Everyone knows that the best time to get out and explore a city is when the weather is bright and beautiful! Lucky for those of us who will be in the Emerald City for summer that time is fast approaching. Seattle is a wonderful city with many different neighborhoods and hidden gems to explore and this guide may just help you find some new spots to stroll around in the sunshine!
Ballard Locks– Known locally as the Ballard Locks the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks are a classic Seattle attraction albeit one many have missed. The locks allow boats to pass between the Puget Sound and Lake Union. It is a great place to people and boat watch as everyone passes by enjoying the water. There is also underwater windows where you can watch the salmon run if you come at the right time of the year. Don’t forget to explore Ballard afterwards as it is filled with not only great shops but also some of the better restaurants in Seattle.
Woodland Park Zoo-The Woodland Park Zoo is a classic oldie but goodie among Seattle activities. If you have never been before the zoo is located quite close to campus (right near Green Lake) and features a myriad of different animals from all over the world. They are always getting new animals and just brought in tigers in a brand new exhibit and are allowing the three new lion cubs to roam about their enclosure. Summer will definitely be prime time to see all the great animals out and about.
Alki Beach- Alki beach is a great place to spend sunny afternoons outside. The beach is large and long so there is plenty of space for everyone. There are many fish restaurants nearby as well as West Seattle to explore which is filled with unique shops and yummy places to grab a snack such a Bakery Nouveau. Alki is great for an afternoon of exploring and wandering not to mention sun bathing on those gorgeous summer days.
Ferry to Bainbridge- If you want to get a good taste of Seattle but also feel like you are getting away from the city a great option is to explore the waterfront and hop a ferry over to Bainbridge Island. The waterfront offer restaurants, the aquarium and the great wheel as well as very close proximity to the Seattle staple, Pike Place Market. Once you have had your fill of the waterfront grab a ferry over to Bainbridge (only about 35 minutes) and enjoy downtown Winslow. The picturesque town has shops and restaurants to explore and offers a great laid back pace. For some of the best ice cream around try Mora Iced Creamery, you won’t be disappointed.
Seattle Cinerama- If Seattle gets really hot this summer and you feel the need to beat the heat try watching a flick at the Seattle Cinerama. This movie theater has been recently redone and features a gigantic screen and a double level seating area. The theater typically features whatever the latest blockbuster is and is a great place to relax and watch the action unfold onscreen.
Chihuly Garden and Glass-If art is your thing or if you want to experience, the art that Seattle has cultivated the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is a must. The museum is on the grounds of the Seattle Center (which also is a great place to explore) and features the very best of local glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work. His sculptures are beautiful and the merging of nature and glass make for a unique exhibit. There is a café right by the museum with tasty eats after you have had your feel of gazing at the sparkly works of art.
Seward Park- There are many different parks to choose from in Seattle but this is one of my absolute favorites. The park is located towards the Southern end of the city and looks right out at Mercer Island. There is a road that you can drive all the way around the park, beaches to swim and relax at as well as walking trails in the forest and around the lake. It is an excellent choice for an afternoon outing although be warned parking can fill up quickly.