Jet off to the Emerald City
Nick-named “The Emerald City” due to its lush evergreen forest, Seattle was inhabited for 4,000 years by indigenous peoples before the arrival of European settlers. Today, it’s the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, and home to companies like Boeing, Amazon, and Microsoft. Below you’ll discover some of the sights and attractions of this seaport city.
Seattle Great Wheel
Opened in 2012, this giant Ferris wheel offers city views from a height of over 175-feet. It has 42 enclosed gondolas and takes 4 minutes to complete a full revolution.
The Original Starbucks
The Pike’s Place Starbucks store started serving coffee here in 1971 and is known as the “Original Starbucks” despite actually being the company’s second location. It is now a popular tourist destination.
Space Needle
This iconic structure was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, and was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. It is estimated that 1.3 million visitors ascend the to the top of the tower each year.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
With the intention to globally improve healthcare, end poverty and enhance education, the Foundation was launched in 2000. It is reported to be the largest private foundation in the world, with nearly $47 billion in assets.
Lake Washington
This 34 square-mile lake separates Seattle from neighboring Bellevue. These two cities are connected across the lake by the world’s two longest floating bridges; the Evergreen Point Bridge to the north and the Lacey V. Murrow Bridge to the south.
Volunteer Park Watertower & Observatory
Built in 1906, this unique observation tower looks out over Volunteer Park. The park itself was designed by John Charles Olmsted, adopted son of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Lumen Field
Home of the NFL’s Seahawks, this 68,000-seat multipurpose stadium held the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar at an outdoor stadium (137.6 dB).
T-Mobile Park
Located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, the Seattle Mariners played their first game here in 1999. The ballpark features city skyline views and a retractable roof.
U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle
Home of the U.S. Coast Guards only operational icebreakers, the base provides key support to over 30,000 local military retirees & family members from all of the armed services.
Harbor Island
Positioned at the mouth of the Duwamish River, this artificial island has held the title of World’s largest man-made island twice; once when it opened in 1909, and again after it was expanded in 1967.
Blake Island Marine State Park
Legend has it this was the birthplace of Chief Sealth, for whom the city of Seattle was named. Today this State Park is accessible only by boar and offers visitors options for hiking, biking and fishing.