The document provides an overview of 13 top attractions in Seattle, Washington. These include Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, Museum of Flight, Mount Rainier National Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Bainbridge Island, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Savor Seattle Food Tours, Discovery Park, and Pioneer Square Park. For each attraction, a brief description is given highlighting things to see and do. Photos accompany each section to illustrate the attractions.

1. The Top Attractions in Seattle
Seattle boasts beautiful natural scenery, numerous parks, many cultural
attractions, a temperate climate, and a booming economy. The city is cradled
by both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and rests beside Puget
Sound, and there is a reason it's known as the Emerald City.
Here’s a few our favorites things to do in Seattle:

2. 1. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the
country that overlooks beautiful Elliott Bay along the waterfront in Seattle. Look for the
big, iconic “Public Market Center” sign on Pike Street overlooking the waterfront, and
you will have found the symbolic center of Seattle for both residents and visitors. Pike
Place Market has been open since 1907 and currently has over 500 merchants in both
indoor and outdoor markets. The upper street level contains the famous fishmongers
(and fish throwers) and fresh flower and produce stands. Lower levels house antique
dealers, comic book and collectible shops, and food stalls and restaurants.
The original Starbucks Coffee moved to 1912 Pike Place in 1975. Starbucks
actually opened their first store in 1971 about a block north on Virginia Street and
moved to the Pike Place location when the first building was demolished. Nevertheless,
the Starbucks is still a popular stop for visitors who want to visit the “almost-original”
Starbucks. Other notable attractions include Rachel the Pig and the Wall of Gum. Rachel
the Pig can be found under the Public Market Center sign and has been a part of the
market since 1986. The notorious Wall of Gum is an actual wall plastered with used
chewing gum that can be found in Post Alley under the market - read more here (Photo
by Elsie Lin)

3. 2. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a one-artist museum dedicated to showcasing master
glassworker Dale Chihuly’s artworks. Located in Seattle Center, it opened in 2012 and is
the largest museum in the world dedicated to Chihuly’s art.
The facility includes 4 areas:
• the Exhibition Hall – has eight galleries and three Drawing Walls that offer a
comprehensive showcase of Chihuly’s most significant works.
• the Glasshouse – this light-filled space houses a suspended 1,400-piece, 100-foot-long
sculpture, which is one of Chihuly’s largest structures.
• the Garden – this area has outdoor large glass pieces set along paths and among plants
and gardens.
• the Theater – shows videos that explain the process of making the pieces.
There is a cafe and a bookstore on the grounds. Be sure to bring your camera – there are
many great photo opportunities - read more here (Photo by Kyla Duhamel)

4. 3. Space Needle
The Space Needle is an observation tower that rises 605 feet above Seattle and has
become an iconic landmark for both the city and the Pacific Northwest. The tower was
built for the 1962 World’s Fair that was held in Seattle, and, at the time, it was the tallest
structure west of the Mississippi River. Almost 20,000 people a day rode the elevators to
the top during the fair, and it is still a popular downtown attraction. The tower was built
to withstand winds up to 200 mph and earthquakes up to 9.1 magnitude, and the
structure contains 25 lightening rods. A spiral stairway leading to the top was a part of
the original design, but that plan was nixed before construction began. The 848-step
staircase was added as part of a remodel in 2000. In 1999, the Space Needle was
designated a historic landmark.
A trip up the Space Needle is a bit hokey and outdated, but it’s all about the view. If the
weather is nice, the views are awesome. The observation tower looms 520 feet above
Seattle and offers unrivaled 360 degrees views of the city, Elliott Bay, and the various
islands. On a good day, the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, including Mount
Rainier, can be seen in the distance. The rotating SkyCity restaurant specializes in
Pacific Northwest cuisine and resides just below the observation deck at 500 feet
elevation. If you visit the restaurant, entrance to the observation deck is included for free
- read more here (Photo by Tiffany Von Arnim)

