Seattle, Washington, is a large city in the Pacific Northwest, located between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Seattle is home to more than 617,334 people, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal, and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. Seattle attracts tourists with its myriad of activities, both indoor and outdoor.
Climate
Seattle is known for its cool, damp climate. While it does not rain as much as cities on the East Coast, with only 37 inches in annual precipitation, Seattle's skies are very often overcast, according to Beautiful Seattle. Winter is the wettest season, with short, cold days, while summer hosts long, dry and warm days and cooler evenings, with daytime temperatures averaging at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The City of Seattle recommends visitors dress in layers, as the weather is quite unpredictable and can change rapidly.
Family Fun
There are many activities the whole family can enjoy in Seattle. One popular family spot is Discovery Park, a 534-acre park that overlooks the Cascade and Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. There are beaches, meadows, seaside cliffs and sand dunes all available for exploration. Another popular spot is Northwest Trek, a 715-acre park of meadows, lakes and trails full of native wildlife. Visitors can ride trams through the park to view the animals in their natural habitat. Finally, for those who want to get a little wet, Alpine Adventures Whitewater Rafting offers guided rafting adventures through Washington's waterfalls and rapids.
Popular Activities
As one of the largest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is full of things to do. Some of its more popular tourist attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, the Ballard Locks and the Space Needle. Pike Place Market was founded in 1907 as a farmer's market and has become a city staple. Fish markets, bookstores, craft shops and restaurants now adorn the market, as well as the flagship Starbucks store. The Seattle Aquarium is located on the waterfront and boasts a large variety of fish, birds and marine mammals, including seals and a salmon hatchery. The Puget Sound, Salmon Bay, Lake Washington and Lake Union all meet at the Ballard Locks, where spectators watch boats and cargo ships be raised or lowered as they pass through the locks of the canal. Finally, the Space Needle is a Seattle landmark, offering a 360-degree view of the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and Olympic and Cascade Mountains, as well as a revolving restaurant.
Night Life
Young people and older couples alike enjoy the varied nightlife Seattle has to offer. The home of the modern coffeehouse, tourists and locals can find poetry slams, language appreciation meetings or simply a wonderful cup of coffee into the late night in downtown Seattle. Seattle is also known for its delicious seafood choices that can be found in many restaurants throughout the city.
Considerations
Plan travel to Seattle during seasons when you will be able to enjoy the activities in which you plan on engaging. Keep in mind the restrictions the weather may place upon you and others in your group; for instance, rafting in the winter is not advised, while peak whale-watching season is in the late spring to early fall.
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