Introduction to Seattle

Mountain and ocean views, fresh seafood, great coffee and better wine: What's not to love about Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest? The sparkling waters of Elliott Bay, Lake Union and Lake Washington wrap around this city, where shimmering skyscrapers and forests of evergreens coexist. Punctuated by the Space Needle, fed by the Pike Place Market and entertained by the Seattle Mariners, Seattle offers rich experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, families and foodies. The only question is what to do first?
Things to Do
In a city offering remarkable vistas, the view from the Space Needle beats them all. From the observation deck or restaurant 520 feet above ground, you can see it all -- Seattle's gleaming glass-and-steel downtown, sparkling Puget Sound and, on a sunny day, snow-capped Mount Rainier to the east. The gleaming skyline is no less spectacular from the deck of a ferry. A cruise to Bainbridge Island from Pier 52 sets up the perfect photo opportunity.
Shopping
Outdoor lovers swoon at the notion of shopping for Gore-Tex jackets, hiking boots and repelling equipment in Seattle, the city that gave sporting goods companies REI and Eddie Bauer their start. Upscale department stores like Nordstrom (a Seattle original) and Macy's dominate the downtown malls Westlake Center and Pacific Place, while colorful Native American artworks fill galleries around Pioneer Square, Seattle's birthplace.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Much of Seattle's entertainment scene is located downtown. The Seattle Center hosts varied performances ranging from one of the nation's premier opera companies to classical music. At the other end of the spectrum is Pioneer Square, known for its energetic, boisterous (and sometimes rowdy) bars and clubs that appeal to a young crowd. For a more sophisticated nightcap, head to hip and happening Belltown for fancy cocktails.
Restaurants and Dining
Seattle's quintessential food experience is Pike Place Market. Visitors nibble their way through Asian pears, fresh strawberries and crusty sourdough, then buy specially packed boxes of king crab legs to cook at home. The original Starbucks sits across the street from the market, but Seattle visitors have no trouble finding good coffee on nearly every Seattle street corner. At dinner, the Seattle Waterfront serves clam chowder and Pacific coast salmon as the sun sets in the Puget Sound.