With miles of beaches, biking trails and waterways for kayaking and canoeing, Seattle features many fun--and healthy--activities. Stroll through one of the city's many local farmers' markets, or ride your bike through Seattle's various neighborhoods. After a day of activities, sit and relax in one of Seattle's many organic and sustainable eateries.
Beaches
Seattle's location on the shores of Puget Sound lends itself to a variety of beach experiences. Explore the rocky tide pools and search for starfish and hermit crabs at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, or relax on the sand at Golden Gardens. If you prefer a freshwater beach, try one of Lake Washington's many public shorelines or the swimming beach at Green Lake.
Biking
Urban bike trails abound in Seattle. The Burke-Gilman Trail stretches 27 miles from its start near the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, southeast through the Fremont neighborhood, along the Ship Canal Bridge, along the shores of Lake Washington, then heads northeast to Kenmore. The trail is open to bicycles, joggers, walkers and skaters.
Waterways
Seattle offers several waterways open to canoeing and kayaking. One of the most popular is in the Washington Park Arboretum, a 230-acre botanical garden. Located on the shore of Lake Washington, the Arboretum's waterway takes you under the freeway bridge and through wetlands full of plants and wildlife. If you don't own your own boat, you can rent a kayak at Aqua Verde Café and Paddle Club and use the public launch. Keep your eyes open for Great Blue Herons; the arboretum reserves land for nesting grounds.
Farmers' Markets
One of the best, and most enjoyable, ways to experience fresh, local produce and food products is at a farmers' market. Seattle offers seven seasonable markets, located in the Capitol Hill, Columbia City, Lake City, Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, University District and West Seattle neighborhoods. Each neighborhood's markets operate on different schedules, but most are open only in the summer. Year-round markets include Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle and the Fremont Sunday Market.
Sustainable Dining
Seattle is home to many restaurants committed to sustainable, organic food. Chefs focus on using locally-grown ingredients that promote health, minimize environmental damage and taste great. Restaurants like Chaco Canyon Organic Café and 94 Stewart pride themselves on serving organic, ecologically-sound fare.
Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe
4757 12th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206-522-6966
chacocanyoncafe.com
94 Stewart
94 Stewart St.
Seattle, WA 98101
206-441-5505
94stewart.com/home.php
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