Vacationing in Seattle: The Emerald City is a Jewel of Many Facets

Vacationing in Seattle opens a traveler’s eyes to a whole new west coast experience. When you go vacationing in Seattle, you won’t be duplicating other traveling experiences you may have enjoyed in California where Hispanic influence is pronounced . Seattle has its own unique history. Called the Emerald City for the rich beauty of its scenic mountains , ocean and forest surroundings, Seattle also has a history molded by the experiences of pioneers, trappers, fishermen, prospectors and Asian immigrants. You’ll enjoy all of these diverse aspects of the northern West Coast plus much more when you decide to go vacationing in Seattle, Washington.

The Space Needle Many travelers who are vacationing in Seattle wisely choose to begin their stay with a geographically enlightening bird’s eye view of the city. This perspective from 520 ft. up can be achieved by visiting the city’s best known and most easily located attraction, the Space Needle. The Needle itself is a structure left over from the Seattle World’s Fair of 1962. The Fair gave Seattle a lot of visibility and publicity. It’s appropriate that one of the vestiges of the Fair continues to serve the city as a perch from which visitors and locals alike can get a panoramic view of Seattle.

For a most reasonable $14 for adults and $8 for children 4 and older, travelers vacationing in Seattle can go to the top of the Needle and take advantage of its complementary telescopic devices located on the observation deck to view the beauty of the Puget Sound, the Cascades and Olympic Mountains and all of Seattle and environs.

If you don’t mind parting with some of your “vacationing in Seattle” funds, you can linger at the top of the Needle and enjoy an extended view of the city while you are served a meal in the revolving restaurant high above Seattle. The cost is definitely a factor but reservations include a the ticket price for the observation deck and thereby make dinner sound a bit more reasonable. The food is fresh and much of it represents local cuisine choices and the view is ever changing and unblocked by anything but some occasional fog.

Seattle Center If you begin your vacationing experience in Seattle with a trip to the Space Needle you have placed yourself in the midst of the Seattle Center. When you literally come down to earth, you can continue to acquaint yourself with the best Seattle has to offer by touring Seattle Center.

This 87 acres of recreation, entertainment, shopping and dining is, like the Space Needle, connected to the ’60’s World’s Fair. Left behind for the enjoyment of the residents of Seattle as well as those vacationing in Seattle, are sites now in use such as theaters, movie house, shops, restaurants, museums and recreational areas all in one central area. There is so much going on here that the interests and tastes of all will be met and satisfied.

What is amazing about Seattle Center is the full gamut of venues you can enjoy in this one area. You can take time and visit Fun Forest where there are amusement rides and games for all ages. If you have active children in your group there is a challenging skatepark at Seattle Center for skate board enthusiasts of every age. There are standard lunch stops but more elaborate eateries. There is easily one full day of fun waiting for anyone vacationing in Seattle at Seattle Center.

Asian Connection. If you have an interest in history, you will want to acquaint yourself with the growth of the Asian community while you are vacationing in Seattle. Venturing into the International District will allow you a chance to visit Chinese and Japaneses shops and stores and perhaps a restaurant. In the International District you can visit a Buddhist temple, wander through the Wing Luke Memorial Museum or savor a meal at any one of the many restaurants serving ethnic delights.

Seattle Aquarium. For the enjoyment of children, adults and senior citizens , don’t miss the opportunity to share the aquatic wonders of the Seattle Aquarium. Without getting a toe wet you can put yourself in just the right location to view the sea life enclosed in a 400,000 gallon sea tank. What you’ll see are creatures like sharks, shrimp, octopus, scallops and many other native inhabitants of the Puget Sound area.

The Aquarium also features exhibits of tropical fish, provides hands on activities and introduces visitors to the interesting and amusing activities of sea otters. Admission is reasonably priced beginning at $12. 50 for adults. This is a place you can linger and revisit as the “show” is constantly lively and changing.

Mount Rainier National Park Neither children nor adults will mind taking the hour and a half ride out of Seattle when they learn that at the end of their journey is Mount Rainier National Park and its more than 300 miles of trails. Satisfying just about everyone Rainier offers paths for leisurely exploration and trails for challenging every muscle group. When you go bring a lunch, a camera and prepare to luxuriate in the presence of extreme natural beauty .

Mount Rainier has a history that goes back to the end of the 19th Century. It is distinct because it contains a volcano, but it is also unusual because of its proximity to a large metropolitan area. If you are vacationing in Seattle, you may just find that it is unique because it is peaceful and majestic.

Combination Tickets Like many cities today, Seattle has put together a variety of tourist packages to reduce expense and save time as those vacationing in Seattle move from site to site. Among the best of these multiple site tickets is “Go Seattle”. For one price paid in advance buyers can guarantee admission to 30 city wide attractions. Packages can be purchased for single or multiple days usage and the prices are remarkably fair. Picking up a combination ticket at the outset of your stay can be a great value and help you to better organize your touring.

Seattle is coming into its own as a touring destination. It’s attractions are quite different from those further south on the West Coast. It is precisely this uniqueness that you will enjoy and likely remember if you decide to go vacationing in Seattle.