VISIT SEATTLE

Listen visit Seattle info best places to visit Seattle best Seattle destinations

Listen visit Seattle info best places to visit Seattle best Seattle destinations.

Once a rather dull port and industrial center, Seattle has undergone an astonishing transformation into the largest city in Washington State. Driven in part by its flourishing economy, it is today an energetic, forward-looking city at the forefront of innovation. The city is rich in culture and easy-going lifestyles, and it's no accident that Seattle is the "Coffee Capital" of the United States with an espresso bar on almost every corner.

In addition, the city boasts a magnificent mountain setting: to the east is the ice pyramid of Mount Rainier National Park, rising out of the Cascade Mountains, to the west, the partly snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park.

Though it's worth spending a couple of days exploring Seattle, day trips beckon in the parks, beaches, and attractions outside of the city. Tempting nature lovers with moss-laden trees and winding trails, the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park is not to be missed. A rather different day trip is to the Future of Flight in Everett, where visitors tour Boeing's immense factory - the world's largest building.

Seattle Center & the Space Needle

Seattle Center, along with its iconic Space Needle and the Monorail, were originally built for the 1962 World's Fair but have since been turned into an entertainment complex and park area with theaters, sports facilities, and restaurants. Modern tourist attractions now proliferate the area, including musical adventures at the Experience Music Project, and impressive glass artworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass. And though it's a locals' haunt, the futuristic steel and glass structure of the Seattle Central Library is worth seeking out.

Pioneer Square Historic District

Marked with a 60-foot totem pole, Pioneer Square is the city's historic heart. Among the Victorian-era buildings, the Smith Tower stands out for its imposing height (42 stories). There's an observation deck on the 35th floor that's ideal for sightseeing. Also in the neighborhood, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park remembers the surge of prospectors who departed for the Yukon during the 1897 gold rush. For a different look at yesteryear, book a time on Bill Speidel's Underground Tour to explore the old city that lies below the modern streets. Below ground are the old streets where the pioneers would have walked.

Pike Place Market

On the two floors of picturesque Pike Place Market, vendors offer a wide range of wares for sale. Fish, fruit, vegetables, and all sorts of odds and ends tantalize the taste buds and camera lenses. If you don't have the hotel facilities to cook up some seafood, head to one of the local restaurants. Market tours are an ideal way to cut through the bustle of Pike Place and hear some unusual stories.

Address: 1st and Pike Streets, Seattle

Hiram M Chittenden Locks

These busy locks northwest of Seattle Center are also known as the Ballard Locks. Besides watching the boat traffic move between Puget Sound and the lakes, visitors can seek out the fish ladder where salmon struggle upstream. Nearby, the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden is a quieter spot to rest and appreciate well-tended gardens.

Address: 3015 NW 54th Street, Seattle

Volunteer Park

In central Seattle, Volunteer Park features a century-old conservatory with tropical plants and trees. Visitors can also find simple attractions within the park like walking trails, sports facilities, a children's play area, and picnic grounds. And the lush green space also encompasses the Seattle Asian Art Museum (a branch of the larger Seattle Art Museum downtown), where galleries display Chinese, South Asian, and Southeast Asian art; decorative arts; and textiles.

Address: 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle