Seattle is a city with much to see and explore, and here is a list of the tourist attractions to be sure to hit if you're planning to visit or take a vacation to the rain city.
Seattle is a beautiful city that has much to offer visitors in search of anything from natural beauty to quant coffee shops. The city is filled with things for people of all ages to explore and enjoy.
If you are staying downtown, many attractions likely are within walking distance for you. To start, it's a fun adventure to head down to the waterfront and check out the Pike Place Market. For almost 100 years, the Pike Place Market has been operating down on Seattle's waterfront. This 9-acre farmer's market and retail area is filled with everything from fresh fish and vegetables to arts and crafts and interesting restaurants. Oftentimes, musicians play in the street and artisans work on their wares right before your eyes. Of course, just as you see on television, there is fish throwing and great people watching.
Also in the downtown area is the historic Pioneer Square. This is Seattle's oldest neighborhood. Pioneer Square is wonderful for walking around while shopping, visiting art galleries or enjoying great coffee shops, restaurants and bars. The area becomes a gathering place for sports fans heading to see baseball or football games at the two stadiums located just south of this interesting, historical neighborhood.
The space needle is a must on most visitors' trips to Seattle. This relic of the 1962 World's Fair is a distinctive part of the Seattle skyline. The observation deck is located more than 500 feet above the ground and offers visitors a 360-degree view of Seattle and the surrounding area. From Mt. Rainier to the Puget Sound, from downtown to the Cascades, you will not believe the magnificent beauty of the Pacific Northwest. After you enjoy the view, you can take a break at the Sky City restaurant from which you can view the city or mountains while enjoying a snack or meal.
Near the Space Needle are a few other attractions for you to enjoy. One such destination is the Experience Music Project (EMP). The EMP was developed to tell the story of American popular music in an interactive and descriptive way. The result is a hands-on museum that allows visitors to see more than 800 artifacts from popular musicians and even try their own talents out by creating music and playing instruments. The EMP is a multi-sensory experience that will engage the young and old alike on a fascinating musical journey through history. The Pacific Science Center and Children's Center are two more nearby attractions families may wish to explore for an afternoon.
Other areas to explore include:
The University District, home to the University of Washington campus. Besides for the beautiful campus, you can check out the bookstore and stock up on Huskies gear, as well as stop at one of the many interesting and inexpensive ethnic restaurants that line the main shopping district near the school.
Gasworks Park is a great find if you wish to spend some time outdoors while in the city. At the north end of Lake Union, this park gives you a spectacular view of the lake and the city skyline. The park is the host to many festivals throughout the summer and is a great place to hang out whether or not there is an event going on. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch, sit on the hill and watch seaplanes fly in and out.
Another outdoor attraction is the Washington Park Arboretum. This park is made up of more than 200 acres of green space filled with paths and benches so visitors can enjoy all its beauty. Throughout the arboretum you will find hundreds of plants and flowers - all with labels so that you can identify and learn more about what you see. Many of the plant collections found in the arboretum are recognized as some of the largest and best in the country!
Of course, around Seattle there also is much to see and do. If you have a chance, it is great to get out into the nearby mountains for a hike or take a ferry to the nearby San Juan Islands or British Columbia. Whatever you decide to do, Seattle offers fun and adventure for people of all ages and interests.
