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12 Outdoor Experiences to Try In and Around Seattle in 2026

Local travel experts share favorite nature activities for all seasons

SEATTLE – Recently named the “most beautiful city in the U.S,” by travelers, Seattle is a destination where nature infuses every visit. From the rich marine life and water activities of Puget Sound to the surrounding mountains that attract hikers, skiers, and campers. Seattle’s outdoor offerings shift beautifully throughout the year, presenting astonishing beauty and a delightful variety of new activities each season.

Seattle is embracing its status as a city shaped by nature through its multi-year brand campaign, “Mother Nature’s City,” which launched in June and has garnered global attention for Seattle’s unparalleled outdoor access. The international campaign showcases the city’s proximity to forests, shoreline, and mountains at a time when more travelers than ever are seeking outdoor-focused experiences. Since 2019, there has been a 20% increase in demand for nature-based travel.

To help travelers plan their visits to Seattle in 2026 and beyond, the Visit Seattle team collaborated with local hospitality industry experts and partners to share their favorite outdoor experiences and must-try activities in Seattle and the region. Below are recommendations for each month of the year-from a kaleidoscope of spring blooms to brilliant fall foliage, surreal frozen waterfalls and more.

January

The forested hike to Franklin Falls in the Snoqualmie Region is a picturesque adventure perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. Just an hour from downtown Seattle, the 2.2-mile trail leads to spectacular views of the 70-foot-tall Franklin Falls. Visit in January to witness the falls frozen into incredible icicle formations—one of the most unforgettable sights in the region.

“In winter, when the falls are frozen over, it’s a thrill both to behold and to get there,” said Bobbie Nickel, public affairs manager for Visit Seattle. “It’s a short trail, and mostly flat—but don’t forget your microspikes!”

February

February is prime time for an enchanting escape into Washington’s snow-covered mountains. Boasting of nearly 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and four alpine resorts, The Summit at Snoqualmie is the city’s mountain playground and offers everything from snow tubing and beginner ski runs to advanced terrain and backcountry access. The best part? It’s only an hour trip from downtown Seattle. Guests can even book a shuttle to get there.

March

Get ready to cheer on the return of the baseball season and experience the fandom this spring of the 2025 AL West Title Champions, the Mariners (home opener is March 26). With T-Mobile Park’s outdoor element, guests can enjoy the smell of fresh grass, the crisp spring air, and the ballpark vibes all while staying comfortable. The stadium is easily accessible (and in some cases, even walkable) for those staying in downtown Seattle hotels.

“T-Mobile Park typically is an open-air field with a roof that can be moved into place to protect players and fans from the rain,” said Lisa Howard, executive director for Alliance for Pioneer Square. “Fans don’t mind the rain because they keep warm cheering for their teams.”

April

The Washington Park Arboretum offers 230 acres of serene trails and extraordinary plant life within city limits. Co-managed by University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, this outdoor destination features species unique to the Northwest and invites visitors to explore its living museum. March and April are especially gorgeous, typically the best months to experience the cherry blossoms at the park’s Azaelia Way, with benches and tables offering perfect picnic spots throughout.

May

Pike Place Market is a favorite destination year-round, but nothing says “spring” like the Flower Festival (May 9 & 10). A celebration of local farmers and florists, the Flower Festival is a perfect representation of Seattle. During this event, the Market is a riot of color, filled with over 30+ local flower farms from King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.

June

Habitat Beach in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood gives visitors a blend of ocean views and community in an urban setting. Enjoy the shoreline views from Seattle’s revitalized waterfront or get a closer look at native plantings and lively marine wildlife.

“One of the best water-related experiences is a visit to Habitat Beach, the southernmost point of Seattle’s new Waterfront Park and just steps from Pioneer Square’s shops and restaurants,” said Howard “From Habitat Beach you can watch the ferries come and go, admire the restored 1909 pergola, grab a treat from Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, and enjoy the sunset across Puget Sound.”

July

Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park, is a local staple providing a variety of outdoor experiences. Overlooking the Puget Sound, beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges await guests, while two miles of protected tidal beaches and wildlife habitat make it an ideal summer spot for environmental education on a nature walk.

“Discovery Park has beaches with a light house, dense forested areas that make you forget you’re in a city, and grassy fields to sit and take in the stunning view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains,” said Corey Hodder, membership development manager for Visit Seattle.

August

Poo Poo Point, located in Tiger Mountain State Forest, boasts stunning panoramic views of Lake Sammamish and Mount Rainier on a clear August day. Despite its name, it’s a great spot for hikers and those looking for unbeatable views.

“The view at the top is truly epic…so epic that it was used as the fictional location for McDreamy’s house in Grey’s Anatomy,” said Tony Teske, associate creative director for Visit Seattle. “Plus, if you’re lucky you’ll get to see paragliders and hang gliders take off from the top.”

September

One of the best times to explore the outdoors and fulfill those hunter-gatherer instincts is to try foraging around the Seattle area in September. Don’t know where to start? Forage Seattle offers a mix of approachable intro-level mushroom foraging classes, along with guided hunts in the forests near Mt. Rainier.

“September is one of the best months of the year to forage in Washington,” said Angela Shen, founder of Forage Seattle. “The rains return just as the summer warmth lingers, creating perfect conditions for our most beloved wild mushrooms—golden chanterelles, meaty porcini, and vibrant lobster mushrooms. It’s a season that draws both brand-new foragers and seasoned enthusiasts into the forests to experience the abundance, the beauty, and the calm of our region’s wild spaces.”

October

Twin Falls in North Bend is a beloved local trail that highlights lush forests and three stunning waterfalls. Just a 40-minute drive from the city, this trail offers easy river access with family-friendly viewpoints, iconic bridges that put you right above the falls, and vivid autumn foliage around every turn—making it a go-to local hike that delivers big Pacific Northwest scenery.

“Twin Falls in the fall [is my pick],” said Alan Alabastro, president of Alabastro Productions. “Easy to get to, beautiful setting, bridge and falls.”

November

Take in the crisp fall air and Washington’s award-winning wineries in Woodinville Wine Country, a quick 30-minute trip from Seattle. There are over 100 tasting rooms in Woodinville, including Matthews Winery, where outside seating options provide spectacular views of the vineyard and greenery.

“Matthews Winery offers a serene outdoor setting that feels like a forest retreat, where you can create your own picnic experience right among the trees, enjoying natural shade and a gentle breeze while sipping exceptional local wine,” said Eun Kleinheksel, senior manager of sales operations for Visit Seattle. “The combination of lush greenery, open space, and relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for a laid-back yet elegant picnic.”

December

Even in the chilly months, there are must-try outdoor experiences in Seattle. Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is one, serving as a beloved tradition in the Pacific Northwest since 1949. The “Spirit of Seattle,” the official Christmas ship, is draped in colorful lights and decorations, allowing guests to be immersed in the holiday spirit while taking in the beautiful views of the Puget Sound.

“Nothing about this winter activity is shy of joy,” said Sarah Copley, general manager for Puget Sound Express. “It is the perfect culmination of Christmas spirit with caroling, food, and beautiful views of the city from the water. It’s unique and special to Seattle to have this festive winter activity.”

For more ideas on how to experience the outdoors in Seattle, go to visitseattle.org or follow along on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

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About Visit Seattle
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.