Flying High

Living History

The Museum of Flight (9404 E Marginal Way S) is an aerophile’s dream, with flashy exhibits like the Space Gallery and the Aviation Pavilion—filled with an impressive collection of aircraft that includes the first jet Air Force One, the only Concorde on the West Coast, the rare circa-1930s Boeing 247D, and three big bombers dating back to World War II and the Cold War. The historic Red Barn covers the romantic early days of aviation. Get interactive with flight simulators, a virtual reality ride aboard the Saturn V rocket, and a play area where kids can do everything from color to sit in a cockpit.

Take Flight

Much like the early days of aviation, SEA Airport is always evolving. Recently expanded, the International Arrivals Facility now includes an aerial walkway that’s the world’s longest over an active taxiway. The Central Terminal just keeps getting better, with the additions of dining options Salty’s at the SEA and Brewtop Social, live music program Sounds at SEA, and rocking chairs with sweeping views of the runways. And the C Concourse is currently undergoing a major expansion, set to be complete in 2027, that will put a real focus on climate consciousness through features like nature-inspired design, rooftop solar panels, and fossil-fuel-free heating systems.

Courtesy of Seattle Ballooning

Soaring over Seattle

What’s even better than looking at aircraft? Flying in them, of course. Do just that—and get a bird’s-eye view of the city—on a flightseeing tour. Kenmore Air will take you on a scenic 30-minute seaplane tour that leaves from Lake Union and glides over the University of Washington, Elliott Bay, and the sports stadiums, while Seattle HeliTours offers multiple helicopter itineraries out of Auburn Municipal Airport. (If you’re looking to jazz up your Instagram feed, they also have picture-perfect routes for that.) For a different kind of flight, take a tranquil sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning, topped off with a traditional Champagne toast.

The Air Up There

North of the city, Boeing Future of Flight (8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo) recently reopened its famed factory tours, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Boeing 777 assembly line. (Wheelchair-accessible bus tours are available.) And the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum (3407 109th St SW) in nearby Everett reopened last year and features more than two dozen vintage military aircraft from the late Paul Allen’s collection, alongside tanks and other machinery.