Seattle

Seattle, Washington sits at one of the most beautiful spots in the United States. Occupying a narrow isthmus between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, with four million people calling the area home. Seen from above, carpets of evergreen trees, pristine blue waters, and snowy white mountains surround the downtown's metallic skyscrapers, earning the city its nickname The Emerald City.

On the ground, you will find a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Next to the progressive downtown and the freewheeling feel of Capitol Hill, you can find a laid-back atmosphere in the districts to the north and ethnically diverse neighborhoods to the south. The many restaurants, coffee shops and microbreweries are worth indulging in after a day spent strolling through the city's many parks and beaches or admiring the arts and architecture. And just outside the hectic city are snow-covered mountains, evergreen forests, and stunning coastline to explore. Even for the bold and the adventurous, it's hard to get enough of Seattle.

Most visitors to Seattle tend not to venture beyond Downtown, the International District, and the Seattle Center. That's a shame, since neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, West Seattle, and those north of the ship canal are where much of the fun actually is!

Seattleites usually divide the town by districts roughly divided as listed below. Although there are formally 30 neighborhoods and their boundaries are not always clear, there's usually a proud feature that represents each neighborhood.:

While in Seattle you will likely hear reference to the "Eastside", which refers to the region east of Lake Washington comprising the suburbs of Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond.

Like the rest of the United States, the Seattle area used to be home to Indian settlements. The first humans are believed to have entered the region nearly 4,000 years ago. Englishman George Vancouver mapped the area in the 1790s, but the first white settlers didn't arrive until 1851. Luther Collins led a party of settlers to the mouth of the Duwamish River (in what is today southern Seattle), followed shortly by a party led by the more notable Arthur A. Denny of Chicago, who settled at Alki Point in West Seattle. Confrontations between the original settlers initially flared, only to die out as the groups settled together on the Elliott Bay. The area was then named Seattle by David Maynard, in honor of Chief Si'ahl of the Duwamish & Suquamish tribes, and later officially established as a city in 1869.

By the 1880s, development of a modern city came to life with the erection of buildings, a streetcar system, and a lumber mill at the end of a timber skid row (what is now Yesler Way), only to be destroyed by fire in 1889. The city came alive again in 1903 with the Klondike Gold Rush, when Seattle served as the departure city for miners bound for Alaska and the Yukon. During this boom time, hills were flattened for development and the Lake Washington Ship Canal was created.

The city's economy slowed down again during the Great Depression and World War II, but experienced a renewed fervor with the establishment of the aircraft company Boeing and the occurrence of the 1962 World's Fair, which opened the gates for modernization of the city. Heavy dependence on Boeing took an economic toll on the city during the 1970s oil crisis, but Microsoft's move from Albuquerque to the Seattle area further promoted the economic vitality of Seattle. Soon, Amazon, Nintendo of America, T-Mobile, Starbucks, and numerous biotech companies also established their headquarters here, bringing an influx of population growth and money into the area. Today, the Seattle metropolitan area's wealth and its four million inhabitants (more than half of the population of Washington State) make it the economic powerhouse of the Pacific Northwest and a city of huge importance for the entire United States.

Seattle is historically a very diverse city and multiculturalism is seen as a virtue. Whites make up about 70% of the population, while more than a tenth of Seattlelites are of Asian descent. English is spoken virtually everywhere in the city but there are ethnic areas in South Seattle where Vietnamese and Tagalog are also commonly spoken, as well as Chinese and Japanese in the International District. The ZIP code 98118 in South Seattle designates one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the entire United States!

Being a very politically left-wing part of the country, Seattle has one of the most sprawling LGBT communities in the US, second only to San Francisco. The Capitol Hill area, east of downtown, is the place for LGBT-friendly business and bars, as well as a resource center. A large PrideFest takes place annually at the Seattle Center, along with preceding events such as a Pride Parade.

Locals have long talked of the Seattle Freeze, referring to the cold politeness of residents. The theory is that while they are very polite and warm on first interaction, they are actually reserved, and interactions rarely lead to real acts of friendship (an invitation to dinner, personal conversations, etc.). The origin is obscure, but it is mostly assumed to be from Scandinavian immigrants that brought their home country's customs here, including this equivalent to introversion. Expect to have to make all the "first moves" to meet people here.

Residents' shyness also extends to anger and annoyance. Locals often make fun of themselves for their passive aggressive culture, where even in the most upsetting circumstances they will retain their polite nature.

A common stereotype of Seattle is that the sky is always grey, rainy, and depressing. But it may surprise you that rain is virtually absent in late spring through early fall, making Seattle an excellent place to spend summer. It's warm and comfortable, with little to moderate humidity and temperatures averaging in the upper 70s (about 25°C), though sometimes rising to the 80s and even 90s (above 30°C). Furthermore, because of Seattle's high latitude, the sky is bright from around 4:30AM to 10PM during the summer months, giving you ample daylight for outdoor activities.

During all other seasons, the sky above Seattle is often murky, grim, rainy and breezy, with occasional days of sun. It can be dry but cold, or mild but rainy. Even in the case of dry weather, the morning typically starts with fog that usually vanishes by midday. Despite its location as the northernmost big city in the U.S., winters in Seattle are not as harsh as those east of the Cascades. Marine air from the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean moderate Seattle's climate, so that most precipitation falls as rain and little as snow. However, on occasion a snowstorm will hit, though it's a fairly rare event. The area consists of complex topographical features; thus it can be raining in the city itself but sunny five miles north or snowing in heaps fifteen miles inland to the Cascade foothills, often puzzling weather forecasters.

Despite the Rain City reputation, the main challenge of Seattle's weather is more the overcast skies than the rain, and in fact Seattle has less annual rainfall than most cities east of the Rocky Mountains. Seattle's rain usually comes in a drizzle that lingers for days, which only occasionally strengthens to a full-blown torrent that rarely lasts long.

• E.L. James' phenomenally popular erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as its sequels (Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed), are set in the Seattle area.
• The Twilight saga is set in the Forks area of the Olympic Peninsula, but the third installment, Eclipse, is set primarily in a Seattle plagued by murderous vampires.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein, is a New York Times bestseller about a race car driver told from the perspective of his dog, Enzo.

As might be expected, nearly all movies and TV shows set in Seattle feature at least an establishing shot of the Space Needle.

• Many people will still remember the sitcom Frasier, which ran for 11 seasons until 2004. The show followed the life of the Crane family: Frasier Crane, a radio psychiatrist, his brother Niles, his father Martin, and his assistant, Daphne Moon. Although most of the show was actually filmed in studios in Los Angeles, the 100th episode was shot for real on the streets of Seattle, the monorail, and the Seattle Center.
• The medical drama Grey's Anatomy is set in Seattle to distinguish it from its counterpart, Chicago's ER. Fisher Plaza, home to the ABC-affiliated KOMO radio and television station and right across the street from the Space Needle, serves as the exterior of the fictional Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital.
• It Happened at the World's Fair (Norman Taurog, 1963). Elvis Presley stars as Mike, a cropduster pilot who hitchhikes with his friend Danny (Gary Lockwood) into Seattle during the 1962 World's Fair, where he meets his love interest, played by Joan O'Brien.
• The Parallax View (Alan J. Pakula, 1974). Released at the height of the political paranoia of the 70s, this film follows an investigative reporter (played by Warren Beatty) who discovers a secretive corporation that recruits political assassins. There's a lot of excellent Seattle imagery in this film, and the movie is well-remembered for its opening assassination scene that takes place atop the Space Needle.
• Singles (Cameron Crowe, 1992). A romantic comedy about two young couples experiencing rocky love while living in a Seattle apartment block. The film was particularly noted for its grunge soundtrack, coming on the heels of Seattle's grunge music boom. The central coffee shop in the film is at the now-closed OK Hotel in Pioneer Square, and the apartment used in the movie is at the northwest corner of E. Thomas St & 19th Ave E.
• Sleepless In Seattle (Nora Ephron, 1993). Tom Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, a widower father searching for comfort in Seattle after the loss of his wife. After his young child calls a radio station for help, a woman (Meg Ryan) develops an attraction to Sam. Sam Baldwin's houseboat is set on Lake Union, which is worth a visit for fans of the movie.

Although Seattle may be more well-known for grunge, it has had a long, diverse and tolerant music history from early on, including a politically radical American folk scene in the 1920s to a thriving post-war jazz scene that boomed in many clubs throughout the area.

Grunge was heavily influenced by the counterculture music scene that dominated Seattle from the mid-1970s through the 1980s, with such noted acts as a gay glam theater group called Ze Whiz Kids and bands like The Telepaths, The Beakers, and Red Dress. Seattle also has another musical claim to fame in native son Jimi Hendrix, although he found his success in England; nevertheless, this hasn't stopped Seattle from erecting a statue of him in Capitol Hill and devoting an entire section to Hendrix at the Museum of Pop Culture in the Seattle Center.

Grunge didn't really emerge until the 1980s and was a combination of punk and metal promoted by such notable Seattle-based groups like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. The genre emerged and slowly grew through the mid-1980s before exploding to international fame in 1991 with the release of Nirvana's breakthrough album Nevermind, but its prominence came to an end after singer Kurt Cobain's shocking suicide in 1994.

