Seattle - Places to Visit
Art Galleries
Over 190 galleries are located in the greater Seattle area, with many more throughout the state and region. Exhibits of every kind abound, including a full range of framed art, sculptures, blown glass, jewelry, contemporary animation, pottery, Native American collectibles, clocks, antiques, handcrafted furniture and much more.
top ↑Adventure
Nature walks, hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, river rafting, eagle floats, fresh or saltwater fishing, mountain climbing, llama trekking, skiing or snowshoeing; these and more are available from just a few minutes to half a day away.
top ↑Cruises
Whether the destination is Alaska, the triangle of Seattle / Victoria / Vancouver, the San Juan Islands, or anywhere around Puget Sound, there are opportunities to enjoy overnight cruises or cruise/land tours of 2-14 days or more. Seattle has been growing as a cruise port since the Bell Street Pier opened in 2000. Ships will now be departing from Piers 30, 66, 69 and other nearby locations.
top ↑Gardens
Do you love gardens? Why not start your experience with February's annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show with 28 full-size gardens, over 400 exhibitors, more than 100 seminars and hands-on demonstrations, and top experts and horticulturists from around the world? Springtime brings the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and Weyerhaeuser's Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in full bloom.
top ↑Islands
Some of the most beautiful islands to be found are located in Puget Sound and northward into Canada. From the central islands of Vashon, Bainbridge and Whidbey to the spectacular San Juan Islands which are known for their beauty, natural resources and living history, each island offers a different experience. Camp, hike, bicycle, kayak, sail, or watch for whales, seals, otters, eagles, blue heron, fox, rabbits, and other marine and wildlife.
top ↑Museums
The Seattle area is home to an excellent selection of art, historical, scientific and special interest museums. Choose from American, Asian, African and European art; aviation from bi-planes to space capsules; historic naval ships and wooden vintage boats; state and regional history and industry; craft and design; glass art; Asian, Native American and Scandinavian contributions to the Pacific Northwest; natural history and cultural heritage; children's interests and hands-on activities; rock and roll and other American music and memorabilia; historic trains; police exhibits; doll art; bonsai in woodland settings; and a one-of-a-kind Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame.
top ↑Performing Arts
Seattle boasts more theaters than any comparably sized U.S. city, and the number of total performances ranks second only to New York City. Increasingly, Seattle is gaining a reputation as a city that sends great work to Broadway, such as the mega-hit musical Hairspray. World recognition is given to the Seattle Symphony with its nearly 100 compact disc recordings, 10 Grammy nominations and countless other awards and kudos for innovation and excellence in programming, to the Seattle Opera for its Wagner productions, including the "Ring" cycle in summer 2005 which will draw ticket holders from 49 states and 17 foreign countries, and to the Pacific Northwest Ballet for its Balanchine works and annually acclaimed "Nutcracker."
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