Seattle Center Washington State Ferries Space Needle Seattle Art Museum Pioneer Square Museum of Flight

Seattle, Washington Top Attractions

From the guitar wails of grunge rock to the sound of an orca blowing in the deep waters of the Puget Sound, to the cheers of the fans at Safeco Field to the serenity of the Olympic Mountain rainforest, Seattle is a magical vacation destination for outdoor adventure or cultural inspiration.

The Seattle area is home to many world-famous attractions and historic sites like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium - all just minutes from the elegance of The Heathman Hotel.

Seattle Center.

 The Seattle Center is a 74-acre campus of arts, entertainment, sports, science and technology that inspires the human spirit. The city’s treasured urban gathering place, the Seattle Center is home of more than 30 cultural and educational organizations, museums, attractions, sports teams and arenas, events, festivals, entertainment facilities and abundant shopping and dining venues. The vibrant pulse of the city, the Center brings together millions of people to enjoy extraordinary experiences and entertainment - over 5,000 shows and events annually. Ride the coasters, carousel and more than 19 amusements at the Fun Forrest Amusement Park. Catch a Seattle Storm basketball game, Seattle Thunderbirds NHL hockey or a blockbuster concert at Key Arena. See the dinosaur exhibits at the Science Center, and explore popular music and amazing interactive exhibits at Experience Music Project. Visit www.seattlecenter.com.

Pike Place Market.

 Soul of Seattle, Pike Place Market is Seattle’s most exciting shopping and entertainment attraction - famous for its flying fish demonstration! Shop for freshly-caught fish, fresh produce and flowers, baked goods, handmade cheeses, crafts, antiques and exotic items from across the world at a cool collection of stands, stalls, and shops at the historic Pike Place Market. With its colorful 100-year history in Seattle, this unique shopping and dining experience offers over 200 shops, 190 craftspeople, 120 farmer booths, as well as street performers and musicians. Complementing hundreds of shops, the massive 9-acre market offers wonderful restaurants and bars like the Pike Place Bar & Grill. Visit www.pikeplacemarket.

Seattle Waterfront.

 The Seattle Waterfront is a magnificent seaport with fun attractions, wonderful restaurants and shopping, ferries, cruise ships, Victoria Clipper, and boat tours. Stroll past the bronze Waterfront Fountain on the wooden piers of Waterfront Park, feed seagulls at the statue of Ivar Haglund, and savor breathtaking views. Visit exciting attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center. Catch a cruise to Blake Island from Piers 55/56. Hop on the waterfront streetcar or enjoy the green space of Myrtle Edwards Park. Nestled along the Waterfront are fishing piers, bike and walking paths, a wildlife habitat preservation, a boat launch and numerous benches and paths along the shoreline. From Pier 57 to Pier 59, the park is lined with lamps, benches, telescopes, and metal viewing platforms so you can enjoy sublime views of the skyline, waterfront, West Seattle Bridge, Magnolia Bluff, Blake Island, Bainbridge, and the Olympic Mountains. Visit ci.seattle.wa.us/tour/water.htm. [Top]

Washington State Ferries.

 Hop on board one of the state ferries to historic and scenic sites on the Puget Sound. Enjoy panoramic views of Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, verdant shoreline and the Seattle cityscape. The state ferry system takes passengers from Seattle and Everett docks to San Juan Islands, Vashon Island, Kitsap Peninsula, and Canada. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

Seattle Children’s Museum.

 Located in the Seattle Center, the Seattle Children’s Museum offers fun, interactive exhibits that encourage growing hands and minds to play, explore and learn. Climb a mountain, jump into exciting lands and explore new cultures. The Northwest’s leading institution for early childhood education, the Museum features 11 permanent exhibits, a traveling exhibit gallery, an art studio, classrooms, a story telling circle, workshops, and camps. Visit www.thechildrensmuseum.org.

Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum.

 Housed in a Frank O. Gehry-designed building, EMP|SFM is a spectacular metal structure at the Seattle Center. Explore creativity in popular music at the Experience Music Project, which blends interactive exhibits with cutting-edge technology. Feel the essence of rock 'n' roll, jazz, soul, gospel, country, blues, hip-hop and punk music. See rare memorabilia and artifacts, and listen to musicians tell stories about writing music. Devoted to the ideas and experiences of science fiction, the Science Fiction Museum offers great exhibitions on science fiction literature and media. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame pays homage to respected writers, artists, filmmakers and publishers of science fiction. Visit www.empsfm.org. [Top]

Space Needle.

