In this Guide<\/strong>:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Iconic Seattle<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a good reason why the Space Needle<\/a>\u00a0is at the top of our list. In addition to being an iconic feature along Seattle\u2019s skyline, the Needle\u2019s recent \u201cSpace Lift\u201d massively freshened the look of the 55-year-old landmark. With a first-of-its-kind rotating glass floor for a peek at the ground below (wave hello to the colorful Chihuly Garden and Glass below!)<\/em> AND floor-to-ceiling windows for 360-degree views of the Puget Sound, the Space Needle still offers the classic views you\u2019ve grown to love, but a million<\/em> times better.<\/p>\n Situated directly under the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass<\/a> showcases awe-inspiring glass sculptures created by the world-renowned Seattle artist Dale Chihuly. The centerpiece is the 40-foot tall Glasshouse, which is home to an expansive 100-foot long sculpture. Angling for some amazing photos? Stroll through these stunning gardens in the evening during Seattle\u2019s glorious \u201cgolden hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Spend a whole day at the\u00a0Pacific Science Center<\/a>! With a tropical butterfly house\u00a0(there are more than 800 of the beautiful winged insects inside!)<\/em>, a planetarium and hundreds of hands-on science exhibits, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Come nightfall, two IMAX screens<\/a> and one of the world\u2019s largest Laser Dome theaters<\/a> illuminate the Center.<\/p>\n Take a ride on the breathtaking Seattle Great Wheel<\/a> on Pier 57 and see the city of Seattle like never before as you soar 175 feet over the water. (Inside tip: Visit at sunset to catch the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains in a glowing blaze of color.)<\/em><\/p>\n While strolling through Pike Place Market, be sure to stop by the 1st<\/sup> & Pike Starbucks store, also known as Seattle\u2019s original Starbucks. Take a break from exploring downtown and grab an iced latte to beat the heat. You can\u2019t visit the city of coffee without a stop here!<\/p>\n Hiding under Fremont\u2019s gigantic Aurora Bridge and flanked by a colorful community garden<\/a>, this concrete monster stands guard, Volkswagen Beetle in hand. Have some additional free time? Stroll around this funky neighborhood to discover other oddities, such as a rocket ship and a 16-foot bronze sculpture of Vladimir Lenin.<\/p>\n Just underneath Pike Place Market in Post Alley, the gum wall is just as eccentric as it sounds \u2013 one huge brick wall covered entirely in gum. You know the drill, if you visit you have to leave your own. So get to chewin’!<\/p>\n With expansive views of downtown Seattle across Lake Union, there is no better spot to spend a sunny day than camped atop one of the grassy hills at Gas Works Park<\/a>. Grab one of the gas plant equipment-turned tables for a picnic or simply work on your tan and clear your mind while you watch boats drift by.<\/p>\n Seattle\u2019s founders settled in Pioneer Square in 1852, and many of the city\u2019s oldest buildings still stand in this charming neighborhood. Wander down 1st<\/sup> Ave and find gifts or grab a bite and a cocktail at Damn the Weather<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for the quintessential Seattle experience, look no further than the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)<\/a>. Hop on the famous Seattle Monorail<\/a> and ride right through the belly of the Frank O. Gehry designed building, then enjoy an afternoon of experiential exhibits blending music, pop culture and sci-fi.<\/p>\n Cruise across Elliott Bay on a water taxi<\/a> for a day of shopping and beach-bumming in West Seattle. Five bucks buys a 12-minute cruise, just enough time to grab a coffee and make plans for the day. When you arrive in West Seattle, grab lunch with a view at Hawaiian-Korean eatery Marination Ma Kai<\/a>, or walk 7 minutes along the water to seafood institution Salty’s on Alki Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n It\u00a0wouldn\u2019t be summer in Seattle without a slew of outdoor concerts to fill your calendar. Dance the night away to\u00a0a mixture of eclectic indie, dreamy synth and experimental electronic music\u00a0at the Capitol Hill Block Party.<\/a> Check out arena shows at T-Mobile Park<\/a>, Lumen Field<\/a>, and Climate Pledge<\/a>.\u00a0Or see an incredible lineup of artists at Bumbershoot<\/a>, the original Seattle music festival.