the best of seattle

What are your interests (do you like sight-seeing, shopping, clubbing, outdoorsey things?).

The usual tourist attractions are the Pike Place Market, The Space Needle/Seattle Center and the main retail district downtown. There's loads more to do, though. It all depends on your taste in vacation/liesure priorities.

I should warn you that the weather in late May is seriously erratic and unpredictable. It could be hot and sunny or 60 degrees and rain for days. you just never know (the warm summery pattern never seems to completely stabilize around here until the 2nd week of July).

Hope you have a great visit Mario

In the city, I'd definately check out the new Seattle Art Museum, as well as the new Olympic Sculpture Park (both are absolutely top notch). The Central Library is also a must see.

My fav clubs in town are The War Room and Venom
www.thewarroomseattle.com
(can't get venom's link to paste, just google venomseattle).

Alki Beach (in West Seattle) is a blast when the sun is out. If the weather cooperates, head to Snoqualmie Falls, or Mt. Si, the scenic beauty is unreal (the hike up Mt. Si is strenuous to a neophyte, but the views are worthy of National Geographic).

Have fun (vaya con huevos:nuts: )

Outside the city? I agree with the above...drive to Snoqualmie Falls, (it is the best time of year to enjoy the Falls.), stay at the hotel there, enjoy their great breakfast the next morning.

Take the Winslow ferry from downtown, and if you like to gamble, drive about 10 minutes west to the casino. Come back on the ferry late afternoon for fantastic views of the Seattle skyline bathed in the sunshine.

If you are into Wine, check out St. Michelle in Woodinville. (It's on the way to Snoqualmie Falls)...

Kenmore Air offers great aerial tours on seaplanes.

If it is sunny and warm, Alki Beach is a must. Most Seattleites take off their clothes when it gets to be 68 degrees.

Yes, start at the Space Needle...it is still the best place to get acquainted with the area!

OK, I made this rather large map showing what I would recommend for a drive around Seattle (most, or all, within the city limits). This will give you a good idea what the ENTIRE city looks like, not just the touristy areas downtown.

The blue line shows the route I would recommend. Begin at the Start/End point on Madison St just across from downtown just on the other side of I-5. Then proceed northeast on Madison. Then just follow the blue line, more or less.

Areas of interest I've spray-painted in blue. These will either be places you might want to stop to shop and/or look around a bit, or have nice views, etc. Other than these areas, this tour, as I said, will just give you a good idea what the city is "really" like.

Of course, this would be a supplement to the usual downtown touristy stuff. I would think you could take a whole day doing this, including some stops. Without any stops you could probably do it in about 4-5 hours, I would guess.

Bond James Bond said:

OK, I made this rather large map showing what I would recommend for a drive around Seattle (most, or all, within the city limits). This will give you a good idea what the ENTIRE city looks like, not just the touristy areas downtown.

The blue line shows the route I would recommend. Begin at the Start/End point on Madison St just across from downtown just on the other side of I-5. Then proceed northeast on Madison. Then just follow the blue line, more or less.

Areas of interest I've spray-painted in blue. These will either be places you might want to stop to shop and/or look around a bit, or have nice views, etc. Other than these areas, this tour, as I said, will just give you a good idea what the city is "really" like.

Of course, this would be a supplement to the usual downtown touristy stuff. I would think you could take a whole day doing this, including some stops. Without any stops you could probably do it in about 4-5 hours, I would guess.

Click to expand...

wooooooooooooooo:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :applause: :applause: :applause: is a really nice effort you did, I really preciated your help, and belive me I will do this tour, guaranted THANK YOU SO MUCH :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

mhays said:

Why does the map have pubes?

Click to expand...

Lord have mercy.

There are some hip, trendy, neighborhoods you should check out. Fremont and Capitol Hill. They're both fairly liberal neighborhoods and you'll find vibrant shopping scenes there. Also pay a visit to the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge on 36th.

Go to Gasworks park, a nice and open space with a great view of Downtown.

You could always take a stroll to look at the Lake Union boathouses, if it intrigues you. I personally have never found the time to go, but you could ask Pwright1 for more specific information. Here is a great picture he took of the houses:


For that matter, ask Pwright1 for pictures of attractions. He's a great Seattle photographer, so he should have plenty of photos.

Of course, there are several attractions downtown that should see. Unfortunately, two of the downtown transit systems that normally serve Seattle are currently closed. However, the downtown area is ride-free for all buses, so take advantage of that.

If it's nice out, you can also rent a bicycle and bike across the famous I-90 floating bridge. It's a nice scenic view when you can avoid the cars.

I'll second the Olympic Sculpture Park and the new Seattle Art Museum. I also like the Henry Art Gallery and the Frye Art Museum. There's also the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Check out the views from the water tower while you're there. Go to Ballard and scope out Ballard Avenue and also check out the Ballard Locks. Also, Golden Gardens Beach is to the west of downtown Ballard, it is beautiful and worth the trek. Hike around Carkeek Park. Check out the Woodland Park Zoo if you like. Take the ferry ride that pwalker recommended. I think it's listed as the Seattle-Bainbridge Island run. Do check out some of the touristy things like glimpsing the view from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. The Space Needle has new high-tech toys that offer better views of the city and it also features videos of city residents with suggestions on what to do in the city. Hang out on Capitol Hill. Bars and clubs that I recommend: Bus Stop, Cha-Cha, the War Room, Neumo's, Chop Suey, Baltic Room, Linda's and Liberty. If you're downtown, check out Vessel, Shorty's, Rendevous, the Crocodile, the Lava Lounge and Nite Lite. Check out the Seattle Central Library. Also, the Seattle International Film Festival starts just before you arrive and ends after you leave, so, if you like cinema, sky's the limit. Don't forget to dine around the city as well. I hope your stay is pleasant.