Seattle, or the Emerald City, is my most favorite city to visit in the United States. The arts culture, great food, hiking, historical sites and famous tourist attractions makes it a city unlike none other. Whenever I'm in a slump, creatively, Seattle is usually the cure.

I prefer visiting Seattle in the off-season months, but many people, due to work and school commitments, flock to the city in the summer months. July, in particular, tends to be the month with the highest visitation rates.

So if you're planning a trip to the Emerald City and are researching things to do in Seattle in July, read on to discover my pick of fifteen. They range from indoor and outdoor activities, but all are family and couples friendly. Let's get into it.

1) Experience the Seattle Space Needle

Kicking off the list is the ultra-touristy, but at the same time must-do (especially if it’s your first time), The Space Needle. Standing at a commanding 605 feet, the, “Needle”, offers visitors a commanding view of downtown Seattle, Olympic Mountains, and more.

The main deck is where you’ll find the indoor observation deck and open-air viewing area at 520 feet. The second level observation deck features a glass floor for you to test your bravery on (if you dare) and get a clear view of the ground 500 feet below.

Since the needle is located in Seattle Center, you can experience additional offerings such as food vendors, live music, museums, art and more. It's the perfect place for first timers to spend day in Seattle.

Check out our article on the Space Needle here.

2) Tour Chihuly Garden & Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum exhibit.

Located next to the Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the awe inspiring glass artwork of Washington native, Dale Chihuly. Visitors move from room to room viewing examples of his work and descriptions of how they came to be.

In the garden, demonstrations take place on a regular basis. Local glass artists break down the painstaking process of forming and coloring the glass. The museum is also located in Seattle Center, and directly next to the Space Needle.

To make visiting both easy, you can purchase a discounted combo ticket which includes admission to both the museum and the needle. It's a truly unique Seattle art museum and a great way to beat the mid-day heat of July.

3) Catch a Game

Seattle is home to both the Mariners (baseball) and the Seahawks (football). Regardless of which team your favorite is (even if you despise both teams), it never hurts to check out a local game if you can. Especially if your favorite team happens to be in town.

If you happen to be here during the off season or they’re on the road, you could always book a tour of either stadium to see the ins and outs. If you’re a fan of either team, or just a fan of spots in general, it's a can't miss.

4) Sip Coffee at Local Shops

“Coming to Seattle and drinking Starbucks is the equivalent to flying all the way to Italy to dine at Olive Garden”. That is a direct quote said to me by a Seattle local and I couldn't agree more. Starbucks may have been born in Seattle, but the local shops are we the best coffee is.

Seattle is littered with dozens of amazing local coffee shops and bakeries. You’d be hard pressed to visit even half of them during a single visit (though you’d have a lot of fun trying). One of our favorites, “Cafe D’arte”, serves up amazing coffee in historic Pioneer Square.

5) Take a Quick Trip to Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls outside Seattle Washington.

Nestled in the Cascade Range and only a thirty minute or so drive away from the city is the beautiful, 270-foot tall, Snoqualmie Falls. It would be a crime to come to Seattle and not see one of the most famous natural attractions in the state.

If you’re flying in and don’t plan on renting a vehicle, don’t fret. There are many tour operators that’ll not only take you to the falls and give you time to look around, but some will also grant you access to the winery near the falls for a wine tasting before bringing you back to your downtown hotel.

Best of all, since it’s cooler in the mountains, that makes it one of the best things to do in Seattle in July. Check out our article on Snoqualmie Falls here.

6) See the Post Alley Gum Wall

Seattle may be well known for being the home of many artists and their respective art forms, but this may be taking it a bit too far. Located under Pike Place, in Post Alley, is where you’ll find Instagram famous, Post Alley Gum Wall. It’s literally an alley with both of its walls covered in gum chewed by locals and tourists.

You may be thinking to yourself that this is gross and, well, you’re not wrong. However, don’t knock it until you try it, as it’s interestingly gross. It’s one of those things you must experience for yourself to fully appreciate.

Do keep in mind that the gum wall is an unofficial attraction in the Emerald City and thus, goes through an occasional cleansing courtesy of the city. When this does happen, though, it usually doesn't take long before folks gather and start "rebuilding", so-to-speak.

To find it, head left and down the ramp at the main entrance of Pike Place Market. When you get to the bottom of said ramp, turn left.

7) Catch a Sunset at Kerry Park

Seattle skyline from Kerry Park at sunset.

If you’ve been looking at pictures of Seattle, chances are you’ve seen this view. Photographers and Instgramers alike flock to Kerry Park to snap a photo of what’s known as the, “Postcard View”, of the skyline. On clear days, even Mount Rainier will make an appearance.

Be sure to bring a zoom lens and a tripod for stability because the view is actually much further out than it appears in most photos. Even if you don’t have those, though, you’ll still get a decent shot worthy of that share button.

It's also safe to visit at night, as my wife and I were here at sunset and stayed until it got dark. From there, we continued down the stairs and walked through the neighborhood. Not once were we ever bothered or felt threatened.