5. 4. Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum (also known as the SAM) houses a collection that includes
approximately 25,000 works of mostly Modern and ethnic art, as well as more
traditional European art and a notable collection of Northwest Coast Native American
art. The museum was founded in 1933 with 1,926 pieces of art. Today, the SAM has
expanded to include 3 separate facilities: the main building in downtown Seattle, the
Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park that opened in 2007
along the downtown waterfront. The main building is a beautiful, vertically-oriented,
light-filled building that opened in 1992. It was designed by renowned architect Robert
Venturi and later expanded by Brad Cloepfil and now takes up the first four floors of a
16-floor building.
Major artists represented at the SAM include Jackson Pollack, Jasper Johns, Andy
Warhol, Georgia O’Keefe, Robert Rauschenburg, and Roy Litchenstein. Lesser known
modern and ethnic artists in the SAM collection include Cai Guo-Qiang, Lucas Cranach
the Elder, Mark Tobey, Do-Ho Suh, and Jacob Lawrence. More classic European artists
represented include Dalmasio Scannabecchi, Puccio di Simone, Giovanni di Paolo, Luca
Di Tomme, Bartolomeo Vivarini, and Paolo Uccello. The admission price is a suggested
amount, and there are free days on the first Thursday of each month – check their web
site for details - read more here (Photo by Al Pavangkanan)

6. 5. Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is an extension of the Seattle Art Museum that resides
outdoors along Seattle’s waterfront. The free public park features both permanent and
visiting installations. The sculpture park is part of the Seattle Art Museum, as is the
Asian Art Museum. The 9 acre park opened in 2007 on a former industrial site that was
occupied by the Unocal oil and gas corporation until the 1970’s. With funding was
provided by $30 million gift from Mary and Jon Shirley (former COO of Microsoft and
Chairman of the Seattle Art Museum Board of Directors), the formerly contaminated
brownfield has been transformed into a welcome downtown’s green-spaces and one of
Seattle’s most popular attractions. There are not many parks with art installation similar
to Olympic Sculpture Park in America, and the park appeals to both lovers of Modern
Art and people out for a stroll along the waterfront.
Prominent pieces in the collection include Typewriter Eraser, Scale X by Claes
Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, Wake by Richard Serra, and Eagle by Alexander
Calder. The park is located on the southern end of Myrtle Edwards Park and connects to
Centennial Park, which altogether makes for a long strand of waterfront green-space that
perfect for walking, biking, jogging, or sitting on a bench and watching the sunset - read
more here (Photo by Doug Kerr)

7. 6. Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight in Seattle is the largest private air and space museum in the
world. It’s 12-acre facility is located on the southern end of King County International
Airport south of downtown and holds more than 150 aircraft, including more than 85
historic air and spacecraft. Aircraft exhibited include everything from 18 World War One
aircraft to many Boeing airplanes to a Lockheed drone. Kids will love the Tower at
Boeing Field, which lets visitors watch aircraft take off and land while listening to live
conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Notable aircraft on display at the museum include:
• The first flight-worthy Boeing 747.
• The first Air Force One Presidential Jet.
• A British Airways Concorde.
• The Gossamer Albatross II human-powered aircraft.
• One of only five Aerocars in existence, which was an automobile with detachable
wings and propeller.
There are a couple of extra tours available at the museum. The Boeing Field Runway
Tour that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes at King County International Airport, and
the Shuttle Trainer Crew Compartment Tour gives visitors a chance to explore the
Space Shuttle Trainer where Astronauts train for Space Shuttle missions - read more
here (Photo by Pascal Walschots)

8. 7. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park makes for a great day or overnight trip from Seattle. The
park opened way back in 1899, making it the fifth oldest National Park in the country.
Mount Rainier is 14,410 feet tall, which makes it the tallest point in the Cascade Range.
The slopes of the mountain contain over 25 glaciers, plus streams, old growth forests,
and subalpine meadows full of wildflowers. Animals that can be observed at Mount
Rainier include elk, Columbian black-tailed deer, black bear, marmots, and mountain
goats at higher altitudes.
Things to see at Mount Rainier:
• Paradise (south side) -this is the park’s most popular destination because it offers
stunning views and beautiful wildflower meadows. It is a good place for dayhikers to
find a short hike.
• Sunrise/White River (east side) – this is the highest park elevation accessible by car
at 6400 feet, and it offers good hiking and beautiful mountain views.
The National Park is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle. Plan on making a day of it, and
hope for clear weather. Drive to Paradise for stunning views and wildflower meadows.
Also, drive to Sunrise, which, at 6,400 feet, is the highest point in the park reachable by
vehicle. Plenty of hikes begin at both locations - read more here (Photo by Jeff)

