Seattle is one of those cities you just want to visit again and again. Surrounded by water and mountains and home to museums, excellent shopping, top-notch restaurants, musical venues, sports teams, and – of course – the first Starbucks, Seattle is consistently listed among those U.S. cities that are considered ideal places to live and raise a family. While Seattle is at times recognized for its unusual amount of rainfall, weather in the city is often pleasant, especially during the summer months. Temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, so sightseeing is usually a joy.
Whether approaching Seattle by car or via ferry across the Puget Sound, one of the first landmarks visitors spy is the city’s famous Space Needle. At 605-feet-tall, this icon of Seattle provides great views of the cityscape should you decide to take an elevator ride to the top. Originally built for the 1962 World Exposition, guests can enjoy dinner in a revolving restaurant near the Space Needle’s pinnacle. Another of Seattle’s unique buildings houses the Experience Music Project. Opened in 2000, this quirky, colorful building is home to interactive exhibits that trace the history of American music using fun and interesting technology that entertains visitors of all ages. For those who prefer the visual arts, the Seattle Art Museum boasts more than 21,000 pieces of art from around the world, with a heavy concentration on regional works from the Pacific Northwest. Located in the downtown area, this museum has an additional branch situated in Volunteer Park – the Seattle Asian Art Museum – which houses both temporary and permanent exhibits with an Asian flair. Seattle’s waterfront is a fun place to explore. Kids will love the Seattle Aquarium, showcasing marine life of the Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest. While in the waterfront area, pay a visit to Pike Place Market, where the fishmongers toss the catch of the day back and forth to each other in a routine that’s become famous with visitors. You’ll also want to stop for a bite to eat at one of the many wonderful seafood restaurants located here. For a unique look at the history of Seattle, head to Pioneer Square and sign up for the Underground Tour. There’s nothing else quite like it in the U.S.! Roam through subterranean passages that once led to the storefronts of Old Seattle. (Seattle officials decided to raise the streets of the city after the Great Fire of 1889 in order to eliminate a sewage problem, thus creating two levels.) This one-of-a-kind tour thrills visitors of all ages and the guides are always entertaining.
Aside from sightseeing, Seattle offers a number of additional options for visitors. Home to three professional sports teams (Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics), there’s nearly always a game in play. Those who prefer the arts can take advantage of the city’s rich cultural scene. The excellent Seattle Symphony Orchestra is more than a century old and presents frequent concerts throughout the year. In addition, guests can enjoy productions at several local theaters, as well as performances by the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
