Seattle, Washington Attractions

Seattle's most famous skyline icon stands 605 feet tall and was built as part of the 1962 World's Fair. The observation deck offers 360-degree panoramic views of the cityscape, surrounding water and Mount Rainier's peak. Along the deck are informative displays with detailed information and interesting trivia about the city. And, if you're hungry, the tower's rotating restaurant, Sky City, serves excellent meals with more amazing views.

EMP is a cutting-edge museum that uses interactive exhibits and advanced technology to explore popular music from rock 'n' roll and jazz to hip-hop and punk. Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building and funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the EMP offers a collection of unique memorabilia such as Gene Simmons' demon KISS costume, a gallery of classic guitars (acoustic and electric) and in-depth profiles on Seattle's music scene, from Jimi Hendrix to grunge rock of the 1990s. Admission fee includes the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame in the same building.

The Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world with facilities that include the Red Barn - Boeing's original manufacturing facility. The museum's six-story glass-and-steel exhibit hall houses 39 full-sized aircraft, while an outdoor park is home to the first jet Air Force One and first 747. And for those who want to be put into the pilot's seat, there are two flight simulators that offer unforgettable rides. On the first Thursday of each month, the Museum stays open late, for free! Enjoy the Museum's Great Gallery, Personal Courage Wing, Space - Exploring the New Frontier exhibit, flight simulators and more courtesy of Wells Fargo.

This bustling nine-acre center is many things - an enormous farmers' market, a collection of stalls that sell everything from handmade toys to sheepskin slippers, and a top-rated dining destination. It has been a living landmark filled with historic stories for more than a century (the very first Starbucks is still located here). The most famous attraction is the fish market, where fresh catches fly through the air as workers toss them to one another to the delight of crowds. Go behind the scenes on a walking tour to experience some of the best market spots and taste locally made foods and beverages.

The 1962 Seattle World's Fair, otherwise known as Century 21, gave visitors a glimpse of the future and left Seattle with a lasting legacy in the form of Seattle Center. The 74-acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. Many festivals and free public programs are offered.

Chihuly Garden and Glass, an exhibition opening May 2012, provides a look at the inspiration and influences that inform the career of artist Dale Chihuly. Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass includes an Exhibition Hall, the centerpiece Glasshouse and a lush Garden. The Exhibition Hall contains eight galleries and three Drawing Walls, offering visitors a comprehensive look at Chihuly's significant series of work; the Glasshouse presents a suspended 1,400-piece, 100-foot-long sculpture; and the Garden is a backdrop for four monumental sculptures and other installations.

On Pier 66, just minutes from Pike Place Market, Bell Harbor Marina offers access to some of Seattle's finest restaurants and downtown shopping. The Pier also hosts a number of community events throughout the year.

The city's impressive ferry transportation system provides access to several nearby island escapes. Visitors should head to Seattle Pier 52 for a great day trip to Bainbridge Island. The scenic 30-minute ride across Puget Sound leads to a community known for its quaint shops, outdoor cafes and local arts. The island also offers miles of preserved open space with numerous hiking trails. Important Information: Time schedules are subject to change. Please visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries for up-to-date ferry schedules.

Get the Seattle CityPass, the best deal in the Emerald City. Your Seattle CityPass gives you tickets to Seattle's premier attractions including the Space Needle, saving you time and money. Your Seattle CityPASS includes tickets to the following must-see attractions: *Space Needle (includes two visits to the top during a 24-hour period) *Pacific Science Center (includes one 2-D OR 3-D IMAX movie) *Seattle Aquarium *Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum *Argosy One Hour Harbor Cruise *Woodland Park Zoo OR The Museum of Flight

Myth and magic come to life at Tillicum Village, located 8 miles from Seattle's waterfront on Blake Island State Park. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the Native American culture and watch a 30 minute show featuring traditional song and dance. A delicious Chinook Salmon buffet lunch is also included.

You don't have to be a shipping enthusiast to be enthralled by the complex workings of the Seattle locks system - originally built to transport coal and timber from the eastern shores of Lake Washington. Along the way you'll be treated to stunning city skylines and mountain views, and a trip to the Sleepless in Seattle floating houseboat district.

From picturesque houseboat districts to luxury waterfront homes and the Husky Stadium, former home to the NFL's Seahawks - this two-hour cruise is an unforgettable way to experience the best of Seattle. See dramatic scenery and the volcanic Mt. Rainier as the tour cruises Lake Washington.

Enjoy a narrated cruise on Elliot Bay and Seattle Harbor, as well as spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and panoramic mountain ranges.

