Top Seattle Historical Tours

Discover Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle’s history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States. Each small-group tour is unique, with insider tips from a professional, local guide.

Seattle is famous for its bustling waterfront, numerous green spaces, and historic neighborhoods. Ideal for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour provides an overview of top attractions such as Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Pike Place market. Sit back and relax while your guide provides historical and cultural background for each destination, and enjoy stops to walk and take photos.

Travel amid a stunning landscape on a memorable day trip through the Cascade Mountains. Your vehicle will climb Stevens Pass, motor alongside the Skykomish River and present views of Bridal Veil Falls and Deception Falls en route to Leavenworth. On arrival in the Bavarian town, you’ll have two hours for lunch (own expense) with free time to explore its wine shops and art galleries. Then continue over Blewett Pass, glimpse an old gold mining town and stop at Snoqualmie Falls, a premier natural attraction.

During the tour, we will make three stops in places of tourist importance. The first stop will be the Pioneer Square neighborhood located in the historic district of the old metropolis where we will visit the origins of Seattle on a walk suitable for the whole family and full of history, architecture, and photography. We will continue to the Ballard Locks for our second stop. We will see the boats enter and leave the Pacific Ocean to the lakes surrounding the city. Finally, we will end with one of the most impressive panoramic views before ending the tour where we can take some of the best photos of the city center. The tour ends at the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or returned to your hotel. It is generally a 3-hour tour but it can be extended if the group wishes. This tour is highly recommended for children and adults of all ages.

You’re a serious beer enthusiast who wants the best of what the Seattle brewery scene has to offer. Learn how Ballard has become one of the most famous brewing districts in the world, and let your guide show you some of the top local brewpubs. Enjoy tasting with like-minded people, find something you’ve never tasted before, and discover new brews you’ll love.

Mt. Saint Helen's, is a national monument and active volcano. She is one of 5 Washington State volcanoes and it was May 18, 1980, when the eruption brought this quiet mountain to the world's attention. On your tour, you'll see the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption and the slow return of nature’s flora. A full day of adventure, you'll visit the Forest Learning Center, stop for lots of photo ops, and visit Johnston Ridge Visitor Center.

Sip craft beer by the Seattle waterfront on a brewery tour of the Fisherman’s Terminal neighborhood, visiting local brew pubs in an area with a vibrant fishing tradition. It’s a great chance to see a Seattle neighborhood that retains some grit and industrial character as you walk to Urban Family Brewing Co., Figurehead Brewing Co., Fisherman’s Terminal, and Rooftop Brew Company, tasting a series of traditional beers along the way.

Get personalized attention on this small-group tour of Seattle, limited to just 14 people or fewer. Traveling with a small group means you'll get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions of your guide during the journey to several top landmarks, such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Get to know the landscape of Seattle on a private sightseeing tour that provides an introduction to the city--great for the start of your stay. Traveling in a Suburban (avoid the bus tours), you'll pass by Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and other major attractions across seven neighborhoods. Along the way, stop for photo ops and learn about local history.

PRIVATE tour. This tour has 2 adventures. The mountain tops and 2 ferry rides. You travel in our comfortable 6 passenger SUV and your guide, also the driver, will share what you see along the way as well as when you get there.  Magnificent mountains, trails, and viewpoints await you. We stop for photos and breaks. Sometimes we see deer, marmot, and chipmunks!

Explore northwest island life on this all-inclusive history and wine tour of Bainbridge Island. After a scenic ferry ride, visit beautiful Bloedel Reserve, a 150-acre (61-hectare) arboretum and garden, and the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Enjoy the included gourmet picnic or restaurant meal before exploring the rest of the island’s colorful history. Spend the afternoon visiting the island’s best wineries for tastings, included in the tour price.

Visit Mount Rainier National Park on this full-day tour. See waterfalls, old-growth forests, flowering meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat. This experience on Mount Rainier makes your expected stops — but also ventures off the beaten path, with fantastic views and vistas, waterfalls, and park grounds. Walk or don't walk, you get the option. This tour travels all the way around Mount Rainier, and the different landscapes are fantastic. Four stops for trail walks and/or waterfalls are included.  May, June and late Oct, may have snow at Paradise, roads will be clear, but may need to return same route, and we've added extra walks if this happens.

Get a look at the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens, an active stratovolcano located south of Seattle. This private day trip with a personal guide brings you up close to the blast site of the national monument, brought to the world's attention when it exploded hot lava 15 miles (24 km) into the atmosphere. You’ll visit two interpretive centers to learn about geological features and the slow return of its native flora. View the mountainside from Johnston Ride Observatory and have lunch at a riverside restaurant.

