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DOWNTOWN. It could be argued quite persuasively that Pike Place Market is Seattle's heartbeat. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates you with sights, sounds, smells, and the best people-watching in town. Whether in suits or tie-dyed t-shirts, wearing boutonnieres or strewn with wildflowers, people of all persuasions find the market a fabulous place to spend the day. The Market Foundation offers fun and informational tours Wednesdays to Saturdays, starting at the Market Heritage Center at 1531 Western Avenue.
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SEATTLE CENTER. Certainly one of the area's better-known landmarks, this Jetson-esque attraction affords breathtaking views from its observation deck. As a boon to squinting visitors, detailed maps provide exact locations of sights found within the bounds of its panoramic vista. In addition, the Needle hires between-job actors and comedians to accompany visitors on rides to the top, entertaining them with en route facts and fun. It's rare that questions are posed which the guides can't answer – they'll even challenge you to best them on any bit of trivia or city-related fact.
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GREENLAKE. Woodland Park Zoo, spread across 65 acres, houses more than 1000 animals from 290 species and draws over a million visitors annually. Exhibits mimic natural habitats, creating a lush, forest-like setting. Popular exhibits include Bug World (walkingsticks, beetles, and ants, oh my!), elephant forest, African savanna, snow leopards, and jaguars. Many indoor exhibits and viewing shelters are also available should the weather be uncooperative. Plenty of cafes and food kiosks can be found too, or you may bring a picnic lunch to enjoy.
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BALLARD. Originally built in 1911, these locks offer a fascinating lesson in technology from days gone by. Observe ships and sailing vessels as they enter the locks and – following a series of mechanical adjustments – depart into either the sound or the lake at a completely different water level. You can learn all about the locks' history in the visitor center; from March to November, guided tours are also offered. In addition, visitors may look through a viewing glass to see salmon run from fresh to salt water in season (June through October and March through April). Also, be sure not to miss the seven-acre Carl English Botanical Gardens, which present nearly 2,000 varieties of plant life. Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
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CAPITOL HILL. This museum houses an extensive collection of pan-Asian art, focusing especially on works from India, Japan, and Korea. Paintings, sculptures, and textiles offer a cultural perspective on diverse traditions, and numerous displays (a meditating Buddha, Hindu deities) illuminate the significance and reach of Asia's many religions. In Kado Tea Garden, visitors find light snacks and hot, fragrant teas. The museum store offers Asian merchandise and books.
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ASHFORD. [As a result of flood damage, access to park facilities is restricted. Please call before visiting.] A multitude of summer and winter activities awaits in this magnificent national treasure. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through dense forests and barren, above-timberline terrain, past placid lakes and tumbling streams. The park caters to visitors comfortable with a spectacular day trip as well as to those who prefer a week or more of camping. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are pastimes of choice. An historic inn and history museum add manmade attractions to natural ones.
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DOWNTOWN. Seattle Aquarium shelters a host of marine life, highlighting creatures found in the Pacific Northwest. One of the facility's most intriguing features is an underwater dome where visitors can watch fish and sea mammals swim around them. A kid-friendly touch tank lets children handle sea creatures and learn to treat them gently. Other attractions concentrate on spawning salmon and the antics of several adorable sea otters, who really earn their keep at feeding time.
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TACOMA. An awe-inspiring structure near Tacoma's revitalized waterfront showcases cutting-edge, contemporary works of glass and other related media. Drawn in by a soaring 90-foot steel cone that forms the building's core, visitors are treated not only to a lively exhibition schedule but also to the Hot Shop Amphitheater, a working glass studio where the intricate, painstaking process of glassmaking may be observed. A full slate of educational programs introduces the world of glass to people of all ages. Don't miss the Bridge of Glass, the brainchild of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly that connects the museum to the Washington State History Museum.
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DOWNTOWN. A 48-foot Hammering Man sculpture marks the outside of this vast museum, and adjustable steel panels flank the glass walls and allow light to enter the innovative front space known as the Brotman Forum. Upon entering, visitors encounter an extraordinary display of nine sculpted white cars hanging in the air at different angles. The galleries house displays of Native American, African, and European art. To showcase particular events, each gallery within the spacious building is given an identity corresponding to its specific exhibit. Along with the wealth of art available for perusing, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy regularly-scheduled lectures, classes, and live performances. Two museum shops are available.
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EATONVILLE. The 50-minute tram ride that meanders through this 715-acre park is a stress-free way to spot more than 200 types of wildlife: snowy owls, river otters, bald eagles, lynxes, gray wolves, cougars, grizzly and black bears, and bobcats. Alternately, perambulate the five miles of trails that wind through this pristine wilderness. The Cheney Discovery Center and the Fir Bough Cafe offer interactive experiences for little ones and family-friendly eats, respectively.
You want only quality attractions and activities to occupy your leisure hours. To that end, we've researched a diverse list of options, ruled out the wastes of time, and delivered only the 10Best. We provide detailed information about historical sites, theme parks, sporting events, and city sights that you won't want to miss. Peruse our lists, see what grabs your fancy, and then head out for some personal time!
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