Located on beautiful Puget Sound, surrounded by beautiful scenery on all sides, Seattle is the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. It is a vibrant city, being both sophisticated yet casual. With an April 2008 estimated population of 592,800 in the city proper, and a metropolitan area population of just over 4 million, Seattle is the nation’s 15th largest metropolitan area (as of 2007). It is located between two other beautiful west coast cities, being 119 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and 144 miles north of Portland, Oregon.
Top Seattle Attractions
Seattle offers of wealth of attractions for visitors and natives alike. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the major sites.
Seattle Center, the Space Needle and Nearby Attractions:
Seattle Center, sitting on the northern edge of downtown, was the site of Seattle’s 1962 World Fair known as the Century 21 Exposition. Spread out over 70-plus landscaped acres, Seattle Center is a hub of activity and is the site of many of Seattle’s annual festivals, like the Labor Day Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival. Towering over the Center is the world famous Space Needle, rising 605 feet above the city ...
Head Up to the San Juan Islands
If you’re planning to visit the Seattle area, try to make time to check out the scenic San Juan Islands, located about 65 miles north of Seattle. In total there are 172 named islands, with the five largest being Fidalgo, Lopez, Orcas, San Juan and Shaw. Fidalgo Island is attached to the mainland by bridges, and can be reached by car by traveling through Anacortes, about a ninety minute drive from Seattle. The other islands can be reached either by ferry, both Washington State and private ferries, or by air, including seaplanes. The flight from Seattle lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.
Check Out Mt. Rainier
For some truly spectacular scenery, try to find time to visit to Mt. Rainier, located about 55 miles southeast of Seattle as the crow flies. At 14,410 feet, Mt. Rainier dominates the southeastern skyline from much of the metropolitan Seattle area, at least on clear days. In fact, on those beautiful clear days it can be seen from up to 150 miles away, and locals can often be heard to say that “the Mountain is out.”
Seattle Travel: Twice as Nice When it's 2-for-1
Sightseeing, flightseeing, wine tasting, kayaking, river rafting, sailing, mopeds in the San Juan Islands--it's all included in the Seattle TourSaver. This handy coupon book includes more than $8,000 in 2-for-1 savings throughout Seattle, the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC.
Top Seattle Attractions
If you're heading to Seattle then there are some great sights and attractions you definitely shouldn't miss For real style, why not hire a luxury car with your own personal driver (check out www
