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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
Seattle is the largest city in Washington State with a rich culture and easy-going lifestyle. The city boasts a magnificent mountain setting, in the east is the ice pyramid of Mount Rainier National Park, to the west, the partly snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park. It's worth spending a couple of days exploring Seattle parks, winding trails, beaches, and attractions outside of the city. This gem of a city has plenty of reason to be a must-see destination…
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.PIONEER SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT
The Square is the city's historic heart, marked with a 60-foot totem pole. The Smith Tower stands out amongst the Victorian-ear buildings with its imposing 42 stories. Ideal for sightseeing is the observation deck on the 35th floor. You can explore the old city that lies below the modern street by booking time on a Bill Speidel's Underground Tour. Below ground are the old streets where the pioneers would have walked.
2.WATERFRONT AND PIERS
The waterfront is lined by piers, parks and is home to recreation spaces, tourist attractions, boat tours, and ferry docks. The Seattle Aquarium is located on Pier 59, where a variety of Pacific marine creatures - including sea otters, octopuses, and dwarf sharks can be observed in the Underwater Dome. On Pier 57, the view from atop the Seattle Great Wheel is excellent. Olympic Sculpture Park, to the north is filled with over-sized outdoor artworks competing with the views for attention.
3.SEATTLE ART MUSEUM
Dating back to the 1930’s and the city largest museum, it is housing a varied collection of artwork that spans multiple eras and geographic regions. As an outdoor extension of the museum, the Olympic Sculpture Park is worth to visit.
4.BENAROYA HALL
The hall is the home to the Seattle Symphony in Downtown Seattle. The large glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, featured prominently in this premier arts venue. The performance hall is downtown, across the street from the Seattle Art Museum.
5.SEATTLE CENTER & THE SPACE NEEDLE
Originally built for the World’s Fair in 1962, the Seattle Center & The Space Needle have since been turned into an entertainment complex, park area with theaters, sports facilities, and restaurants. Tourist attractions including musical adventures at the Experience Music Project, the impressive glass artworks at Chihuly Garden and Glass. The futuristic steel and glass structure of the Seattle Central Library is worth seeking out.
6.MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE
Music, science fiction, and pop culture all come together at the fascinating Museum of Pop Culture. The Frank Gehry-designed building looks like a smashed guitar from above, while inside, its colorful exhibits cover everything from the history of indie video games and horror films to Nirvana, the Seahawks, and more.
7.UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON IN SEATTLE
The campus of the University of Washington is located beyond Portage Bay and is home to the Burke Museum and the Henry Art Gallery. McCurdy Park features the Museum of History and Industry with its exhibits about the region, Washington Park harbors a lush arboretum and Japanese tea garden and is just south of the main campus.
8.INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT
The colorful International District, where Japanese and Chinese shops and restaurants dominate the street scene is just east of Pioneer Square. At the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience you can learn more of the history of Asian immigrants. The museum is named for Wing Luke, a Chinese American who was the first Asian American elected official in Washington. Nearby Hing Hay Park features a pagoda.
OTHER PLACE MARKET
Volunteer Park
Discovery Park
Benaroya Hall
Hiram M Chittenden Locks
Pacific Science Center
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Woodland Park Zoo
Central Public Library
Smith Tower
Museum of Flight
Woodinville Wine Country
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour
Kerry Park
Pioneer Square
South Lake Union
Museum of History & Industry
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle Children’s Museum
It’s very easy to get around Seattle without renting a car. Transportation available: Link Light Rail, Monorail, King Country Metro, South Lake Union Streetcar, Sound Transit, King County Water Taxi or you can walk.
The best weather in Seattle is from late June to early September. July and August are the busiest months when hotels are full and restaurants are crowded. May, June, September, and October usually have nice weather and fewer tourists making them great months to visit if you're not after hot summer weather.