Plus appréciés Attractions à Seattle

Located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park is a popular park in Seattle that is renowned for providing the beautiful panoramic views of the city. With Mount Rainier as a picturesque backdrop, this park is popular with locals and tourists alike. At night, the view of the city from the park is breathtaking and dream-like which makes it perfect for pictures.

Visitors to Seattle are usually stunned by the abundance of water surrounding the city. Just north of downtown lies Lake Union. Surrounded by houseboat communities, marinas, shipbuilders and glitzy restaurants, the lake is a hub of activity. Seaplanes take off and land, sharing the 600-acre lake with kayaks, canoes, powerboats, sailboats and tugboats. While the lake can be explored any time of year, Fireworks Over Lake Union are an annual highlight, bringing thousands of people to the lake's shores. For a day out with children or friends, Lake Union never disappoints.

Woodland Park Zoo is an award-winning zoo and a must to visit while you are in the city. Only minutes from busy downtown, the zoo lets you step into an African savannah, an Asian elephant habitat and a tropical rain forest. The zoo also brings special exhibits, which have included monitor dragons, butterflies and other bugs and beasts. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the green lawns of Woodland Park, which surrounds the zoo. You also won't want to miss the nearby Rose Garden.

Although Discovery Park has a beach, it is not a prime spot for sunbathing or swimming as the water's a little cold and the beach a little rocky. Most visitors hike the miles of trails, which offer great bird-watching opportunities. One of the trails extends to Puget Sound, and after a lengthy downhill walk, you will find tide pools and a lighthouse.

This 200-acre (80.93 hectare) park is a must-see for every Seattle visitor with even an hour of free time. With its lush green spaces, its breathtaking Japanese Garden (open 10a daily), and its abundance of rare trees, plants and flowers (more than 40,000 species), it is one of the brightest jewels in the Emerald City. Scenic and aptly named Azalea Way cuts a path through the park. The Graham Visitor's Center can be rented for social events, meetings and seminars for 45-75 guests. Rates include kitchen and audio-visual equipment. Call or visit the web site for detailed information and hours.

If one were to speculate the least likely thing to appear at the corner of South 55th and Renton avenues, Japanese gardens may be one thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, these splendid acres of lush greenery, feeding ponds and footbridges painted bright red with gold accents provide a beautiful escape. Fujito Kubota, a master gardener and landscaper, gave the park to the city of Seattle in 1987. Admission is free.