<\/p>\n Looking for fresh ‘fits? With its fashionable boutiques, sneaker shops, eco-friendly retailers and thrift stores, there\u2019s no better place than the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. When night falls, stop by speakeasy establishments such as Knee High Stocking Co.<\/a>, distilleries such as Sun Liquor<\/a> and all-out parties at Unicorn<\/a>.<\/p>\n For the 75th year, Seafair Festival<\/a> is back with all of the PNW\u2019s most exhilarating events! Kicking off July 4th <\/sup>with a spectacular fireworks display at Gas Works Park<\/a>, enjoy a month-long streak of family-friendly fun. Snag a spot along Fourth Avenue for the annual Torchlight Parade<\/a>, enjoy the goofy ingenuity of the Milk Carton Derby and cheer on the grit and determination of the Seafair Triathalon<\/a> participants!<\/p>\n The fanfare wraps up during the final blow-out weekend<\/a>! Between August 2nd and August 4th, prepare to be amazed by displays ranging from a Blue Angels Air Show to a thrilling hydroplane boat race.<\/p>\n Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride<\/a>! Enjoy a full lineup of events<\/a> throughout the city offering live music, arts and crafts, parades, food trucks and show-stopping performances.<\/p>\n Step Off the Beaten Path – Hidden Spots Around the City<\/span><\/p>\n Undoubtedly one of the more unique attractions in Seattle, \u201cHat \u2018n\u2019 Boots\u201d<\/a> was built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station, and is billed as the largest hat and cowboy boots in America.<\/p>\n Find Seattle\u2019s urban slice of Zen tucked along the waterfront just north of the FRS Clipper terminal. The Olympic Sculpture Park<\/a> features staggering modern art installations and classic vistas of the Space Needle, Belltown and the jagged Olympic Mountains across the Sound.<\/p>\n Transport yourself back to your childhood days of arcades, lights and pinball flippers at this classic pinball emporium<\/a>. The perfect cure should a little Seattle drizzle blow your way, this amazing museum boasts more than 50 vintage pinball machines that are free to play with admission to the museum. Order up a glass of local beer, slip it into one of the pinball machines\u2019 cupholders and get your flipper fingers ready for some world-class pinball playin\u2019.<\/p>\n <\/a>Get Outdoors \u2013 Seattle\u2019s Nature Areas<\/span><\/p>\n One of the city’s most popular viewpoints, Kerry Park<\/a> aligns the Space Needle nicely along the downtown Seattle skyline, making for a worthy visit day or night. Clear days also reward you with a stunning view of Mount Rainier!<\/p>\n If you love sandy beaches, seaside sunsets and barbecue pits (and who doesn\u2019t?)<\/em> Golden Gardens Park<\/a> has got all the boxes checked. Head to the beach and join a spirited game of volleyball or stroll to the northern nature preserve and try to spot the local turtles.<\/p>\n One of Seattle\u2019s most beloved parks, Green Lake<\/a> offers a newly reconstructed path around its perimeter, perfect for walking, biking or rollerblading. In the summertime, cool off with a dip at the beach, then wander the surrounding neighborhood shops, restaurants, and bars.<\/p>\n On a perfect summer day, Alki Beach<\/a> is Seattle\u2019s Santa Monica. Beach volleyball, longboarding and roller skating are all activities of choice here, all set to a gorgeous backdrop of downtown Seattle across the water.<\/p>\n Just minutes north of the Clipper terminal along the waterfront, Myrtle Edwards Park<\/a> is the perfect spot to watch the sun slip behind the Olympic Mountains. Gaze west across Puget Sound for unobstructed views of ships, marine life, West Seattle and Bainbridge Island.<\/p>\n Scattered throughout the Emerald City you\u2019ll find a wealth of tiny neighborhood gardens and parks<\/a>, teeming with lush foliage and vibrant flowers. Give your feet a rest during a day of downtown exploration at the wildflower-packed Thomas Street Gardens<\/a> or seek respite from tourist-favorite Kerry Park at charming Parsons Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n A true hidden gem, the Arboretum<\/a> showcases 230 acres of diverse plant life, some found nowhere else in the Northwest. Wind your way around its scenic trails or find a bench and soak in the landscape. Our favorite seasons to visit are during spring and summer, when stunning flowers add vibrant pops of color to the grounds.