Situated on the western coast of Washington State, Seattle is the northwestern-most city in the continental U.S. Seattle is the largest city in the state and sits on a thin strip of land between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Lake Union and the Lake Washington Ship Canal divide the city into northern and southern halves.
Seattle's damp and rainy climate fosters a relaxed indoor lifestyle. Conversely, its surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes, and canals, along with the seafood-rich waters of the Pacific, attract outdoor enthusiasts as well.
Seattle's blend of urban sophistication and access to spectacular outdoor recreation makes it a popular tourist destination and a major cultural center. Its sophistication is evident in its architecture, fashion and arts. The city has all the trappings of a metropolitan area, with two daily newspapers, a state-of-the-art convention center, professional sports teams, a diverse music and club scene, and first-rate ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies. A major seaport, the city is a vital link in Pacific Rim trade.
Given its location, Seattle has long had a vibrant Asian and Asian American population. In addition, it has well-established communities of Scandinavians, African Americans, Jews, Native Americans, and Latinos.
HISTORY
Early in its history, Seattle was populated largely by single men. In a quest to balance out the population, one of the city's founding fathers went on a mission to convince young unmarried women to migrate there. On two separate trips, a total of 57 women made the journey from the east coast out west and were married to Seattle's single male residents. This ultimately gave way to a growth spurt in the population of the region.
The area received a more substantial boost when the Portland-based Northern Pacific Railroad reached Seattle in 1893, linking the town with the rest of the country. Soon after, the ship Portland brought its now-famous cargo to the region: two tons of Yukon gold. Within weeks, thousands of fortune hunters from across the country passed through the town on their way to the gold fields up north. Local business blossomed as Seattle became the banking center for the nouveau riche, and the bars and brothels of Pioneer Square overflowed with miners.
To further its success as a city, as immigration swept the nation, the lumber, shipping and general commerce derived from it, boosted the town's size and stature so much so that even the Great Fire of 1889 barely slowed the advance. After 50 blocks of the downtown area burned in a single day, the city was reborn in brick and iron, centered on today's Pioneer Square.
CLIMATE
Seattle's climate is damp and chilly, with an average of only 55 days of sunshine a year. Accordingly, visitors should expect to see some form of fog, mist or clouds, if not rain, while there. The pervasive dreariness makes Seattle's otherwise moderate temperatures seem rather cold. Winter highs hover around 50°F, while summer highs fluctuate between 75°F and 85°F. Most rain falls between November and April. Snow is unusual, though when it happens, it tends to be heavy and debilitating. Summer is the best time to visit, as the morning marine layer usually burns off by afternoon. Spring and fall are less desirable in that there is alternating rain and sun throughout the day.
TRANSPORTATION
Metro Transit buses can be found all over the city and provide a convenient way to get around. In the downtown area, all bus rides are free from 6am to 7pm and can be used to get to most of the major tourist areas.
Seattle Trolley Tours provides transportation in the downtown area as well. Visitors are encouraged to get off and on at their leisure, and tickets are good for the full day of operation.
For trips outside the city limits, the Washington State Ferry system is an easy and scenic way to get around. Ferries leave from the piers along the Alaskan Way waterfront.
SIGHTS Museum of Flight
This museum, considered one of Seattle's best, is in Boeing Field, about 10 miles south of downtown. Inside Boeing's original airplane factory, the Red Barn, is a fascinating exhibit on the history of human flight. The Great Gallery, Ibsen Nelson's imposing newer structure, houses an excellent collection of vintage airplanes. The Museum of Flight is a must-see for anyone interested in airplanes and flight.
Pike Place Market
This bustling open-air market is a hive of activity from early morning until late in the evening when its restaurants close. Widely considered to be the heart of Seattle, Pike Place offers a dizzying assortment of fresh fish, produce and other goods: wild salmon, gourmet cheeses, cut flowers, artifacts, handicrafts, breads, pastries, spices, teas and coffees. There are a variety of excellent restaurants to choose from, but locals usually recommend that visitors avoid the extra-busy lunch rush.
Space Needle
The 520-foot-high Space Needle, Seattle's most recognizable structure, can be seen from almost anywhere in the downtown region. From the observation deck, visitors can see the entire city laid out below in a breathtaking panorama. The needle also features two rotating restaurants, a cocktail lounge and a coffee bar.
Washington Park Arboretum
This gorgeous, 200-acre arboretum contains a wide range of flora, fauna and terrain types from around the world. From March through June, the spectacular masses of rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. The lovely Japanese Garden is popular from March through October. The visitors center at the north end offers information about the arboretum's offerings, along with maps and brochures with self-guided walking tours.
