See Seattle – The Top Seven Reasons to Visit the Home of Grunge

Seattle is the home of Amazon, Space Needle, and Grunge Music. And it’s where you can find some of the best Japanese gardens outside of Japan as well.

Seattle is among the most prominent cities in the American Northwest. But it’s not only famous for getting a lot of rain and clouds throughout the year. 

It’s home to a lot of pop culture, but it’s best known as the haven of grunge music. Not only that, but there’s also some world-renowned architecture and landscape you wouldn’t believe has been around for decades.

Curious? Let’s go into more detail about the top seven reasons to visit Seattle.

Reasons to Visit Seattle

1. Space Needle

Space Needle is perhaps Seattle’s most iconic landmark. It’s been around for almost 60 years but it still looks futuristic. The Space Needle height? It’s 605ft (184m) in total, or 520ft (158m) if you exclude the spire.

The view of the city from the lookout is beyond stunning. If you have trouble identifying landmarks, you can check the nearby wall panels for information. Don’t forget to check out the world’s first spinning glass floor that was installed in 2018.

The windows on the lookout deck have no mullions, which was how the architects wanted it in the first place. And if you’re especially adventurous, you can take in the city from the open-air deck. You can lean on the tilting glass walls and float over the city while there.

2. The Crocodile

If you’re a fan of grunge, then you know that Seattle is where it all started. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden are all from the city. And don’t forget Stone Temple Pilots, Melvins, and Green River.

It’s impossible not to stop by The Crocodile, one of the city’s premier live music venues where all of the local (and global) grunge legends probably played. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the bands that have stuck around.

The Crocodile opened in 1991 and many now consider it the cradle of grunge. Nowadays, it’s a reputable place with a sizeable stage and dance floor. Remember to order a pizza with custom toppings and a cold drink while there.

3. Museum of Pop Culture

This venue established by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, has gone through several transformations over the years. At one point, it was a museum of science fiction. It even had its own hall of fame. But since 2016, it’s been a pop culture museum.

What can you expect to see there? It’s a mishmash of all things pop culture – video games, horror movies, sci-fi literature, and so forth.

The Scared to Death exhibition has at least 50 props from some of the most popular horror movies and shows. The science fiction exhibition is far richer, at more than 150 items from various franchises.

There’s also a special section that focuses on Prince. His guitar, outfits, and many other related items are on display here. It’s a sight to behold for fans and non-fans alike.

4. Museum of Flight

Jet City is Seattle’s most prominent nickname. That’s because Boeing started in Seattle and its headquarters spent all of the 20^th century in the city before moving to Chicago in 2001. But the Museum of Flight is still in Seattle, the world’s largest private aircraft and space museum.

The museum has the legendary Gossamer Albatross II, as well as the cockpits of other famous airplanes. 

It also has a Concorde airplane, which is one of the only four found outside of Europe. You can even go inside it and take a look. 

Also, you can check out the original Air Force One that Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Reagan flew in.

The Space Gallery section also has numerous artifacts from NASA and the Russian space program, which should not be missed out.

5. Seattle Art Museum

If you like 19^th-century painters like Lenbach and Leibl, you’re in luck. The Seattle Art Museum has them, and more.

The museum has a massive collection of Munich School paintings. Some of the early works of Picasso grace the halls and walls of the Art Museum, too. And you can also find works by Bouguereau, Hopper, and Boudin.

A portion of the exhibition displays around 230 paintings that Emma and Charles Frye donated to the museum in 195, which kick-started the museum.

6. Bruce Lee’s Grave

Have you ever heard of the quote, “Be water, my friend”? If you visit Seattle, you can pay homage to the grave of the man who popularized the saying throughout the western world – Bruce Lee.

That’s right, Bruce Lee’s grave is in Seattle. You’ll find it at the Lake View Cemetery, near Lake Union. You can sit on a bench facing the grave if you want to reflect on Bruce Lee’s impact on the world.

And right next to his grave is that of his son, Brandon Lee.

7. Kubota Garden

Seattle’s Japanese gardens are beyond beautiful. If you’re to take a stroll around Kubota Garden, you may have a hard time remembering if you’re in Seattle or Japan.

But probably not during the winter. But if you’re visiting Seattle in May or June, Kubota Garden will be in full bloom.

You can expect to see wooden and stone bridges with red fences and koi ponds. Authentic Japanese flora is also there.

It’s interesting to note that the garden is almost 100 years old. It opened in 1927 and has remained as Seattle’s prime Japanese garden to this day.

Rain, Jets, Grunge, and Bruce Lee

The list of reasons to visit Seattle is pretty eclectic. But it surely has something for everyone.

If you’re a die-hard fan of grunge, then a pilgrimage to Seattle is a must. Make sure to visit The Crocodile at least once while you’re there.

Fancy the arts? You’ll enjoy the city’s Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture. 

Air and space aficionados should reserve a full day to visit the Museum of Flight. It’s the best of its kind west of the Atlantic.

And when you’re in need of a breather, head on over to Kubota Garden. It’s Seattle’s most beautiful Japanese garden.

Given all that rain, when’s the best time to visit Seattle? 

The answer depends on what you want to do and see. If you’re interested in nature and outdoor activities, then the summer months are your best bet. But if you want to visit the museums and the Needle, you can come at any time of year.