<\/p>\n This secluded retreat is Seattle\u2019s best-kept secret! A 22-foot waterfall in the heart of Pioneer Square<\/a>, tucked behind Occidental Square Park on 2nd<\/sup> Ave. It\u2019s the perfect spot to have lunch, read a book or relax to the sound of moving water and forget about the rest of the world for a while.<\/p>\n <\/a>See the Sights – Popular Tours & Attractions<\/span><\/p>\n From May to October, enjoy an exciting day out on the water with a half-day Seattle whale watching tour<\/a> departing directly from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle! Learn all about the Puget Sound\u2019s beloved local marine wildlife from our expert onboard naturalist and soak in breathtaking coastal views along the way on this 3+ hour adventure.<\/p>\n Get a quintessential taste of the Emerald City with a Pike Place Market Food Tour.<\/a> Where better to nosh on delicious eats than at the city\u2019s source for local and fresh food, Pike Place Market? Experience how Seattle does cuisine on a progressive, 2-hour tasting adventure at some of the city\u2019s favorite restaurants, from eateries helmed by James Beard Award honorees to century-old baking institutions.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best way to escape the heat in Seattle? Go underground! The Beneath the Streets Tour<\/a> is a curious and unusual insight into the history of Seattle\u2019s subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed by the Great Fire of 1889.<\/p>\n Explore both the Future of Flight Aviation Center and the Boeing Factory<\/a> on this exciting interactive experience. Meander through the largest building in the world by volume for an up close and look at 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner airplanes before they take to the sky.<\/p>\n Enjoy a 2 hour cruise<\/a> through Elliott Bay, Shilshole Bay, the Hiram Chittenden Locks and Lake Union, all with live narration of Seattle\u2019s history. Time your visit right to see massive king and coho salmon fly up the fish ladder as they migrate into the fresh water of Lake Washington to spawn between mid-August to September.<\/p>\n The stomping grounds for the Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park<\/a> features a retractable roof (for that rare Seattle sunshine) and is your source for as many hot dogs, peanuts and crackerjacks you can eat while rooting for our beloved Ms<\/a>. (Psst, BC folks! They\u2019ll be facing off against the Blue Jays on July 5th – 7th!)<\/em><\/p>\n Right next door at Lumen Field you can join a slew of other Rave Green clad fans and cheer on the Seattle Sounders<\/a> as they pursue another shot at the MLS Cup. Both stadiums are conveniently nestled among post-game bar spots such as Elysian Fields<\/a> and Gantry Public House<\/a>, so you have plenty of options when it comes to celebrating your win with a frosty pint.<\/p>\n Embrace your inner child and cool off with a quick dash through the 20 spouts gracing the Seattle Center\u2019s International Fountain<\/a>. Keep an ear out for the accompanying recorded world music that changes to coincide with event programming at the Center.<\/p>\n Spend an afternoon marveling at hangars full of unique, historic and straight up awesome aircraft at the\u00a0Museum of Flight<\/a>! The largest independent museum of its type on the planet, the space boasts more than 175 different aircraft from each era. Put your flying skills to the test in The Pilot Experience, then grab lunch in the caf\u00e9 with a front row seat to the comings and goings of Boeing Field<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/a>Take a Bite Out of the City – Sips and B<\/span>ites<\/span><\/p>\n Is it an early lunch? Late breakfast? We don\u2019t care as long as pancakes are involved. Grab the best bites in the city at Oddfellows<\/a> on Capitol Hill, Sabine<\/a> in Ballard or at Portage Bay Caf\u00e9<\/a>, with multiple locations around town \u2014 that also take reservations, a rarity for brunch hour!<\/p>\n Jump on the craft distillery bandwagon and get an inside look at the inner workings and giant glistening stills of small-batch producers around town such as Sound Spirits<\/a>, Letterpress<\/a> and Copperworks<\/a> \u2014 the last of which is just less than 20 minutes walking from FRS Clipper’s Seattle terminal, and available to purchase duty free on the ride home.<\/p>\n Call it Seattle\u2019s version of In-N-Out, the Dick\u2019s burger<\/a> is just as famous in the Northwest and it\u2019s still the best deal in town. Keep your eye out for their glowing orange sign around town to stop in and enjoy a timeless meal (seriously, they haven\u2019t changed their menu since \u201982)<\/em>.<\/p>\n No trip to Alki Beach is complete without dinner at Salty\u2019s<\/a>! Located right on the water and offering some of the freshest seafood around and unbeatable views of downtown Seattle, it\u2019s the perfect spot for a dinner date.<\/p>\n\n
