Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The temperate climate provides many inexpensive, outdoor fitness opportunities. You can walk, bike or skate all year long in Seattle, as well as enjoy some boating activities, such as sailing and kayaking. Seattle is also a cultural hub, with music venues, craft offerings and art fairs open to the public at low cost. Foodies can enjoy local restaurants, many of which feature produce and fish from the area, as well as numerous farmer's markets.
Farmer's Markets
Seattle's farmer's markets are spread out thoughout various neighborhoods and offer fresh-picked local produce most days of the week. The most famous market is Pike Place Market, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. Spread over 9 acres, the market contains inexpensive restaurants and food stalls, as well as opportunities to listen to local street musicians for a few donated coins. Local craftsmen show their ways, and you can purchase inexpensive souvenirs or T-shirts here as well.
Biking
Seattle is a bike-friendly city, and the Seattle Parks Department maintains many bikes paths. Bikes can be rented at most bike shops for an hour or for days. Popular rides are the Burke-Gilman trail that starts in Wallingford and rides along the Seattle Waterfront. The University of Washington has bike-friendly paths, and the path along the waterfront passes by chowder houses and tourist shops where you can purchase an inexpensive lunch.
Kayaking
If you own your own kayak, you can launch at any of the boat launches along Lake Union, Lake Washington or Elliot Bay. If you want to rent a kayak, a few places provide hourly or daily rentals, along with lessons or day-long tours. The waters are filled with boaters, from private sailboats to commercial barges. You can boat past the houseboat community for a view into a unique Seattle lifestyle. Pack a drink and you can have an inexpensive water cruise in Seattle.
Seattle Center
The Seattle Center was built for the World's Fair in 1965. You can ride to the top of the Space Needle or dine at the restaurant on top. Strolling the grounds of the center is free, but you might want to stop in the Center House to visit the Food Court, or stop at the Science Museum to take in an IMAX movie. The Children's Museum is an inexpensive way to spend a rainy afternoon with hands-on activities, too.
Woodland Park Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo is a world-class zoo located in the Wallingford neighborhood near Green Lake. You can view elephants or lions in native habitats or pet a farm animal at the petting farm. Entrance fees are inexpensive, and food is available for purchase. While at Green Lake, you can walk or bike the 2.9-mile loop or enjoy a picnic. Boats rentals are available in the summer months by the hour as well.
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