Local favorite radio station KEXP is a great source for alternative and experimental music and has helped launch the careers of not only grunge bands like Nirvana but local hip hop favorites such as Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and the Blue Scholars as well as many other nationally known alternative bands such as Sunny Day Real Estate, Modest Mouse, The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Band of Horses, The Head and the Heart and Fleet Foxes.

The Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau operates two visitors centers. Both offer maps, brochures, event details, tour bookings, and restaurant reservations:

• Seattle Visitors Center and Concierge Services, 701 Pike Street, Suite 800 (inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Daily 9AM-5PM during summer, M-F 9AM-5PM during winter.
• Market Information Center, 1st and Pike (on the southwest corner. Daily 10AM-6PM.

Seattle Visitors Center and Concierge Services, 701 Pike Street, Suite 800 (inside the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Daily 9AM-5PM during summer, M-F 9AM-5PM during winter.

Market Information Center, 1st and Pike (on the southwest corner. Daily 10AM-6PM.

Seattle has a lot to see, be it prominent sights or attractions tucked away in quiet neighborhoods. For more information, look at each district's individual articles.

• Seattle CityPASS. A discount pass that includes admission to five attractions for half the normal fee combined. You are entitled to up to two visits (within 24 hours) to the Space Needle, a visit to the Seattle Aquarium, an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, a choice between a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture or the Woodland Park Zoo, and a choice between the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Flight. You are also entitled to $5 off admission to the Chihuly Garden & Glass adjacent to the Space Needle, reduced fares for special cruises and exhibitions at Woodland Park Zoo, the Pacific Science Center and the Museum of Flight. A CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with the use of your first ticket. $99 for adult, $79 for children (ages 5-12).

The first thing that pops into most people's minds when they think of Seattle is the Space Needle, located north of Downtown in the Seattle Center. Although it's not the tallest building in Seattle, it still has a wonderful 360-degree view of both the city and the surrounding landscape. It is best to visit at sunset, when the mountains and sky will be lit up in beautiful colors. For a cheaper and less crowded option, head to the observatory at the Columbia Center building, which is higher than the Space Needle! For a better view of the waterfront and the downtown area, go aboard the Seattle Great Wheel.

Downtown, the Pike Place Market is Seattle's largest tourist area. Home to the famous fish market, the original Starbucks Coffee shop, produce stands, and a dedicated lane each for florists and foods. Don't forget to visit Post Alley, just a block away from Pike Place as you walk away from the shore, as there are some excellent food and souvenir places tucked away.

Seattle has a number of top-notch museums. Downtown is home to the renowned Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which displays an good assortment of art from around the world. In the Central District is the Seattle Asian Art Museum, an off-shoot of the Seattle Art Museum which focuses on Chinese and Japanese Art, but includes works from as far away as India. Additionally, The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in the International District is the only Asian Pacific American museum in the nation. Nearby is the Frye Art Museum, a small private collection featuring 232 paintings by Munich-based artists. Not a museum, but open to browsing by the public, is the Seattle Metaphysical Library in Ballard, which specializes in material not found in normal libraries.

Surrounding the Space Needle on the grounds of the Seattle Center are several more big museums, including the Pacific Science Center, an interactive science museum with an IMAX theater and plenty of science displays, the Museum of Pop Culture, a museum celebrating popular film, television, music, and other media, with exhibits on Seattle's vibrant music scene, and the Chihuly Garden & Glass, which takes glass art to the next level. Nearby South Lake Union is home to both the Museum of History and Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats.

On the waterfront in Downtown is the popular Seattle Aquarium. The University District holds the Henry Art Gallery, one of the biggest contemporary art galleries in Washington, and the Burke Museum, a combination natural history/archaeology museum. Further out in Georgetown is the Museum of Flight, with a large collection of aircraft ranging from wood and fabric crates to the sleek Concorde. Also south of the city in SoDo is the Living Computers: Museum + Labs which houses a large collection of functioning vintage computers available for public use in the museum and through the internet.

Most of the architectural attractions in Seattle are located in the downtown area, easily traversed on foot. Among the highlights are the Central Library, a unique contemporary building with an enormous glass-fronted atrium; the Columbia Center, the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest and which offers excellent views from its observation deck; and the Seattle City Hall with its roof garden. On the south side of Downtown, near Pioneer Square, is the Smith Tower, an Art Deco building which is Seattle's oldest skyscraper and has an observation deck. North of Downtown in the Seattle Center, the Museum of Pop Culture, designed to resemble Jimi Hendrix's smashed guitar, is done in a manner only Frank Gehry could conceive; nearby is the new Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus, with its 12-acre garden.

Of course, the most popular view in Seattle remains the one from the revolving top of the Space Needle at the Seattle Center. And given the retro-futurism look of the Space Needle, a fitting way to get there is via the Monorail, which connects the Seattle Center to Downtown. Another excellent view is from the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, a ferris wheel that offers superb views of the skyline and the waterfront.

Seattle is peppered with parks, from small urban squares to large forested areas, many with breathtaking views of Seattle and the Puget Sound. Seattle's original park system was designed by the Olmsted brothers in Seattle's early days, and park planners across the country still celebrate Seattle's park system as one of the best designed and best preserved in the United States. While many other American cities have only one or two Olmsted-designed parks, Seattle has an extensive multi-park plan linked by boulevards, and this legacy makes Seattle one of the most livable cities in the country.

The Seattle Center is actually a park itself, with attractions besides the Space Needle and the center's numerous museums. The Kobe Bell and the mural beside it and the International Fountain are often overlooked but should not be missed. Up on Queen Anne Hill is Kerry Park, where you'll be spellbound by the most photographed view of Seattle. To the west is Discovery Park, the city's largest park with trails less traveled traversing hills and offering a view of the unspoiled landscape, wildlife, and a lighthouse.

Overlooking Lake Union in Fremont is Gasworks Park. Once the site of a coal gasification plant, the plant has been replaced by lush green hills surrounding one small section of rusting—yet surprisingly picturesque—machinery from the coal plant. The park is filled with spectators for the 4th of July fireworks and is also a great place for boaters to access Lake Union. For a day at the beach, head over to Golden Gardens Park or the less crowded Carkeek Park for a view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains; West Seattle's fully sandy Alki Beach offers a great view of Downtown Seattle. Joggers can spend their time at Green Lake Park or Magnuson Park for a serene view of water by the running tracks.

A place to see trees from around the world is at the Washington Park Arboretum in the Central District. The Arboretum contains a Japanese Garden (closed in winter) that plays host to a traditional Japanese festival. For a more laid back and Zen atmosphere, the Kubota Garden at Rainier Beach in south Seattle has streams and waterfalls, ponds, rock outcroppings, and an exceptionally rich and mature collection of plants. If you are into animals, head to the Woodland Park Zoo to see animals from around the world held in pleasant, naturalistic exhibits.

Seattle CityPASS. A discount pass that includes admission to five attractions for half the normal fee combined. You are entitled to up to two visits (within 24 hours) to the Space Needle, a visit to the Seattle Aquarium, an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, a choice between a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture or the Woodland Park Zoo, and a choice between the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Flight. You are also entitled to $5 off admission to the Chihuly Garden & Glass adjacent to the Space Needle, reduced fares for special cruises and exhibitions at Woodland Park Zoo, the Pacific Science Center and the Museum of Flight. A CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with the use of your first ticket. $99 for adult, $79 for children (ages 5-12).

• Ride the Ducks of Seattle, +1 206 441-3825. Seattle Center: Daily 9:20AM to 7PM; Westlake Center: Weekdays 10AM to 6PM, Weekends 10AM to 7PM. A 90 minute ride on an amphibious World War II vehicle (part of the ride is on Lake Union). The style of the tour is a bit over-the-top; keep a sense of humor about you. Board at Seattle Center (5th Avenue & Broad Street) or Westlake Center. Adults $28, Children $17.
• Kenmore Air, 950 Westlake Ave N, +1-866-435-9524. 20 minute plane tours over Seattle that are narrated by the pilot, with spectacular views of the city. Tours begin and end at the west side of Lake Union. Reservations required. $99.50 per person.
• KEXP, 472 1st Ave N, +1 206 520-5800. 2PM. Seattle's most popular alternative and indie rock radio station invites you to tour its facility (at 2PM daily) or be an audience in one of its shows, to witness the music genres that put the city on the world map.
• Pioneer Square has a variety of tours of the Seattle Underground, the below-street-level corridors that were created when the district was raised by one floor during rebuilding after a massive fire in 1889. These informative tours are a great way to learn about Seattle's early history.

• Argosy Cruises, 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55. Cruise schedule varies by season. Ticket booth: Daily 10AM-4:05PM. Boat tour company with special dinner and sightseeing cruises. The most common tour is the hour-long Harbor Cruise on Elliott Bay, which offers excellent views of the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, freight harbor, and usually some sea lions, with a barrage of informative commentary about local history or interesting ships or cargo passing through that day. The Locks Cruise is a 2-hour one-way trip (in alternating directions) through the locks separating Elliot Bay and Lake Union, with an optional bus ride if you prefer a round trip. Seasonal cruises include Tillicum Village on Blake Island, and Lake Washington sightseeing. Most cruises offer a decent full-service bar with large drinks and some snacks. Harbor cruise $30.50. Locks cruise $42.50, bus connection $5 additional. Discounts for kids 4-12 and seniors.
• Waterways Cruises, 2441 N Northlake Way, +1 206 223 2060. Cruises on Sa-Su and sometimes F; see schedule online. Office: M-F 9AM-5PM. Luxury dining cruises touring Lake Union and Lake Washington. Regular cruises include 2-hour weekend brunch and Sunday supper buffets, and a 2½-hour four-course dinner (business casual attire). Brunch $65, Sunday supper $60, dinner $85. There are a number of smaller operations offering private charter cruises, for more niche interests like old steamer ships, sailboats, or just a more personal experience with a friendly captain-and-bartender. These are best searched for online.