9. 8. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is located in the Pioneer Square
National Historic District in downtown Seattle and commemorates the Klondike Gold
Rush of the late 1890s, when people set out from Seattle to seek their fortune in the
Yukon Territory. The park is located in the 1889 Cadillac Hotel building in the in the
Pioneer Square National Historic District, which is where many gold prospectors stayed
and bought their supplies before heading out. The facility is really more of a visitors
center and museum than a park, with a film and many interactive displays explaining the
story of people setting out to find their fortune in the gold rush stampede. It’s good for
kids, and it’s free. During the summer there are special programs for visitors.
People in Seattle first got word of the discovery of gold in the Yukon, and, from in the
next two years, tens of thousands of people either left Seattle or made their way through
Seattle on their way north to try their hand at gold prospecting. With Seattle being their
last stopping point, the hopeful miners spent their savings on months worth of food,
clothing, equipment, pack animals, and steamship tickets. Seattle’s economy boomed
and the population exploded, earning the city the nickname of the Queen City of the
Pacific Northwest - read more here (Photo by Bart E)

10. 9. Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle and makes for a perfect day-
trip. The hilly island offers visitors who make the trek across Elliott Bay a scenic and
quiet refuge of rocky shorelines, beaches, quaint houses, a winery, art galleries,
restaurants, a farmers market, and the beautiful Bloedel Reserve. Bainbridge is 5 miles
wide and 10 miles long. The views of the Seattle skyline from the ferry are stunning, and
sometimes, whales can be spotted along the way. Check the ferry schedule here.
Things to do and see on Bainbridge Island:
• Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery.
• Bloedel Reserve.
• Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
• Bainbridge Island Historical Museum.
• Bainbrdge Island Vineyards Winery.
The village of Winslow is just a short walk from the ferry and features a number of
restaurants, unique shops, and a waterfront park. Outside of downtown, Bainbridge
Island retains an agricultural feel. Bike and kayak rentals are availble for exploring the
island. Also, Bainbridge has a bus system that goes by many of the major attractions, so
a car is not necessary - read more here (Photo by Richard Ha)

11. 10. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, is an excellent
place to watch the salmon migrating up the fish ladders, which happens from June to
September. The locks sit at the west end of Salmon Bay north of downtown Seattle
between the neighborhoods of Magnolia and Ballard. They are a part of Seattle’s Lake
Washington Ship Canal, and among other things, the locks help prevent the mixing of
sea water from Puget Sound with the fresh water of the lakes upstream. Besides
watching the salmon, there are also harbor seals, bald eagles, blue herons, and belted
kingfishers to see. If the salmon are not running, the location is still great for watching
the boats being raised or lowered to different water levels as they go through the locks.
Visiting the locks is free. Inside, there is a visitors center with a short movie
presentation, exhibits, and gift shop, plus windows that let visitors have an underwater
view of the salmon. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
The Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Garden is located on the Ballard side of the locks,
which makes for a beautiful setting of water, boats, abundant plants, trees, and lush
grass. The place is great for having a picnic, and in the summer there are free concerts
by local musicians on the grounds - read more here (Photo by Alan Sandercock)

