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Seattle

The vibrant and fun-filled city of Seattle is the main starting point for many road trips into the Pacific Northwest. Far from being just a starting point for a family vacation, visitors should spend a day or so getting to know this popular city as there’s lots to see and do.

If you’re only planning to spend a day in Seattle concentrate your time in the downtown district where there’s a great selection of attractions. Pike Place Market is one of those – almost entirely indoors, this market sells most things and has a fun and quirky feel to it. This would be the perfect place to stock up on some of those vacation supplies before you set off on your road trip!

Also in downtown is the impressive Seattle Aquarium that’s bound to entertain the whole family! Both mammals and fish native to the Pacific Northwest are showcased here and there are touch tanks, jewel tanks and other exhibits to see. Numerous museums, focusing on various aspects of Seattle’s history and culture are located around the city too, including the Klondike Gold Rush National Museum, and the Museum of History and Industry.

One of Seattle’s most popular and prominent attractions is the Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the tower continues to attract thousands of visitors each day for its fabulous Pacific Northwest views. On clear days you can easily see Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains as well as the Olympic mountains, and of course the whole of Seattle. You should also check out the route you’ll be taking if your next stop is the ferry over to Olympic National Park!

Quick Facts:
--- The Space Needle may be Seattle’s best known landmark, but there are actually two skyscrapers in the city that give visitors great views too – the Smith Tower Observation Deck, and the Columbia Center.
--- Despite Seattle’s reputation for being a wet city, statistically the city actually receives less rain than New York, Atlanta and Houston!

Trips matching your search

Seattle, Washington

3 trips match your search criteria.
Highlights of the Olympic Peninsula

Highlights of the Olympic Peninsula

7 to 10 Nights  |  Starting from $3,375

Spend some time on the Olympic Peninsula. Start from the Seattle area and take the ferry over to Olympic National Park. See glaciers, hike in ancient rainforests, take in incredible ocean views. Try sea kayaking or relax on a scenic raft trip through the rainforest. Watch for migrating whales and abundant bird life. End your trip with a scenic flight over Mt. Rainier or Mt. St. Helen's volcano.
Rainforests, Ocean & Glaciers

Rainforests, Ocean & Glaciers

7 to 10 Nights  |  Starting from $3,375

This trip allows you to really explore this diverse area. Watch for migrating whales and other marine life on the ferry ride from the mainland to Olympic Peninsula. See glaciers, hike in ancient rainforests, take in incredible ocean views. Try sea kayaking or relax on a scenic raft trip through the rainforest. Take a flightseeing tour over Mt. Rainier, then head into the park for glacier views and incredible hiking.
The Olympic Peninsula, Mount St. Helen's and Mount Rainier

The Olympic Peninsula, Mount St. Helen's and Mount Rainier

11 to 14 Nights  |  Starting from $4,825

Take a behind the scenes tour of Pike Place Market in Seattle, then watch for migrating whales and other marine life on the ferry ride from the mainland to Olympic Peninsula. The scenery is incredibly diverse from glaciers to ancient rainforests to seastacks on the Pacific Ocean. Try sea kayaking or relax on a scenic raft trip through the rainforest. Hike in a lava tube created by the last explosion of Mt. St. Helen's and witness this renewed active volcano, or take a flightseeing tour over Mt. Rainier.
Trips matching your search