You haven't seen Seattle until you've seen it from a duck! Join this family friendly Seattle duck tour and explore the many sights aboard a World War II amphibious vehicle. Your Coast Guard certified sea captains quack you up with local history, folklore, funky music and just plain fun.

Lockheed's Missile and Space Division designed the YO-3A as a nearly silent observation aircraft. The United States Army used the plane to spot nighttime enemy activity and direct artillery fire during the war in Vietnam. A downward-facing periscope equipped with night vision and infrared (heat sensing) capabilities allowed the aircraft's forward observer to spot activity on the jungle floor, even in nearly complete darkness.

The Seattle Branch of the Royale Aeronautical Society invites you to an evening at Historic Flight Foundation (HFF) with the Foundation's CEO, John Sessions.

Join in as the Museum of Flight, in conjunction with the Navy League of the United States, the Air Force Association, and the Association of the US Army, once again commemorates Armed Forces Day with a series of special events.

The Seattle-born Boeing B-17 bomber played an important role in World War II and aviation history. For several days in May, the Museum will be the proud host of the Experimental Aircraft Association's popular B-17, Aluminum Overcast. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1945, Aluminum Overcast was too late to see action in World War II. Sold for $750 as military surplus, the airplane served as a cargo hauler, an aerial mapping platform and in pest control. Now, Aluminum Overcast carries the wartime colors of the 398th Bomb Group, serving as a living tribute to World War II aviation.

Join the Museum on Memorial Day weekend for the annual Cascade Warbirds Fly-In. Visitors can view a wide variety of beautifully restored vintage military aircraft representing several nations' armed forces from World War II through the Vietnam conflict.

The Museum of Flight honors military service with patriotic music and ceremonies on Memorial Day. Veterans and active U.S. Military personnel receive free admission to the Museum with identification. The Boeing Employees Concert Band will set the stage by performing patriotic music, beginning at noon. At 1 p.m. Museum President and CEO Doug King will preside over a ceremony with City of Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton.

The time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls explores sexuality, gender roles, Victorianism and oppression, balanced perfectly with Churchill's rolling wit and hilarious situations. This show is not recommended for kids under 12. Performance Location: Theater 4 at Armory.

This event is a FREE family fun event that includes over 40 classic yachts, classic cars, and more! Over forty classic wooden vessels, many of them built prior to World War II, will welcome visitors throughout this Father's Day weekend. This event represents the largest gathering of classic yachts on the West Coast.

The time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls explores sexuality, gender roles, Victorianism and oppression, balanced perfectly with Churchill's rolling wit and hilarious situations. This show is not recommended for kids under 12. Performance Location: Theater 4 at Armory.

The time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls explores sexuality, gender roles, Victorianism and oppression, balanced perfectly with Churchill's rolling wit and hilarious situations. This show is not recommended for kids under 12. Performance Location: Theater 4 at Armory.

On one very special night each year at the height of summer, the Pike Place Market is transformed into the perfect party venue where you can sample and sip your way through many of the region's best restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. Sunset Supper at the Market is a uniquely "Seattle" event, with the focus on food, wine and fun, in the heart of the Market's historic district.

For more than 30 years, Elliott's Oyster House has been Seattle's showcase for classic Northwest seafood. This classic seafood house is renowned for simple preparations that highlight the natural flavors of the finest seafood in the Pacific Northwest.

Recognized as one of "The 10 Very Best Restaurants of 2005" by Seattle Magazine and one of the top five for new American cuisine by the 2005 Zagat Survey, Restaurant Zoe is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, Restaurant Zoe's lively urban setting provides the backdrop for Chef Scott Staple's seasonally crafted, produce-driven fare.

Salty's on Alki Beach is truly in a class by itself. Salty's bends over backwards to please you with their award-winning fresh Northwest seafood cuisine and attentive friendly service. The view is not only the best in Seattle, this is "one of the world's great view restaurants," according to a local critic.

Anthony's Pier 66 is located on the downtown Seattle waterfront in the same building as Anthony's Bell St. Diner and Anthony's Fish Bar. Anthony's Pier 66 is a premier Northwest seafood restaurant with panoramic views of the downtown Seattle skyline, Mt. Rainier, and Elliott Bay's boating activity. Anthony's Pier 66 features fresh Northwest seafood simply prepared, in a contemporary, sophisticated waterfront setting.

Tavolata is a unique addition to the Seattle dining landscape. While it has an industrial and urban feel, it still maintains a warm soulfulness from the 30 foot communal table (the Tavolata), reclaimed materials and delicate lighting. The flavors here are clean, fresh, simple and Italian. One major focus is the entirely handmade pastas, prepared by Seattle star Chef Ethan Stowell.

