Hello all guides, how are you doing?
I had absolutely a wonderful trip in Seattle, Washington, USA in last Spring. Writing this up just like traveling through fresh memories about Seattle and Washington. If you have got time to spare in this beautiful town, I bet you will love it to the max. Seattle ranks among 10 Most Livable Cities in the US, 2022. According to the World Population Review, the ranks can be based on personal preferences that included proximity to family, politics, and climate. Other than that, they also count job market, value [household income and the cost of living], quality of life desirability [crime and quality of education] and net migration. I did not travel through all states or cities to rank it. I had only been to Oregon and Texas beside Washington but personally, I love Seattle and Washington for its evergreen forest and colder temperature. Moreover, there are lots of things to do and see around that city.
What would you do in a short time in Seattle or say Washington?
There are three big icons people told me about: The Space Needle, Mount Rainier and the Museum of Flight. Even though these are three big icons, I only managed to see two among those. However, there are many things you can explore around Seattle city alone. I made a list of what to see in Seattle if you have only one-two weeks in town, from my point of view.
Seattle downtown: 1 full day
- Walk in Seattle downtown (2-4hours) - you might want to take a direct train from the airport to Seattle Downtown which takes about 30minutes. The one full day pass (up to 12pm) is 6USD/person. In downtown, you might just enjoy strolling around and stop by any café or restaurant - or even shopping.
- Sky observatory at floor #73 (1-2hours) - however, there are things you want to explore in downtown. I love going up high and see the city. I chose to go to the Columbia bank and purchased ticket for Sky view at Floor 73. The ticket is 26$/person [Other options from Sky Observatory or city view is the Space Needle but the ticket price is more expensive (38$/person) - or take Helicopter tour over the city]. On a sky deck, you enjoy 360 degree view to the city of Seattle, the harbour, the whole Seattle, the Space Needle and of course drinks and coffee. You can stay up there until 9pm.
Space needle viewed from the Sky Observatory of Columbia bank, floor #73
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Starbucks Reserve Roastery (40mn -1hour) - this is special for those who are coffee fan. You might as well want to the Stuck Original. It is very closed to the downtown.
Me and the Starbuck company building
- Visit the Museum of Flight: (2-4hours) - the next day you wouldn’t want to miss the Museum of Flight. It portraits so many things: the history of plane making [first in history], the Vietnam war, the Spaceship and the real planes there were built by Boeing. This one really excited me. I was in a hurry so only spent 1.5 hours there but for detailed tour, I think you need at least 3hours to go around. There are just too many things to see and learn. There are veterans who volunteer to give all information you need. I mean you get a chance to talk the captain during the Vietnam War. They are very happy to answer you any question you might have. My parents were really happy to see the planes they saw during the Vietnam War. They could related those planes to their childhood. You can see the Museum of Flight at Everett too. These are also big. If you want to see the real plane field, travel around the city to Rention (smaller factory) or travel around Boeing - you will see hundreds of planes being made and shown.
Dad was curious about the flight attendant while I posted for photos
The section of Vietnam War: the planes they used and all locations and history were shown at the Museum of Flight
- Visit University of Washington (1.1.50hour) - The University of Washington is the biggest university in Washington state and one among the top universities in USA, I feel truly amazing to see the compound of the university! My previous post about the university is here.
- Visit Bruce Li’s tomb (1hour) - the tomb of famous Kongfu artist and the film star from 1970s (together with his son). People still pay respect to his tomb
- Alki Beach (West Seattle) (2hours) - Alki beach is located in West Seattle, facing to the city downtown where you can view Space Needle clearly. My previous post about Alki beach is here.
- Hiking or skiing at Mount Rainier (1 full day-3days overnight camp)
For those who love trekking, hiking, and things like that, you should not miss the opportunities to see Mount Rainier. My parents love this place very much because they got a chance to the snow in May. For them, this is something very special and memorable about America. It is about 2hour drive from Seattle. The ticket is 30$/van/car and you can stay up to 7 days.
My mom enjoyed Mount Rainier’s snow
There are many things you can do and see while in Seattle but for me these are the highlights. I really love this town.
This is probably our first international travels together as family. My bigger brother was there in the trip as well.
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