Last Visited in 2011
Seattle is Washington State’s largest city and a major Pacific Northwest hub, often called the Emerald City for its lush greenery. It is renowned for global brands like Amazon and Starbucks, a rich music legacy, and iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle. The city’s unique identity is shaped by its diverse, educated population, vibrant cultural scene, and deep connection to Indigenous history.
- Seattle Center and Space Needle
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
- Pike Place Market
- Elliot Bay
- Lake Union
- Mount Rainier
Seattle Space Needle – is an observation tower in, located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood at Seattle Center. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it stands 605 feet tall. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck 520 feet above the ground for panoramic views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and Puget Sound. Designed to withstand strong winds and major earthquakes, the Space Needle was designated a historic landmark in 1999. There is also a revolving restaurant at the Space Needle, which requires advance reservations.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Located next to the Space Needle in Seattle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) celebrates the creative and innovative spirit of American music and popular culture through both its exhibits and striking architecture. The museum’s wavy, fragmented design is often said to reference the iconic moment when Jimi Hendrix smashed his Fender Stratocaster (Electric Guitar) on stage, with the structure resembling a disassembled guitar and inviting visitors inside to explore the history and influence of music and pop culture.
Pike Place Market – Pike Place Market is a busy and vibrant market area that is well worth a visit, offering an authentic taste of Seattle’s maritime culture. Located near the waterfront, the market features a wide range of vendors spread across two bustling levels, selling fresh seafood, local produce, crafts, and specialty foods. Situated in the heart of downtown Seattle, it is surrounded by many popular attractions, including the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, where visitors can enjoy a scenic 20-minute ride—all within a short walk.
Elliot Bay – is part of Puget Sound in Washington State, stretching between West Point and Alki Point and forming Seattle’s central waterfront. The city of Seattle was founded along this bay in the 1850s and grew to surround it completely. Elliott Bay plays a vital role in the region’s economy, housing the Port of Seattle, one of the busiest ports in the United States, and supporting cruise ships to Alaska.
We got a great view of –
- Lumen Field – located in downtown Seattle, this stadium is the home of the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL and the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer.
- T-Mobile Park – also located in downtown Seattle, this modern baseball stadium is home to Seattle Mariners. Opened in 1999, it features a retractable roof that allows games to be played comfortably in all weather while still feeling open and airy.
Lake Union – is a freshwater lake that is a key part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which connects Lake Washington to Puget Sound, allowing freshwater to flow across the city. The lake is bordered by the neighborhoods of Eastlake, Westlake, and South Lake Union, and features popular places like Lake Union Park and Gas Works Park. Major bridges, including the Ship Canal Bridge (I-5) and the Aurora Bridge (SR 99), cross the lake, while the Fremont Bridge marks its western connection to the rest of the ship canal.
The Ballard Locks (also known aa Chittenden Locks) are a fascinating work of engineering in Salmon Bay, constructed to keep the saltwater of Puget Sound separate from the freshwater of Lake Washington while also providing a boat elevator between the two.
Mount Rainier – is the tallest mountain in Washington State and the Cascade Range, rising as a majestic, heavily glaciated volcano near Seattle. Protected within Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899, the area is known for its subalpine meadows, dense forests, waterfalls, and extensive glacier systems. Numerous trails offer spectacular views of the mountain and its glaciers, and we chose one of the easier options that took less than two hours for a round trip.