An oasis in city dining, this downtown Seattle location is whimsical in nature and comfortable without being boring. Icon Grill's "aroused Americana" menu showcases the higher quality ingredients in a sophisticated yet simple manner.

Tilth serves certified organic new American cuisine featuring a bounty of seasonal and local ingredients. The New York Times named it one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2008.

A Seattle icon since 1973, Ray's Boathouse is internationally renowned for its unparalleled Northwest seafood and breathtaking waterfront view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The finest sustainable Northwest seafood, artisan cheeses, local produce, Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and our trademark hospitality make Ray's Boathouse an unforgettable dining experience.

Run by the Canlis family, Canlis is the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated restaurant, winner of eleven consecutive Wine Spectator Grand Awards and two times James Beard runner up for best service in the country. They offer quintessential regional cooking overlooking Lake Union since 1950.

The finest Northwest cuisine with bold, adventurous preparations. Let Chefs Tom Douglas, Eric Tanaka and their talented kitchen crew bring their unique flavors to your table.

In a city known for its aquatic attractions, the Seattle Aquarium sits at the top of the list. Kids will be enthralled by Window on Washington Waters, a viewing area filled with salmon, sea anemones and other native Washington marine life. Another popular exhibit is the Underwater Dome, where tunnels lead into a spherical undersea room featuring 360-degree views of a 400,000-gallon tank teeming with fish, sharks and other creatures.

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, often called the Ballard Locks, link salty Puget Sound with the fresh waters of Salmon Bay, Lake Union, Portage Bay and Lake Washington. Both tourists and locals enjoy watching the parade of sailboats, motorboats, tugs, barges and yachts passing through. Stop by the fish ladder, built to allow salmon to pass between fresh and salt water, and enjoy a stroll around the notable botanical gardens.

EMP is a cutting-edge museum that uses interactive exhibits and advanced technology to explore popular music from rock 'n' roll and jazz to hip-hop and punk. Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building and funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the EMP offers a collection of unique memorabilia such as Gene Simmons' demon KISS costume, a gallery of classic guitars (acoustic and electric) and in-depth profiles on Seattle's music scene, from Jimi Hendrix to grunge rock of the 1990s. Admission fee includes the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame in the same building.

Discovery Park is a 534 acre natural area park operated by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. It is the largest city park in Seattle, and occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site. The park is one of the best places in the city to view wildlife, especially birds and marine mammals, and is a popular place to hike - the Loop Trail provides great views of Puget Sound.

Woodland Park Zoo is an award-winning 92-acre zoo separated into different climate zones. The zoo opened the first naturalistic gorilla exhibit in the world and includes adventures such as the Trail of Vines, where orangutans, Malayan tapirs and Indian pythons live. Kids can also expect to see other exotic animals, including Komodo dragons, Chilean flamingos, Humboldt Penguins, gigantic Brazilian cockroaches and Amazon piranhas. Zoomazium, the newest addition to Woodland Park Zoo, is an indoor, all-weather facility that incorporates spectacular multimedia features with fun, interactive nature-themed areas devoted to play and learning for children birth to eight years of age (though all ages are welcome!). For more information about Zoomazium, please visit the Woodland Park Zoo's website.

The Seattle Children's Museum is a twenty-two thousand square foot environment just for children ages birth through 10 years and their families. It's located in the heart of the city, on the first level of the Center House at Seattle Center. With the Space Needle soaring overhead and downtown just a Monorail ride away, the Museum can be an exciting part of any day spent in The Emerald City. At the Museum, every exhibit is interactive, which allows little hands and growing minds to explore, play and learn. The Museum features 11 permanent exhibits, an art studio, two education classrooms, a temporary traveling exhibit gallery, a storytelling circle and resource library, workshops, camps and weekend programming.

The 1962 Seattle World's Fair, otherwise known as Century 21, gave visitors a glimpse of the future and left Seattle with a lasting legacy in the form of Seattle Center. The 74-acre campus, with its 17 acres of open space, is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. Many festivals and free public programs are offered.

Get the Seattle CityPass, the best deal in the Emerald City. Your Seattle CityPass gives you tickets to Seattle's premier attractions including the Space Needle, saving you time and money. Your Seattle CityPASS includes tickets to the following must-see attractions: *Space Needle (includes two visits to the top during a 24-hour period) *Pacific Science Center (includes one 2-D OR 3-D IMAX movie) *Seattle Aquarium *Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum *Argosy One Hour Harbor Cruise *Woodland Park Zoo OR The Museum of Flight

If you're a Discovery Passport or Wild at Heart member, come join the Member Early Morning at Woodland Park Zoo. Member Early Morning is an exclusive opportunity for Discovery Passport or Wild at Heart members to see the zoo wake up as they open an hour early just for you. Watch the animals stretch their legs (or wings!) after a night of sleep, or catch a zookeeper getting ready for the day. Many animals won't be on exhibit yet, so there are no guarantees, but you never know what you might see!

