Seattle is known for its music scene, bars and breweries as much as it is for its high tech businesses. Visitors who want more than the usual tourist destinations--the Space Needle, Pike Place Market or the aquarium, can discover that Seattle is designed for fun and fitness, with minimal ecological impact. The mild climate makes it ideal for fun outdoors, year round.
Biking
Seattle is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, and Burke-Gilman trail is an example of how rails to trails can have a positive impact on commuter traffic and the environment. This fast, flat trail takes bikers downtown and through the east side of Seattle. It's popular with commuters and can be busy on weekdays. Visitors looking for a more challenging trail should hit Kirkland's Marina Park, follow Dan Henry arrows and try the Seven Hills of Kirkland. The route is 40 miles long and climbs 3.000 feet. It is so popular it even has a race named after it.
Hiking and Running
Visitors who want to hike in breathtaking scenery should go to Snoqualmie Falls. Most of the trail is flat and guests can walk up to the observation deck and view the falls in all their glory. Note: From June 2010 to early 2013 the main trail will be closed, due to a Puget Sound hydroelectric upgrade. Visitors who prefer a more urban course can head to Green Lake Park, which is one of the most popular parks in Seattle. There is a 2.8-mile path where locals and tourists run, hike and bike. The area is also popular with the local aviary residents, so watch for birds.
Water
Alki Beach Park attracts runners, walkers and swimmers. The park has picnic tables and an art house to explore when guests tire of swimming in the chilly waters. Visit at low tide for the best beach combing, and find crabs and sea stars. Guests should be aware that there is no lifeguard on duty at Alki Beach. Those who would prefer a beach with a lifeguard should head over to Mercer Island and visit Luther Burbank Park. It is situated on Lake Washington and is popular with locals for swimming, boating and fishing.
Wintertime Fun
Wintertime in Seattle is mild, but drive out an hour or so and there is skiing and tubing to enjoy. Stephen's Pass is a 90-minute drive out of Seattle, but it has skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A shorter drive from Seattle is the Summit at Snoqualmie. It has cross-country skiing, tubing, skiing and snowboarding. Both facilities allow guests to rent equipment for a fee.
Wellness
Pro Sports Club is a fixture on the Seattle gym scene. The Spa at ProClub allows members and guests to enjoy medical spa treatments and conventional massage. Like Pro Sports Club as a whole, the Spa at ProClub aims for a holistic experience and has dining, high tea and a full service salon. For a more Zen experience, Maya Whole Health Studio at Fremont has yoga, Pilates and massage. Drop-ins are welcome for classes, which run at various times, seven days a week.
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