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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Love flying? Now you can tour the factory where they build and test the famous Boeing aircraft, the world's number one aerospace company! This amazing tour showcases the magnificent 747, 767, and 777 aircraft used worldwide and the Dreamliner which is currently in production, all housed here in the world's largest building.

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

On this Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour you will see and taste wines at both the Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia wineries. This sightseeing excursion will lead you deep into the rolling Cascade foothills past lush horse ranches and flower farms, to popular Hollywood locations for such famous productions as Twin Peaks, Northern Exposure, and The Vanishing. Scenic single lane rural roads lead you up to the peaceful shadow of Mount Si through the Snoqualmie River Valley to the edge of the breathtaking 270 foot Snoqualmie Falls.

The best orca (killer) whale watching is off San Juan Island, near Seattle. The San Juan Islands are considered the "jewels" of the Pacific Northwest, located in the Puget Sound. San Juan Island is considered the best place to view orca whales because the salmon, which are their prime source of food (about 95% of what they eat), travel up and down the west coast of San Juan Island and outlying areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 & Crocodile Present Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers.

From their days playing together as teenagers to their current acoustic and electric blues, probably no one has more consistently led American music for the last 50 years - yes! - than Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the founders and continuing core members of Hot Tuna, as well as the Jefferson Airplane.

Regaled as the most influential bassist since Jaco Pastorius, Victor is known for his solo recordings and tours, and as a member of the Grammy-winning supergroup, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones. He is an innovator on the bass guitar, as well as a talented composer, arranger, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. But those gifts only begin to tell the tale of this Tennessee titan.

Don't miss The Atomic Bombshells - J'Adore! A Burlesque Valentine at The Triple Door.

Winner of the 2012 Gorilla music Battle of The Bands, Tony Holiday and The Velvetones are full of Blues goodness with a bit of a southern rock flare. The skill of each musician is incredible. The music is enticing, energetic, and it's damn near impossible

Seattle singer-songwriter Aaron Zig re-birthed his solo career in 2012 and hits the ground running in 2013 with a full band in tow and two new releases. T His unconventional lyricism and atypical production style has earned him the reputation as an underg

Formed from deep within the Westsound Union, Rippin Chicken plays a greasy brand of funky , bugaloo and soul jazz , executed with creative ease by 3 funky brothers from different mothers who LOVE to play together. After performing and recording together f

A young, talented guitarist currently based in Seattle, WA, Gregg Belisle- Chi is a valued band leader, sideman, and soloist. His involvement in the Seattle music scene has spanned across all genres from Jazz, Rock, R&B, and singer-songwriter projects inc

Clinton is defined as; a positive presence with high spirited energy. Clinton has performed at some of the finest venues in the southwest to the northwest section of the country.

Dark Diva's is a highly energetic tribute highlighting the past works of Pearl Bailey, Moms Mabley, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Dinah Washington all of whom began their careers, at the Apollo. Get ready for an entertaining journey through the magic, music and motions of Dark Divas.

Robb Benson is a singer songwriter in Seattle Washington. He has been in several bands including Nevada Bachelors, Dept of Energy, Dear John Letters, the Glass Notes, The Great Um, Everything Points Up, Mean Tangerine, Thistle, The Widows Party and more.

Felsen has toured all over the great state of California and has just returned from their first ever 15 date national tour to coincide with the release of their new album. Felsen has opened for National acts such as Camper Van Beethoven, Marcy Playground

Seattle Gypsy Jazz band Ranger and the "Re-Arrangers" evoke the spirit of a Paris cafe and the raucous energy of a Gypsy campsite with their unique twist on gypsy jazz. "At the heart of their sound is Ranger Sciacca's sweet violin playing. his sense of m

Led Kaapana's mastery of stringed instruments, particularly slack key guitar, and his extraordinary baritone and leo ki`eki`e (falsetto) voices, have made him a musical legend. He has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. With easy-going style

Acclaimed saxophonist Donny McCaslin takes a bold leap forward with his tenth album as a leader, Casting for Gravity. McCaslin's gargantuan tenor sound finds an ideal setting to rampage through in the ferocious grooves and electronic textures of ke

Yemen Blues is an original and fascinating meeting of traditional Yemenite melodies & the world of blues, jazz and funk. The flavors of West African roots and enhanced modern compositions are bringing together a breathtaking experience and a mixture of be

Chris Riffle's brand of heartfelt folk is a product-and a tale-of two coasts. There's no mistaking the pastoral, spacious sound of his roots-the picturesque coastal towns of Washington state, where while still in college Riffle began making waves on local radio stations, and landed support gigs for such indie mainstays as Death Cab for Cutie.

4 outta 5 is your Classic Rock jukebox bringing to life hits from the 60's thru 90's, featuring songs from bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Journey, Tom Petty, AC/DC, Joan Jett and many, many more. 4o5 features the powerful vocals of bassist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.