things to do in seattle skyline

Health + Fitness

Power Up: Seattle for the Adrenaline Junkie in You

Get pumped. There’s no shortage of adrenaline-inducing things to do in Seattle. (Photo: Alamy Stock Photo)

Graced with a mild climate, the Cascade Mountains, and water, water everywhere, Seattle offers plenty of ways to channel your adventurous spirit. Thankfully, this Pacific Northwest gem offers cool ways to get you pumped and primed for a memorable experience. If you’re game, here are three things to do in Seattle to make your next visit not so relaxing.

things to do in seattle sup
Take a stand-up paddleboard yoga class with Surf Ballard. (Photo: Courtesy Surf Ballard)

Namaste on the Water

Instead of admiring the vistas of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains from the shoreline, get the full effect of these beautiful waterways by joining a stand-up paddleboard yoga class. Washington’s SUP yoga pioneer, Surf Ballard, offers sessions for all levels from spring through early fall. Float in Seattle’s Shilshole Bay and connect with the Emerald City’s natural beauty, as well as a truly satisfying sense of wellbeing. Plus, the experience of doing sun salutations before an audience of harbor seals, leaping salmon and swooping eagles is decidedly different.

things to do in seattle ski crystal mountain
Hit the slopes at Crystal Mountain Resort. (Photo: Matt Small)

Rejoice, Powder Hounds

As winter storms blow in off the Pacific, a welcome abundance of snow in Seattle’s Cascade Range makes it a snowboarder’s dream. The Summit at Snoqualmie pass offers the closest skiing near Seattle and has runs that are especially good for newbies. Crystal Mountain is one of the state’s largest ski areas, with 50-plus trails, which aside from offering an impossible adrenaline rush, provide awesome views of Mount Rainier, the 14,400-foot volcano. When conditions are right, the ski patrol opens about 1,000 acres of phenomenal backcountry runs. Or, go big and make a grab as you carve your way over bowls, faces and through the challenging glades of Stevens Pass. For an added thrill, this mountain is often open until 10 p.m. for night boarding.

Seattle’s Top Shore, for Sure

Both visitors and locals alike are lured to Alki Beach for its smooth expanse of sandy shoreline, popular volleyball courts and paved bike trail, the latter of which is a great freewheeling option for navigating the Seattle waterfront. Rent a bike, download a map and take a 16-mile self-guided tour. Not stoked for spokes? The trail is great for roller blading, long boarding and running, too. There are plenty of places to stop and grab a bite along the way and lots of Snapchat moments of the Seattle skyline, mountains and Puget Sound to instantly share. To keep your mellow mood, avoid inevitable parking hassles by taking a water taxi from downtown Seattle’s waterfront to the beach.