One of Seattle's most famous landmarks, Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously working public market in the United States and one of the world's top 50 most visited attractions. Pike Place opened in 1907 as the city's first public market, expanding to keep up with its growing popularity as a convenient option for both shoppers and merchants. The market remains a veritable cornucopia of culinary and artisanal options, its crowded aisles and bustling halls thronged with customers jostled between vendors of fresh produce and gourmet eats, alongside fishmongers and craftsmen. The street level is dominated by the food and produce stalls, while the lower levels house a fantastic variety of shops including antique dealers, head shops, florists, and local artisans. A whirlwind of sights, sounds and aromas, Pike Place Market is nothing short of paradise for foodies and connoisseurs of unique wares.
Chihuly Garden Glass amazes visitors with displays of colour and fine artistry. With the iconic Space Needle serving as its backdrop, this unique exhibit – conceived by artist Dale Chihuly – features glass sculptures that have to be seen to be believed. The splendour of lush gardens showcasing Chihuly's signature glass creations is a truly serene experience. Easily accessible via the Seattle Monorail, there is no excuse for not experiencing this incomparable display of nature and glass.
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.
Explore the history of flight from the Wright Brothers to space travel. Collections at Museum of Flight include commercial, military and civilian crafts. See a 1929 Boeing 80A-1, the sole survivor of its type. The 1926 Swallow was used as the nation's first contracted airmail service starting in April 1926. For those interested in more modern aircraft, there are the dynamic M-21 Blackbird, the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever built, and the VC-137B Air Force One, which flew President Dwight D. Eisenhower on a historic visit to meet with Germany's Chancellor Konrad Adenauer in 1959. Take a walk through the “Red Barn,” a museum in its own right, where the Boeing Company manufactured its first aircraft. There is also a library with an extensive selection of aviation information, as well as a museum store and a cafe on the premises.
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a unique and historic location in Seattle. Completed in 1917, this landmark connects the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Puget Sound. Watching the boats navigate the locks is interesting enough, but the location also hosts an unusual fish ladder that connects salt and freshwater for the local migrating Pacific Salmon. The grounds feature a visitors centre as well as the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.
Sitting on Capitol Hill with Volunteer Park's large grassy knoll at its entrance and a neighborhood known for its unique culture surrounding it, the Asian Art Museum is not to be missed. Have lunch in the park overlooking downtown Seattle, and then wander into the museum to be immediately engulfed in some of the world's most precious Asian art. Browse through over 23,000 objects that include African, Asian, European, Oceanic, Aboriginal, among other international art. From one of the top five US Japanese & Korean Art collections to ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, visitors are able to absorb prominent multi-cultural art. Call ahead for visiting hours.
Take the ferry from Seattle on a 50-minute trip to historic Bremerton. Located close to the ferry terminal, this "floating museum" lets you view the configuration of naval destroyers up close. Named for Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, a leading Korean Armistice Peace negotiator, this ship was involved in the August 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident, which helped to escalate the Vietnam War. Take an in-depth tour of this historic ship, which is maintained in its original condition.
The corporate headquarters of Weyerhaeuser, the largest timber company in America, devotes a chunk of its property to two public gardens—a rhododendron display and this bonsai collection. The tiny, gnarled trees are fantastic both in shape and age. Some are as much as 1,000 years old. Most are little pines, but there are some deciduous trees as well, and several are arranged in charming miniature landscapes. Bonsai masters give occasional weekend lectures and classes. Tours are also offered every Sunday at noon.
One of the largest academic law libraries in the West, this library has court briefs, United States government publications, an East Asian collection and a general collection. It also provides access to legal databases, including LegalTrac, LEXIS-NEXIS and WESTLAW, the World News Collection and Congressional Universe. Those not affiliated with the University of Washington should sign in at the second floor entrance. To check out materials, visitors must register at the Circulation Desk (photo identification and proof of Washington residency required).
The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is the only monastery in the United States, this brightly painted building came to fruition in 1928 as a Presbyterian church. Now decorated with intricate carvings and red and yellow colors, this monastery was featured in the 1993 film 'Little Buddha' and contains gorgeous statues, meditation rooms and a library. The exterior alone is worth a visit, but several times each week the public is welcome in for meditation. Throughout the year, various memorial events and ritual celebrations take place, some open to the public, some not. Frequent classes and lectures occur in the evening, ranging from, 'Practical Tibetan' for travelers to bead-making. This little-known treasure is a feast for both eyes and soul.
Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church is a community of worshipers who strongly believe in the preachings of Christ. The church works towards spiritual development of both children and adults by offering contemplative prayer sessions along with bible study and film screenings. Mount Baker church, located near Mount Baker Park, also provides childcare along with community services for social events viz. baptism, weddings and funerals. You can even enjoy listening to the choir here on Sundays and interestingly, they don't just sing gospel alone.