Year Round Vacation Ideas in Seattle

Get to the heart of things. Go to Pike Place Fish Market, a downtown Seattle landmark, 9 blocks with several levels of shopping for fresh produce, ethnic foods, flowers, and arts and crafts. Famous for their fresh fish throwing. Great place to meet the locals. Stop in at the coffee bars. Enjoy the street performers as you do a little people-watching. After your shopping is done, try any one of their great restaurants in the area. Very crowded during the summer time. Check out the bus service and parking garages in the area.

For a look at Seattle's historic district, take the Underground Tour at Pioneer Square on Yesler Way. And as you explore the 20 city blocks of Victorian Romanesque architecture, you'll find the Elliott Bay Book Company, considered one of the top bookshops in the nation. Fine art galleries, over 200 unique, independently owned boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and clubs for entertaining nightlife - a truly fun experience you won't want to miss during your visit to Seattle.

Don't miss the spectacular skyline view of Seattle from the water. Take the ferry to Bainbridge Island or check out the many offers at Argosy Cruises for their year round narrated tours, lunch and dinner cruises, and monthly themed cruises. For more information, call 800-642-7816.

Interested in ballet? Be sure to visit the Pacific Northwest Ballet for their superb performances. Located at 301 Mercer Street. Call 206-441-9411 for information on scheduled performances.

Summer Vacation Ideas in Seattle

A must see is Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park at 2901 Western Avenue. Here you'll find 9 acres of impressive sculptures and beautiful gardens with a magnificent backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Admission is free. For more information, call 206-654-3100.

Carkeek Park, located in northwest Seattle, also with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, has 6 miles of walking trails, a kid-friendly playground, picnic and BBQ areas, and quiet beaches for your relaxation.

For a great family outing, visit the award winning Woodland Park Zoo on 92 acres of land close to downtown Seattle. Outstanding exhibits of over 300 varieties of wildlife, Zoomazium for the younger kids, food court, picnic and rest areas for your comfort. Visit at 601 N. 59th. Street or call 206-684-4800 for more information.

What's summer without a great place to go jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, or a peaceful walk by the water? Well, you can find all that and more at Alki Beach Park. Campfires allowed in specified areas, great for sunbathing, volleyball games. Quaint cottages spot the area as well as spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Park located at 1702 Alki Ave. SW. Call the Seattle Parks & Recreation Information at 206-684-4075 for information on this and other parks in the area.

Read more about the Seattle Aquarium's Octopus Week on our February page.

See what's happening in Seattle for the Labor Day Weekend.