Embedded Files
The Emerald City
The Emerald City
Situated between Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and its most iconic. From the towering space needle, constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, to the Pike Place Market, home of the original Starbucks, Seattle is full of things to see and do.
Pike Place Market and the Bayfront
Pike Place Market and the Bayfront
Standing over a steep hillside over Elliott Bay, the famous Pike Place Market is a great spot to initially orient yourself to the city. Below is the Alaskan way and the city's may piers (including pier 57 and its Seattle Great Wheel - the cities newest attraction) above lies the dense urban core of Seattle's downtown. The market itself is a gathering place for tourists and locals, lined with farm-stands, bakeries, and of course the original Starbucks (although it really is just like any old Starbucks). Take some time to peruse the market and walk down to the bay, before setting off to explore the rest of the city.
The Space Needle @ the Seattle Center
The Space Needle @ the Seattle Center
Likely Seattle's most iconic attraction, the Space Needle and the surrounding Seattle Center were built for the 1962 World's Fair which brought in over 2 million people to the city. Today, the Space Needle stands as a unmistakable icon of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Riding to the top gives you a bird's eye view of the city, Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier. Newly redesigned and reopened, the Space Needle now offers 2 levels of viewing platforms, including the Loupe, a rotating glass floor, and the Skyrisers.
Admission:
- $32.50 - $37.50 per adult
- $27.50 - $32.50 per Senior (65+)
- prices vary by time of day
- Combine with Chihuly Gardens and Glass
- $59/adult
- $49/senior (65+)
Hours:
- 8 AM thru 12 AM (last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing)
Chihuly Garden and Glass @ the Seattle Center
Chihuly Garden and Glass @ the Seattle Center
Experience the creations of glass blower and Tacoma-native Dale Chihuly. His work is set among lush gardens on a site within the grounds of the Seattle Center.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Washington Park Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum
Located along the shore of Lake Washington, the arboretum is 230 acres of trees and shrubs all set to highlight the amazing diversity of the region. The park's Azalea Way and Rhododenron Glen are popular destinations in the spring. The Graham Visitor Center provides information and can orient you to the species within the park. At the southern end of the arboretum is the Japanese garden, one of the oldest and most authentic in the United States.
Kerry Park
Kerry Park
For one of the best views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and the Sound, make the trip to Kerry Park in the Queen Anne neighborhood. The park was donated to the city by lumber magnate Albert Kerry in 1927 so that everyone could enjoy the view.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach
SoCal isn't the only area on the west coast with laid-back beach front communities. Seattle's Alki neighborhood is an escape from the city. Driving to West Seattle transports you to a beachfront community, with miles of beaches and waterfront trails, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. The peninsula also features great views of downtown across Elliott Bay.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room
Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room
The better Starbucks stop when in Seattle (more interesting than the first location on Pike Place), the Reserve Roastery features tastings of some of the chains more exquisite coffees and a viewing room to watch the roasting process. All the reserve coffees available for tasting are roasted on that same day.
Google Sites
Report abuse