The exact address for Kerry Park is:

211 West Highland Drive, Seattle, WA 98119

8) Explore Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park in Seattle during sunset.

Located at the north side of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a near 20-acre public park that was once owned and operated by the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant in the early to mid 1900’s. It is now owned by the city.

Today, visitors can see, explore and photograph the remnants of the plant. There are also pathways for walking/jogging and reservable picnic areas perfect for family gatherings. At night, you can get a great photo of the city skyline, facing South Lake Union, with all the buildings lit up. It's an unforgettable experience.

The exact address is:

2000 N. Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

9) Take a cruise on Seattle Harbor

Most people book a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island (rightfully so) without the realization that they could also book a cruise that sails along the Seattle Harbor and Elliott Bay. While you sail, a narrator details the history of the waterfront while the Olympic and Cascade ranges provide a spectacular backdrop for the city skyline.

July is actually a great time to take one of these harbor tours, as there's nothing like feeling that cool ocean breeze hit you. During the tour, you'll get a unique perspective on many attractions, including waterfront park, the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Great Wheel, and more.

10) Dine at Local Restaurants

Old Stove Brewery in Seattle Washington.

We have a rule when it comes to dining out while traveling; no chains or fast food joints whenever possible. Thankfully, Seattle is stacked with amazing, local restaurants that are sure to appease every pallet.

You’ll find a handful of epic eateries alongside and within Pike Place Market, but try to venture out into downtown and the local neighborhoods. If you do, you'll find countless hidden gems. The pic of the flatbread above is from, “Old Stove Brewery”, just outside of Pike Place, proper.

In addition to Old Stove Brewery, I can personally recommend Beechers, The Pink Door, Hood Famous Cafe, Six Seven Restaurant, Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge, Yard House, Biscuit Bitch, and Radiator Whiskey. Also, while it's not local, I always recommend Din Tai Fung if you have the opportunity to dine there. I've been to the Anaheim and Las Vegas locations and it's a stellar experience every time.

11) See the Chris Cornell Statue Outside of “MoPop”

Chris Cornell statue in Seattle Washington.

Being a huge Chris Cornell and Soundgarden fan, once I found out about a bronze statue made in his honor outside of the Museum of Popular Culture (or MoPop), I knew I HAD to see and photograph it, as I've always found his music influential.

If you’re a fan, there’s no debate, go check it out. It can be found along the exterior of the Museum of Popular Culture, within the Seattle Center grounds, on the street side. In my opinion, nighttime is the best time to photograph it, as there's an illuminated mural of Chris in the background.

12) Admire the Murals in the Greenwood Neighborhood

Street art is everywhere in Seattle, but my personal favorites were found in the trendy neighborhood of Greenwood. This is also where we booked our Airbnb for our first trip to the Emerald city. You can check that out here, if you like.

We found out about the murals after trying to get a table at, “Flintcreek Cattle Co.”, but ended up having about an hour to wait. So we walked around and found them. They’re ever changing so the art never gets stale.

13) Eat Your Way Around Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market has it all. Visit the market in the morning and witness fishermen tossing freshly caught fish over the heads of tourists as they prepare them for sale. Head deeper inside and see all the fresh crab, produce, homemade jellies, spices, gifts, and more!

Food isn't the only attraction here, as it's also where you'll find a handful of Seattle's best things to do, such as the Post Alley Gum Wall, Original Selfie Museum, the original Starbucks coffee shop and more.

If you’re like most people and want a picture with the infamous Pike Place Market sign (pictured above), the exact address is:

85 Pike Street #500, Seattle, WA 98101

As with most places in Seattle, I highly recommend photographing the area at night for the full effect.

14) Ride the Seattle Great Wheel

Located at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel is a great time for every member of the family (unless you’re terrified of heights, that is). It has an overall height of 175 feet and became the tallest ferris wheel on the west coast since opening in June 2012.

Sure, just about every major city has one of these by now but if nothing else, the views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound you’ll get from the top will more than make up for it being, “just another Ferris wheel”. Going at sunset or at night would be best, in my opinion.

15) Take an Underground Tour

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour in Seattle.

I’ve saved what is, perhaps, the best for last; the Seattle Underground Tour. In the 1800’s, this part of the city was hastily built without any consideration of the rising tide that would regularly cause destruction. Tons of muddy water would rush through town with enough force to consume children and small dogs.

Thus, in 1889, when the Great Seattle Fire burned 25 square blocks worth of buildings to the ground, the decision was made to rebuild, literally, on top of the remains of the old buildings and street. At completion, this left pathways through the original streets and remains of old buildings underneath the new street.

This tour is easily one of the best things to do in Seattle. Not just for its historic value, but because when you visit Seattle in July, going underground is the best way to beat the heat.

There are a few operators who conduct this tour but the biggest and best is Bill Speidel’s. You'll get a quick rundown of the history of the area and are then taken underground to see what the original streets and some of its buildings looked like. I don’t normally like organized tours, but this one was well worth the money.