marine life you’re within the temper to see, there’s a great probability that it’s on the Seattle Aquarium.
The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and I used to be capable of take pleasure in it in its entirety. Nonetheless, a few of the areas throughout the aquarium are a bit steep (I’m considering of the part with the seals and otters), so should you use a handbook wheelchair, you might want some help. Other than that small part although, it was nice! If it’s essential to borrow a handbook wheelchair throughout your go to, they’re out there without cost on a first-come, first-served foundation on the Visitor Providers desk.
Uncover ticket data on their web site right here or by way of the Seattle CityPASS. I used the Seattle CityPASS all through my time within the metropolis and it granted me admission to 5 of Seattle’s prime wheelchair accessible sights at a reduced worth. It actually is a good cash saver possibility should you’re planning to go to a number of sights.
Harbor Cruise with Argosy Cruises
I all the time love being out on the water, so whereas in Seattle, I cruised the harbor with Argosy Cruises. I loved a one-hour sightseeing tour, the place we had superb views of the Seattle skyline. The cruise was narrated as properly, so I realized lots in regards to the metropolis!
Argosy Cruises’ Salish Explorer ship is wheelchair accessible. I used to be capable of board through some barely steep ramps, however my powered wheelchair had no points in any respect. It was tremendous simple because of the Argosy crew, who have been very useful with boarding. They helped me down the ramps and promised that I’d have a spectacular time through the cruise. They have been appropriate!
As soon as onboard the ship, I used to be ready to make use of an elevator to entry two ranges and I might take pleasure in each the indoor and outside areas. I used to be thrilled to see companion care restrooms onboard as properly. Accessibility on the Salish Explorer by Argosy Cruises was improbable and I had an exquisite time seeing Seattle from a special standpoint.
The Harbor Cruise is among the attraction choices on the Seattle CityPASS, or you should purchase particular person tickets from Argosy Cruises right here. When you use a wheelchair and have accessibility necessities, simply name Argosy Cruises upfront to allow them to know what lodging you’ll want.
The Seattle Nice Wheel
One other enjoyable Seattle waterfront attraction is The Seattle Nice Wheel! Each pod on this Ferris wheel, aside from the one VIP pod, is wheelchair accessible. A conveyable ramp is used to enter the pod and one set of seats contained in the pod are eliminated to permit loads of house for a wheelchair. I entered the pod very simply in my powered wheelchair.
The pods on The Seattle Nice Wheel are enclosed, however have floor-to-ceiling glass home windows, so you’ll have improbable views throughout your trip. Every visitor will get to take pleasure in three full revolutions and since it’s practically 200-feet tall, it is possible for you to to see a lot of Seattle, together with the long-lasting House Needle within the distance. You should purchase tickets on-line upfront right here.
After getting completed driving on the most important remark wheel on the West Coast, you should definitely try Miner’s Touchdown at Pier 57 (this is identical pier the place The Seattle Nice Wheel is situated). Miner’s Touchdown is a procuring and leisure middle, the place you will discover a number of eating places and seize the proper memento to recollect your time in Seattle.
I shopped round for a bit after which had lunch at The Crab Pot, which is inside Miner’s Touchdown. The Crab Pot is a seafood lover’s dream, as they’re well-known for his or her Seafeasts, that are big steamed buckets of seafood which can be dumped onto the desk. It was tempting to get a Seafeast, however I opted for a cup of clam chowder and fried salmon and chips as a substitute. Every thing was scrumptious and this was an ideal lunch cease on the Seattle waterfront.
House Needle
Once you consider Seattle, you most likely instantly image the House Needle should you’re something like me. I like heights, so I’ve needed to go to the highest of the House Needle for years. It’s been a dream of mine for a very long time and it didn’t disappoint.
My go to to the House Needle began by going by way of a museum space, the place I realized all about how the attraction was constructed and why. It was actually attention-grabbing and I realized lots. For instance, do you know that the House Needle was constructed for the 1962 World’s Honest?
There’s an elevator to get to the House Needle’s remark deck, which is greater than 500 ft above floor. There’s an inside part, an outside part, and a piece with a revolving glass flooring. Sadly, the outside space was not accessible after I visited because of a damaged elevate, however I’ve obtained affirmation that the elevate has since been mounted, so it is best to have the ability to benefit from the entirety of the House Needle whenever you go to. I cherished rolling on the revolving glass flooring and testing the views down under! To be trustworthy, it was a little bit bit scary, however a variety of enjoyable.
The House Needle is open year-round and tickets could be discovered on-line right here. Since that is undoubtedly the town’s hottest attraction, you can too discover the House Needle on the Seattle CityPASS.
