Things to do in Seattle...?

Question

I've decided to take my mother and her husband to Seattle for her 50th in 2008. I'm looking at going in September as I could do without all the kids. I've never been there before so can anyone recommed a hotel or a house to rent that would accomodate 4 adults? Also, what is there to do there? I'm thinking of a fly drive, is it worthwhile or is it better to just go there and forget car hire?

This may be one for the Americans to advise me on (I'm UK based).

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Had a great time in seatle last year. We went at about the same time of year We stayed with friends so can;t help with accomodation but would def recomend a fly drive.

1. Go to Mount Rainer national park...Huge mountain part of the cascades, really beautiful, we spend a few days up there.

2. Head up to vancouver, its only a 2 hr drive and great place to stay also

3. The space needle is cheesy but worth a visit, plus its in the science park which has some othe rfun attractions, the music museum was fun, you can record your own cd!

4. Pike PLace market is great, you see the fish stalls throwing whole samon between them

5. The original Starbucks (also in the market)

6. Take a boat trip through the lakes, go through the sea lochs Good fun (esp for oldies! :))

7. Shopping is quite good.

8. Boeing aircraft factory is open to the public, pretty interesting

9. catch a baseball or football game

10. go canoeing

11. the art muesium is prettty good as is the natural history one

You can "do" seatle in a few days so you need to get out into the countryside...you need a car for that.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks all

Answer 2

Unless there's something particular in Seattle you're hoping to do, I'd recommend a fly-drive.
My and my (now) wife did a trip around california and some of the other states in september and being on the road was fantastic. Some of the best times on our trip were on the road - sights etc.

Our trip was the best holiday of my life, I've emailed you a few more details, let me know if I can help with anything else.

Answer 3

Seems like you're getting plenty of information. September is nice in Seattle. I've been there several times and September has the best weather. Not so much rain. One thing that people over look and I think is a "must" to see is the Ballard Locks. Research it on the web...very interesting.

Source(s):

ME

Answer 4

Fly drive and renting a car are both advisable for better views!
Washington is named after George Washington, the US President. Did you know that it is the only state that is named after a President?
It is the 42nd state & its capital is Olymphia. Major cities are Seattle, Spokane & Tacoma.

A. Accommodation & Dining:
B. Places to see:
C. Malls:

Before I go to a certain place, I usually buy a map & study the places that I finding interesting through the internet ! I make a schedule. This saves time & money.

A. Accommodation & Dining:
For accommodation, see yahoo travel for the top 10 hotels that they are going to advice you. It is also advisable for you to search on the vacation houses for rent ! Things to be taken into consideration is the accessibility to the places you are going!
Pike's Place Market is a must! Dont you know that this is the oldest market in the USA? There is a Market Heritage Tours. It costs $8.00 for every person. You have to reserve ahead of time. You can start here after a tiring travel. See the reviews at Yahoo travel.

B. Places to see:
If you are flying, dont forget to see the Mount Rainier which is Washington's highest peak at 14,410 feet. Dont worry, this hasnt errupted for the past 2,000 years. It is also called "Tahoma" by the natives.
Washington's Cascade Range has several volcanic mountains. You can ski, hike & enjoy nature here. Mount Saint Helens, a dormant volcano since 1857 errupted in 1980. Washington is an "Evergreen State" attributed to its forests.
Did you know that Washington produces the most number of fresh apple in the nation?

LOCATION: Seattle is located in the Puget Sound, an arm of the Pacific Ocean. See the Space Needle! It was built in 1962 for the World Fair held in Seattle.

BOEING MUSEUM:
Aluminum is used to build jets & airplanes. The Boeing Company used aluminum produced in Washington to make fighter planes & bombers at factories in the state during World War II. It became the country's largest aircraft manufacturer. Go visit the Boeing Museum of Flight.

SEATTLE WATERFRONT:
After a tiring day, you probably want to enjoy the fun tourist shops & the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Check if there is a baseball game, that is the Mariners are playing! This place is very busy at the start of the day. The Bainbridge Island ferry leaves from Colman duct. Dont forget the Seattle Aquarium and the Discovery Center here.
While at the waterfront, dont forget to try Ivar's Acres of clams, they got nice reviews not only in Yahoo travel but also in Yahoo answers. There is Ye' old Curiosity shop nearby & it is nice to watch sunset at this area. Probably dinner would be better here.
Watch out also for the beggars in the Waterfront. Be ready to bring coins so that they wont bother you long!

UNDERGROUND TOUR:
Location: Seattle's Pioneer Square
608 First Avenue

Be ready to wear pants & rubber shoes as you travel underground. You have to climb stairs.

START OF THE TOUR:
Doc Maynard's Public House
Here you are seated for a brief intro-duction! Then walk over the Pioneer Square to 3 different blocks underground!

Rogue's Gallery: where the tour ends.
Here you will find colorful portraits of
important people in Seattle's history.

Underground Cafe! Try it after the tiring
trip!~ try their Angus burgers!

Other places to go:
1. Woodland Zoo
2. Safeco Field
3. Pacific Science Center
4. Experience Music Project, try riding the monorail passing infront of it!
5. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks ( Ballard Locks)
6. Seattle Art Museum
7. University of Washington ( see the cherry trees that line the school)
8. SAFECO Field
9. Showqualmie Falls
10. Indian Totem Pole
11. Seattle Public Library

C. Malls
1. Westlake Mall in downtown
2. Westlake Plaza, see Nordstrom

D. Casino:
1. Tulip Casino

Source(s):

Microsoft Encarta for Kids 2006
Microsoft Premium DVD 2006
Yahoo travel, see the 112 pictures as slideshow, the top 10 popular attractions in Seattle, their websites, business hours & other information, reviews!