To just experience a scenic boat ride, the ferries are a cheaper alternative. The 35-minute scenic trip to Bainbridge Island's quaint village is a must-do for all visitors. If you bring a local with you, they can probably provide some commentary, too. See § Ferries under Go next.

Argosy Cruises, 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55. Cruise schedule varies by season. Ticket booth: Daily 10AM-4:05PM. Boat tour company with special dinner and sightseeing cruises. The most common tour is the hour-long Harbor Cruise on Elliott Bay, which offers excellent views of the Space Needle, Downtown skyline, freight harbor, and usually some sea lions, with a barrage of informative commentary about local history or interesting ships or cargo passing through that day. The Locks Cruise is a 2-hour one-way trip (in alternating directions) through the locks separating Elliot Bay and Lake Union, with an optional bus ride if you prefer a round trip. Seasonal cruises include Tillicum Village on [[Blake Island]], and Lake Washington sightseeing. Most cruises offer a decent full-service bar with large drinks and some snacks. Harbor cruise $30.50. Locks cruise $42.50, bus connection $5 additional. Discounts for kids 4-12 and seniors.

Waterways Cruises, 2441 N Northlake Way, +1 206 223 2060. Cruises on Sa-Su and sometimes F; see schedule online. Office: M-F 9AM-5PM. Luxury dining cruises touring Lake Union and Lake Washington. Regular cruises include 2-hour weekend brunch and Sunday supper buffets, and a 2½-hour four-course dinner (business casual attire). Brunch $65, Sunday supper $60, dinner $85.

Ride the Ducks of Seattle, +1 206 441-3825. Seattle Center: Daily 9:20AM to 7PM; Westlake Center: Weekdays 10AM to 6PM, Weekends 10AM to 7PM. A 90 minute ride on an amphibious World War II vehicle (part of the ride is on Lake Union). The style of the tour is a bit over-the-top; keep a sense of humor about you. Board at Seattle Center (5th Avenue & Broad Street) or Westlake Center. Adults $28, Children $17.

Kenmore Air, 950 Westlake Ave N, +1-866-435-9524. 20 minute plane tours over Seattle that are narrated by the pilot, with spectacular views of the city. Tours begin and end at the west side of Lake Union. Reservations required. $99.50 per person.

KEXP, 472 1st Ave N, +1 206 520-5800. 2PM. Seattle's most popular alternative and indie rock radio station invites you to tour its facility (at 2PM daily) or be an audience in one of its shows, to witness the music genres that put the city on the world map.

[[Seattle/Pioneer Square-International District|Pioneer Square]] has a variety of tours of the [[Seattle/Pioneer Square-International District#Underground tours|Seattle Underground]], the below-street-level corridors that were created when the district was raised by one floor during rebuilding after a massive fire in 1889. These informative tours are a great way to learn about Seattle's early history.

Seattle is surrounded by Lake Washington and Puget Sound, in addition to a number of bodies of water such as Lake Union or Green Lake in the city proper, so activities from kayaking to swimming are commonly practiced especially in the summer. Primary locations include Lake Union and Lake Washington where there are often some recreational boat traffic.

If you have no rowing experience, classes are offered at Lake Union Crew. You can also rent a sailboat or join a free Sunday cruising at Center For Wooden Boats, or a kayak at Northwest Outdoor Center.

Most of Seattle's festivals take place in the summer, the only long stretch of time when Seattle has days of sunny weather.

• Chinese Lunar New Year, International District. Jan/Feb. Numerous stalls and performances, and don't forget to partake in all the cheap food!
• Seattle International Film Festival, McCaw Hall, Moore Theatre. May–June. One of the largest film festivals in North America, showing movies from around the world. Watch indie films at screens around the city and vote for your favorite; the winner of each respective category receives the Golden Space Needle trophy.
• Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Center. Memorial Day weekend. A more low-key and local version of Bumbershoot, mainly family-friendly. Even more important, it's free! ($10 donation per person per day encouraged)..
• Fremont Fair, Fremont. a weekend in mid or late June. Home of the Solstice Parade (including the nude bike ride), and a really fun drunken time all over Fremont. Vendors, bad live music and eclectic crowds at the bars make for an interesting time. Friends who live in Fremont become especially valuable for a place to crash during the fair.
• Seattle PrideFest, Seattle Center. A weekend in June or July. One of the biggest gay pride festivals in the country. Food carts, beer gardens, adult theme performances, and the eagerly anticipated Pride Parade.
• Dragon Fest, International District. early/mid-July. Chinese cultural festival
• Bite of Seattle, Seattle Center. mid/late July. Part of Seafair festivities. Enjoy some of the best delicacies of Seattle.
• Capitol Hill Block Party, Capitol Hill. a mid-summer weekend. Yearly live music event held on Capitol Hill over a weekend in mid-summer (usually the end of July). Consists primarily of local independent bands of various styles, coupled with some bigger name independent label acts.
• Seafair, everywhere. July-early August. Seattle's biggest festival, signifying the arrival of summer. Neighborhood events such as parades and street fairs run throughout the festival, with the downtown Torchlight Parade in late July. Seafair culminates in early August when hydroplane races and the Blue Angels bring loud, fast boats and planes to Lake Washington.
• Hempfest, Myrtle Edwards Park. mid-August for two days. The largest marijuana rally in the world and the biggest annual political event in Washington. Features political speakers, vendors, food, several stages with many bands, and lots of open pot smoking (especially at 4:20). It is also a demonstration for the political reform and the legalization of marijuana. Possession and consumption (not in public) is now legal in the state of Washington. Police tend to look the other way during Hempfest, and marijuana use in public is now a civil infraction subject to ticketing, not arrest.
• Bumbershoot, Seattle Center. Labor Day weekend (early September). Seattle's largest music and arts festival, featuring dozens of local and world-class musical acts.
• Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival, International District. Early September. Chinese festival of food and outdoor market

Also check out the calendar of the Festál Cultural Center, Seattle Center. Year-round except December. Celebrate the world with festivals from about 25 countries represented, one country nearly every 2 weeks.

Chinese Lunar New Year, International District. Jan/Feb. Numerous stalls and performances, and don't forget to partake in all the cheap food!

Seattle International Film Festival, McCaw Hall, Moore Theatre. May–June. One of the largest film festivals in North America, showing movies from around the world. Watch indie films at screens around the city and vote for your favorite; the winner of each respective category receives the Golden Space Needle trophy.

Northwest Folklife Festival, Seattle Center. Memorial Day weekend. A more low-key and local version of Bumbershoot, mainly family-friendly. Even more important, it's free! ($10 donation per person per day encouraged)..

Fremont Fair, Fremont. a weekend in mid or late June. Home of the Solstice Parade (including the nude bike ride), and a really fun drunken time all over Fremont. Vendors, bad live music and eclectic crowds at the bars make for an interesting time. Friends who live in Fremont become especially valuable for a place to crash during the fair.

Seattle PrideFest, Seattle Center. A weekend in June or July. One of the biggest gay pride festivals in the country. Food carts, beer gardens, adult theme performances, and the eagerly anticipated Pride Parade.

Dragon Fest, International District. early/mid-July. Chinese cultural festival

Bite of Seattle, Seattle Center. mid/late July. Part of Seafair festivities. Enjoy some of the best delicacies of Seattle.

Capitol Hill Block Party, Capitol Hill. a mid-summer weekend. Yearly live music event held on Capitol Hill over a weekend in mid-summer (usually the end of July). Consists primarily of local independent bands of various styles, coupled with some bigger name independent label acts.

Seafair, everywhere. July-early August. Seattle's biggest festival, signifying the arrival of summer. Neighborhood events such as parades and street fairs run throughout the festival, with the downtown Torchlight Parade in late July. Seafair culminates in early August when hydroplane races and the Blue Angels bring loud, fast boats and planes to Lake Washington.

Hempfest, Myrtle Edwards Park. mid-August for two days. The largest marijuana rally in the world and the biggest annual political event in Washington. Features political speakers, vendors, food, several stages with many bands, and lots of open pot smoking (especially at 4:20). It is also a demonstration for the political reform and the legalization of marijuana. Possession and consumption (not in public) is now legal in the state of Washington. Police tend to look the other way during Hempfest, and marijuana use in public is now a civil infraction subject to ticketing, not arrest.

Bumbershoot, Seattle Center. Labor Day weekend (early September). Seattle's largest music and arts festival, featuring dozens of local and world-class musical acts.

Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival, International District. Early September. Chinese festival of food and outdoor market

Also check out the calendar of the Festál Cultural Center, Seattle Center. Year-round except December. Celebrate the world with festivals from about 25 countries represented, one country nearly every 2 weeks.

