Flights to Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, affectionately known as Sea-Tac, serves as one of the most rapidly growing U.S. airports. Serving over 50 million passengers annually, it’s an international gateway with service from Delta Air Lines and a variety of regional and international carriers. Located 12 miles from downtown Seattle in the city of SeaTac, Washington, it’s still just a short ride away from attractions in and around Seattle.

Even if you’re passing through on your way to an international destination, you’ll still find in-airport restaurants featuring local brews and coffee to enjoy. When departing, the airport recommends that you arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Their busiest days are Thursdays and Fridays. 

Gorgeous sights, urban adventures: Find it all when you fly to Seattle, a rapidly growing city where industry giants meet local flavor. While it’s kept its grunge roots, the city continues to grow into a thriving patchwork of neighborhoods, culture and natural beauty. The sum of its parts, Seattle truly offers something for everyone.

While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, plan ahead to make the most of your visit. From stopping over at Sea-Tac to visiting Seattle for a longer stay, you’ll find unique activities and destinations to explore. From food truck fare to fine art, from Pike Place Market to hidden urban gems, you’ll find more to do from the minute you land in Seattle.

Seattle First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first trip to Seattle, start your stay downtown with a visit to the iconic Pike Place Market. This working market houses icons like the original Starbucks, but also hides colorful produce and local treasures that you can discover as you wander. Continue your day along the Puget Sound, then walk up to Belltown to find trendy shops, on-point dining and interesting sights.

Seattle Artwork

Take off to Seattle, then take in art at each turn. You’ll discover street art as you walk and might even find the beloved Fremont Troll. You can also peruse one of Seattle’s three key museums part of the Seattle Art Museum network. Find the main “SAM” downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park bordering Belltown. While the sculpture park is free, the other museums offer only a suggested admission.

Seattle Food & Culture

Home to a diverse immigrant population plus abundant, fresh seafood, take time to stop and savor the flavors of Seattle. Enjoy a stop in one of the many oyster houses dotting the city, or even seek out a decadent brunch in Lower Queen Anne. For more colorful fare from across the Asian continent, head up to the Chinatown-International District to find dim-sum, Thai, Vietnamese, fresh sushi and several izakayas for beer-friendly Japanese pub food. For fusion cuisine, art and interesting people, head over to still-bohemian Fremont.

Seattle Outdoor Exploring

Stunning panoramic mountains and waterways peek around every corner and window in Seattle. Even in the city, you’re close to overwhelming natural beauty and many activities you can enjoy outdoors. Find canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding at nearby Golden Gardens Park, Alki Beach and at the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center. For hiking close by, try the Washington Park Arboretum, Discovery Park, Foster Island Trail, Dead Horse Canyon and more.

What to Pack for a Seattle Visit

Think practical in Seattle. Like the locals, bring a good waterproof raincoat. While umbrellas help, windy rain can bust the best umbrellas as winds gust between Seattle’s tall downtown buildings. The hills can be tough, too. If you’re walking, opt for a pair of reliable shoes, like boots or sneakers. No matter when you visit, dress in layers. It could be raining and chilly one minute, sunny the next.

Though it earns a rainy reputation, Seattle’s temperate climate makes it easy to explore year-round. In the summer, high temperatures peak in the 70s and it's often cool, dry sunny or cloudy. In the winter, temperatures can dip to a low around 40°F with frequent rainfall. Whenever you visit, dress in layers and bring a raincoat or umbrella — you’ll be glad you did.