Meet a zookeeper and learn more about animal care at Woodland Park Zoo. New programs this year include Asian small-clawed otters, lions and sloth bears. See kiosk for location.

Play the giant Don't Break the Ice game, and learn about the changing climate and how your actions matter. Located behind Zoomazium.

Take recycling into your own hands while you learn about elephants! Create new, "upcycled" paper to take home using elephant poo, and learn about these remarkable animals and their habitat.

Explore climate change through fun activities, like Green Walk, play Tipping Point to measure your carbon footprint, and see innovative alternatives for a changing world. Bamboo underpants, anyone? Our choices do matter!

Meet a zookeeper taking care of the zoo's dynamic Humboldt penguins, and learn how these endangered birds live at the zoo - and in the wild.

How do zookeepers check a monkey's teeth? Tails? Tummies? Come and find out! Training the animals makes it easier to take care of them - for the monkeys as well as the keepers - and it's fun!

Meet a zookeeper and learn more about animal care at Woodland Park Zoo.

This fun- filled program highlights the great care of Woodland Park Zoo animals through positive training and rewards. They'll show you how clicker training works for zoo animals and your pets at home too. Who doesn't need a little positive reinforcement? Come and learn how - maybe we'll train You!

Here's your chance to learn more about birds of prey. Keepers will introduce you to the resident raptors while demonstrating their impressive flying and hunting skills. A must see!

How do zoo staff take care of birds? Learn about bird body language, migration, and how you can help protect wild raptors.

Kids 8 and under and their caregivers love Zoomazium! The indoor, nature play space offers play and learning in a fun, safe and stimulating environment all year long. Here, kids can connect with animals, habitats and more through the natural language of childhood - play! Crawl through a hidden cave. Climb a giant strangler fig tree. Enjoy daily programs for toddlers and older children.

Children can get up close with live, furred, feathered or scaly animals. Meet the star from a puppet story. Practice observation skills to discover who's in the Mystery Box. Design a play space for a curious creature and watch as it explores.

Toddlers and caregivers are invited to sing, dance, and play instruments to animal and nature-themed music.

Investigate shells, plants, fossils, minerals and the fun of collecting! Bring in your drawings, photos, research or cool nature items. You can earn points to trade for the natural items in the ever-changing collection.

Animal puppets tell stories and sing songs. Children are invited up to dance and meet the puppets after the show.

Touch domestic farm animals and learn more about them in supervised areas at the Family Farm.

Meet a keeper - and an elephant! Offer some fresh bamboo, and learn how you are helping to save elephants in the wild. Due to appetites, elephants might not feed. Cost: $5 per person, cash only.

This popular walk-through bird feeding experience transports you to the world of the Australian parrot - and the Australian grasslands habitat. Willawong Station is a fun opportunity for the whole family to get up close and feed birds in a controlled, safe environment while learning about responsible care for birds both in the wild and at home. The aviary includes approximately 100 free-flying birds, primarily small colorful Australian parrots.

Enjoy rides on the classic, hand-carved wooden carousel horses. Cost: $2 a ride, in addition to zoo admission.

Want a close encounter with the animal kind? Here's your chance to meet a lizard, snake or other small zoo animal up-close and personal. Look for the Animal Encounters cart!

The call of discovery beckons! While visiting Woodland Park Zoo this summer, join docents in an exploration of nature's balance and tools of survival. In these hands-on programs featuring exhibits, biofacts, and fun-filled games, you'll have an opportunity to pursue questions and passions. Plus, discover how you can help save wildlife by taking some simple steps. Swing by a discovery station and indulge your scientific side!

Do you jump for joy when you see a spider, tingle with excitement as you roll over a log covered with sow bugs? Then join Bug Club! Bug Club is for children 5-11 years old who love bugs!

Dinner reservation? Check. Verified movie times? Check. Babysitter? Uh oh. Don't fret - let Woodland Park Zoo handle childcare for you. Kids ages 4-11 will enjoy a fun-filled evening with zoo staff inside Zoomazium while you enjoy a night out on the town. Supervised activities for kids include games, an educational film, and a live animal encounter, plus a tasty pizza dinner!

