The Coast is Clear

A trip to Seattle showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest

Seattle defines itself as a city of contrasts: metropolitan embraces nature, high-tech blends with grunge, sidewalk espresso carts meet upscale organic eateries.

From views at the top of the Space Needle to tours of Seattle’s historic underground, the city’s diversity runs high and low. And that diversity guarantees you’ll enjoy your visit to the Emerald City, no matter what type of trip you’re after.

But before you book your flight and pack your bags, study up on Seattle’s climate. Although it’s been dubbed “rainy city,” Seattle receives less rainfall each year than New York, Houston or Atlanta. The real trick to the weather is the sunshine. Between October and May, six out of seven days are cloudy. So if you hope to have sun on your side, visit the city between June and September — you’ll likely experience perfectly warm temperatures, little to no rain, and crystal clear views of coastal sunsets.

For first-time visitors and Washington vacation veterans alike, here are six attractions to put on your “must-see” list.

Pike Place Market
The oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the nation, Pike Place celebrated its 100th birthday last year. And despite its old age, the nine-acre district is a bustling destination for both tourists and Seattleites.

In addition to typical market fare like fresh produce, pastries, handmade cheeses, flowers, wine, crafts, antiques, and honey — all local, of course — Pike Place Market’s standout spot is its fishmongers and famous flying fish.

Space Needle and Columbia Center
There’s no better place to be on a clear day than hundreds of feet above Seattle’s sidewalks.

In just 41 seconds, the Space Needle’s elevator propels you to an observation deck 520 feet above ground — and the views are even more dramatic when you use the complimentary Swarovski Telescopes. Dine at SkyCity and enjoy 360 degrees of rotating panorama with your Honey and Peppercorn Crusted Smoked King Salmon.

For less expensive sky-scraping views, head over to the tallest building in the state — downtown Seattle’s Columbia Center. The 76-story building is 882.5 feet tall with an observation deck on the 73rd floor.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
They call it “history with a twist” — and a humorous twist at that. This guided walking tour takes place beneath Seattle’s sidewalks. The subterranean passages were abandoned after an 1889 fire required the city to be rebuilt above old streets and buildings.

The tour is 90 minutes long, and while highly entertaining guides make every minute worthwhile, small children might struggle to enjoy it.

The waterfront
The city’s seaports are anything but ordinary. Seattle-style restaurants and shopping spots are only part of the fun — fishing piers, biking and walking paths, park benches, wildlife habitat preservation spots, and boat launches make the waterfront a prime spot. From Pier 55 catch a cruise to Tillicum Village and indulge in Chinook salmon prepared in the traditional Northwest Coast Indian style.

Seattle-born shopping
You can shop at Nordstrom anywhere, but only Seattle can claim the store as its own. Other big names that got their start in Seattle? Eddie Bauer, REI, Starbucks, Sur la Table, and Ben Bridge Jeweler all call Seattle home and have their flagship stores in the city.

Olympic Sculpture Park
Try alfresco art for a refreshing change from run-of-the-mill museums. Seattle’s brand new sculpture park is a nine-acre oasis perfectly placed where the city and the Sound intersect. Admission is free and the variety of stunning sculptures will please art aficionados and amateurs alike (plus, there’s plenty of open space for children to run free).

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