12. 11. Savor Seattle Food Tours
Savor Seattle Food Tours gives visitors an easy and fun way to hit Seattle’s top food
spots and culinary institutions and get a general feel for the city. The guides are
informed and friendly, and the tours are a great way to explore Seattle food and drink
culture and history while meeting new people.
Savor Seattle Food Tours has a few tours available:
• Pike Place Market – this popular two hour walking and eating tour offers visitors a
behind-the-scenes tour of Seattle’s iconic 100 year old public market full of stories and
insider access.
• Gourmet Seattle – this three hour walking tour takes visitors on a progressive dinner
through some of Seattle’s most best restaurants in downtown and Belltown.
• Chocolate Indulgence – Seattle’s chocolate subculture is the focus of this two hour
walking dessert tour, and guests will participate in 16 chocolate tastings.
• Hip on the Hill – guests will eat and drink their way through happening Capitol Hill
on this 2 hour walking tour.
• Booze-and-Bites – this 2 hour walking tour offers tastings and cocktails from some of
Seattle’s hippest and hottest restaurants while telling the story of Seattle’s cocktail
history.
For the more adventurous visitor, Savor Seattle also offers a Gourmet Kayak Tour in
the San Juan Islands - read more here (Photo by John Tregoning)

13. 12. Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest public park at 534 acres and offers amazing views of
Puget Sound and abundant wildlife in an area not too far from downtown. The two miles
of protected tidal beaches and bluffs are great for exploring and offer panoramic views
across Puget Sound. The diverse terrain includes dramatic sea cliffs, coniferous forest
with towering trees, meandering streams, shrub habitat, grassy meadows, sand dunes,
and tidal beaches. Wildlife that can be found in the park includes over 250 species of
birds, plus sea lions and harbour seals.
Attractions at Discovery Park:
• Trails – for hikers, there are nearly twelve miles of walking trails in the park. The
Discovery Park Loop Trail begins at the visitors center and runs for 2.8 miles. It is the
access point for many of the other trails.
• West Point Lighthouse – the historic lighthouse anchors the westernmost point of the
park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Beach – getting to the beach requires a hike down a steep trail, but those who make the
trip are rewarded with great views, especially at sunset.
• Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center – offers insight into the indigenous peoples
of the Puget Sound regions.
• Environmental Learning Center – offers in-depth looks at nature.
Discovery Park also has play areas for kids, picnic areas, and tennis courts - read more
here (Photo by ewoerlen)

14. 13. Pioneer Square Park
Pioneer Square Park is located in downtown Seattle and is a historic district that was
one of the first settlements in the Northwest. After years of neglect, Pioneer Square was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today, Pioneer Square Park is
a central hub for Seattle, and the surrounding area is home to much of Seattle’s nightlife,
art galleries, shops, and bookstores. Restaurants can be found at every turn.
Notable features of the Park include:
• Tlingit Totem Pole – this is a replacement totem pole built by the Tlingit tribe. The
original was stolen from the tribe and then burned by an arsonist.
• Wrought-iron Victorian pergola – was originally was built in the early 1900’s as a
shelter for those waiting for a cable car and as an entryway to an underground bathroom.
It burned down in 2001 and was rebuilt.
• Waterfall Garden – this 22-foot artificial waterfall was built as a monument to U.S.
Postal Service workers.
• Bust of Chief Seattle – this bronze bust of the leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish
Native American tribes was created in 1909 by artist James Wehn.
• Smith Tower Observation Deck – this 38 story skyscraper was completed in 1914.
The 35th floor is home to the Observation Deck and Chinese Room.
Warning: there are some panhandlers in the area, and the area can get sketchy late at
night - read more here (Photo by J Brew)

15. 14. Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream claims to bring joy to Seattle one scoop at a
time, and there’s probably no denying that they make Seattle a happier place.
Along with the exotic flavors, there’s also classic favorites such as Vanilla Bean and
Melted Chocolate. The flavors rotate with the seasons, but some are always
available. Organic and local ingredients are used in most of their ice creams, and
everything sold is compostable – Molly’s does not even have a trash can.
• Balsamic Strawberry – Strawberry Ice Cream with Chunks of Real Strawberries and
a Ribbon of Thick Honey Balsamic Reduction from Washington.
• Salted Caramel.
• Stumptown Coffee – a Sweet Cappuccino taste made with Locally-roasted Beans
Cold-infused into Dairy overnight.
• Maple Walnut – Organic Maple Extract with Organic, California–grown Walnuts.
• “Scout” Mint – real Girl Scout Thin Mints in Mint Ice Cream made with Organic
Peppermint Extract from Washington-grown Peppermint.
The original, Wallingford store is located at 1622 1/2 N 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103
- read more here (Photo by Nonsequiturlass)

