Here are 10 of the most compelling hidden gems in Seattle—places that locals love but many visitors (and even some residents) overlook:
1. The Waterfall Garden Park (Occidental Square, Pioneer Square)
A lush, quiet park tucked behind an unassuming gate with a 22-foot manmade waterfall—originally built to honor the founding of UPS. An unexpected oasis in the heart of the city.
2. Kerry Park’s Neighbor: Parsons Gardens (Queen Anne)
Everyone knows Kerry Park for its postcard view of the Seattle skyline, but just up the street is Parsons Gardens—a dreamy, secluded public garden that feels like it belongs in a fairytale.
3. Fremont’s “Secret” Troll Under the Bridge
Okay, it’s not exactly secret anymore, but the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge still surprises first-time visitors. It’s quirky, massive, and worth the detour.
4. The Panama Hotel Tea Room (International District)
This historic hotel holds deep connections to Seattle’s Japanese American history. Its basement still holds the belongings of Japanese families incarcerated during WWII. The tea room offers a quiet, reflective experience with powerful historic resonance.
5. Kubota Garden (Rainier Beach)
A 20-acre Japanese-American garden founded in the 1920s, featuring waterfalls, koi ponds, bridges, and beautifully landscaped trails—yet still feels uncrowded compared to more central parks.
6. The Hat ‘n’ Boots Park (Georgetown)
Giant cowboy hat and boots from a defunct 1950s gas station—now repurposed as whimsical playground structures in a funky park that captures Georgetown’s eccentric charm.
7. West Point Lighthouse & Hidden Beach (Discovery Park)
While Discovery Park is well-known, few venture all the way to the West Point Lighthouse, a quiet, wind-swept beach at the tip of the park. It’s a tranquil escape with Puget Sound views and fewer crowds.
8. The Seattle Metaphysical Library (Ballard)
Tucked into a small room in a nondescript building, this library is a trove of esoteric books and old curiosities on everything from mysticism to alternative science. A must-visit for the curious and open-minded.
9. Ella Bailey Park (Magnolia)
Overlooked by many, this local park offers one of the best skyline views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and Elliott Bay—without the tourist traffic.
10. Beneath the Streets Tour (Pioneer Square)
Less crowded than the better-known Underground Tour, this version offers a deeper dive into Seattle’s buried history, including old storefronts and alleys sealed off after the Great Seattle Fire.