Seattle: The Northwest's Captivating Gem
Economy Alert! Skip rising gas prices in this public transportation-friendly city.
When you think of Seattle, the first things that often spring to mind are Starbucks, Microsoft and the setting of Frasier. However, as anyone will soon discover, there’s much more to this northwest gem than these popular icons.
Seattle sits on a skinny slip of land among saltwater bays, lakes and forested mountains. On a clear day you can see craggy snow-covered peaks across Puget Sound and the majestic dome of Mount Rainier to the south.
The Pioneer Square District is the oldest neighborhood in this young city. Just a few steps away from the modern glass towers of the 21st century, you’ll find turn-of-the-century warehouses and buildings with elaborate architectural flourishes, and a funky mishmash of art galleries, bookstores and old taverns. Several blocks north is Pike Place Market, the oldest public marketplace in North America. Spanning more than nine acres, the nooks and crannies of this bustling market are crammed with everything from barrels of clams to French pastries to the finest cheeses. If you can eat it, you can probably buy it here.
After caffeine, the biggest addiction in Seattle is for the outdoors. The city’s abundance of natural beauty inspires even the most committed couch potatoes to indulge in some form of urban recreation. If you’re looking for an outdoor escape, you don’t have to look too far. Take a rowboat onto Lake Union, bike along Lake Washington or hike through Discovery Park. Within an hour’s drive of Seattle, you can be hiking in protected wilderness areas or skiing in alpine terrain.
City Resources
Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get detailed information about Seattle, its neighborhoods, history, attractions, as well as maps and directions.
Events Guide
Find out about the latest events and happenings in Seattle, get the scoop on the best restaurants in town and check out the top family-friendly attractions.
State Information
This handy guide is filled with everything you need to know about nursing in Washington, including state nursing associations, CE requirements, salary information and more.
The Seattle Times
A daily newspaper featuring in-depth news, sport, entertainment and classifieds.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
This daily newspaper offers local, national and international news as well as classifieds for jobs, autos and real estate.
Seattle Weekly
An alternative weekly guide to the city’s arts, entertainment and urban scene.
The Children’s Museum
This museum includes enough hands-on exhibits to keep little ones busy learning and playing for hours.
Seattle Aquarium
This is a great place for youngsters to get face-to-fin with an amazing variety of marine life.
Woodland Park Zoo
One of the oldest zoos on the West Coast, the Woodland Park Zoo is home to some 1,145 different specimens, including 35 endangered species.
The Northwest Puppet Center
Located in a charming old renovated church, the Northwest Puppet Center provides fascinating entertainment for children and families.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The Birch Aquarium lets kids come nose-to-nose through the glass with stingrays, eels seahorses, sharks and plenty of other creatures from the deep.
Experience Music Project
The brainchild of Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, this rock ’n roll museum includes a Jimi Hendrix gallery, an interactive Sound Lab and a collection of some 80,000 musical artifacts.
The Space Needle
The recognized symbol of Seattle, the 605-foot Space Needle boasts awesome views of the city and its surroundings.
Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is a shopping district like no other. Choose from the freshest in farm produce, unique specialty foods, international grocery items, handmade crafts and much more.
Parks and Gardens
With sprawling parks, preserves and gardens throughout the city, there’s no shortage of places to relax and unwind in Seattle.
Hiking, Biking and Running
Find the ideal spot for your favorite outdoor activity.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Just 50 miles east of Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie (a combination of four different ski areas) offers more than 65 ski runs, rentals and lessons.
The Pacific Science Center
Featuring an IMAX theatre, laser shows, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits, this museum is fun for all ages.
Seattle Art Museum
This museum houses large collections of Native American, African, European and American art.
