20 Things to Do in Seattle This Spring (A Local’s Guide)

Spring in Seattle is always something I look forward to. It marks the end of our long and tough winter season here in the PNW and honestly, nobody appreciates it more than a true local. This year I’m particularly excited because I’ll be moving back to the Seattle metropolitan area and I cannot wait to rediscover everything this city has to offer in the spring.

From free parks and farmers markets to day trips and arts events, these 20 things to do in Seattle this spring are on my personal list and many of them are inexpensive because times are tough for a lot of people right now. Let’s jump in!

Table of Contents

Get Outside & Into Nature

1. Have a picnic among the flowers at Kubota Gardens

Kubota Gardens is one of my favorite places in Seattle all year round. It’s stunning in every season for different reasons but in spring, specifically, watching all the flowers rebloom is nothing short of a delight. It’s free all year round. There are tables and tons of lawn space to spread out a picnic blanket and read the afternoon away.

2. Walk through Discovery Park

Another one of my favorite parks with wonderful trails that take you right to the Puget Sound. One trail takes you to a lighthouse and another takes you to a lookout. It’s terrific for families too. I cannot wait to get back on Discovery Park‘s trails this spring. P.S. This is a free park as well!

3. Washington Park Arboretum & Japanese Garden

Oh my goodness, the Japanese Garden in spring is a stunner! It’s filled with flowering cherry blossoms, magnolias, and azaleas, three of my favorite trees! And even though they are found in many Seattle neighborhoods, there’s something so beautifully landscaped about the Arboretum. Definitely worth a stroll, bike ride, or picnic.

4. Walk the Burke Gilman Trail

This trail is 20 miles long and is legendary in Seattle because it runs from Golden Gardens Park in Seattle to Blyth Park in Bothell, WA. The trail goes through many of Seattle’s prettiest neighborhoods, including Fremont, Wallingford, the University District, View Ridge, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore. It’s an all-day bike ride but I hear it’s worth it for the challenge. I love walking the Burke-Gilman from Gas Works Park to the University District and stopping at Ivar’s Salmon House for fried calamari or fish and chips!

Make sure you bring a good waterbottle because 20 miles is no joke, even if you’re doing a portion of it.

5. Visit Gas Works Park at golden hour

If you’ve ever seen 10 Things I Hate About You, then you know this park as the infamous paint-throwing scene in the movie! It not only overlooks South Lake Union, where you can rent a paddle boat or watch the seaplanes land on the water, but you also get a classic view of the Space Needle and all of the floating houses on the lake.

6. Seward Park and walk the old growth forest trail

Last park I’ll mention, but this one is a great loop through a forest on the water. We want to grab a coffee, likely from Caffe Vita, and then walk the trail. Loads of bicycles on this path and a playground, making this family friendly and picnic friendly too!

7. Explore the Ballard Locks and watch the salmon ladder

Living in Seattle for over 13 years is wild because you’ve done everything, and yet… you’ve done nothing. I have yet to go to the Ballard Locks and see the salmon. I cannot believe it because I’ve been to Ballard a million times. Everyone I know has been there and they love it. It’s educational and super cool so we’re definitely adding this to our Spring list.

Day Trips & Island Adventures

8. Weekend Camping on Camano Island

Though outside of Seattle, I’m mentioning this anyway because this would make a great weekend getaway for locals and tourists who camp. Camano Island state park is supposed to have one of the nicest camping parks that allows tents and RVs and you’ll wake up to the water right outside your tent door. I love the idea of doing this just before summer hits but I’m open to car camping in the spring.

9. Take a day trip to Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is a ferry ride away but you can also get there via car and that’s exactly what we plan to do. We’ll drive by Deception Pass, though he doesn’t like heights and I don’t like bridges, and we’ll cruise along the island out to Coupeville and beyond. Whidbey Island has one of the few drive in theaters in the state. It’s called Blue Fox and movies start at dusk.

10. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island

Bainbridge is another favorite quick day trip from Seattle. You can walk or drive right onto a ferry and about 25 minutes later you’re on a new island. Bainbridge is darling and full of wonderful local shops including the Eagle Harbor Book Co, La Mercerie (yarn shop!), and Bon Bon Candies. We loved going to the Streamliner Diner for a healthy brunch and coffee and can’t wait to go back. While you’re there, it’s worth it to visit the Suquamish Museum.

Food & Drink

11. Seattle Restaurant Week (April 19 – May 2)

One of my favorite weeks of the year as a local. Restaurant Week often has a huge list of participants with a fixed 3-4 course meal. The prices range from high to low. I’ve never had a meal from these spots that I didn’t love.

12. Annual Flower Festival at Pike Place Market

As you guys know, I love nothing more than flowers, especially when they begin to bloom. I’ve never been to the Flower Festival at Pike Place and I’m definitely trying to make it this year. It will be an absolute blast and I’m wondering what types of flowers will be there and what will be for sale.

Dates for 2026: Saturday, May 9 & Sunday, May 10, 2026 @ 11:00am – 4:00pm

13. Hit the West Seattle Farmer’s Market

Since I’ll be moving to South Seattle in the next few months, I want to get acquainted with the farmers markets. I’ve generally stayed north but this year we’ll be going to West Seattle a lot more, especially in summer, and we’re thrilled because their farmers market is supposed to be amazing. It’s on California Ave, which is a great long street that’s blocked off from traffic. I’ll definitely report back with a blog post about it in the future!

14. Chihuly Garden and Glass on a sunny day

One of my favorite places in Seattle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass at Seattle Center. It’s right next to the Space Needle and it’s incredible when the sunlight hits the glassworks in the garden. Prepare to be blown away!

I always recommend getting a City Pass if you’re in town visiting or if you’re a local finally exploring Seattle. They have the best combo deals for attractions!

Arts, Culture & Events

15. Go to the Opera, this spring they’re performing Carmen

Honestly, I want to go to the opera in every season but summer. This spring, Carmen will be performed at McCaw Hall and though it’s 3.5 hours long, I’m genuinely excited to see how they handle the French lyrics with English subtitles. I love Seattle so much for thinking of that.

16. Take a watercolor class at Gage Academy of Art

I’ve been wanting to learn watercolor for years and I think this is the year I’m going to give it a go. It’s supposed to be wonderful for your nerves, especially with light music or lo-fi playing in the background. I’m hoping to take a class at Gage Academy of Art or find a class online and always practice outdoors for the fresh air.

17. Catch a show at the Paramount (Phantom of the Opera starts in May!)

This is on my list but it might be out of my budget. I love Phantom of the Opera and saw it in NYC once. If not this year, hopefully in another city soon. It’s always magical when Broadway comes to Seattle.

Sports & Fitness

18. Magnuson Park’s Earth Day Run (5k and plant a tree!)

I did this years ago and loved it so much. I pinned where my tree is planted and I hope to run this again and plant another tree near it! A great way to celebrate Earth Day.

19. Go to a Seattle Reign game

LOVE our soccer teams! I cannot wait to cheer on our women’s team in every sport possible this year but especially soccer. The Seattle Reign are killer and the games are so fun. Kids love cheering these ladies on. It’s by far my favorite sport to watch.

Check out game dates and tickets here.

Explore the Neighborhoods

20. Wander and get to know Columbia City

Columbia City has been on my list to explore for a long while. Their Olympia Coffee shop is one I’ve been to many times to meet up with friends but for some reason I never explore the area outside of Geraldine’s diner. So this spring I’m determined to get acquainted with it and find all the hidden hot spots.

That’s it, friends! All 20 things I’m hoping to do this spring in the Emerald City. Visiting from out of town? Viator has some of my favorite Seattle tours and is honestly the easiest way to experience the city without the guesswork. I’m so excited for cherry blossom season and to just get outside more.

20 Things to Do in Seattle This Spring (A Local’s Guide)

Get Outside & Into Nature