In terms of professional sports teams, Of the four biggest U.S. professional leagues, two have teams in Seattle, and the fast-growing Major League Soccer also has a Seattle team. The NHL will add a Seattle team in 2021.

Even prior to success of the local National Football League franchise, the Seattle Seahawks, CenturyLink Field has long been packed to the gills by the "12th man" (the name for loud, devout Seahawks fans) watching their home game in late summer through early winter. Soccer fans can enjoy the Seattle Sounders FC games May through September, also held in CenturyLink Field. T-Mobile Park next door (recently renamed from Safeco Field) is home to the Major League Baseball Seattle Mariners.

Meanwhile, Seattle has one of the strongest followings for women's teams in sports. The Seattle Storm play basketball in the WNBA. While their normal home has been KeyArena at Seattle Center, that venue will be closed for all of 2019 and part of 2020 while it's being renovated for the new NHL team. Accordingly, the Storm will play most of their 2019 home games (and possibly 2020, depending on the completion date for the "new" KeyArena) at Alaska Airlines Arena (Hec Edmundson Pavilion behind the corporate naming rights), the main indoor sports facility for the Washington Huskies (University of Washington). Some home games will be played in the North Sound suburb of Everett at Angel of the Winds Arena. The city was home to a team in the current top level of US women's soccer, the National Women's Soccer League, from the league's start in 2013 through 2018, but that team, now known as Reign FC, has moved to Tacoma. In minor league men's sports, the Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey team (players age 16 to 20) plays in Kent.

College teams also have a proud presence in town. The aforementioned Washington Huskies play basketball and football at their own venues on campus. In October or November, the rivalry between U-Dub (short name for the campus) and Wazzu (Washington State University, nicknamed "Cougars") is flaring, with the Apple Cup football match played at Husky Stadium every odd-numbered year. Seattle University has the Seattle Redhawks, another NCAA Division I team, but with a much lower profile than U-Dub (especially since the Redhawks don't have a football team).

• 5th Avenue Theatre, 5th Avenue (between Union and University Streets in Downtown. Seen as a "testing ground" for many musicals on their way to Broadway.
• Benaroya Hall, 3rd Avenue (at University Street. Home to the Seattle Symphony and concerts by classical orchestras. There are two auditoriums: Taper (seats 2,500) and Nordstrom (seats 500).
• The Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and other performances are held at the McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.
• Other halls such as Paramount Theatre at 9th Avenue and Pine Street and Moore Theatre at 2nd Avenue house many performing arts and sometimes Broadway performances.
• Big concerts by world famous artists usually take place at KeyArena at Seattle Center, though as noted previously that venue will be closed for all of 2019 and into 2020 to prepare it for the city's new NHL team.

5th Avenue Theatre, 5th Avenue (between Union and University Streets in Downtown. Seen as a "testing ground" for many musicals on their way to Broadway.

Benaroya Hall, 3rd Avenue (at University Street. Home to the Seattle Symphony and concerts by classical orchestras. There are two auditoriums: Taper (seats 2,500) and Nordstrom (seats 500).

The Seattle Opera, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and other performances are held at the McCaw Hall at Seattle Center.

Other halls such as Paramount Theatre at 9th Avenue and Pine Street and Moore Theatre at 2nd Avenue house many performing arts and sometimes Broadway performances.

Big concerts by world famous artists usually take place at KeyArena at Seattle Center, though as noted previously that venue will be closed for all of 2019 and into 2020 to prepare it for the city's new NHL team.

If you want it, you can most likely get it in Seattle. The city has many small, locally owned business in addition to the more typical large shopping malls. A sales tax of 10.1% applies for all purchases except most groceries, newspapers, and prescription drugs.

• The Pike Place Market is an attraction in and of itself, and is well-known for its seafood and produce stands. At the main entrance to the market is Pike Place Fish, famous for its handlers who throw fish to each other, but there are plenty of other seafood stands as well. In the main market complex are several levels of restaurants and shops selling antiques, arts and crafts, and souvenirs, and as the weather gets warmer, artisans sell their wares in the upper open-air level as well. Although it is flush with tourists, especially in the summer months, area residents and Downtown workers regularly shop at the market as well, which minimizes the "tourist trap" feel.
• The Westlake retail corridors on Pike, Pine, and Union Street between 3rd and 5th Avenues are also a great place to shop. The Westlake Center and the Pacific Place malls have pricey fashion stores, with the sidewalk arcades dominated by big fashion chains.
• Belltown, a northern neighborhood of the downtown area, has a plethora of designer art galleries, fashion, and accessory workshops.
• The Pioneer Square area is the cheaper counterpart to Belltown, with more eclectic accessories.

The Pike Place Market is an attraction in and of itself, and is well-known for its seafood and produce stands. At the main entrance to the market is Pike Place Fish, famous for its handlers who throw fish to each other, but there are plenty of other seafood stands as well. In the main market complex are several levels of restaurants and shops selling antiques, arts and crafts, and souvenirs, and as the weather gets warmer, artisans sell their wares in the upper open-air level as well. Although it is flush with tourists, especially in the summer months, area residents and Downtown workers regularly shop at the market as well, which minimizes the "tourist trap" feel.

The Westlake retail corridors on Pike, Pine, and Union Street between 3rd and 5th Avenues are also a great place to shop. The Westlake Center and the Pacific Place malls have pricey fashion stores, with the sidewalk arcades dominated by big fashion chains.

Belltown, a northern neighborhood of the downtown area, has a plethora of designer art galleries, fashion, and accessory workshops.

The Pioneer Square area is the cheaper counterpart to Belltown, with more eclectic accessories.

• Ballard: Most shopping options here are on Ballard Avenue NW between 20th & 22nd Avenue NW. If big brands don't interest you, head here for stylish urban and hip fashion.
• Capitol Hill: Most shops here are in the western part of the neighborhood near I-5 (E Pike & Pine Street, Broadway and Melrose Ave), where the streets are filled with mid-range fashion options and a little bit of everything, befitting the hippest district of Seattle. Here you'll also find Seattle's biggest bookstore, The Elliott Bay Book Company.
• Fremont: Mainly vintage fashion wear and not as eccentric as its neighbor, Ballard. It is also a center for antiques and accessories. The shopping district is centered around Fremont Place N and N 35th Street.
• International District: Groceries, herbal medicines, and plenty of Asian-style wares. You can also buy handy Japanese kitchenware and other items at the widely-known Uwajimaya or by the back door of the dollar shop Daiso.
• North Seattle: Thrift stores scattered throughout the area, bulk grocery shopping at Aurora Avenue N, and fashion shops at Northgate Mall.
• Queen Anne Hill: Mostly houses, but there is a small commercial area at the top of the hill (Queen Anne Ave N between W Galer St & W McGraw St). Usually this is a place to indulge in a body treatment.
• South Lake Union: A long retail strip is located on Broadway which connects to Capitol Hill. On the south shore of the lake you'll find a wide selection. Outdoor gear chain REI houses its flagship store on Broadway.
• University District: Clothing and thrift stores catering towards the local student population are located along University Way. Upscale options are available at the open-air University Village Mall at 25th Ave NE. On campus is the University Bookstore.
• West Seattle: Head to California Ave SW for more laid back and contemporary clothing options.

Ballard: Most shopping options here are on Ballard Avenue NW between 20th & 22nd Avenue NW. If big brands don't interest you, head here for stylish urban and hip fashion.

Capitol Hill: Most shops here are in the western part of the neighborhood near I-5 (E Pike & Pine Street, Broadway and Melrose Ave), where the streets are filled with mid-range fashion options and a little bit of everything, befitting the hippest district of Seattle. Here you'll also find Seattle's biggest bookstore, The Elliott Bay Book Company.

Fremont: Mainly vintage fashion wear and not as eccentric as its neighbor, Ballard. It is also a center for antiques and accessories. The shopping district is centered around Fremont Place N and N 35th Street.

International District: Groceries, herbal medicines, and plenty of Asian-style wares. You can also buy handy Japanese kitchenware and other items at the widely-known Uwajimaya or by the back door of the dollar shop Daiso.

North Seattle: Thrift stores scattered throughout the area, bulk grocery shopping at Aurora Avenue N, and fashion shops at Northgate Mall.

Queen Anne Hill: Mostly houses, but there is a small commercial area at the top of the hill (Queen Anne Ave N between W Galer St & W McGraw St). Usually this is a place to indulge in a body treatment.

South Lake Union: A long retail strip is located on Broadway which connects to Capitol Hill. On the south shore of the lake you'll find a wide selection. Outdoor gear chain REI houses its flagship store on Broadway.

University District: Clothing and thrift stores catering towards the local student population are located along University Way. Upscale options are available at the open-air University Village Mall at 25th Ave NE. On campus is the University Bookstore.

West Seattle: Head to California Ave SW for more laid back and contemporary clothing options.

Typical of a big city, Seattle has a diverse range of fare representative of cuisines from around the world. Local chains and hole-in-the-wall restaurants dominate the city's dining atmosphere, and hearty, inexpensive meals can be found all over the city. Note that many Seattle restaurants, particularly the hole-in-the-wall establishments, only accept cash.