Each neighborhood in Seattle has a unique feel, architectural style and social scene. Let’s take a ride and explore some of them! We will check out Capitol Hill, center of nightlife, meander through the Volunteer Park neighborhood to see some of Seattle’s beautiful old Victorian-style homes, then through the Central District to head to the shores of Lake Washington to see mid-century modern delights on our way to Columbia City, Beacon Hill, and Georgetown. There are spectacular views all through this drive! If you’re a new resident of Seattle, or considering moving here, this is a great tour for you to start building a mental map of the feel of the city, guided by a resident of 30 years. If you would like to visit different neighborhoods, please choose the private tour version of this tour and we can craft a personalized experience! With a max of 4 people, this is a fun and personalized way to explore the city.

Reach at 2000 meter elevation to overlook the greatest view of the mountain Itinerary: Olympic National Park（Including Hurricane Ridge（120 mins）; Lake Crescent（30 mins）) → Taking Bainbridge Island ferry back to Seattle

This combination ghost tour and pub crawl that will take you on a walking tour to explore the fascinating history of Seattle and hear some of its most famous and creepy haunted stories. 21+ only. A costumed guide will lead tour goers on a 2-2.5 hour journey, offering glimpses into the past and revealing the stories of long-dead phantoms and specters who still call Seattle home. You'll visit three different bars, and have time to enjoy a delicious libation (at own expense) as the guide tells you about all the spooky happenings and great history of this amazing town!

Explore rocky peaks, snow-fed waterfalls, and forests in the Cascade Mountains on a full-day tour from Seattle that crosses three mountain passes. With stops to see a Snoqualmie Pass waterfall and take a hike at Stevens Pass, you’ll discover alpine scenery at its most dramatic. Bring a camera to capture big views that go from high peaks to glacier-carved valleys lined with oversized boulders.

Join a local Seattle guide for a fully personalized, private tour that’s designed just for you. With half a day to explore alongside a guide who shares your interests, you can search for the perfect cup of coffee, discover funky neighborhoods, or browse unique shops, skipping group tours' more generic itineraries for a curated experience and local perspective.

The snow-topped peaks, ancient forests, and wildflower fields of the Mount Rainier National Park lie just a 1.5-hour drive south of Seattle. On this tour, escape the city for the natural landscapes of the national park and spend the day taking in the mountain views. Depending on your preferences, enjoy guided hikes or nature strolls, visit lakes and waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic lunch looking out over the mountains.

Let's explore the busiest locks in the nation, the Hiram Chittenden Locks! We will watch boats "lock through" and watch for baby salmon (smolts) going out to sea, and adults returning to navigate the fish ladder on their way home to spawn. The resident harbor seals and herons are always fun to watch too! We will learn how this critical component of our maritime industry and history transformed Seattle, and it's role in managing our fresh water lake systems. Then we're off to Gas Works to learn about this one-of-a-kind park, where we will see float planes taking off and landing, and enjoy stunning views of the city. Finally we will visit to the houseboat communities along Lake Union, a uniquely Seattle experience! Kids aged 8 and up are welcome, as I do not have car seats for younger ones.

Center of Seattle’s LGBTQ community for years, "the hill" is vibrant, inclusive and delights with small independent shops, booming nightlife and attitude. We will learn about it's history and visit one of Seattle’s oldest parks with great views of the Space Needle. Along the way, we will check out a few of Seattle’s best book stores, some great record shops, sample locally made ice cream and confections, enjoy the best espresso in the city (in my opinion!) and see some of the most famous bars and live music venues in the city. This is a great way to plan your weekend agenda while in town if nightlife is your thing. These are the places I take my friends and family when they visit, I'd like to share them with you. With a max of 4 people, this is a personal "best of Seattle" tour that explores the places most visitors never see. Come explore with a 30 year local!

Hotel, pier and airport pickup. One hour from Seattle, Olympia has a rich history as our State Capitol. Begin with a visit the Washington State Capitol Building. The Rotunda and Legislative Building are remarkable with every inch in beautiful granite. Inside you’ll also see the largest Tiffany Chandelier in the world during your 50 minute tour. You’ll dine in downtown historic Olympia. The food is delicious and the beer is made using artesian water. Remember the Olympia Brewing Company slogan “It’s the Water, and a More”. Next, choose between visiting the 1904 Schmidt mansion, Olympia Brewing Company owner. Included is a walk through Tumwater Falls Park with waterfall. Or instead, visit a National Wildlife Refuge and walk the trails and boardwalks. This is located at the mouth of the Nisqually River where it meets Puget Sound saltwater. Traveling in our comfortable company SUV, you’ll enjoy this getaway to historic Olympia. This a private tour for you, 2-5 guests.

Sample local craft beers at three of Seattle’s premier establishments on a 3-hour breweries tour. The small-group tasting excursion takes you away from the typical bars where most tourists end up and into the trendy Ballard neighborhood. Follow your guide to Reuben's Brews, Obec Brewing, and Stoup Brewing, and enjoy various beers and distinctive ambiance at each location.

Explore Seattle’s highlights on this customizable excursion. After a convenient hotel or airport pickup, head out with an informative driver/guide and check out must-see spots like the Space Needle, historic Pioneer Square, Ballard Locks, Amazon headquarters, and Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Learn about the city, personalize your experience to suit your interests, and enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch at a waterfront restaurant.