Seattle - the largest city in the state of Washington – is located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” and the “Star of the Pacific Northwest.” Also known for its microchips and eclectic mix of coffee, Seattle offers its guests many exciting and beautiful places to visit. One of the most visited place worldwide; a trip to Seattle is another lifetime unforgettable experience. Due to its generally damp weather, the best months to visit are July and August.

Sights and Attractions

The Space Needle – 605-foot tower – is Seattle’s premier landmark. Rotating at 360 degrees, its restaurants and observation decks allow its visitors to have breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Seattle Central Library is an 11-story building of glass and steel. It is reported that this building can house about 1.45 million books and other materials. It has also an underground public parking for 143 vehicles. Seattle Central Library opened 400 computers for public use. Over 2 million individuals visited the new library in its first year. Its unique architectural design attracted 2 million visitors in its first year.

Olympic Sculpture Park – a 9-acre park - provides magnificent views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. It has a Z-shaped walkway that leads to a 900 feet of restored beachfront. Along the way are the various contemporary art sculptures from world-renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois, Ellsworth Kelly, Claes Oldenburg, Mark di Suvero, Tony Smith and Alexander Calder.

Considered to be Seattle’s largest park is Discovery Park. It is a 534-acre of wildlife sanctuary and park. A visit to this place let visitors witness the magnificent view of cool of both the forests and beaches. South Bluff trail gives visitors a great view of Mt. Rainier and the skyline. A trail map is provided at the visitor center near the Government Way - the best entrance to this place. Bellevue Botanical Gardens found in the middle Wilburton Hill Park is the best place to go for some quiet moments. It is a 36-acre public area of beautiful gardens, woodlands, gift shops and even offers some classes to the visitors. Pike Place Market is the place where the first Starbucks coffee outlet was opened. A historical place, Pike Place Market is where early trading of products took place. Informational tours and activities are offered regularly.

Seattle is also home to corporate giants Boeing and Microsoft. A tour of Boeing’s extensive assembly plant is open while Microsoft’s museum is only open for employees, their families, and friends.

A climb to the fish ladder at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will give visitors a good view of trout and salmons who may be heading to Lake Washington and some sea lions looking for food. Known locally as the Ballard Locks, it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Museum of Glass is also another architectural wonder that uses glass and steel to form the 90-foot steel cone. Hot Shop Amphitheater lets the visitor take a peek on the intricate process of glassmaking. Connecting the museum to the Washington State History Museum is the Bridge of Glass.

Nightlife

If you are after Seattle’s nightlife, expect an exciting night as well. Famous bands and musicians - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and rocker Jimi Hendrix – are from the place called Seattle. Fenix Underground houses 3 dance floors, 5 bars, a café, a stage for live performances and a pool room. A different style of music can be enjoyed every night at this astounding place. The Capitol Club – great place for nightlife – has an excellent selection of foods and a great view of the city.

Hotels

Busy as it is, hotels that are affordable to the most expensive suites are everywhere in Seattle. A place to stay during the visit is never a problem. Good places to start your hunt are Hotel Vintage Park and Sorrento Hotel. Both offering great services, your stay at Seattle will surely be a relaxing one.

Restaurants

Food is never a problem when in Seattle. Metropolitan Grill offers the best steak, pastas and salads. Choices of wines complement the steak. Another great place to dine-in is Ray’s Boathouse. Aside from a sumptuous menu of oysters, crab cakes, salmon and wine, Ray’s Boathouse offers an excellent view of the mountains and the water especially at sunset.