Seattle's proximity to Alaska and the waters of the Pacific Ocean make it an excellent place to enjoy seafood. Look for salmon during the late summer months as options are abundant and the prices are among the cheapest on the West Coast, especially the red (sockeye) salmon. Shellfish are a prized resource of the Puget Sound, where the cool, clean waters provide an optimal habitat. Clams, mussels and oysters can be found easily, but other specialties like geoducks (pronounced GOO-ey-ducks) are sometimes available for the more adventurous. The Dungeness crab, named for a nearby town on the Sound, is a popular seafood prized for its sweet, tender flesh and high ratio of meat. The Dungeness is a commercially important crab in Washington's waters but other crab species are also common. The Alaskan king crab, caught from the deep cold waters of the Pacific Ocean near Alaska, has a more frequent presence here than the rest of the lower 48.

Donut shops and bakeries are virtually everywhere, with some offering warm in-house brewed coffee, making them an excellent delight in the cold weather or as a snack.

The mild climate also supports many types of fresh produce. Farmers' markets are a normal occurrence on the weekends, especially in residential areas, and they usually have better quality produce than what you can get at supermarkets. They're an excellent opportunity to taste local delicacies and experience the local culture. Apples, which are exported from Washington and shipped all over the world, are in season around September or October. Rainier cherries are in season June through early August.

Seattle also boasts a wide variety of Asian cuisine, from East Asia to the South. The city has an underrated trend of its omnipresent teriyaki restaurants; most are family-run and hole-in-the-wall, which contributes to its cheap price but filling portion. Ramen, sushi, and Chinese restaurants are also abundant and scattered throughout the area.

Downtown and Pioneer Square hold many cafés and high end restaurants. Belltown to home to most options for downtown dining, with restaurants in every price range and some of the city's best-reviewed restaurants. Pike Place Market's stands offer plenty of samples, with plenty of popular options also available in Post Alley. The Waterfront, naturally, has a selection of seafood restaurants. Budget options around downtown can especially be found at Westlake Park or South Lake Union, where food carts cater to workers wanting a quick and easy lunch.

Outside of the Downtown area, Capitol Hill has plenty of hip cafés and bars, with many among the best-reviewed in the city and visited by local celebrities, as well as many Ethiopian and Thai eateries. The International District is known for its dim-sum, communal Chinese and Japanese offerings, as well as Vietnamese restaurants on the east side of the neighborhood. South Seattle also has a diversity of ethnic restaurants, while West Seattle holds more elegant mid-range to high-end choices, mostly European, seafood, and steak and many with a full bar.

North of Downtown, Queen Anne Hill seems to offer a little bit of everything near the Seattle Center. North of the canal, Ballard has mostly European fare with some Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian options. Fremont has an increasing number of American and world cuisines in small establishments, some of which are so popular they generate long lines. The University District has a myriad of budget and international restaurants, while North Seattle has some scattered family-run Asian restaurants.

Few, if any, American cities can challenge Seattleites' love of coffee. This is perhaps best signified by the Seattle-based international chain Starbucks, but locals aren't satisfied by recognized chains alone, as evidenced by the hundreds of good locally owned coffeehouses. The best places to look for coffee are in Capitol Hill or Queen Anne Hill, where they take matters of coffee very seriously.

Microbreweries are a Northwest specialty, and Seattle has many to offer for beer enthusiasts. The larger brewers, like Redhook and Pyramid, distribute their products regionally or nationally, while other brews can only be found in local stores or bars (some notable brewers don't bottle their product). Elysian, with three pubs in various neighborhoods, and the Pike Brewing Company, located in Pike Place Market, are other popular local brewers. Many microbreweries have set up shop in South Seattle and Washington State is one of the largest growers of hops in the world making this key beer making ingredient readily available.

In Washington, bars have a full liquor license, while taverns are restricted to beer, wine and cider. Many Seattle bars have a world-class beer selection featuring local Northwest style micros, many of them crafted in Seattle. Beer aficionados should check out Uber Tavern, Brouwer's Cafe, or the Stumbling Monk, or visit the Beer Junction in West Seattle, which is primarily a bottle shop with a staggering selection but which also has a bar and regular tastings. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though! There are also plenty of drinking options to be found in the Belltown portion of downtown (south of Denny Way), Fremont, Ballard, the University District, and Capitol Hill. The good news is Washington state is one of the last states that allows all alcoholic drinks to be sold openly at supermarkets, so liquor is readily and cheaply available even if you don't want to go to a bar.

Wine is another Northwest specialty, and there are a number of wineries just thirty miles from Seattle proper in Woodinville. Many more can be found a 2-3 hour drive away on the other side of the Cascades in Washington Wine Country. You can find local vintages in grocery stores, wine shops, restaurants, and wine bars such as Bottlehouse and Purple.

Like any other city with a large Asian population, bubble tea or boba milk tea shops exist, and are popular among young people. Bubble tea is basically milk tea with various flavors and tapioca balls. Many of these shops also offer Asian snacks and delicacies. If you are thirsty and hungry, and budget is your main concern, this can be a good option. Most of these can be found in the University District as well as a few in the International District.

The area code for the City of Seattle is 206. Surrounding areas use other area codes, including 425 which encompasses the eastern and northern suburbs including Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, and Everett, 253 for all areas south of Kent such as Tacoma, Federal Way, and Fife, and 360 for everywhere else west of the Cascades. All of Washington east of the Cascades uses the 509 area code.

Pay phones can be found mostly in train stations, but these usually go unused and most of them are on the verge of being taken down. As in much of the rest of the country, you will pretty much need a cellphone to make calls while you are on the go. Cellphone reception is excellent throughout most of the city.

Free Wi-Fi can be found at all Seattle public libraries. As part of a pilot project, the City of Seattle provides free Wi-Fi access in Columbia City, the University District area, four downtown Seattle parks (Occidental, Freeway, Westlake and Victor Steinbrueck), and the City Hall lobby area. The Seattle Center also provides free wireless internet. RapidRide and Sound Transit commuter buses also offer free Wi-Fi.

There are various internet cafes in the Seattle area, especially in the University District and the Downtown neighborhoods. Additionally, many coffee shops offer free and paid wireless access (all Starbucks locations offer free Wi-Fi). 4G LTE coverage is well covered by most, if not all, major telecom companies, but reception gets poorer the closer you get to the mountains.

Statistically, the number of crimes in Seattle is similar to what you would expect in any major city in the United States. By and large, as long as you use some common sense, you are unlikely to be the target of any crime. Auto break-ins and theft are a problem in the city, so never your leave valuables visible in a car and always lock your car doors. Be wary of the rising trend of smartphone theft.

Downtown Seattle has a sizable population of homeless people (many neighborhoods have forced their homeless into Seattle's downtown core), and while many beg for change and some seem unstable, only a few are actually dangerous. It is worthwhile to be careful after dark in some areas around the downtown core. Some places to watch your back near major tourist areas include under the viaduct along the Waterfront, Belltown, between Pine and Pike Streets in Downtown, and around Pioneer Square, where you'll want to beware of drug dealers and beggars. Areas you'll want to avoid at night (at least without company) include along Aurora Avenue and Lake City Way in the north of the city, SoDo, and the International District.

On Friday and Saturday nights, it is wise to take caution while at Capitol Hill. The many bars in the area can also contain drunk and unruly people, which in very rare cases can lead up to assault or shooting. But as long as you are not looking for trouble, you will be safe.

Drivers in Seattle are typically nice but indecisive, but as long as you're careful as a pedestrian, you don't run a high risk of getting hit. Cyclists should be extra wary of traffic and opening doors of parked cars, especially Downtown.

Washington state has legalized the consumption of marijuana for recreational use. By law, only persons aged 21 and over can purchase marijuana, and then only from licensed retailers. Purchasers are limited to one ounce of usable marijuana (the harvested flowers or "bud"), 16 ounces of marijuana-infused edibles in solid form, 72 ounces in liquid form, or 7 grams of marijuana concentrates.

Under no circumstances should you consume marijuana in public or while driving, nor should you transport it out of the state or give it to anybody else for consumption. The DUI limit is .08, but even a smaller number can still lead to an arrest. Any other regulations not stated here should be treated the same as with alcohol. Smoking is not allowed in any public places, and must be done at least 25 feet away from doors, windows, or ventilation shafts.

During fall through early spring, when the weather is said to be sunny, the morning often starts with fog before the afternoon sunshine clears it. Be careful if you're driving, as visibility can be near zero in the early morning, depending on the location. Watch out for black ice as well if the temperature is below freezing. Occasionally, this condition will persist for days and air quality will deteriorate as emissions will get trapped over the city; in these cases, an Air Stagnation Advisory and Burn Ban will be issued, and those with breathing problems should take precautions in such an event.

In case of rain, take the normal precautions while driving to avoid skidding; drive 10-15 mph slower than the speed limit and avoid driving through large puddles. If you are heading to the mountains in the winter, take the typical winter driving precautions, like putting chains on your tires or changing to traction tires. If it does snow in Seattle, it is not recommended to drive, as the city is typically unprepared for such an event and motor vehicles become a moving hazard -- stuck, skidding, or rolling down the city's hills.

While Seattle’s LGBTQ community is well-integrated throughout the entire city, Capitol Hill is the heart of Seattle’s gay cultural scene and is a historical hub of gay and gay-friendly businesses, bars, restaurants and clubs. Its eclectic nightlife and central location make Capital Hill the ideal place for an exciting night out. But more family-friendly gay activities can be found in other areas as Seattle has the second-largest percentage of gay, lesbian or bisexual residents among large cities in the U.S.

