Seattle is a city rich with history and things to do from the highest point of the Space Needle to the cavernous exhibits of the aquarium. Even though the city experiences bouts of rain, stay dry by going to one of Seattle's museums or vintage book stores. No matter the weather or where you go, you can not escape the history and entertainment this city has to offer.
Within this aquarium you find the animal life that is found in Puget Sound, which is what sets it apart from other aquariums. It is also the seventh largest aquarium in the United States. Upon entering you feel like you are walking around inside a sea cave. Go to the room where the ceiling and walls are made entirely of glass to experience the fish swimming all around you. A wave room shows you what living in the tidal area of the ocean is like, while a touch room gives you hands-on encounters with the animals that reside there. Each section of the aquarium has something new for you to learn and experience from tidal pools to tanks of fluorescent jelly fish. As of November 2010, the admission for adults it $17 and $11 for kids.
The Space Needle functions as the city's civic center. It has been a major part of the city since its construction in 1962, and it is an excellent place to spend your rainy day. Inside is an IMAX theater that offers different films, a roller coaster and places to eat hundreds of feet above the ground. Before you dine, take a trip to the top of the needle for a bird's-eye view of Seattle from all angles. Museums are located inside as well and provide information about the Space Needle and Seattle's history. Purchase tickets to view the needle once in a day or once during the day and once at night. As of November 2010, one-time visit tickets are $18 for adults and $11 for kids.
The Museum of Flight shows the history of flight throughout the years and constantly has new exhibits. As of November 2010, it costs $8 for children to enter and $15 for adults. Inside are flight simulators in addition to both permanent and temporary exhibits. In the Challenger Learning Center, you can see what it is like to be a part of Mission Control and launch a space shuttle. An Air Force One and retired Concorde are permanent exhibits at the museum, so take a look at what President Kennedy flew around in as well the only Concorde on the West Coast. They also show movies inside of a Boeing 737. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday.
Founded in 1973, the Elliott Bay Book company is family owned and has over 150,000 books from which to choose. The cafe inside was the first bookstore cafe in the city. As of April 2010 the bookstore has moved to a new location to accommodate its growing business, but it still retains the relaxing atmosphere it did previously. Wait out the rain with a book and a cup of warm coffee. The bookstore also has more author readings than any other bookstore in the city, so check if an author is reading during your visit.
