Discover Seattle

The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has everything you need for an urban escape — with plenty of natural beauty too!

It’s the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam and grunge, the headquarters for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, and home to some of the best seafood restaurants on the planet. Ride the elevator on the iconic Space Needle to take in the city, ocean and mountains from above, then wander through Pike Place Market to see fish mongers tossing today’s catch and explore the first-ever Starbucks café.

If you’re a museum tourist, you have to check out the Museum of Pop Culture, designed by Frank Gehry in the shape of a smashed guitar. There’s also the Pacific Science Center, the Museum of History and Industry, and an amazing collection of glass-blown sculptures at Chihuly Garden and Glass. Check out the Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59, then ride the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57 to enjoy coastal views from inside an air conditioned gondola.

This international city is rich in culture, from its historic Chinatown to its thriving LGBTQ community (the sixth largest in the U.S.). And no matter your taste, you’ll find world class dining and plenty of entertainment.

Seattle Facts

• Seattle is named after Chief Si’ahl, a Suquamish and Duwamish chief.
• There are two centrally located cruise ship terminals, with regular departures for Alaska cruises.
• Nicknamed the Emerald City for its four-season greenery.
• It’s legal for adults 21 or older to possess or consume marijuana, but it’s illegal to consume in public, and must be purchased from an approved retail store.

Weather

Seattle has a moderate climate, but don’t forget to pack an umbrella! The rainy season is from November to May, although you may encounter rain year-round.

GETTING HERE

Plane: Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA) has two hub carriers, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, and welcomes thousands of foreign and domestic tourists each day. The airport is about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle, near the convergence of State Route 99, Interstate 5 and Interstate 405. Seattle Line 1 (light rail) offers frequent service to downtown.

Vehicle: Seattle is easily-accessible by car on the I-5, three hours north of Portland, Oregon and three hours south of Vancouver, Canada. From Spokane, Seattle is just over four hours’ drive on the I-90.

Train: Amtrak offers convenient service to King Street Station on the southern edge of downtown. The Empire Builder line runs to Spokane and the Cascades line connects Seattle with Vancouver and Portland.

Ferry: The Clipper passenger ferry connects Seattle to downtown Victoria, and the Coho Ferry connects Victoria and Port Angeles (Clallam Transit Bus 123, the Straight Shot connects ferry passengers to Seattle). Hop over to Bainbridge Island from Pier 52.