Grab your gear and head to Woodland Park Zoo for a fun-filled after hours adventure. Enjoy a light dinner, themed activities, guided tours, and the opportunity to meet one of the smaller animal residents up close! Join in just for the evening, or stay the night! Adventures are available for groups as well as for individuals.

The time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls explores sexuality, gender roles, Victorianism and oppression, balanced perfectly with Churchill's rolling wit and hilarious situations. This show is not recommended for kids under 12. Performance Location: Theater 4 at Armory.

The time-shifting comedy by the author of Top Girls explores sexuality, gender roles, Victorianism and oppression, balanced perfectly with Churchill's rolling wit and hilarious situations. This show is not recommended for kids under 12. Performance Location: Theater 4 at Armory.

Cutting-edge indie-rock acts like The Raconteurs and Vampire Weekend take the stage at this club filled with a young, stylish crowd. The inside is decorated with mermaid murals and images of a creepy clown mascot, while the main room is the perfect intimate setting for live shows and an overhead balcony allows you to escape all the action.

The Triple Door features a 300-seat performance space restored and updated from the bones of the historic Embassy Theatre. Arranged in tiers, the Mainstage provides clear sight lines from every seat. The intimate dimensions mean that even the late arriver to a sold-out show is no more than 35 paces from the stage. The public lounge associated with this famous music venue, the Musicquarium features a wraparound, U-shaped bar and a huge, one thousand nine hundred-gallon freshwater aquarium, known as the Musicquarium. It is both a great place to grab a drink and a bite before the show and a happening nightclub in its own right.

Since 1995, the George & Dragon Pub in Fremont has been home to a little bit of Britain in Seattle. Serving cocktails, fine ales and great food, patrons enjoy their large outside patios for lunch, dinner and drinks. It's the perfect place for a few drinks with friends, a big night out, football, chips, or their regular quiz nights.

The Kangaroo & Kiwi is Seattle's first and only Aussie and Kiwi bar, serving up nightly the drinks, the pies, and the lollies of Australia and New Zealand. Most importantly, they've got the sports from Down Under appearing weekly on big screen tellys, so if rugby's your game, be sure to stop by for a pint.

Located in the shadow of the Space Needle, the Belltown neighborhood has a vast array restaurants, clubs, and is an ideal spot to plan a night out in Seattle. Classic neighborhood nightspots include the Crocodile Cafe (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and REM have performed there), Mama's Mexican Kitchen, Shorty's, and many more.

This independent, family-owned, internationally known bookstore is newly located, having moved in April 2010 from its longtime location in Pioneer Square to its new store in the Pike/Pine corridor of Capitol Hill. Visitors can spend hours browsing more than 150,000 titles, including a huge selection of used books and collections of limited editions. Be sure to check out the monthly calendar, which is filled with author readings and other literary events.

Downtown Seattle's premier shopping center is a five-level, 335,000-square-foot complex featuring stores such as Tiffany & Co., MaxMara, Coach, Helly Hansen, L'Occitane and Williams-Sonoma. In addition to the great shopping, the architecture centers on a European-style plaza and an indoor atrium filled with light.

Nordstrom, one of the most prestigious names in retail, got its start in Seattle as a simple downtown shoe store in 1901. Today, this flagship location continues to dazzle shoppers with its amazing selection, unsurpassed customer service and added touches such as live piano music and in-store cafes. Don't forget great deals at its popular semi-annual sales.

For more than 25 years, Archie McPhee has been carrying the wackiest and weirdest items that you won't find at Target. Whether you're a curious kid or a full-grown prankster, the store is filled with aisles of must-have trinkets such as zombie finger puppets, Tiki mugs, bacon-flavored toothpicks, mullet wigs and other essential gag gifts.

The flagship of this Seattle-based outdoor equipment and apparel company has been supplying locals with all of their necessary gear since 1944. Besides an amazing selection of items from Patagonia, The North Face, CamelBak and Merrel, the store also offers its own line of active apparel and features a mountain-bike test trail, gear-testing stations and a 65-foot climbing wall.

Mystery novelist Barbara Corrado Pope reads from The Missing Italian Girl (Pegasus Books), the third book in her Clarie and Bernard Martin series, which is set in turn-of-the-last-century Paris.

One of the most esteemed novelists - and literary reviewers - at work today, Claire Messud makes this very welcome Elliott Bay return for her brilliant, funny new novel, The Woman Upstairs (Knopf).

Twenty-three years - and nearly forty books - after Walter Mosley came onto the literary landscape with one Easy Rawlins featured in Devil in a Blue Dress, author and subject - the latter last seen in a very perilous situation in Blonde Faith - are back with the newest Easy Rawlins novel, Little Green(Doubleday).