16. 15. Beecher's Handmade Cheese
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is an artisan cheese shop and cafe located in Pike Place
Market, and they actually make cheese in a glass-walled kitchen on-site.
Kurt Beecher Dammeier’s dream became reality in 2002 when he rented out a storefront
in Pike Place market and began buying cheese-making equipment in order to pursue his
dream of making cheese. He partnered with a knowledgeable cheesemaker and found a
good, local source of non-rBST milk on a dairy farm in Duvall, Washington. Soon after
that, he was in business. Today, Beecher’s sources their milk from a few local sources,
and they make many different kinds of cheese on-site.
Depending upon the day, the cheesemakers may be making Beecher’s signature 15-
month aged Flagship, their Flagsheep, their Marco Polo, or any of their other cheeses.
They also sell cheeses from other local Pacific Northwest cheesemakers.
Don’t go just thinking Beecher’s is a cheese shop – it’s also an awesome cafe with great
French Onion Soup and the "World’s Best” Mac & Cheese - read more here (Photo
by Darcy)

17. 16. Safeco Field
Safeco Field is home to the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball and has
a retractable roof, which is a very good idea in Seattle. Safeco hosted its first game on
July 15, 1999 – the stadium replaced the old Kingdome, which was demolished in 2000.
Safeco features a ‘retro-modern’ design and has a is spacious feel. The seating capacity
is 47,860. One of the best things about going to a Mariners game is the food options.
The awesome food choices include sushi, burritos, teriyaki, stir-fries, pad thai, garlic
fries, crepes, health food, seafood, and barbecue. More than 50 different beers are served
in the stadium.
Safeco is located in the SoDo neighborhood. SoDo was originally named for being
located “South of the (King)dome,” but it now means “South of Downtown.” In addition
to Safeco, the neighborhood is also home to CenturyLink Field, which was build on the
old site of the Kingdome and is home to the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the MLS’s
Seattle Sounders soccer team. SoDo is a former industrial and warehouse area that is
slowly transforming into a neighborhood of lofts, artist spaces, and small
businesses. Parking is expensive near the stadium – consider walking from downtown or
taking the light rail - read more here (Photo by Chase N.)

18. 17. Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards
Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyards gives visitors to Seattle a great chance to visit a top-
notch winery in a beautiful location just 15 miles northeast of downtown. The winery
was founded in 1934, making it Washington State’s oldest. Located in the Columbia
Valley, Chateau Ste. Michelle features beautiful craftsman-style architecture on an
expansive, wooded estate. The winery hosts more than 250,000 visitors annually for
tours, tastings, dinners, and outdoor summer concerts.
Four tours are available:
• Tour & Tasting – this complimentary tour lasts about 35 minutes and gives visitors a
behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process, plus a wine tasting.
• Theme Tasting – for a small fee, visitors get to samples four wines from Chateau Ste.
Michelle.
• Library Pairings Tasting – visitors are guided through a small-bite sampling of foods
paired with appropriate wines.
• Ultimate Tour & Tasting – an in-depth look at wine-making and what makes the
Washington state region so good for growing grapes, plus a pairing of Chateau Ste.
Michelle’s premier wines are with artisan cheeses, specialty meats, fresh fruits, and an
array of sweets.
Concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle are very popular. Check their web site for a calendar
of events - read more here (Photo by David Herrera)

