It is with great regret that I must admit I forgot my camera when traveling to Seattle for a recent trip. I underestimated the photo opportunities provided by this stunning city by the sea. Having been there for work meetings, I felt I had seen it all before. I was wrong. Seattle has grown up to be an amazing city flush with technology cash and visual innovators. The landscape is evolving and the interplay between natural and man-made is breathtaking. If you are looking for a reasonable getaway and want a visual feast filled with diversity get yourself to Seattle immediately. And, don’t forget your camera!
Below are some recommendations for seeing and experiencing all that is urban and natural in this sometimes overlooked modern city by the sea.
Pike Place Market – Touristy, yet local. Great variety of sights to see from people to art to fish heads.
Kerry Park – Camera buffs love this view of Seattle recognized as the view from Dr. Fraiser Crane’s apartment from the hit show Frasier.
Seattle Ferries – Great price. With such unpredictable weather you can best witness the interplay of dark and light as clouds, sun and rain come and go.
Ducks of Seattle – Tour Seattle in these WWII amphibious vehicles, you might be embarrassed, but a good time and great point of view will be had.
Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum – Visit the Frank O. Gehry designed building that is provocative inside and out. Creativity and innovation reign here.
Seattle Art Museum – World class trio of museums: Main Downtown, Asian and Sculpture Garden. All fantastic. Current downtown exhibitions include Michelangelo, Alexander Calder and Imogen Cunningham.
Seattle Architecture Tours – See glass, steel, concrete, space and environment clash and come together in unique ways.
Gas Works Park – Adjacent to Union Lake, this strange and beautiful park contains remnants of the sole remaining coal gasification plant in the US.
Places to stay:
Hotel 1000 – Upscale, modern, great location, great views.
Hotel Max – Boutique and reasonable. Filled with art by local talent. A short walk to most downtown spots.
Ace Hotel – Minimalist and chic.
Enjoy your trip!
