Seattle Washington
The Space Needle rises above the city
Light breaking over blanketed Mount Rainier
Paddle boarding alongside houseboats on Lake Union
Dusk at Discovery Park
Sunset over the busy skyline
Sunset ferry ride on Puget Sound
Stunning views over the cascading Snoqualmie Falls
International Fountain at Seattle Center
Spying Mt. Rainier from a seaplane tour
The bustling downtown waterfront
- Major Airports:
- Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)
- States:
- Washington
The Pacific Northwest’s dynamic, eclectic city
Iconic Attractions
The view is spectacular from the observation deck atop the world-famous Space Needle, a 185.5-meter-high legacy of the 1962 World’s Fair and symbol of the city. Locals and visitors alike flock to Pike Place Market on the waterfront, the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the U.S. Wander among the stalls teeming with artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked bread and the catch of the day. Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass to see Dale Chihuly’s remarkable studio glass artistry. Be sure to visit Boeing Future of Flight for an in-depth look into the jet production facility.
Coffee Culture
Seattle isn’t just a wine or craft beer town; it’s the home of Starbucks. You can still visit the original storefront adjacent to Pike Place Market. This city is fueled by caffeine; it has one of the greatest concentrations of coffee houses of any U.S. city. Among them are the Seattle’s Best and Caffe Vita brands, boutique roaster Victrola Coffee, and Cloud City Coffee and its $1 a cup honor system. Tour Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an immersive, future-forward experience (and taste) of the famous brand’s coffee culture.
Natural Beauty
Paddle, boat, sail and fish on some of the most welcoming waters in the nation, or take a whale watching tour along the Pacific coastline. You’ll also find three national parks within a few hours’ drive of Seattle – North Cascades National Park, with its 300 glaciers; the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park; and the majesty of Mount Rainier National Park. You may hear Seattle locals say, “The mountain is out,” meaning the snow-capped, 4,392-meter Mount Rainier 161 kilometers to the south is visible. Kerry Park, a half-a-hectare green space on the slope of Queen Anne Hill, offers panoramic Seattle skyline views which are especially stunning at night.
Trendy Neighborhoods & Hip Culture
Find top attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum in Downtown Seattle. Artsy, offbeat Fremont features public murals and sculptures, topiaries trimmed to resemble dinosaurs and a troll under a bridge. Wooded, inviting Montlake overlooks Lake Washington. Capitol Hill, just to the southwest, is the entertainment and counter-culture haven – and that’s just a sampling. Experience Seattle’s long and storied music history at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This interactive Frank O. Gehry-designed museum features edgy contemporary exhibits dedicated to the preservation of pop culture. Experience the city's music scene for yourself at a range of live music venues playing every night of the week.
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Fun Fact
When the Space Needle was built in 1962 for the Seattle World's Fair, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.
Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City, thanks to its nearly 500 urban parks and proximity to three national parks. The abundant green space makes it easy to see the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest without having to drive (or even walk) very far.
Photo: Visit Seattle
Starbucks, the world's largest coffee shop chain, began in Seattle.
Photo: Shawn Nichols
Experience Seattle