There is more homeless people wandering around than I remember. Sometimes , some of them, are really nasty. We ignore them, they are harmless panhandlers' for the most part. I park in private parking for the most part when we are in Seattle.
That being said Pike Street Market area all the way down to the waterfront is fun for a day. Alki Beach is fun for a day. There are things to do in this area like see the Log House attraction and Light House. Discovery Park and the loop trail is fun for a part day. They have e-bike tours at Discovery Park. Dunn Gardens are good for a hour or more if you like plants. Taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island is ok in my book. The Ballard Locks will have salmon viewing in Sept. There is plenty to do in Seattle.
Bill