 Enjoy the adventurous elevator ride to the 520-foot high Observation Deck of Seattle’s famous Space Needle. You will see an incredible unique skyline perspective of Seattle from this symbolic attraction built in 1962 and once the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The Space Needle features the Revolving SkyCity Restaurant, banquet facilities, and shopping. Shop for gifts, cards and jewelry at the SpaceBase retail store, and learn about history, geography, science, and math at the Sky School. Www.spaceneedle.com.

Qwest Field/Seattle Seahawks.

 South of historic Pioneer Square on the shimmering Puget Sound, Qwest Field is a state-of-the art, open air sports, entertainment and event stadium that blends the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a stunning, progressive architecture and art. Catch an exciting Seattle Seahawks football game, soccer match, a blockbuster concert, sports event or trade show such as the Seattle International Auto Show. With perfect views of the field and surrounding mountains, the spectacular 73,000 seat stadium offers cutting-edge technology and exceptional dining experiences. Cheer for the Blue Pride and see why the Seahawks are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL! For tickets & information, visit www.qwestfield.com or www.seahawks.com.

Safeco Field/Seattle Mariners.

 Playing in Major League Baseball's American League, the beloved Seattle Mariners round the bases at Safeco Field. With sweeping views of Seattle's downtown skyline, incredible sunsets over Puget Sound, and excellent sightlines of all the field action, Safeco Field is one of the most exceptional venues in Major League Baseball. Safeco Field also presents concerts, events, shows and baseball-inspired artworks by noted Northwest artists. Safeco’s collection of 43 paintings, prints, and photographs, as well as a sculpture of a life-size umpire, are exhibited on the Terrace Club. Visit  www. seattlemariners.com. [Top]

Seattle Art Museum.

 A vital cultural attraction since the early 20th-century, the Seattle Art Museum is the region’s premier art complex with three distinct venues - SAM Downtown, Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park. SAM Downtown features extensive art collections, exciting international exhibitions, and a diverse schedule of programs. The historic jewel of Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is a lively place for Asian art and cultural activities. Wander through the stunning sculptures at Olympic Sculpture Park, 9 acres of open art space on Seattle's waterfront. Visit www.seattleartmusuem.org

Woodland Park Zoo.

 One of the oldest zoos on the West Coast, Woodland Park Zoo is Seattle’s urban oasis for wildlife and people. For more than 100 years, Puget Sound families have encountered over 1,100 animals representing 300 species, inspired by the peaceful, beautiful surroundings. Woodland Park Zoo’s 92 acres are divided into bioclimatic zones and habitats around the world, from tropical rain forests to frigid climates of the Far North. The zoo is habitat for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species, as well as 7,000 trees with 1,000 species. Get up close to African elephants, a Sumatran tiger, zebras, giraffes, gorillas a snow leopard, and a diversity of wild creatures. Visit www.zoo.org.

Seattle Aquarium.

 Discover the spectacular beauty and diverse marine life of the Puget Sound. A vital force in preserving our marine environment, the Seattle Aquarium offers inspiring exhibits that explore the aquatic world of the Pacific Northwest. Walk under the Aquarium's underwater dome surrounded by 400,000 gallons of water, sharks and Elliot Bay sea life. Walk through the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters. Gaze at the colorful fish of the tropical coral reef. See playful sea otters, harbor seals and fur seals in the Marine Mammal Exhibit. Meet wonderfully strange creatures in the Ocean Oddities exhibit - from cowfish to potbelly seahorses. Touch live sea stars and urchins in Life on the Edge. You can even wve to a giant Pacific octopus! This outstanding aquarium in interesting for children and adults alike. Visit www.seattleaquarium.org. [Top]

Pioneer Square.

