Seattle, Washington, the largest city in the state offers visitors a wide variety of spectacular natural and man made wonders, a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, and an exceptional variety of culinary treats.
To start off, coffee and Seattle go together. Coffee companies founded or based in Seattle include Starbucks, Seattle’s Best, and Tully’s. Starbucks fans can see the original shop where it all started at Pike Place Market. You can also check out one of the top coffee shops in Seattle “Street Bean Espresso” where their coffee is locally roasted.
For some of the top cuisine in Seattle, check out Wild Ginger, Pink Door, the Dahlia Lounge, and Ray’s Boathouse for fresh seafood and waterfront dining.
Now that our tummies are awake and full with coffee and cuisine. Let’s move on to Seattle’s independent spirit. Seattle has many independently owned shops. Many are found in one of the tourist favorites “Pike Place Market”. This is one of the country’s oldest farmer’s markets. Approximately 9 acres in size, the markets historic architecture of winding alleys, stairways, and lower levels offer sights, sounds, tastes, aromas, and textures. Listen to music of the street performers as you shop for crafts. Smell the scent of bread baking as you head towards the European bakery. You will find many things in the small shops such as comics, collectables, magic tricks, vinyl records, books, and rare treasures. There are dozens of specialty food stores in which you are able to purchase rare ingredients. Many hand crafted works displayed in the north arcade.
The famous gum wall is featured here on Pike Street. People from all over come here to leave their chewed gum on the wall to mark their spot. As disgusting as it is, people continue to come here to leave their gum to mark history and take pictures.
Farmers market sells local seasoned produce. There are four fish markets which offer fresh fish and seafood from pacific northwest and Alaskan waters. There are also many bakeries, cafes, diners, and restaurants located here. This is one of the most popular areas visited when coming to Seattle.
Another very popular landmark to visit is the 60 foot tall Space Needle, built for the 1962 World Fair. It features an observation deck and the rotating sky city restaurant. A wonderful place to look out over all of Seattle. You can pre purchase tickets or purchase once you arrive.
Also ride the Great Wheel, the West Coast’s largest Ferris wheel.
The Ride the ducks boat is another fun excursion for all ages of the family.
Seattle is full of wonderful museums to educate and inspire. The EMP museum you can learn to play an instrument, stroll through Jimmie Hendricks exhibit and explore the history of popular culture. The Seattle Asian art museum is home of the original Seattle art museum. This art deco building on Capitol Hill accommodates both a permanent collection and touring exhibits. Henry art gallery features modern and contemporary art and is located on the University of Washington campus. The history buffs will love the museum of history and industry and don’t forget the Seattle art museum right in the heart of downtown. Last but not least for the little ones there is the Seattle children’s museum for the creative minds and hands on exploration. It is also right in the heart of downtown by Space Needle and for children and families for ages 10 months to 10 years.
Capture the beauty at The Chihuly Garden of Glass exhibit. All the colorful glass works of art are not to be missed. It’s in the Seattle center showcasing the studio of Dale Chihuly.
Make sure to check out Experience Music Project or any number of live music venues. The birthplace of music icons Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam.
A few other ideas to see for a day trip you can island hop to Vashon only accessible by a 20 minute ferry ride. With a variety of ages there, you can pick berries on local farms in the summer, watch for whales in the winter, or hike around any time of year.
Take in a little history on gorgeous Bainbridge Island where you can check out the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial. Just a little north, in Suquamish, you can pay respects at chief Seattle’s grave and take in the view of the city named after him.
If you have time to take the ferry to San Juan Islands, you will come across amazing scenery as well as a rich and diverse animal population. If you do not have time for this, you can still see marine wildlife up close at the Seattle aquarium which features a beautiful under water dome and is located right in downtown Seattle.
Seattle is a very easy city to get around in. Public transportation is everywhere. You can ride a bike, the metro bus, ride the monorail, or even take a ferry. Transportation is inexpensive and some even free, although the hotel prices and food tend to be pricy and will more than make up for the inexpensive transportation.
Seattle is an awesome place to visit, with so much history, sites, and exceptional cuisine. The mild west coast climate makes for a great vacation or stay during summer months. Whether you are visiting for vacation or just a night or two before leaving the Seattle port for an Alaskan cruise, you are sure to keep busy enjoying all the sites of the wonderful city.
Sharon Asmus