The name of the game in Seattle is growth–from 3500 residents in 1880 to 230,000 in 1910 and now 570,000. However, the Seattle metropolitan area has risen to a staggering 2.5 million!

This Northwest city has over 1140 miles of fresh water, around 53,000 miles of salt water shoreline for a total of almost 200,000 miles of shoreline. Land area runs around 54,000 acres. There are nearly 6200 acres of parks, including Discovery, Green Lake and Carkeek Park. For outdoor activities Seattle can’t be beat, yet there are equal opportunities for those who prefer cultural pursuits like museums, art galleries and theatres.

Ever since the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 the 605 foot Space Needle has been a major landmark. Fantastic 360-degree views cover Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The SkyCity Restaurant and gift shop delight visitors. The remainder of Seattle Center features the Pacific Science Center, Seattle Opera and various theatres and museums. Take the monorail from downtown for an interesting ride here.

Pioneer Square and the Pike Place Market are two popular attractions. An underground tour reveals remnants of the original city. Art galleries, restaurants and exciting nightlife round out things to do.

In North Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo beckons animal lovers. It’s considered among the best zoos in the U.S. On the South Seattle list of to-dos, The International District and Chinatown lure visitors. To get to fascinating places, try a Gray Line coach, one of Kenmore Air’s 22 planes that transport about 60,000 tourists a year, or choose an Argosy cruise by Seattle’s largest water sightseeing tour operator. Then there’s the Victoria Clipper if you would like a scenic cruise to Victoria and the San Juan Islands.

Seattle is linked to the sea. Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the U.S., carries 25 million passengers a year to interesting spots along Puget Sound. Ten routes are served by 28 vessels. Cruise ships provide sightseeing, evening and dinner cruises. Float planes offer quick trips to wonderful destinations. Sportsmen select a fishing charter boat. Shishole Bay Marina has slips for 1500 boats. Other marinas accomodate countless boaters as well.

Seafair, featuring hydroplane races, is highly anticipated in July as well as exciting 4th of July celebrations. Throughout the year there are boat shows, home shows, flower and garden shows and festivals such as Octoberfest.

When visiting Seattle, allow plenty of time for there are a multitude of things to do and see all year.

Thank you Shirley Dever for the information!