The Emerald City, known for the Space Needle, Starbucks, Microsoft and rain, also offers many choices for visitors seeking healthy lifestyle experiences. Seattle features more than 200 public parks and waterways, ready for exploring by land or sea. Numerous cultural events occur daily from art exhibits to theater performances. Get to know Seattle on a one-on-one basis by creating your own personal adventure.
Active
Seattle offers cyclists many bike paths, lanes and multi-user trails such as the Burke-Gilman Trail, Chief Sealth Trail and Interurban Trail. Swim along the shores of Lake Washington at Seward Park Beach. The sociable atmosphere of Green Lake Park attracts walkers, joggers and rollerbladers. Explore Lake Union by kayak or canoe or rent a sailboat at the Wooden Boat Center. Climbers hone bouldering skills at the University of Washington outdoor climbing wall. Alki Beach Park in west Seattle offers fascinating tide pooling at low tides.
Sightseeing
Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the iconic Space Needle, located in the Seattle Center. Explore historical downtown Pioneer Square and take an underground tour. Get your walking shoes ready for the Seattle waterfront and discover the Seattle Aquarium, Coast Guard ships, Pike Place Market, an old-fashioned carousel, restaurants and souvenir shops. Visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to watch ships pass from saltwater to freshwater and observe migrating salmon from an underwater viewing area.
Visual Arts and Museums
Fill your mind with the Experience Music Project, which is a museum dedicated to the musician's art. The massive Hammering Man sculpture dominates the entrance to the Seattle Art Museum. The Wing Luke Museum features Asian art. The Travel Channel ranks the Frye Museum as one of the top free museums in the United States. During summers, the Olympic Sculpture Park offers outdoor Tai Chi classes. The Capitol Hill neighborhood hosts First Thursday Art Walks. Sci-fi fans will enjoy the Hall of Fame at the Science Fiction Museum. Jets and airplanes await passengers at The Museum of Flight.
Music and Dance
Dance the night away or listen to live music at one of Pioneer Square's many club venues. For something a little more primitive, join a hand drum class under the Aurora Bridge. Invigorate your body with the hypnotic beats of a Brazilian or African dance class. Swing dance at the Russian Cultural Center, no partner required. Attend a world-class opera performance at the Seattle Opera. Hear local music at the Ballard Fire Station or Tractor Tavern.
Relaxation
Seattle boasts plenty of coffee shops and cafes for those days you want to slow down, sip a cappuccino and people watch. Laze away the afternoon among the book shelves of the Elliot Bay Bookstore. Sore muscles receive soothing relief at local spas offering treatments from therapeutic sports massage to Swedish massage. Grab some fresh local strawberries and picnic on the water's edge at Gas Works Park. End the day viewing the sunset at Kerry Viewpoint Park in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood.
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