       |
Near Seattle Center
View Map
Only about a mile from Seattle Center is Lake Union, one of the favorite recreation destinations here in town. This relatively small lake is entirely within the city limits, and its position between Puget Sound and the much larger Lake Washington to the east made it a perfect freshwater location for Seattle’s maritime industry to set up shop. But over the years, the gas works, mills, and shipyards slowly gave way to pleasure boats, footpaths, and restaurants, and the lake became a great place to spend a relaxing summer day.
Mount Rainier National Park
South of Seattle
View Map | Website
Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascades, a mountain range that extends from British Columbia all the way down to Northern California. Though it hasn’t erupted in over a century, the mountain IS an active volcano, and its summit is marked by two huge volcanic craters. At over 14,000 feet, Rainier is a magnet for climbers, with nearly 10,000 brave souls attempting the ascent each year. However, the park has plenty of pleasure for mere mortals as well. Whether you’re taking in a vista at the 6400 foot elevation of Sunrise, or exploring the thick forests of Ohanapecosh, or taking snapshots of area appropriately called Paradise, a trip to Mount Rainier National Park is a great way a end your visit to Seattle. It’s simply some of the most magnificent scenery you’ll find anywhere.
Qwest Field (Seattle Seahawks)
800 Occidental Ave S, #100
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-381-7555
View Map | Website
Just a short walk east of Pioneer Square is Qwest Field, the NFL home of the Seahawks since 2002. Qwest Field has earned a reputation for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
Safeco Field (Seattle Mariners)
1250 First Ave. South
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-346-4001
View Map | Website
The home turf for baseball’s Seattle Mariners is a great spot to catch a ballgame. With its retro look and family friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Safeco is one of the most popular ballparks in all the big leagues.
West Seattle, WA, 98116
View Map
Today, this peninsula in West Seattle is one of the city’s prime recreational areas. Granted, it’s not exactly Southern California, but this two and a half mile stretch of shoreline is often crowded with bikers, joggers, skaters, and pretty much anyone else who wants a little break from the bustle of the city across the bay. Numerous shops and restaurants line Alki Avenue. Plus, the views of downtown Seattle from around here are some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
Center for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 206-382-2628
View Map | Website
One of Lake Union’s unique attractions is a museum like no other – the Center for Wooden Boats. The Center’s exhibits are all docked around a small boathouse on the south end of the lake. There are about 100 vintage craft docked on any given day, and each has its own story to tell, from the smallest rowboat, to elegant sailboats, to rather odd-looking steam-powered contraptions. Plus, all the boats on display here are painstakingly maintained at the Center’s boat shop, so most of the craft you see on display are actually in seaworthy condition. In fact, you can even rent one of the exhibits and take it out for a spin on Lake Union for an hour or so.
Chittenden Locks
3015 54th St NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone:
206- 783-7059
View Map | Website
In order to connect the freshwater of the Lakes to the saltwater of the sound, the Hiram Chittenden Locks were built in the middle of this passage to the sea. Located in the city’s Ballard district, these two locks have been in operation for over a century. If you’ve never watched a lock in action, it’s something to see. First, boats enter, from either the upstream or the downstream side. Then, the gates of the locks shut tight, and the water level is raised or lowered to match the water on the other side. When the level and water pressure is equal on both sides of the gate, the gate is opened up, and the boats can pass through. Even if you’re a hardened landlubber, there’s something oddly fascinating about watching the process unfold.