1. Space Needle
Let’s start with the obvious. First designed and built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle has become the city’s icon and one of the most recognizable structures on earth. It’s thrilling 520-foot-high Observation Deck provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Elliott Bay, and downtown Seattle. Plus, it has a great restaurant and awesome gift shop! spaceneedle.com
2. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Just next door to the Space Needle at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is dedicated to the inspiring artwork of Dale Chihuly, whose work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. This inspiring exhibition covers 4,500 square feet of light-filled space. Fun programs like glassblowing demonstrations and yoga classes should not be missed. chihulygardenandglass.com
3. Museum of Flight
This fabulous air and space museum offers beautifully designed exhibits based on a central theme of “mankind’s dream of flying.” It’s easy to spend several hours here, exploring aircraft (including the first 747 ever built, a Concorde jet, and an Air Force One plane), attending free lectures, and training in an authentic Space Shuttle Trainer Crew Compartment. museumofflight.org
4. Washington Park Arboretum
Located on the south side of Union Bay, the Washington Park Arboretum is home to more than 40,000 living plants from around the world. It is one of the nation’s top arboreta and botanic garden collections in maples, magnolias, and tree species. Take a self-guided tour or weekend walk, offered each Sunday through November. seattle.gov/tour/arbor.htm 5| Pike Place Market This year-round market was created more than a century ago. Overlooking Elliott Bay, it is a celebration of everything Seattle with vendors selling fresh seafood, locally crafted produce, artisan cheeses, and fresh-picked flowers. Local artists and craftsmen also display their wares. pikeplacemarket.org
5. Pike Place Market
This year-round market was created more than a century ago. Overlooking Elliott Bay, it is a celebration of everything Seattle with vendors selling fresh seafood, locally crafted produce, artisan cheeses, and fresh-picked flowers. Local artists and craftsmen also display their wares. pikeplacemarket.org
6. Emerald City Trolley: Woodinville Wine Shuttle
This great new Summer “hop-on/hop-off” tour trolley has several fun itineraries. The Woodinville Winery Tour makes stops in both the Warehouse and Hollywood Winery Districts. Passengers purchase one ticket that’s good for the entire afternoon. emeraldcitytrolley.com
7. Puget Sound
Home to many Seattle area residents, Puget Sound’s many islands, ports, and harbors wait to be explored. Take the Bainbridge Ferry to Bainbridge Island, or travel farther north to Port Ludlow. Go for a walk, play golf, or spend a night or two at the Resort at Port Ludlow. portludlowresort.com