1. Space Needle<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Space](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/05\/spaceneedle_mag50ttd.jpg\")
2. Chihuly Garden and Glass<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Explore](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/Chihuly_mag.jpg\")
3. Pacific Science Center<\/strong><\/h2>\n
4.\u00a0Seattle Great Wheel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Soak](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/great_wheel_mag.jpg\")
5. The Original Starbucks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Fremont Troll<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Inspired](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/Alex-C-Chang-1-1024x768_mag.jpg\")
7. Gum Wall<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8. Gas Works Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/gasworks_mag.jpg\")
9. Pioneer Square Shops & Restaurants<\/strong><\/h2>\n
10. Ride the Monorail Through the Museum of Pop Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Cruise](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/monorail_mag.jpg\")
11. Take a Water Taxi to West Seattle<\/strong><\/h2>\n
12. Catch Summer Concerts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/07\/Capitol-Hill-Block-Party-Pending1-1024x683.jpg\")
13. Shopping and Nightlife on Capitol Hill<\/strong><\/h2>\n
14. Seafair Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/05\/Clemens-Vasters_crop.jpg\")
<\/a>15. Seattle Pride Festival<\/strong><\/h2>\n
16. Gigantic Hat n\u2019 Boots at Oxbow Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/oxbow-park_mag_seattle_parks.jpg\")
17. <\/strong>Olympic Sculpture Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
18. Seattle Pinball Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/05\/Donte_resize.jpeg\")
19. Kerry Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
20. <\/strong>Golden Gardens Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/07\/goldenGarden_mag.jpg\")
21. Walk Around Green Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n
22. Alki Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Stroll](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/07\/west_seattle_mag.jpg\")
23. Myrtle Edwards Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
24. Discover Seattle\u2019s Plethora of Pocket Parks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/04\/DSC06662_crop.jpg\")
25. Washington Park Arboretum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
26. Waterfall Garden Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Waterfall](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/07\/basic_sounds_seattle.jpg\")
27. Half-Day Seattle Whale Watching<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Transient](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/05\/Transients10_KevinMeher07_WEB.jpg\")
28. Pike Place Market Food Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Not](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/07\/pikeplace_mag-1.jpg\")
29. Beneath the Streets Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
30. Boeing Future of Flight Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Watch](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/07\/spring_seattle_mag3.jpg\")
31. <\/strong>Argosy Locks Cruise<\/h2>\n
32. Root on the Mariners and Sounders<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/06\/Central-Washington-University-1024x683.jpg\")
33. International Fountain<\/strong><\/h2>\n
34. Museum of Flight<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2019\/01\/Chris-Blakeley_crop.jpg\")
35. Grab Brunch<\/strong><\/h2>\n
36. Sip Around Seattle Distilleries<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Sample](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2017\/07\/Customers_TastingRoom_Oct2014_mag.jpg\")
37. Dick\u2019s Drive-In<\/strong><\/h2>\n
38. <\/strong>Salty\u2019s on Alki Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clippervacations.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2018\/05\/Scott-Moore.jpg\")
39. <\/strong>Dine in Columbia City<\/h2>\n