Chihuly Backyard and Glass
I’ve visited lots of of museums all through my travels, however that is probably the most lovely one which I’ve ever been to…by far. The whole time that I used to be at Chihuly Backyard and Glass in Seattle, my jaw was on the ground in amazement.
Chihuly Backyard and Glass is situated proper beside the House Needle, and the following two sights I’ll speak about (the Museum of Pop Tradition and the Pacific Science Middle) are as properly. You may take pleasure in a full day of exploring the sights simply on this space, often called the Seattle Middle. It’s a improbable space with a variety of wheelchair accessible Seattle sights, however Chihuly Backyard and Glass could very properly be my favourite.
At Chihuly Backyard and Glass, you may see the unbelievable glassworks of artist Dale Chihuly in an indoor museum and an outside backyard. There are eight completely different galleries, a glasshouse, and a sprawling backyard, which showcase a few of Chihuly’s finest work. You’ll additionally have the ability to be taught extra about Chihuly’s glassmaking course of within the on-site theater.
Chihuly Backyard and Glass is absolutely wheelchair accessible. There are not any stairs, as all displays are on the identical flooring. If it’s essential to borrow a wheelchair throughout your go to, they’re out there complimentary on a first-come, first-served foundation on the coat examine station.
Data on ticketing for Chihuly Backyard and Glass could be discovered right here and additionally it is one of many choices on the Seattle CityPASS as properly. Certainly, this attraction ought to be on the prime of your record of wheelchair accessible issues to do in Seattle!
Museum of Pop Tradition
I like something associated to popular culture, so I used to be tremendous excited to take a look at the Museum of Pop Tradition whereas in Seattle. This museum has displays devoted to hip hop, gaming, horror motion pictures, fantasy, guitars, Pearl Jam, and a lot extra. When you’re a fan of popular culture, there’s a great probability that you’ll completely love this museum.
I spent about 2.5 hours exploring each inch of this museum, however you may positively keep longer or you may shorten your go to should you simply hit the highlights. I’d counsel planning at the least 2 hours to see it although. My favourite exhibit was positively Scared to Dying: The Thrill of Horror Movie, as I all the time love a great horror movie, however the Fantasy: Worlds of Fantasy and Magic exhibit was an in depth second for me.
So far as accessibility goes, the Museum of Pop Tradition was great. I accessed each exhibit and so they have been all spacious sufficient for my powered wheelchair to simply maneuver round. Elevators have been out there to get to the varied flooring of the museum and I used to be comfortable to see all-gender/companion care restrooms contained in the museum as properly.
The Museum of Pop Tradition is open day by day of the week aside from Wednesdays. Study extra about ticket choices right here, or go to utilizing the Seattle CityPASS.
Pacific Science Middle
The final attraction that I visited within the Seattle Middle space was the Pacific Science Middle. It is a improbable family-friendly attraction that has one thing for everybody. With an IMAX theater, science museum, laser dome, and extra, you might be certain to be entertained for hours.
A few of my favourite areas and displays on the Pacific Science Middle have been the dinosaurs exhibit (I imply, you may by no means be too previous for dinosaurs, proper?!), the butterfly atrium, and the laser dome…simply to call a couple of. The laser dome has numerous exhibits all through the day and I’d suggest planning your go to round one. I noticed a Disney themed laser present and it was superior!
Accessibility on the Pacific Science Middle is phenomenal. I used to be capable of discover all areas of the Middle that I needed to and I used to be actually impressed to be taught that they permit folks with disabilities to carry one aide/caregiver without cost. And if it’s essential to use a wheelchair whereas on the Pacific Science Middle, they’re out there at no cost on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Particulars on admission to the Pacific Science Middle could be discovered right here. Sadly, this wheelchair accessible Seattle attraction just isn’t on the Seattle CityPASS, however it can save you as much as 20% on admission by reserving your tickets by way of Pacific Science Middle’s web site at the least 24 hours upfront of your go to.
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a phenomenal place to take pleasure in a pleasant day in Seattle. There are clean paths all through the park, plenty of big sculptures to admire, and nice views of the waterfront from the park.
When you’re in search of a spot to calm down and unwind within the bustling downtown space, it is a improbable possibility! On the day that I visited, it was actually sunny and heat, so the park was filled with folks having picnics and stress-free within the solar.
Unfold throughout 9 acres, Olympic Sculpture Park is Seattle’s largest downtown inexperienced house. And better of all, it’s fully free to go to and open three hundred and sixty five days per 12 months. Whether or not you’ve gotten a spare hour or need to spend an entire day outdoors right here, Olympic Sculpture Park is a phenomenal place to spend a while in downtown Seattle.