19. 18. The Triple Door
The Triple Door is a swank Seattle music and dinner venue in the historic Embassy
Theatre with a dinner club vibe and food provided by Wild Ginger next door. The
building was built in 1925 and had been shuttered for more than 15 years when Rick and
Ann Yoder bought it in 1999. After renovations, they opened in 2003 with a goal of
hosting live acts in a classy environment with great drinks and food. The theater is
divided into two venues designed for hosting different kinds of acts – guests can either
watch a show on the main stage of the theater, or they can enter the Musicquarium
Lounge and enjoy a cocktail while watching a smaller scale live act.
The main stage features a top-notch sound system and tables are half-moon shaped so
that everyone has an uninhibited view of the entertainment. The entertainment comes
from both local and national touring indie, folk, and world music acts. The
Musicquarium Lounge has no cover charge, an excellent happy hour with a creative list
of cocktails and an incredibly huge selection of wines - read more here (Photo by John
Broberg)

20. 19. Elliott Bay Book Company
The Elliott Bay Book Company is a legendary independent bookstore in Seattle known
for its huge inventory, a knowledgeable staff with personal service, and frequent author
readings and events. The store is Seattle’s hold-over from a time when independent
bookstores actually existed. Thanks to its huge inventory and comfortable vibe, Elliott
Bay has survived and even thrived – along with Portland’s Powell Books, it’s one of the
best-known independent book stores in the country. With over 150,000 titles displayed
on cedar shelves, and the comfortable multi-level setting, don’t be surprised to look up
and find that you’ve spent a hour perusing books. Elliott Bay Book Company also has a
cafe for getting a sandwich or a cup of coffee.
Elliott Bay was founded in 1973 by Walter Carr in a small space in Pioneer Square. The
business did well, and the book store gradually grew from two rooms to five large rooms
in the corner space of the building. In 1979, Elliott Bay Café, Seattle’s original
bookstore cafe opened up downstairs. Then, in 2010 the book store moved from Pioneer
Square to its current home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Despite being the home of
Amazon, Seattle is known as one of the most successful independent bookstore cities in
the country, and many of the store are located in Capitol Hill, along with a good number
of coffee shops - read more here (Photo by Nichola)

21. 20. Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a tiny (1.26 acre) park on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle
that offers visitors breathtaking views of Seattle. Kerry is a great little park, but the
reason to go there is for the view – the high elevation affords excellent views of
downtown and Space Needle, Elliott Bay, the West Seattle peninsula, Bainbridge Island,
and Mount Rainier in the distance. In fact, most photos of Seattle that show the Space
Needle in the foreground were likely taken from the spot. The location is perfect
for watching the sunset, and at once at night the stars and lights reflected across the
water are magical and romantic.
There’s a play area for kids, a few park benches, and a couple of grassy areas that would
make a good place for a picnic. There is free street parking, but it is a bit limited. The
land for the park was donated to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sperry Kerry, Sr., in
1927 so that others could enjoy the view of Seattle. In 1971, Changing Form, a 15 foot
high steel sculpture by artist Doris Totten Chase, was installed in the park. The sculpture
can be used as a frame for photographers taking a picture of the Seattle skyline or Mount
Rainier, and children enjoy crawling around its smooth, black curves. There is a Molly
Moon’s Ice Cream store located nearby - read more here (Photo by Tiffany Von Arnim)

22. 21. Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour offers visitors a tour of the Seattle Underground, a
unique network of basements and passageways that resulted from the city raising its
street levels in the mid-19th century. In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire destroyed 31 blocks
of mostly wooden building in downtown. When the city was rebuilt, town leaders
decided to raise the street levels by one to two stories and to only construct new
buildings using stone and brick. The reconstruction at a higher elevation would keep
flood-prone Pioneer Square drier and also ensure that flush toilets didn’t back up during
high tide, but it also left sidewalks and many businesses underground. Eventually,
businesses moved one level up and the former ground floors were abandoned.
Bill Speidel was a columnist for The Seattle Times and a Seattle historian who helped
preserve and protect Pioneer Square when it was in danger of being demolished in the
1960’s. He did his initial research on the Seattle Underground after a reader wrote in
asking about it, and he led his first tour in 1964. Bill died in 1988, but the Underground
Tours live on, and they’re a fun and informative account of the early history of
Seattle. The tours start inside of Doc Maynard’s Public House, a restored 1890’s saloon,
and wander through about 3 blocks of Pioneer Square before finishing up at the
underground gift shop. The tours last about 75 minutes. Guests will learn about the
general history of Seattle and hear stories about many of its earliest inhabitants. Younger
children may get bored on a tour after the initial feeling of being underground passes
- read more here (Photo by Pat David)