 The cultural and entertainment pulse of Seattle, Pioneer Square features 20 city blocks of Victorian Romanesque architecture, 200 unique shops, 30 fine art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife. Opening onto Occidental Park, the Grand Central Arcade houses a variety of shops and galleries. Highlights include Pioneer Square Park, Seattle’s first permanent settlement, and the 522-foot Smith Tower, tallest building in the world when built in 1914. With a majestic waterfall and benches, Waterfall Garden is a beautiful spot for shoppers and sightseers to relax. Experience the flavor of Seattle at the District’s great restaurants, cafes and coffee houses. Between downtown and the waterfront, Pioneer Square is Seattle’s popular shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Visit www.pioneersquare.org.

Meydenbauer Convention Center.

 Located in Bellevue, Meydenbauer Center is the Eastside’s foremost convention center and performing arts theatre. With 48,000 sq. ft. of event space, including the 36,000 sq. ft. Center Hall and nine meeting rooms, Meydenbauer Center is a leading venue for conventions, meetings, events and banquets - hosting 400 events a year. Meydenbauer offers a wide range of amenities and services -from cutting-edge technology to innovative catering that highlight the flavors of the Northwest. The 410-seat Theatre at Meydenbauer Center hosts concerts and performing arts venues with creative artists presenting stellar performances. Visit www.meydenbauer.com.

Lake Washington.

 The second largest natural lake in Washington, Lake Washington is a long, narrow lake bordered by Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Renton, Kenmore, and Mercer Island. Fed by the Sammamish River and Cedar River, Lake Washington is a beautiful destination for boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing and water sports. Enjoy an invigorating kayak adventure through the Yarrow Bay Wetlands, a 66-acre wildlife preserve south of Carillon Point. Paddle to Juanita Bay Wetlands past lakeside mansions and spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and surrounding Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. [Top]

Museum of Flight.

 Blast off your Seattle vacation at the Museum of Flight, exhibiting and preserving historically significant air and space artifacts and aircraft that tell the story of aviation and space history. The Museum showcases one of the largest, most comprehensive air and space collections in the country, with millions of rare photographs, thousands of artifacts, and over 150 rare aircraft and space vehicles, including the Wright 1903 Flyer Replica. See over 85 historic air and spacecraft like the original Air Force One, the West Coast's only Concorde, and the Blackbird spyplane. Experience the new Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit and the flight simulators. Visit www.musuemofflight.org

Pacific Science Center.

 One of the country's top family attractions recognized by a Zagat Survey, Pacific Science Center is a fun, hands-on science adventure with exciting exhibits, live science demonstrations, animal exhibits, a laser theater, a science playground, and the spectacular night sky at the Willard Smith Planetarium. See 3D IMAX films with amazing digital sound at the Boeing IMAX Theater. Wander through hundreds of butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House. Gaze at moving robotic dinosaurs and real fossils in the Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time exhibit. Experience fun Laser Shows in the Seattle Laser Dome, featuring the music of Queen, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Radio Head. Visit www.pacsci.org.

Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center.

 Discover the Northwest’s unique maritime character at the Odyssey on Seattle’s waterfront. Experience our connection to the Puget Sound and North Pacific through commercial fishing, shipping, trade, transportation, recreation, and marine protection. Odyssey’s three main galleries feature over 40 innovative, interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that help us understand a working waterfront, nautical operations, and commercial fishing technology. Learn about the boats and vessels on Seattle’s waters and about their commitment to environmental conservation while savoring spectacular views of Elliott Bay. Odyssey offers a contemporary perspective on the area’s maritime legacy. Visit www.ody.org

Snoqualmie Summit Ski Area.

 High in the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest - 45 miles from Seattle - Snoqualmie Summit Ski Area is a skiing and snowboarding oasis of the Pacific Northwest. The Summit at Snoqualmie offers 1,100 acres of awesome ski terrain with diverse ski slopes, and 1100-foot verticals. Enjoy the snowy slopes and breathtaking scenery at Summit West, Summit Central, Alpental and Summit East. Summit Central delights with an Olympic -sized superpipe, beginner to black diamond runs, playful terrain parks, glades, and tubes. Summit East offers alpine skiing, excellent fall-line terrain and tree runs. Enjoy alpine sking on three miles of amazing cross-country trails at the Summit Nordic Center. Brave the innovative terrain parks and snowboard spots at West 52nd Terrain Park and West Greenhorn Park, with jib and snow features for every rider. Head to the Summit Tubing Area for family snowtubing. Visit www.summitatsnoqualmie.com. [Top]