Pike Place Market
Within the weeks main as much as my journey, each time that I instructed somebody that I used to be planning to go to Seattle, the very first thing they normally stated was “Oh, you must go to Pike Place Market whilst you’re there!” I’m a giant fan of visiting native markets in several locations, so I used to be trying ahead to exploring Pike Place. With all the hype upfront of my journey, I began to anticipate that it’d be fairly spectacular. After visiting Pike Place Market, I can verify that it’s certainly a particular place and a particular must-visit throughout any journey to wheelchair accessible Seattle.
I met up with my new pal, and longtime Curb Free with Cory Lee follower, Hannah, her caregiver Cindy, and Hannah’s service canine Stark for a fun-filled few hours at Pike Place Market. Hannah lives in Seattle, so she knew all the finest spots within the Market. Pike Place has over 220 independently owned retailers and eating places, greater than 150 craftspeople, over 70 farmers, and extra, so there’s a lot to see!
We began by grabbing a drink on the world’s first Starbucks, which is situated at Pike Place Market. This Starbucks could be very common and we waited for about 45 minutes to even get inside the shop, however it’s a cool expertise, so I loved it. And the chai tea latte was scrumptious…as all the time!
After getting our drinks at Starbucks, we explored a few of Pike Place Market’s distributors. Whether or not you’re in search of souvenirs, recent fish, flowers, baked items, or just about anything possible, I can virtually assure that you simply’ll discover it. It was superb to see all the distributors and you may actually spend a whole day right here procuring round and consuming.
Two of probably the most distinctive issues to see at Pike Place Market are flying fish and the chewing gum wall. On the Pike Place Fish Market, staff will actually throw fish to one another whereas doing a chant or singing a music. It’s entertaining to observe and a part of the Pike Place expertise. Then, The Gum Wall is strictly what it appears like. There’s an alley at Pike Place Market that’s lined floor-to-ceiling in chewing gum. It’s colourful, form of disgusting, and a must-see. In fact, I couldn’t go away with out placing my very own piece of gum on the wall.
Pike Place Market is open day by day of the week and the one days it closes are Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Remember that there are lots of of outlets and eating places right here, so you might need to plan your stops upfront. You may plan out your day at Pike Place Market on their web site right here.
Woodland Park Zoo
I all the time love visiting zoos and seeing animals, so whereas in Seattle, I needed to take a look at the Woodland Park Zoo. It was a lot enjoyable and I noticed many animals throughout my go to! From gorillas (even a child one!) to giraffes, zebras, and extra, this zoo is big and has tons of animals to see.
There are paved paths all through the zoo and it’s largely flat, so I had no issues getting round as a wheelchair person. I additionally love that they don’t cost admission for aides/care attendants. When you want a household restroom, you’ll don’t have any drawback discovering one at Woodland Park Zoo as properly.
The zoo is open seven days every week. Click on right here to find out about ticket choices, together with a $2 low cost if you’re an individual with a incapacity. Woodland Park Zoo can also be one of many choices on the Seattle CityPASS should you’ll have it throughout your journey within the metropolis.
The place to Keep in Seattle: Lotte Lodge Seattle
Whereas in Seattle, I stayed at Lotte Lodge. It’s a luxurious resort in a fantastic location, simply minutes from a lot of the sights listed above. Lotte additionally has an on-site spa and a restaurant and lounge named Charlotte.
My wheelchair accessible room was on the fifteenth flooring. It had two beds, a mini fridge, a desk, and a big TV. The beds have been a fantastic top for self-transferring, however there wasn’t any clearance beneath the beds for a Hoyer elevate, sadly.
Within the rest room, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. The roll-in bathe had clean entry and a fold-down bench was out there within the bathe. The bathe was a bit small, however it labored for my accessibility wants.
General, I loved my keep at Lotte Lodge and would keep right here once more if/after I’m in Seattle sooner or later. When you’re in search of a luxurious resort in a pleasant location, and should you suppose the wheelchair accessible room will work on your wants, I’d actually suggest staying right here.
My 5 days in Seattle have been filled with nonstop enjoyable and I’m already trying ahead to returning at some point and experiencing much more wheelchair accessible Seattle sights! If Seattle has been in your bucket record for some time, there’s no time like the current to begin planning your personal getaway to this unbelievable vacation spot. With so many accessible issues to do in Seattle, the one drawback you’ll have is determining what to do first!
Thanks to Go to Seattle for working with me on this journey and exhibiting me the most effective of wheelchair accessible Seattle! Whereas my experiences have been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
In regards to the Creator
Cory Lee
Cory Lee is an award-winning journey weblog author who has all the time had a ardour for exploring. Identified with Muscular Spinal Atrophy on the age of two, he has by no means let this hinder his need to see the world and has traversed all seven continents, sharing his expertise alongside the way in which. By way of writing about accessible journey, Cory hopes to encourage others to interrupt out of their consolation zones and begin rolling world wide. Uncover extra at curbfreewithcorylee.com.