23. 22. Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library‘s downtown branch is a Postmodern architectural gem
designed by famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It’s definitely worth visiting when
visiting the downtown area. The 11-story glass, concrete, and steel building opened in
2004 to much fanfare, and it has since been voted one of America’s 150 favorite
structures by the American Institute of Architects. The bold structure features multiple,
angled, outside surfaces of glass and steel that seem to not respect normal boundaries
and limits. Inside, an open design with bright red hallways, glowing green escalators,
and “floating platforms” that seem to be wrapped in a large steel net around a glass skin.
The diamond-shaped glass windows cast grid shadow patterns of natural light across
the airy interior.
One notable feature of the Seattle Public Library is the “Books Spiral,” which allows the
nonfiction books to be displayed according to the Dewey Decimal System in a
continuous manner, without interruption, across a ramp that spans four stories. In total,
the library has over 10 floors, with the top floor having a reading room and
small observation deck. There are reading spaces and computer station on most of the
floors, and the fifth floor houses the Mixing Chamber, which is then general help area
and houses 140 computers. Kids will enjoy the 15,000-square-foot children’s area. There
is a small cafe on the ground floor - read more here (Photo by Johanna)

24. 23. Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park is a popular 250-acre park that surrounds a beautiful glacial lake in
the Green Lake neighborhood north of Seattle. The park is surrounded by the Green
Lake neighborhood to the north and east, the Wallingford neighborhood to the south, the
Phinney Ridge neighborhood to the west, and Woodland Park to the southwest.
Green Lake is Seattle’s most-used park, mainly because of the 2.8 mile path that
meanders around the lake and is frequented by walkers, joggers, and bikers. There is
also a 3.2 miles non-paved path that runs along the edge of the park. The park is a
popular spot for soccer, baseball, golf, roller hockey, and qigong classes. The Derek
Baker Memorial Boccie Ball Club makes its home at the park, and there is also
a monthly midnight bicycle race. There are also paddleboats available for rent, plus
there’s swimming, fishing, picnicking, or relaxing on the beach. For kids, there’s a wade
pool and a playground. A historic bathhouse built in 1927 is now the home of the Seattle
Public Theater at the Bathhouse - read more here (Photo by Hammerin Man)

25. 24. Road Dog's Seattle Brewery Tours
Road Dog’s Seattle Brewery Tours takes visitors on a fun and entertaining – and safe –
tour a few of Seattle’s many excellent microbreweries. Many people think of coffee
when they think of Seattle, but the city is just about as famous for it’s beer. They may
not have the big-name national brands that Milwaukee has, but there’s a whole world of
hoppy IPA’s, porters, and golden lagers waiting to be discovered. Dustin Boast – the
Road Dog himself – makes the process fun and easy. Either he, or one of the other
beer aficionado Road Dog guides, will transport guests to three local
microbreweries where they can sample, discover, and compare microbrews. Along the
way, guest can learn about the history of beer in the Seattle area and get an overview of
the beer-making process. It’s all about fun, beer, and a little bit of learning.
Here’s what guests can expect on a tour:
• Tours take about 3 hours and visit 3 breweries.
• Guests are picked up and ride in Road Dog Passenger Vans to and from each
brewery.
• A good variety of craft beer samples at each brewery are included as part of the
tour.
• Guests receive a Road Dog t-shirt and souvenir pint glass.
• Tours are offered morning, afternoon, or evening.
Road Dog also offers a Seattle Distillery Tour and a Seattle Coffee Tour - read more
here (Photo by ctj71081)

26. Featured photo by Tiffany Von Arnim. All photos CC-BY-2.0.
See our list of the 49 best things to do in Seattle here.