As long as there are no extreme weather events, Seattle is a perfectly lovely place. Many parks have jogging tracks and fitness centers are abundant, making Seattle one of the fittest cities in the nation.

Temperatures can get extreme during the summer, and there is always at least one annual instance where temperatures hover above, although the low humidity makes the heat less oppressive. Drink plenty of liquid to keep yourself hydrated and don't leave anybody inside a car.

During the long stretch of mild (40 - 50F) and dry days in winter, smog often covers the skies of Puget Sound, as there is no way for the pollutants and moisture to clear out of the area. If an Air Stagnation Advisory or Burn Ban is issued, take precautions if you have breathing problems. On these days, you might want to consider heading to the mountains, where you're more likely to experience sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures.

During a hike in between thick lines of trees at the parks, be careful to check for ticks. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics. Despite its location close to mountains, wild animals such as bears or beavers are very unlikely to stray at the city.

Smoking is not allowed in any public places, and must be done at least 25 feet away from doors, windows, or ventilation shafts.

Tap water is safe to drink and is among the best quality in the United States, from undisturbed and uncontaminated water sources fed by snow melt in the Cascade mountains.

Fashion in Seattle covers a wide range, from chic and stylish to flannel, grunge, and anti-fashion. In fact, it's hard to think of a style that wouldn't be acceptable somewhere in the city. Overall, though, dress is decidedly casual. In 2013, Seattle was ranked the most "dressed-down" city in the nation, preferring comfort over fashion. It's almost impossible to be underdressed in Seattle; even the Seattle Opera and Seattle Symphony encourage you to wear shorts and sandals if you're so inclined.

Dressing in layers is a good idea, due to unpredictable weather and differences in temperature from indoors to outdoors. Practical accessories like boots and scarves are also common, depending on the season.

When it rains, Seattleites frequently don't use umbrellas, since the drizzle is constant and is sometimes accompanied with wind. Rather, the locals are more likely to wear a hooded jacket or a lightweight rain jacket, and packing one is recommended.

When the sun is out, many locals will eagerly break out shorts and sandals, even if the temperature is only in the 60s (60-69F).

• The Seattle Times ($0.50 daily, $1.50 Sundays) is the only remaining daily newspaper in the Seattle area and covers local, national and international news.
• The Seattle Post-Intelligencer (known as the "Seattle P-I" or simply the "P-I") (free, online only) has ended its print edition, but still maintains local reporters and an online presence.
• The Seattle Weekly (free, published Wednesday) is one of many free weeklies that are published in the Seattle area. The Weekly has a longstanding reputation for in-depth coverage of arts and local politics.
• The Stranger (free, published Thursday) is an alternative weekly newspaper noted for its social commentary, political opinion, arts, comics, music coverage, and local news items.
• Publicola (free, online only) is an online only but well read blog covering local politics and events.
• Real Change ($2.00, published weekly) is a newspaper mostly written and produced by homeless people, sold by homeless vendors on street corners and outside grocery stores.

There are also several ethnic newspapers including Northwest Asian Weekly, and numerous neighborhood newspapers including the North Seattle Journal and the West Seattle Blog. The University of Washington also publishes The Daily of the University of Washington.

Seattle is in the top 20 of the largest media market in the US, thus virtually every genre you can think of has its own radio station:

• KEXP-FM (90.3) = news & talk, NPR (National Public Radio), classical music, alternative & indie rock
• KQMV (Movin 92.5) = Top 40
• KUBE (93.3) = Hip hop, rap
• KMPS (94.1)= Country
• KUOW (94.9) = news & talk, NPR (National Public Radio), PRI (Public Radio International), BBC World Service
• KJR-FM (95.7) = classic hits
• KIRO-FM (97.3) = news & talk. Also broadcasts a comprehensive traffic report.
• KOMO-FM (97.7 & 1000 AM) = news
• KING-FM (98.1) = classical
• KKWF (Wolf 100.7) = Country
• KPLZ (Star 101.5) = Hot Adult Contemporary
• KCMS (Spirit 105.3) = Christian
• KISS (Kiss 106.1) = Top 40
• KIRO (710 AM) = Sports
• KMIA (1210 AM) = Spanish Latino
• KWYZ (1230 AM) = Korean

KEXP-FM (90.3) = news & talk, NPR (National Public Radio), classical music, alternative & indie rock

KQMV (Movin 92.5) = Top 40

KUBE (93.3) = Hip hop, rap

KMPS (94.1)= Country

KUOW (94.9) = news & talk, NPR (National Public Radio), PRI (Public Radio International), BBC World Service

KJR-FM (95.7) = classic hits

KIRO-FM (97.3) = news & talk. Also broadcasts a comprehensive traffic report.

KOMO-FM (97.7 & 1000 AM) = news

KING-FM (98.1) = classical

KKWF (Wolf 100.7) = Country

KPLZ (Star 101.5) = Hot Adult Contemporary

KCMS (Spirit 105.3) = Christian

KISS (Kiss 106.1) = Top 40

KIRO (710 AM) = Sports

KMIA (1210 AM) = Spanish Latino

KWYZ (1230 AM) = Korean

Seattle is the 13th largest television market in the US, with all big five English (ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, FOX), four Spanish (Univision, Telemundo, Azteca, MundoFOX), and independent networks represented. All big five except CW, and Univision have local news, weather, and sports alongside syndicated & network primetime TV shows. You can also stream on their website when they broadcast local news.

• KOMO= Channel 4 (ABC)
• KING = Channel 5 (NBC)
• KIRO = Channel 7 (CBS)
• KCTS = Channel 9 (PBS)
• KSTW = Channel 11 (The CW). Does not broadcast local news.
• KCPQ = Channel 13 (FOX). Here is where you watch the Seahawks (Sunday games) and the Sounders playing on TV.
• KTBW = Channel 20 (TBN & other Christian networks)
• KWPX = Channel 33 (ion on sub-channel 1, Telemundo on sub-channel 7)
• KFFV = Channel 44 (Azteca on sub-channel 2, AAT (local Chinese channel) on sub-channel 4, WeatherNation on sub-channel 5)
• KUNS = Channel 50 (Univision on sub-channel 1, MundoFOX on sub-channel 2). Only Univision has local news.

You can also get Canadian television, but over the air coverage is very poor, so a cable subscription may be necessary.

KOMO= Channel 4 (ABC)

KING = Channel 5 (NBC)

KIRO = Channel 7 (CBS)

KCTS = Channel 9 (PBS)

KSTW = Channel 11 (The CW). Does not broadcast local news.

KCPQ = Channel 13 (FOX). Here is where you watch the Seahawks (Sunday games) and the Sounders playing on TV.

KTBW = Channel 20 (TBN & other Christian networks)

KWPX = Channel 33 (ion on sub-channel 1, Telemundo on sub-channel 7)

KFFV = Channel 44 (Azteca on sub-channel 2, AAT (local Chinese channel) on sub-channel 4, WeatherNation on sub-channel 5)

KUNS = Channel 50 (Univision on sub-channel 1, MundoFOX on sub-channel 2). Only Univision has local news.

Seattle has a large number of primary- and secondary-care medical centers, including the only level 1 trauma center serving Alaska, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Additionally, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center is the pediatric referral center for those same states. An area roughly located between I-5 and Broadway is dubbed as Pill Hill for having three of Seattle's largest medical centers within the small complex: Harborview, Virginia Mason, and Swedish.

• UW Medicine The UW Medicine system is operated by the University of Washington. It includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, Eastside Specialty Center, Hall Health (Student Health Services) and Sports Medicine Clinic.
  • Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, +1 206 744-3000. Managed by the University of Washington Medicine system, it is Seattle’s Level 1 trauma center, and the hospital where most critically injured patients are either airlifted or ambulanced. 24-hour Emergency Room, Centers of Emphasis for neurosciences, trauma, burns, reconstruction and rehabilitation, mentally ill and medically vulnerable, and AIDS/STD treatment. Also has a center for sexual assault rehabilitation.
  • UW Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St, +1 206 598-3300. The second hospital component to the UW Medicine system, this hospital is one of the biggest and best teaching hospitals in the country. 24-hour Emergency Room.
  • Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, +1 206 987-2000. Children's Hospital is a private hospital specializing in pediatrics. It is also home to UW's School of Pediatrics. 24-hour pediatric emergency room.
• Swedish Medical Center Swedish Medical Center is a large nonprofit health care provider. It has three main hospital locations and is also affiliated with many other suburban hospitals and clinics. Among the things Swedish is known for are its Cancer, Bariatrics and Heart Institutes. Swedish Hospital will treat all patients who need care, regardless of their ability to pay.
  • Swedish Medical Center First Hill, 747 Broadway, +1 206 386-6000. Certified Primary Stroke Care center, 24-hour ER, 24-hour Pediatric ER. This is the Main Swedish Medical Center campus and is the largest hospital in Seattle.
• Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill, 500 17th Ave., +1 206 320-2000. Certified Primary Stroke Care center, 24-hour ER.
• Swedish Medical Center Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave NW, +1 206 782-2700. 24-Hour ER.
• Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1100 Ninth Avenue. One of the best hospitals in the state and the nation for cancer, heart diseases, gastro, and orthopedic surgery. It is also known for having a high satisfactory in patient care.

