The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is important to both residents and visitors. There are a wealth of entertainment options in the Emerald City for everyone from families with young children to outdoor enthusiasts to foodies. With long, clear summer days and mild winters, exploration is possible at any time of year. Whether you are seeking adventure or the backdrop for a romantic weekend, Seattle provides it, in an accessible and stress-free setting along Puget Sound.
Transportation
Seattle is a pedestrian friendly town. Light rail lines from the airport provide a quick and green way to get into town. Amtrak trains provide easy connections to and from Portland, Tacoma and Canada, while a monorail offers a fast way to get from downtown to the city center. Leave your car outside the city center and enjoy free rides downtown from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday. For those looking to stretch their legs, many of Seattle's most notable landmarks and cultural attractions are well within easy walking distance.
Sightseeing
Seattle's skyline is dominated by the Space Needle, which is a must-see for its fantastic views of the city from its observatory deck, 520 feet in the air. Take time to walk around historic Pioneer Square, where an underground tour will give you a glimpse of the Seattle that came before today's metropolis. As you stroll through downtown, make sure to step in the 11-story Seattle Central Library, whose angular, shiny glass exterior reveals an airy interior that is architecturally breathtaking and satisfyingly useful. Catch a Mariners baseball game, where the stadium's signature snack is the potent garlic fries, or hold your breath as the Rat City Rollergirls take part in a rowdy and bruising bout of roller derby. Watch fish mongers toss the fresh catch of the day at the Pike Place Fish Market, where farmers, street performers and artisans all hawk their craft and wares in a vibrant bustle of activity.
Food
Seattle is known for its coffee shops, and no trip to the city would be complete without multiple stops at the local cafes. Watch the skilled baristas make their signature designs on the frothy foam which tops colorful mugs of cappuccino or sip a rich espresso while escaping the rain. While wandering around the colorful Pike Place Fish Market, pick up some freshly cooked shrimp, have a handful of fresh berries, or enjoy bites of the pastries, piroshkis, and artisan cheese available from local merchants. In the afternoon, take a tasty and refreshing tour of one of Seattle's local breweries. For dinner, you can't beat the sushi or other authentic foreign foods in the Chinatown-International District.
Outdoor Activities
Seattle is an outdoor lover's paradise. Make your way to Gas Work Park along Puget Sound, where an abandoned factory has become a piece of modern art and play barn. It's the perfect place to fly a kite, throw a Frisbee, stroll along the water or have a picnic. Green Lake Park, providing a 2.8-mile loop around a small lake, is great for runners, skaters, and walkers looking to work up an early morning sweat before taking a dip in the water. Those interested in windsurfing can get out on the water at Green Lake or take the bus to Magnuson Park, just east of the University of Washington, where dog lovers can also let their canines run free.
Day Trips
The city of Seattle provides a great base for enjoying the great outdoors. To see the majestic mountain that watches over the city on clear days, travel southeast to Mount Ranier for long and short hiking trails. Stop at the nearby Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for tram ride views of wildlife, including moose, antelope and grizzly bears. Take the ferry or charter a boat or sea plane to San Juan Island, where opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, cycling and strolls along the beach abound. Helpful interpretive centers, hiking trails and helicopter rides near the blast zone make Mount St. Helen's National Volcanic Monument accessible to day trippers. Just 90 miles west of Seattle is Olympic National Park, providing a fantastic introduction to the Northwest ecosystems, from damp and lush green rainforests to the cliffs, rock formations and tide pools of the coast.
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