Seattle is full of amazing things to see and do. There’s no doubt that it’s a must-see location if you’re ever in the pacific northwest. It’s absolutely chock full of attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
You want something different, though.
You want to work up a sweat.
Turns out, there are plenty of things you can do in Seattle that are a great time and double as a decent workout. You can combine your daily exercise with fun.
What could be better than that?
Let’s take a look at seven of the best activities to try out in Seattle that are a lot of fun and a great workout.
1. Explore Washington Park Arboretum
First up is the perfect day trip for anyone that wants to go for a beautiful walk through the trees. The University of Washington Botanic Gardens runs the breathtaking Washington Park Arboretum.
The arboretum covers over 200 acres of land with miles of walking trails winding throughout them.
The Loop Trail is two miles long and takes you around the entire arboretum, providing you with a nice long but easy walk to get you active.
You can start in the Woodland Garden and walk along the one-mile long Lookout Trail to the Lookout Gazebo and back again. Stroll along Azalea Way or make the half-mile Pinetum Loop Trail to check out the conifer collection.
There is no shortage of beautiful things to see when you take your workout here for the day.
2. Walk Around Green Lake Park
If water is more to your liking, you can head on out to Green Lake Park, which sits on a 259-acre freshwater lake. It’s a beautiful patch of green in the middle of the city.
Use the 2.8-mile path that circles the entire lake for your workout in any way you like — walk, jog, run, or bike to your heart’s content!
If you’re more interested in the lake, you can absolutely get some exercise on the water.
Go for a swim to work your entire body. Target your legs by heading out in a pedal boat or opt for a rowboat instead and use your arms to propel you across the lake.
The park also has facilities for baseball, soccer, and golf.
3. Hike to Rattlesnake Ledge
Get your heart pumping with this even more spectacular hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge. This jaunt will treat you with gorgeous views of Rattlesnake Lake.
While the hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge is only 1.9 miles, it’s a great elevation climber and will have you working up a sweat in no time!
Once you make it to the ledge, you will get a chance to see some breathtaking scenery, but you don’t have to stop there. Some trails will take you further up the mountain.
You can hike up to eight more miles if you really want to feel the burn.
4. Take a Full Day Tour of Mount Rainier
Follow a guide on a tour of Mount Rainier that will have you spending an entire day on the stunning mountain.
As a general rule, the tour takes small groups along the Nisqually Vista Trail, which creates a pretty easy loop for even the most casual hikers to enjoy. However, if you’re looking for something a little more difficult — you just have to ask.
They’ll tailor the tour to your tastes so you can get whatever sort of workout you please.
Along the way, you will see wildlife, waterfalls, and glaciers as well as stopping at one point to have a delicious locally-sourced lunch.
Depending on the conditions, you may even get to strap on a set of snowshoes for part of the tour.
5. Go Out on Lake Union
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals mean you are only a few minutes away from getting a workout under the sun out on Lake Union.
At over 500 acres, Lake Union is the perfect place to get some fresh air in your lungs while working out all those essential muscle groups. It’s easy to lose yourself out there for an entire day.
The Northwest Outdoor Center even offers classes and trips for those that aren’t yet up to paddling around on the lake. This way, a complete beginner can enjoy themselves just as much as anyone.
6. Tour Seattle’s Underground
Combine your daily step quota with a fun history lesson on a guided tour through Seattle’s underground.
This 75-minute tour will take you through the spaces beneath Pioneer Square — Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. It’s a series of basements belonging to the old buildings which house a colorful side of Seattle’s history you won’t see on the topside.
It’s not an intensive workout by any means, but it will get you up and moving for over an hour, and you’ll have a lot of fun doing it!
7. Take to the Air at a Beginner’s Trapeze Class
Want something totally off the wall?
Or… off the floor?
Go ahead and spring for a trapeze class and see how much adrenaline you can work up in the process.
Emerald City Trapeze offers classes for any skill set. You don’t have to know a single thing about the trapeze before taking a beginner’s class. You just have to bring along your determination and that free spirit that’s longing to fly.
You can even bring your partner here for date night and take a private class.
There is a broad range of classes other than the trapeze. You can opt for acrobatics or aerial arts instead.
And if you’re really looking to burn those calories, take a shakedown class to whip yourself into shape.
In Conclusion
Getting a workout doesn’t have to be a bore. That’s especially true if you find yourself in a city like Seattle. There’s just so much to do that will fill your soul and your cardio requirements.
So get up off your couch and kick your day into gear. The city is out there waiting for you!
Author Bio:
Leon Grundstein has more than 28 years of experience in real estate development, with over two decades of experience in the retirement industry. He founded Lynnwood Scriber Gardens with a game-changing business model to promote a healthy and robust retirement lifestyle for older adults.
