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.
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.
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.
Founded by Dick Wagner around 1970, the Center for Wooden Boats upholds the legacy and heritage associated with the Pacific Northwest area's maritime past. This outpost at the South Lake Union campus is one of the two sites where the wooden boats are displayed. The unique feature of this museum is that the exhibits are not hidden behind glass. Instead, the wooden boats that make up this museum are out on the water, waiting to be boarded. Numerous historical boats are docked here and you can climb aboard and learn all about their history from a well-informed staff and dedicated volunteers.
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.
Started in 2009, Fremont Brewing has gained status as one of Seattle's best breweries with its excellent small-batch brews made with local ingredients. This family-run 30-barrel brewery doubles up as a modern-day beer bar and garden, with a long list of craft beer selections which are supplied from the brewery, while pretzels and other light snacks are also available on the menu. Visitors can also bring along their own food or order in from one of the nearby eateries. IPAs, Abominable Winter Ale and Interurban IPAs are some of their more popular brews.
Wildwood Spirits Co. is a good place to sample some freshly prepared spirits in Bothell. This distillery churns out specialties like the Kur Gin with citrus and junipers and the Stark Vatten vodka. The distillery offers patrons a chance to tour the premises and understand the processes that are carried out while distilling the drinks. Food is also served here.