In the event of a medical emergency anywhere in the U.S., dial 9-1-1 for free from any phone, including payphones at no cost.

UW Medicine The UW Medicine system is operated by the University of Washington. It includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, Eastside Specialty Center, Hall Health (Student Health Services) and Sports Medicine Clinic.

• Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, +1 206 744-3000. Managed by the University of Washington Medicine system, it is Seattle’s Level 1 trauma center, and the hospital where most critically injured patients are either airlifted or ambulanced. 24-hour Emergency Room, Centers of Emphasis for neurosciences, trauma, burns, reconstruction and rehabilitation, mentally ill and medically vulnerable, and AIDS/STD treatment. Also has a center for sexual assault rehabilitation.
• UW Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St, +1 206 598-3300. The second hospital component to the UW Medicine system, this hospital is one of the biggest and best teaching hospitals in the country. 24-hour Emergency Room.
• Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, +1 206 987-2000. Children's Hospital is a private hospital specializing in pediatrics. It is also home to UW's School of Pediatrics. 24-hour pediatric emergency room.

UW Medicine The UW Medicine system is operated by the University of Washington. It includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, Eastside Specialty Center, Hall Health (Student Health Services) and Sports Medicine Clinic.

• Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, +1 206 744-3000. Managed by the University of Washington Medicine system, it is Seattle’s Level 1 trauma center, and the hospital where most critically injured patients are either airlifted or ambulanced. 24-hour Emergency Room, Centers of Emphasis for neurosciences, trauma, burns, reconstruction and rehabilitation, mentally ill and medically vulnerable, and AIDS/STD treatment. Also has a center for sexual assault rehabilitation.
• UW Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St, +1 206 598-3300. The second hospital component to the UW Medicine system, this hospital is one of the biggest and best teaching hospitals in the country. 24-hour Emergency Room.
• Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, +1 206 987-2000. Children's Hospital is a private hospital specializing in pediatrics. It is also home to UW's School of Pediatrics. 24-hour pediatric emergency room.

UW Medicine The UW Medicine system is operated by the University of Washington. It includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics, Eastside Specialty Center, Hall Health (Student Health Services) and Sports Medicine Clinic.

• Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, +1 206 744-3000. Managed by the University of Washington Medicine system, it is Seattle’s Level 1 trauma center, and the hospital where most critically injured patients are either airlifted or ambulanced. 24-hour Emergency Room, Centers of Emphasis for neurosciences, trauma, burns, reconstruction and rehabilitation, mentally ill and medically vulnerable, and AIDS/STD treatment. Also has a center for sexual assault rehabilitation.
• UW Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific St, +1 206 598-3300. The second hospital component to the UW Medicine system, this hospital is one of the biggest and best teaching hospitals in the country. 24-hour Emergency Room.
• Seattle Children's Hospital, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, +1 206 987-2000. Children's Hospital is a private hospital specializing in pediatrics. It is also home to UW's School of Pediatrics. 24-hour pediatric emergency room.

Swedish Medical Center Swedish Medical Center is a large nonprofit health care provider. It has three main hospital locations and is also affiliated with many other suburban hospitals and clinics. Among the things Swedish is known for are its Cancer, Bariatrics and Heart Institutes. Swedish Hospital will treat all patients who need care, regardless of their ability to pay.

• Swedish Medical Center First Hill, 747 Broadway, +1 206 386-6000. Certified Primary Stroke Care center, 24-hour ER, 24-hour Pediatric ER. This is the Main Swedish Medical Center campus and is the largest hospital in Seattle.

Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill, 500 17th Ave., +1 206 320-2000. Certified Primary Stroke Care center, 24-hour ER.

Swedish Medical Center Ballard, 5300 Tallman Ave NW, +1 206 782-2700. 24-Hour ER.

Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1100 Ninth Avenue. One of the best hospitals in the state and the nation for cancer, heart diseases, gastro, and orthopedic surgery. It is also known for having a high satisfactory in patient care.

Most consulates are honorary which means they offer limited services to travelers and their nationals living in the area and usually available by appointment only. They are typically located in downtown but can be elsewhere too. The nearest cities for additional foreign consulates for the west coast, are in Los Angeles and San Francisco:

• Austria Austria (Honorary), World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite #410, +1 425 395-4382.
• Belgium Belgium (Honorary), The World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 450, +1 206 771-9114.
• Cambodia Cambodia (Honorary), 1818 Westlake Avenue N., Suite 315, +1 206 217-0830.
• Canada Canada, Century Square @ 1501 4th Ave, Suite 600 (4th Ave & Pike, +1 206 443-1777. M-F 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-14:30 by appointment only. Visa applications and related inquiries (such as Canadian permanent residency documents and criminal inadmissibility to Canada, if required) must be submitted and approved through their Visa Offices in either Los Angeles, New York or in your home country before proceeding to the Canadian border. Passport issuance, renewals and applications are made by mail (to Canada) only.
• El Salvador El Salvador, Broderick Building, 615 2nd Ave, Suite 50 (2nd Ave & Cherry, +1 206 971-7950. Mon-Fri 7:30AM to 3:30PM; First Sat per month 9:30AM-1:30PM.
• France France, World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite #490, +1 206 256-6184.
• Denmark Denmark (Honorary), 6204 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, +1 206 230-0888. Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM by appointment only.
• Ireland Ireland (Honorary), 5819 St. Andrews Dr., Mukilteo, WA.
• Germany Germany (Honorary), 7853 SE 27th St, Suite 180, Mercer Island, +1 206 230-5138.
• Guatemala Guatemala, 18000 International Blvd Suite #1005, SeaTac 98188- (10th floor of the South Tower. Across International Blvd from the airport., +1 206 693-3600. Mon -Sat 9:00AM - 1:00PM. They also visit their nationals living in Oregon and other parts of Washington state in their "consulado movil" (mobile consulate) program to provide consular services and answer questions.
• Honduras Honduras, 1107 SW Grady Way Suite #100, Renton 98057, +1 206 420-0947. Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM.
• Japan Japan, Two Union Square @ 601 Union St, Suite 500, +1 206 682-9107. Their services also extend to other parts of Washington state, northern Idaho and Montana.
• Luxembourg Luxembourg (Honorary), 812 Warren Ave N (3 blocks north of Seattle Center between Valley & Aloha St, +1 206 956-9137.
• Mexico Mexico, 807 E Roy St (one block west of Broadway at E Roy & Harvard Ave E, +1 206 448-3526. They visit the Mexican communities in Alaska, northern Idaho and other parts of Washington state in their "consulados sobre de ruidas" (consulate on wheels) program to provide consular services and answer questions.
• the Netherlands Netherlands (Honorary), +1 206 321-8085. By Appointment only. Honorary consuls promote economic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the US, especially within their geographical region. Honorary consuls do not handle, or answer questions relating to, visa or passport applications
• New Zealand New Zealand (Honorary), PO Box 51059, Seattle WA 98115, +1 206 527-1896.
• Norway Norway (Honorary), 2200 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 (World Trade Center, Suite 450, +1 206 284-2323.
• Peru Peru (Honorary), 3717 NE 157th St (Off of NE Bothell Way (SR522), +1 206 714-9037. Mon,Wed,Fri 10:30AM to 5:00PM (By appointment only).
• Russia Russia, One Union Square @ 600 University St., Suite 2510, +1 202 939-8907, +1 202 939-8907. Due to tensions between U.S. and Russian relations they have also closed the consulates in Seattle and San Francisco.
• South Korea South Korea, Sixth & Lenora Building @ 2033 6th Ave # 1125, +1 206 441-1011.
• Sweden Sweden (Honorary), 5350 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033, +1 425 952-6299.
• Switzerland Switzerland (Honorary), 6920 94th Ave SE, Mercer Island 98040-5442, +1 206 228-8110. This representation supports Swiss citizens who find themselves in need because of illness, an accident or theft while travelling. It also informs the responsible Swiss representation. This representation does not issue visas or (Swiss) passports.
• Taiwan Taiwan, One Union Square @ 600 University St., Suite 2020, +1 206 441-4586. Mon-Fri 9:00AM-6:00PM, consular services close at 4:30PM.

Austria Austria (Honorary), World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite #410, +1 425 395-4382.

Belgium Belgium (Honorary), The World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 450, +1 206 771-9114.

Cambodia Cambodia (Honorary), 1818 Westlake Avenue N., Suite 315, +1 206 217-0830.

Canada Canada, Century Square @ 1501 4th Ave, Suite 600 (4th Ave & Pike, +1 206 443-1777. M-F 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-14:30 by appointment only. Visa applications and related inquiries (such as Canadian permanent residency documents and criminal inadmissibility to Canada, if required) must be submitted and approved through their Visa Offices in either Los Angeles, New York or in your home country before proceeding to the Canadian border. Passport issuance, renewals and applications are made by mail (to Canada) only.

El Salvador El Salvador, Broderick Building, 615 2nd Ave, Suite 50 (2nd Ave & Cherry, +1 206 971-7950. Mon-Fri 7:30AM to 3:30PM; First Sat per month 9:30AM-1:30PM.

France France, World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite #490, +1 206 256-6184.

Denmark Denmark (Honorary), 6204 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, +1 206 230-0888. Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM by appointment only.

Ireland Ireland (Honorary), 5819 St. Andrews Dr., Mukilteo, WA.

