12 Unique and Unusual Activities in Seattle

While Portland to the south has a reputation for being quirky, Seattle also has its own strange side. Aside from a diverse and sometimes quirky populace, Seattle boasts a variety of unusual attractions, perfect for a laid-back afternoon or for impressing visitors.

From a bizarre store that sells bacon Band-Aids to a giant troll lurking under a bridge, cowboy mummies near the Seattle Waterfront, and a wall covered in gum, the Seattle-Tacoma area is brimming with wacky sights beyond the typical tourist spots.

Explore Seattle’s Quirky Attractions

Find a Wacky Treasure at Archie McPhee

Address: 1300 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

Phone: +1 206-297-0240

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Archie McPhee stands out as the premier novelty shop in Seattle. This quirky store is filled with items you never knew you needed, making it a must-visit during your exploration of Seattle’s unusual attractions. From unicorn horns for cats to bacon Band-Aids, Archie McPhee is a treasure trove of oddities.

Have a Drink at Bob’s Java Jive

Address: 2102 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409-7515, USA

Phone: +1 253-475-9843

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Bob’s Java Jive resembles a huge coffee pot, and inside, it houses one of Tacoma’s coolest dive bars and restaurants. Originally designed as the Teapot Restaurant in 1927, this spot has become famous for its karaoke nights and live music events.

Discover the Fremont Troll

Address: North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

The Fremont Troll resides beneath the Aurora Bridge and has been a beloved landmark since its installation in 1990. It’s fashioned from steel rebar, concrete, and even part of a Volkswagen Beetle, making it a perfect backdrop for photographs.

Take a Peek at the Giant Shoe Museum

Address: 1501 Pike Pl # 424, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Phone: +1 260-623-2870

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Located in Pike Place Market, the Giant Shoe Museum features a colossal collection of giant shoes, making it a delightful stop for a unique photo opportunity during your visit.

Picnic by the Bicycle Tree on Vashon Island

Vashon Island hosts the peculiar Bicycle Tree—an old bike stuck in the middle of a tree about twelve feet high. While the true story might vary, this unique sight makes for a perfect picnic location surrounded by nature.

See the Vladimir Lenin Statue in Fremont

Address: 3526 Fremont Pl N, Seattle, WA 98103-8621, USA

Phone: +1 206-632-1500

The famous 16-foot-tall bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin can be found in Fremont. This remarkable statue has a unique history, having been saved from destruction and brought to the U.S. by a local man.

Fly Over to the Rocket

Address: 3420 Evanston Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA

Phone: +1 360-547-7712

The 1950s rocket fuselage in Fremont, a remnant of Cold War nostalgia, serves as an interesting tourist attraction while housing the Fremont crest with the motto “Freedom to be Peculiar.”

Don’t Get Stuck to the Gum Wall

Address: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

The Gum Wall, a curious attraction, features thousands of pieces of gum stuck to it since the early 1990s. Visitors can contribute their own gum for a personal touch.

Step Back in Time at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop

Address: Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98104-1028, USA

Phone: +1 206-682-5844

The quirky Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is part gift shop, part museum. It showcases fascinating antiques, including mummies and unique curiosities, making it perfect for those interested in the strange and bizarre.

Survive the Wallingford Wall of Death

Address: Seattle, WA 98105, USA

The Wall of Death, despite its ominous name, is merely an intriguing sculpture under the University Bridge with an eye-catching ring and spikes, creating a unique visual element for passersby.

Don’t Break the Museum of Glass

Address: 1801 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402-3217, USA

Phone: +1 253-284-4750

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma not only presents stunning exhibits but is also home to a uniquely designed cone that serves as a functional hot shop for live glassblowing, blending artistic beauty with interactive experience.

Snap a Picture With Hat ‘N’ Boots

Address: 6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, USA

Phone: +1 206-684-4075

The iconic Hat ‘N’ Boots, located in Georgetown’s Oxbow Park, are notable for being the country’s largest cowboy boots and hat, originally part of a 1950s gas station. They have now become a unique symbol of the area.