Top Rated Attractions in Seattle

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.

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.

Stretched along Rich Passage, Fort Ward Park is a scenic marine park of Bainbridge Island. Set amidst a former military base, this park comprises captivating structures, all of which reflect the military significance of the region. Found within the park is an underwater scuba park, which attracts scores of intrepid travelers from far and beyond. Accentuating the recreational value of the park are opportunities for boating and fishing. Families visiting the park will find delight in the unsheltered picnic tables, which come equipped with grills. When in Bainbridge Island, do consider combing the serene locales of the Fort Ward Park.

The Green Lake Park is one of Seattle's most popular recreation parks that became a part of the city as a part of the grand Olmsted plan which aimed at creating a cluster of interconnected green spaces within the city. The lake is engulfed by a 2.8 mile (4.5 km) path that is divided into two different lanes, one for unmotorized vehicles and the other for pedestrians. These paths attract a lot of people seeking relaxation and exercise and hence can be crowded especially on weekends. The Park also features watersport facilities, a golf course, a library and a theater. The Green lake is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Looking to sail on Lake Union? Then look no further than Electric Boat Company which rents our boats for a moderate rate. The 21 foot long boats includes a sound system and the top of the boat can be enclosed, in case of rain or leave the top down during good weather. There is a two hour minimum for a rental.

Volunteer Park displays the Olmsted brothers' late-Victorian urban style of park design. Vistas of rolling lawns, carefully clumped shrubbery, tree-lined drives and carp ponds almost make you feel like you're strolling with top hat and cane in hand. The Kew Gardens-style glass conservatory, filled with humid tropical and arid desert environments, is free to all. At the southern end of the park stands a 75-foot brick water tower with a spiraling staircase and a 360-degree view of the Seattle area, from the Olympics to the Cascades. The view is a bit obstructed by the bars on the windows, but it's lovely in late afternoon sunlight. The park's name commemorates Seattleites who volunteered for the Spanish-American War. The park is also home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum.