Exploring Seattle's Seatac Airport: Things To Do And See

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a great place to spend a layover. The airport is divided into three main areas: the Central Terminal, which houses Concourses A, B, C, and D, and two satellite terminals (North and South). SEA offers a range of dining options, from seafood and local brews at Anthony's Restaurant to sandwiches and lighter fare at Beecher's Handmade Cheese. There are also several cafes, including Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffee. For entertainment, the airport features live music from local artists, an art walk with over 16 permanent installations, and a children's play area. Shopping options include convenience stores, newsstands, and local souvenir shops. The airport also provides free WiFi and charging stations. Nearby attractions include Westfield Southcenter Mall, The Museum of Flight, and Des Moines Beach Park.

Eat at Anthony's Restaurant, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, or Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, there are a few options to consider. Anthonys Restaurant, Beechers Handmade Cheese, and Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express are all great choices, each with its own unique offerings. Unfortunately, Anthonys Restaurant and Wolfgang Puck Express closed in 2019 as part of the airport's ongoing renovations. However, you can still enjoy the delicious offerings at Beecher's Handmade Cheese.

Anthonys Restaurant

Anthonys Restaurant is a popular seafood chain that unfortunately closed its location at Sea-Tac Airport in March 2019 due to renovations. However, you can still find other locations of this restaurant in the Seattle area. Anthonys is known for its fresh seafood selections, including fish and chips, grilled salmon, and clam chowder. It offers a taste of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the region's renowned seafood.

Beechers Handmade Cheese

For cheese lovers, Beechers Handmade Cheese is a must-visit spot at the airport. Known for its "World's Best" Mac & Cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, Beecher's offers a delicious taste of comfort food. You can enjoy their signature macaroni and cheese, made with their own handmade cheese, or indulge in a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Beecher's is a great option for travellers seeking a quick, satisfying bite before their flight.

Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express

Before its closure in 2019, Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express offered travellers a convenient dining option at Sea-Tac Airport. Known for its gourmet pizzas, pastas, and salads, it provided a taste of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's renowned cuisine. While the airport location may be gone, you can still find other Wolfgang Puck restaurants in various locations across North America.

When you're at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you'll have plenty of options to keep yourself entertained and well-fed. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or some last-minute shopping, Sea-Tac Airport has something for everyone. Remember to check out the latest offerings and renovations at the airport to make the most of your time there.

Check into an airport lounge

If you're looking for a quiet place to relax or work during your time at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, checking into an airport lounge is a great option. The Club at SEA is a lounge open to all travellers, regardless of airline or class of service. You can purchase a pass online or at the door.

The Club at SEA offers a range of amenities to enhance your airport experience. Take advantage of complimentary snacks and beverages, including a bar service. If you need to get some work done, there's WiFi, TV, and business services available. You can also stay up to date with the news or simply relax and enjoy the views of the airfield and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.

The lounges are located in Concourse A, near Gate A12, and on the mezzanine level of Concourse S, above Gate S10. You can find the latest hours and locations on the interactive map on the Port of Seattle website, or by enabling your current location on your mobile device to get step-by-step directions.

In addition to The Club at SEA, there are several other lounges at the airport, including the British Airways Terraces Lounge and the American Express Centurion Lounge. You can visit the lounges' websites for more details on services and operational hours, or check out the Priority Pass website for membership information to select lounges.

Shop at Made in Washington or Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Cafe

If you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy during your time at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), there are a few options to choose from.

Made in Washington

Made in Washington is the perfect spot to pick up some last-minute gifts or souvenirs that showcase the best of Washington state. You'll find a wide array of specialty foods, arts and crafts, and other locally-made products. This large airport shop has something for everyone, from coffee and glass art to lavender products, smoked salmon, chocolates, and wines. The books section is also worth browsing, with titles like "Pike Place Market Recipes" and "Eruption -- The Untold Story of Mount St. Helens". Made in Washington is located in the central concourse area, across from Vino Volo.

Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Cafe

For those with a sweet tooth, Dilettante Chocolates & Mocha Cafe is a locally-owned chocolatier offering a range of decadent treats. Located in the heart of the Central Terminal, it's the perfect place to stop for a signature mocha, warming hot cocoa, or a specialty box of chocolates to enjoy during your flight or to share with your final destination. They also offer online ordering for pickup or delivery, so you can enjoy their delicious treats even if you're short on time.

In addition to these highlights, SEA offers over 35 shops to explore, including convenience stores, newsstands, tech and travel shops, and duty-free options. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, a unique gift, or just browsing, there's something for everyone at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Listen to live music

Seattle has a rich musical history, with alt-rock bands like Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden calling the city home. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) celebrates this legacy by showcasing local independent and upcoming artists as part of its Experience the City of Music Program.

Since 2012, the airport has hosted musicians every day of the week, with artists performing in various parts of the terminals and baggage claim. You can check out the daily schedule to see who's playing during your visit.

If you're a fan of Pearl Jam, don't miss their exhibit in Concourse A. The airport also has an Art Walk, a half-mile-long route that guides you through over 16 permanent art installations and some temporary exhibits. You can use your smartphone to scan the QR codes and access artist notes.

So, if you're looking for a break from the typical airport music, SEA has you covered with a diverse range of live performances that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Explore the art walk

If you're looking for something to do at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), why not explore the art walk? The airport has been described as "basically an art gallery", with a range of contemporary art from renowned international and local artists. The Port of Seattle has been collecting public art since the late 1960s and was the first public agency in the region to establish a public art collection.

The Sea-Tac Airport Art Walk is a half-mile-long, one-way walk that takes you through over 16 permanent art installations and some temporary exhibits. You can use your smartphone to scan QR codes and access artist notes for each piece.

One of the most famous pieces in the collection is "High Wire" by Michael Fajans. This photorealistic painting, spread across 11 panels, depicts a magician making someone disappear or reappear, depending on which direction you're walking down the terminal. In 1999, comedian David Cross critiqued the work during a Seattle performance, and in 2001, a flight attendant petitioned for it to be removed due to its "spooky vibes".

Another notable installation is "cloudsandclunkers" by Peter Shelton, located in the A Concourse's solarium between gates A9 and A10. Shelton installed black, cast iron "clunkers" that resemble balloon ties or smashed ceramic vases, arranged solemnly on fabricated steps. Above them are "clouds" made from the same sculpture moulds, but in translucent fibreglass and attached with wire to the glass ceiling.

If you're looking for something a little more traditional, check out "Night Flight #1" by Louise Nevelson, located on the mezzanine level of the Airport Convention Center. This piece is a defining example of Nevelson's work, with nine separate box sculptures made from found objects and combined with an irregular frame, all coated in her favourite colour – "aristocratic black".

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