Any holiday to Seattle will have you visit the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and Starbuck’s original store. While that might satiate most tourists, a savvy traveler does not head back without discovering a few hidden gems of Seattle. 

From offbeat spots of Europe to unseen gems of the Orient, Three Tickets Please is a lair of uniquely delicious non touristy spots from across the globe. 

These hidden gems of Seattle are so secret that even most locals don’t know they exist.

Hidden gems of Seattle – 7 Amazing spots in Seattle that don’t involve the Space Needle

1. Chinese garden

Even in your wildest dreams you never imagined tiptoeing among elegant pagodas and terracotta warriors in Seattle. The Chinese Garden is the city’s best kept secret.  A hidden spot of Seattle, this garden is practically non existent on the tourist radar. With no admission fee, Visiting this peaceful garden is one of the best free things to do in Seattle!

Koi ponds are brimming with tangerine fish and the surrounding space is covered in acres of Oriental garden. Depending on the season you go, you will be welcomed with cherry blossoms or scarlet maple trees that dot the winding paths around the main structure.

It is located right next to South Seattle Community College at 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106.

2. Castles in City – Seattle’s hidden gems

With gorgeous views of the Needle and Sound, Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods in Seattle are effortlessly stylish. Stroll these neighborhoods for stunning castle like homes.

 Sumptuous carvings of cherubs, crocodiles, sunflowers, griffins and gargoyles, make up these eclectic homes. 

These unusual homes take curb appeal to another level. Heads turn, cars stop and jaws drop in utter disbelief at these pretty sights of Seattle.

3.Butterfly garden

Why fly all the way to lush jungles of South America, when the colorful rainforest has flown to you? Thousands of fluttering wings and tropical flowers welcome you in one of Seattle’s prettiest hidden gems.

The butterfly garden housed inside Pacific Science Center is a delight to your senses. Despite being in vicinity of Seattle’s most famous landmark, the Space Needle, this garden is Seattle’s most non-touristy corners.

Delicate wings go open and shut to dazzle you with their playful bliss. It’s a great spot for photography in Seattle.

Being a greenhouse, this place is warm and humid with plenty of natural light. Needless to say it makes for a cheerful escape from Seattle’s grey and gloomy winters. You don’t have to fly to Singapore for orchids or Hawaii for hibiscuses to enjoy the tropics.

It is one of the best rainy day options for kids in Seattle. (while mom and dad share a kiss under cascading flowers…. I suggested no such thing – Get a room guys ! )

4. The Story of Snoqual

Seattle has been the land of richly fabled tribes of Pacific Northwest before cutting edge technology became it’s beating heart. If you have the inclination to discover offbeat Seattle, then you will notice how strongly the Native American heritage is embedded in everything precious to Seattle.

From the famous Sea Hawks logo to the very name of this city, everything is rooted in its tribal heritage. One such legend is the story of Snoqual, ‘The Moon’.

This richly painted Cedar wood panel explains a Northwest legend of the ‘Sky People’.  Be awed by the mysterious story revolving around Ferns, Moon and Salmons. It is located at the start of overhead bridge that connects Queen Anne and Elliot Bay Park.

5. Asahel Curtis Trail 

Asahel Curtis Nature trail is a gorgeous waterfall near Seattle. A short day trip from Seattle, this is a one of the most scenic and picturesque spots around Seattle.

One of the most kid-friendly hikes around Seattle, this lovely trail is tucked in thick forest undergrowth rewards you with the milkiest waterfall tumbling under a magical wooden bridge!

This place is ideal for lazy hikers (if there is such a thing) because you are almost rewarded for your laziness. Just a few steps from the parking lot, are the spectacular views of gurgling streams and mossy boulders.

One of the best hidden gems of Seattle, Asahel curtis trail boasts of surreal beauty that is uniquely intimate. Might just be one of the most romantic places around Seattle.

6. Blue frogs 

Between the majestic lions and graceful giraffes, these extraordinary azure amphibians get easily overlooked. Blue poison dart frogs of Brazil are some of the world’s tiniest wonders and you can see them in Seattle’s Woodland zoo.  

As winter sets in, you may be tempted to go on snowy day trip from Seattle.  But instead head to a wet indoor jungle and see the hidden gems of Seattle . For centuries, native inhabitants of the Amazon Rainforest have used the toxins from these frogs to poison the tips of their arrows.

These rare blue frogs are extremely elusive and hop under leaves, the moment you try to take a picture of them.

These adorable frogs have come a long way – from the wet jungles speckled with tribes of Amazon to a bustling city packed with techies of Amazon !

7. Rockwood Farm in Autumn

This pretty location offers the most beautiful fall colors around Seattle. Literally, a scarlet bed of maple leaves greets you at Rockwood farm. One of a our favorite places to visit in autumn around the city. This hidden gem of Seattle offers great photo opportunities in fall, making a great free Fall activity the emerald city.

These are the 7 wonderful hidden gems of Seattle we’ve come across and loved every bit of them. Would you like to add any to the list ? Do lets us know in comments below!