Visiting Seattle

[billc]

My wife and I will be traveling to Seattle September 15-23. The 21-23 is booked with a family wedding. The 15-20 are wide open. Beyond the obvious things, what should we do/see?

We'd probably like to go to Vancouver, BC while there as well.

Interests are pretty much anything, but would like to keep it affordable and somewhat relaxing.

Besides walking is the best way to get around the bus?

[sol]

Kind of depends what you're into.  For touristy activities, I usually recommend the underground tour, space needle, emp and/or pacific science center, and the pike street market.

Slightly more cost effective, you might consider riding one of the ferries, looping green lake, and checking out gas works park.

Travel info:  http://www.maxtravelz.com/travel-guides/Seattle.html

[TheFuzz]

If you're sticking around downtown, everything is within walking distance.
The bus system works well as long as you're not in a huge hurry to get where you're going. Some of the routes are more reliably on time than others. Bus fare is $2.25 off peak ($2.50 peak), and you get a 2-hour transfer ticket (kind of short for when you're visiting and want to explore...but that's how it is.) You can find more info at metro.kingcounty.gov.

And I'd second everything Sol said. It's worth getting out of downtown and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. If it's a nice day, Gasworks park has one of the best views of the city in my opinion. I would also recommend packing a dinner and heading to Golden Gardens Park for an evening of relaxing by the waterfront. Pretty sure there's a fire pit there too.

If you're sticking around downtown, check out the library! It's a pretty cool building architecturally (and free to explore, of course!)

There's a train that runs from Seattle up to Vancouver (with a stop in Bellingham, WA as well) http://www.amtrakcascades.com/. Haven't taken it, but have been meaning to. There's just something awesome about traveling by train.

[R62]

Do you have access to wheels?   September is one of the most beautiful months on Mt. Rainier (see my avatar).  Can be done in a day; great picnic destination (or day hike) with an unforgettable view.

[Will]

Just remember that if you want to go to Canada that you now need your passport (unless you have an enhanced driver's license).

[yolfer]

Since this is the MMM forums, I'm assuming you're looking for low-cost or free things to do, and that you enjoy nature.

You can take a walk along the waterfront (downtown). Head north along the water up through the sculpture park (no entrance fee) and Elliott Bay trail.

Some great city parks:

Carkeek: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/carkeek.htm
Golden Gardens: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=243
Discovery Park: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/discovery.htm

Here's an entire site dedicated to hikes you can get to without a car: https://sites.google.com/site/seattlemetrobushiking/

Pick up a copy of the free weekly newspapers once you get to town: "The Stranger" and "Seattle Weekly". They'll have listings of the events taking place.

I second the idea to take the train to BC. It's affordable and relaxing. The border crossing is very lax on the way into Canada, but much more anal on the way back in to the USA (don't bring any produce back in).

I can give you more tips if I knew what part of town you'll be in, and whether you'll have access to bikes.

Hope this helps!

[kaeldra]

You can rent a canoe for cheap at UW (like $7 an hour I think) and paddle across to the botanical gardens - great way to spend an afternoon! Turtles, birds, plants... bring a picnic lunch and haul out for a few minutes.

If you're able to drive/travel from Seattle, the San Juan Islands are neat, or if you don't live near a forested area, you should check out some old growth forests, the trees are impressive. (Sorry, don't have a good old-growth forest to recommend near Seattle, I only know good ones near Bellingham - but others may have ideas.)