With its prime scenic location on the Puget Sound between the Olympic and Cascades mountain ranges, Seattle offers a variety of things to do. While notorious for rainfall, in reality it rains less in a year than both New York City and Washington D.C. The Emerald City ranks as one of the top five cloudiest cities in the United States, but that does not deter the health-conscious Seattleites from getting out and staying fit in any way they can.
Attractions
It is almost impossible to avoid a good workout while walking around downtown Seattle, with its plethora of steep hills to challenge you. Stroll around Pike Place Market and its countless stalls filled with various foods, flowers, clothing and trinkets, or walk through Pioneer Square with its rich historical buildings as well as the underground remnants of what used to be Seattle. Spend a few days strolling around and exploring all that downtown Seattle has to offer, starting with the iconic Space Needle in Seattle Center. After the Space Needle, you are within a short distance of the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum. Check out the Olympic Sculpture Park, a free art exhibit located alongside Elliott Bay. Here you can take in the breathtaking westward views across the Puget Sound towards the Olympic Peninsula, with the Olympic Mountains towering in the distance.
Local Produce and Seafood
An area known for health-conscious lifestyles, it’s no surprise that fresh local food is popular among both tourists and locals. Blueberries, blackberries, apples and cherries thrive in the fertile and rainy climate. There are farmers' markets all over Seattle, the most famous, of course, being Pike Place Market. You can stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products that are all locally-grown. With the abundance of fresh seafood caught daily in the surrounding area, you have access to some of the purest and freshest seafood in the country. Dungeness crab and coho salmon are consistent local favorites and are rich in Omega 3s to keep your body healthy and on-the-go.
Rollerblading
Seattle is a very environmentally-friendly city; as a result, there are a large number of parks around the metro area that are perfect for rollerblading. Strap on your blades and knee pads and head over to West Seattle’s Alki Beach. Try not to run into anyone while you’re distracted by the breathtaking Seattle skyline across the way. One of the only beaches in the Puget Sound region with sand, Alki Beach is more for people watching, walking, playing volleyball and sightseeing than actual water sports. The waters of the Puget Sound are very cold throughout most of the year, so don’t expect to see people frolicking in the waves.
Biking
In this bike-friendly city, it’s hard to go anywhere without catching a glimpse of a biker or two. There are hundreds of miles of designated bike lanes throughout the surrounding area, which is extremely hilly. Pedal around Green Lake for a beautiful ride with ample people-watching. Marymoor Park, located in Redmond, east of Seattle, is home to one of the only velodromes in the region. When you head back to Seattle, be sure to follow the I-90 Trail, which traverses one of the country’s longest floating bridges. While there aren’t lot of challenging hills, you will find it thrilling to ride alongside the bustling interstate, all while taking in views of Lake Washington, the mega-mansions dotting the shoreline of Mercer Island and even Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Hiking
The topography of the Seattle area lends itself to hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Situated between the Cascade and the Olympic mountains, Seattle is close to plenty of great hikes. Head east towards the quaint town of North Bend, made famous by the television show “Twin Peaks,” for a climb up Granite Mountain. It is a steep, extremely challenging hike that is an 8-mile round trip. The payoff at the top of the fire lookout is worth it, with sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount Stuart and mountains around the Snoqualmie Pass area. Don’t forget your camera and plenty of water and snacks to keep you moving throughout this difficult yet invigorating expedition.
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