Germany Germany (Honorary), 7853 SE 27th St, Suite 180, Mercer Island, +1 206 230-5138.

Guatemala Guatemala, 18000 International Blvd Suite #1005, SeaTac 98188- (10th floor of the South Tower. Across International Blvd from the airport., +1 206 693-3600. Mon -Sat 9:00AM - 1:00PM. They also visit their nationals living in Oregon and other parts of Washington state in their "consulado movil" (mobile consulate) program to provide consular services and answer questions.

Honduras Honduras, 1107 SW Grady Way Suite #100, Renton 98057, +1 206 420-0947. Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM.

Japan Japan, Two Union Square @ 601 Union St, Suite 500, +1 206 682-9107. Their services also extend to other parts of Washington state, northern Idaho and Montana.

Luxembourg Luxembourg (Honorary), 812 Warren Ave N (3 blocks north of Seattle Center between Valley & Aloha St, +1 206 956-9137.

Mexico Mexico, 807 E Roy St (one block west of Broadway at E Roy & Harvard Ave E, +1 206 448-3526. They visit the Mexican communities in Alaska, northern Idaho and other parts of Washington state in their "consulados sobre de ruidas" (consulate on wheels) program to provide consular services and answer questions.

the Netherlands Netherlands (Honorary), +1 206 321-8085. By Appointment only. Honorary consuls promote economic and trade relations between the Netherlands and the US, especially within their geographical region. Honorary consuls do not handle, or answer questions relating to, visa or passport applications

New Zealand New Zealand (Honorary), PO Box 51059, Seattle WA 98115, +1 206 527-1896.

Norway Norway (Honorary), 2200 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 (World Trade Center, Suite 450, +1 206 284-2323.

Peru Peru (Honorary), 3717 NE 157th St (Off of NE Bothell Way (SR522), +1 206 714-9037. Mon,Wed,Fri 10:30AM to 5:00PM (By appointment only).

Russia Russia, One Union Square @ 600 University St., Suite 2510, +1 202 939-8907, +1 202 939-8907. Due to tensions between U.S. and Russian relations they have also closed the consulates in Seattle and San Francisco.

South Korea South Korea, Sixth & Lenora Building @ 2033 6th Ave # 1125, +1 206 441-1011.

Sweden Sweden (Honorary), 5350 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA 98033, +1 425 952-6299.

Switzerland Switzerland (Honorary), 6920 94th Ave SE, Mercer Island 98040-5442, +1 206 228-8110. This representation supports Swiss citizens who find themselves in need because of illness, an accident or theft while travelling. It also informs the responsible Swiss representation. This representation does not issue visas or (Swiss) passports.

Taiwan Taiwan, One Union Square @ 600 University St., Suite 2020, +1 206 441-4586. Mon-Fri 9:00AM-6:00PM, consular services close at 4:30PM.

Washington State Ferries connect to the other side of the Puget Sound, crossing waters that are too deep, too wide, and too busy for bridges. The Bainbridge and Bremerton ferries depart from Colman Dock on Pier 52, an easy walk from downtown. Fares vary; on the Bainbridge Island ferry, passengers pay $8.35 for the westbound trip; the return to Seattle is free. Vehicle & driver $11.80-18.70, motorcycle & driver $6.45-8.00.

• Bainbridge Island (35 minutes one way; departures every 40-65 minutes) is a bedroom community with a lovely little commercial district and lots of preserved green space. If you plan to see any parks, then it probably makes sense to take your car; plan for your trip to take at least 4 hours, and likely longer. Otherwise, it's easier to go on foot; the main commercial district (where most of the museums, shops, and restaurants are) adjacent to the ferry terminal is less than half a mile across, and the few inland bars and shops can be reached by rideshare. In that case, you can comfortably window shop, have a small meal, and board the return ferry in 1-2 hours (for a round trip of as little as 3-4 hours).
• Bremerton (60 minutes one way; departures every 60-90 minutes) on the Kitsap Peninsula is a suburban community with a large naval base. The ferry ride itself is as scenic as the Aegean Sea.
• The Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in West Seattle offers service to Vashon Island (20 minutes one way; departures every 20-60) and Southworth terminal near Port Orchard (30-40 minutes one way; departures every 30-90 minutes).
• The Water Taxi also provides weekday commuter passenger-only service from Pier 50 (right next to Colman Dock) to Vashon Island.

[[Bainbridge Island]] (35 minutes one way; departures every 40-65 minutes) is a bedroom community with a lovely little commercial district and lots of preserved green space. If you plan to see any parks, then it probably makes sense to take your car; plan for your trip to take at least 4 hours, and likely longer. Otherwise, it's easier to go on foot; the main commercial district (where most of the museums, shops, and restaurants are) adjacent to the ferry terminal is less than half a mile across, and the few inland bars and shops can be reached by rideshare. In that case, you can comfortably window shop, have a small meal, and board the return ferry in 1-2 hours (for a round trip of as little as 3-4 hours).

[[Bremerton]] (60 minutes one way; departures every 60-90 minutes) on the [[Kitsap Peninsula]] is a suburban community with a large naval base. The ferry ride itself is as scenic as the Aegean Sea.

The Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in [[Seattle/West|West Seattle]] offers service to [[Vashon Island]] (20 minutes one way; departures every 20-60) and [[Southworth]] terminal near [[Port Orchard]] (30-40 minutes one way; departures every 30-90 minutes).

The Water Taxi also provides weekday commuter passenger-only service from Pier 50 (right next to Colman Dock) to [[Vashon Island]].

Just getting out and driving around the area with no destination in mind can be a great experience, as the Seattle area, like most of the Pacific Northwest, is very scenic. If you'd like more specific destinations, try some of these:

• Everett lies about 25 miles north of Seattle on I-5 and is home to the Boeing factory - a massive building where all of its wide-bodied aircraft are assembled - tours are available.
• Tacoma is an hour drive south using I-5, where you can find one of the largest zoos in the country, Point Defiance, as well as innumerable history and art museums.
• Mount Vernon and Bellingham are two cute small towns just one hour north of Seattle pass Everett. Every start of spring, the tulip fields near Mount Vernon pop up with vibrant colors and is a major tourist attraction.
• Bellevue is across Lake Washington and features posh shops and restaurants. The city itself is cleaner than Seattle.
• Redmond is just a few minutes' drive pass Bellevue and is home to the world-renowned technology company, Microsoft. You can visit its visitor center where most of their products are showcased.

• Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style town situated on the other side of the Cascade mountains.
• The Olympic Peninsula features beaches on the Pacific Ocean, Cape Flattery (the extreme northwestern point of the contiguous U.S.), and some of the only temperate rain forests in the lower 48 states at the Olympic National Park.
• Portland, Oregon is roughly 3 hours away south on I-5 while Vancouver, Canada is 2 hours (plus border security) north of Seattle on I-5.
• The San Juan Islands is only two hours north on I-5 (exit onto Westbound SR20 in Burlington and follow the signs to the San Juans Ferry).
• Spokane, a 5-hour drive eastbound on I-90 to the major city of eastern Washington.
• Whidbey Island is a short drive away north on I-5 (follow the signs for Mukilteo Ferry) and is a charming place with quaint towns.

• The Mountains to Sound Greenway via I-90 is the quickest "escape" from the city into the nearby Cascade mountains.
• North Bend (also out I-90) is the town where parts of the 1990 David Lynch TV series Twin Peaks were filmed, and has the Northwest Railway Museum.
• The North Cascade Loop consists of a two-day minimum round trip over Stevens Pass and the North Cross-state Highway (US 2 and SR 20).
• Mount Rainier National Park Just 2 hours south and east from Seattle, this magnificent mountain offers a mosaic of beautiful scenery such as blooming wildflowers, glaciers, crashing waterfalls and the mountain itself.
• Roslyn is also out I-90 (not far past Snoqualmie Pass) and is where the TV series Northern Exposure was filmed and holds festivals of such theme in late July.
• Mount St. Helens, 2.5 hours from Seattle, still lefts a breathtaking charm despite its 1980 eruption.
• Snoqualmie Falls, (Snoqualmie, east of Seattle on I-90). A 300 ft high scenic waterfall, easily viewable from two viewpoints.

An equivalent to Denver but far fewer in number, Seattle is the gateway to winter resorts on the Cascade mountains. Drive for one hour to the resorts to enjoy everything from leisure snowball fights to downhill skis, a perfect escape if you are bored with Seattle's rain. Winter sports season is generally November–May, depending on how much snow there is. Generally, the highest ski resorts will open for the winter season longer.

• Snoqualmie Pass - Summit and Alpental resorts an hour east on I-90. Elevation 3000 feet (more than 900m)
• Stevens Pass (elevation 4500 feet)- A resort about two hours East of Seattle on Highway 2. Elevation 4000 feet (about 1300m)
• Crystal Mountain at Mount Rainier. Opens in winter for skiing, in summer for hiking. Gondola to the Summit House restaurant operates year round as well. Elevation 4500 up to 6800 feet (1400 to 2100 meters above sea level)
• Mount Baker North, near Bellingham.
• Mission Ridge East of Steven's Pass, near Wenatchee.
• White Pass South of Seattle on Highway 12.
• Whistler, British Columbia, Canada - North America's top rated ski resort, about a four-hour drive north of Seattle past Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway.