Get That Seattle Wanderlust!

Seattle is a city of many faces. As the “Emerald City”, it is home to acres and acres of park land. As a tech hotspot, it is home to a thriving metropolis. Despite being one of the United States’ fastest growing cities, Seattle is home to mountains and old wood growth. All these in a single city make it a perfect place for tourists.

However, don’t go around believing that it’s an easy trek because everything is in one place. Things could easily get confusing. You would need a guide to the best spots — and that is just what you’re reading right now. Here are some Seattle sights you shouldn’t miss:

Attractions:

1. The Seattle CityPASS. The CityPASS is an expansive, 9-day tour that includes tickets to Seattle’s big five attractions:

• Space Needle (the city’s most famous landmark)
• Argosy Harbor Cruise
• Pacific Science Center/Woodland Park Zoo
• Seattle Aquarium
• The Museum of Flight/Experience Music Project

The Pass is perfect for those looking to save money. At only $64 per adult ($44 for children), it gets you through all the famous sites at your own pace (so long as you do not exceed the 9-day validity period).

2. Pike Place Market. Overlooking the waterfront, the market is one of the country’s oldest public markets that is still in continuous operation. Go here for the merchandise, stay here for the people. The market is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with 10 million visitors per year. From fresh produce to fine crafts, you’ll find it at Pike Market.

3. The First Starbucks. While at the Pike Place Market, why not drop by the coffee shop that started the global phenomenon? Seattle is famous for its coffee, and the first Starbucks shop is rich with heritage. Take a sip, and take in the trademark Starbucks ambiance.

4. Gum Wall. No, seriously. It is an entire wall covered in used gum. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you want to take a weird turn then this is your place. Located in Post Alley (again in Pike Place Market), some parts of the brick wall has been covered in inches thick of chewing gum. A ghost tour curiously begins with this location. If you want to see it, you’d better hurry — towards the end of 2016, the authorities have announced an impending scrub-down for the entire wall. That’s the first time in over 2 decades!

5. Boeing Museum. For the geeks and the technophiles — or just for anyone who appreciates a healthy dose of trivia and history. Boeing’s Museum of Flight offers several exhibits for all walks of life. It is the largest private museum dedicated to air and space — and has the world’s largest K-12 educational program.

6. Seattle Public Library. Not your average library — this one has a complete system with 26 branches around the neighborhood. There’s a good chance you’ll find everything you need in here — if you’re willing to let go of Googling (though the library has free WiFi). Heck, you don’t even have to look at the books — the architecture itself is astounding! We attended a talk when we were there, and it was really interesting. It also hosts the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.

Food

7. Six Seven Restaurant. Located in The Edgewater Hotel, the restaurant serves scrumptious seafood that highlights its seasonal menus. Fine dine while enjoying the picture-perfect views and listening to music (during weekends).

Day Trips

8. Mt. St. Helens. Fancy an exciting trek? Try this active volcano. It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is also well-known for its ash and lava flow. Why would you dare climb an active volcano? Simple — it offers a year-round climbing experience for the experienced mountaineer. Its steep and jagged routes have gained acclaim, though there is an easier path that involves a little scrambling.

9. Mt. Rainier. Home to a National Park and the Paradise flower meadows, Rainier is a glacier-topped mountain. It is known for its old-growth forests and its beautiful vistas, as well as its wide array of hiking options.

Neighborhoods

10. Ballard. Home to the “Ballard Locks”, which carry the most water traffic than any of its kind in the US. It also has the Carl English, Jr. Botanical Gardens, with a million visitors a year.

11. Capitol Hill. One word: nightlife. This dense district offers one of the best entertainment and counterculture areas of the city.

12. University District. The “U District” cradles the University of Washington’s main campus. You might learn something new!

13. Queen Anne. Sitting atop a 456-feet high hill, the district is an uptown area filled with mansions for the elite. It also offers an outstanding view of the Seattle skyline.

For later

14. Kerry Park. We hadn’t gone to this one yet, since it was cloudy during our tour. However, on a clear day, you might get a really cool view of the entire city. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier!We were told that this was also an excellent spot to go stargazing in seattle, I’m looking forward to experience that too.

15. Cruise/Sail around Seattle Lake. How about giving your feet a bit of rest as you treat your eyes to Seattle’s landmark body of water? We’re sure to do this some time.

From posh places to ancient trees, from nightlife to quaint little shops, Seattle has it all. Are you ready to indulge in the trip of a lifetime?