Seattle, Washington, famous for its rainy days, offers visitors a variety of sightseeing activities, as well as a glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s colorful past. Located between the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, this coastal port city is easily reached from all points in the United States and Canada, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway. You’ll find plenty to do in Seattle, from visiting the Space Needle to taking in a Seattle Mariners game to watching whales in Puget Sound.
Decide when you will visit. Expect rain at least 50 percent of the time no matter when you visit. The heaviest rain periods are between October and May. If you want to avoid drenching rains, summer may be the best option. Summer temperatures are usually in the 70s, although heat waves in the 90s are not uncommon. Winter temperatures are in the 40s and 50s and there is usually little snow.
Visit the Space Needle. The city’s iconic tower can withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour and provides a panoramic view of Seattle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower is 520 feet high and offers a rotating restaurant, SkyCity, at the top.
Do some shopping at Pike Place Market. The original farmer’s market has expanded to include 200 businesses, in addition to farmer's booths, and features strolling musicians and performers. The country’s first Starbucks is located in Pike Place Market.
Admire the city’s collection of clocks in the Seattle Clock Walk. The one and half hour walking tour features some of the city’s most unique clocks.
Buy a ticket to the Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony Orchestra or Pacific Northwest Ballet. Take in a musical at the 5th Avenue Theatre or visit one the many live theater venues in the city.
Spend some time at the Seattle Waterfront. The Waterfront features an assortment of restaurants and shops and serves as the departure point for ferries and cruises. The ferry offers views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. It serves the Kitsap Peninsula Vashon Island, San Juan Islands and Canada.
Learn about local ocean creatures at the Seattle Aquarium. One of the highlights of an Aquarium visit is the underwater dome. Sharks, rockfish, cod, sturgeon and other fish swim above your head in this undersea room. Children may also enjoy watching scuba divers feed the fish in the dome in the afternoon.
Go to the game. Seattle is home to professional baseball, basketball and football teams. Safeco Field, home of baseball’s Seattle Mariners, features a retractable dome so that the game can go on even if it rains.
Venture under the city. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you through subterranean passages that were once the storefronts and streets of downtown Seattle. The modern city was rebuilt on the ruins of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, but some of the old city still remains deep below the earth.
