There is plenty to see and do in this Pacific Northwest city. We didn’t see it all but here are some of the highlights.
The Space Needle
It’s the most iconic structure in the Seattle skyline, so it only makes sense to start with The Space Needle. Built in city center in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle towers above the streets below. A ticket to the Space Needle offers an elevator climb that lands you 520 feet in the air with sweeping 360 degree views of the Emerald City and Mount Rainier. The top of the Space Needle is also home to SkyCity, the world’s oldest revolving restaurant, complete with a glass floor. We did not have the opportunity to dine here, but if you find a few free moments, I recommend at least stopping by for a drink!
Helpful Information: Upon turning in our CityPass ticket, we still had to schedule a time to visit the Space Needle (scheduling times helps control crowds). We scheduled our time and then went to Chihuly Garden and Glass right next door. By the time we were finished at Chihuly, it was time for the our Space Needle tour. I hope this helps to maximize your time!
For more information, visit www.spaceneedle.com
Underground Tour
Under the streets of Pioneer Square, there are passageways and basements that were once the ground level storefronts in mid 19th century Seattle. In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire destroyed 31 blocks of the city. Prior to the fire, Pioneer Square often flooded. To improve the city after the fire, they rebuilt 2 stories higher. Life had to go on for merchants during the months that it took to rebuild so businesses reopened in their original spaces, at the original street grade, and used ladders to climb onto to the new streets above to come and go. Glass inserts were built into the new sidewalks (and still exist today) to provide light below. By 1907, all merchants had moved their businesses to the “new ground level” and the underground was shut down. A small portion was restored by a local citizen by the name of Bill Speidel in 1965. Today the underground can be toured with “Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour”. Guides lead you through the underground passageways and provide you with history, witty banter, and humorous stories.
Helpful Information: The tour begins below Doc Maynard’s Pub. Food and drinks are available before and/or after your tour. There is a special package priced to include lunch and the tour if you choose. The walking tour lasts about 75 minutes. Reservations/ticket purchase is recommended ahead of time. Tours start on the hour. Hours vary by season.
For more information visit www.undergroundtour.com
Glass “Sidewalk Windows” 
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a small park on the South slope of Queen Anne Hill, located at the corner of Second Avenue and West Highland Drive. The reason to visit Kerry Park? THE VIEW! The 1.26 acre spot offers an all encompassing view of downtown Seattle, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier. The view at sunset is stunning and worth the trip.
Helpful Information: If you are driving, go early. There is only street parking and due to the popularity of this sunset view, parking becomes scarce quickly. The surrounding neighborhood is safe and filled with large gorgeous homes that have daily access to the one-of-a-kind Seattle view.
Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
This one hour cruise on Elliot Bay is part of the “CityPass” and provides dazzling views of the Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. The boat crew offers history and fun facts about Seattle and if you are lucky they will help you spot seasonal wildlife. Orcas are known to be spotted in Elliot Bay.
The Harbor Cruise is not the only benefit to Pier 55. There are nearby shops, restaurants, pubs, and perhaps most notably Seattle’s Great Wheel, a large Ferris wheel with enclosed air conditioned capsules that offer a vantage point from high in the sky.
Helpful Information: If you are using CityPass for the harbor cruise, reservations must be made in person at the ticket booth on Pier 55. Non CityPass reservations can be made online or via phone. A full service cash bar is on board, offering beer, wine, and cocktails.
The Great Wheel is said to be a perfect place to watch the sunset, but be aware that many people have the same idea so it may get crowded.
Pier 55 is located at 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA.
For more information on the Argosy Harbor Cruise, visit www.argosycruises.com. For more information on The Great Wheel, visit www.thegreatwheel.com
Ballard Locks
Ballard Locks is on the United States National Register of Historic Places. It is a complex of locks at the west end of Salmon Bay in the Lake Washington Ship Canal. What are the Ballard Locks? The Ballard Locks help to move vessels from Lake Washington to the Puget Sound without allowing the freshwater to mix with the saltwater. After vessels enter the locks, fresh water drains from the lock via drainage valves that close once the water has emptied. Different drains open to allow saltwater from the Puget Sound into the lock until water pressure is equal on both sides of the gate. At this point, the lock opens and the vessels are free to cruise into the Sound. It is a process that is quite fascinating to witness.
The fish ladder is also located in the Ballard Locks complex. Salmon hatch in fresh water (Lake Washington) but mature in seawater (Puget Sound). After swimming in the saltwater for 2-6 years, they migrate back to freshwater to spawn. The fish ladder was created to help the salmon to safely pass around the locks during migration. If you visit Ballard Locks between June and September, you will have the pleasure of witnessing this!
Helpful Information: Free tours are given at the Locks daily, except in December, January, and February. The Visitor’s Center’s hours vary by season, so check the website before traveling. There is also 7 acres of Botanical Gardens in the complex. Picnic lunches are allowed but no food is sold onsite. Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a leash. The Locks themselves close for 2 weeks in March and November for maintenance.
For more information, visit www.ballardlocks.org
Fish Ladder at Ballard Locks 
Salmon Migrating through the Fish Ladder at Ballard Locks
Seattle Sports
Seattle has had some real powerhouses in sports in the last several years. Two of their biggest stadiums sit adjacent to one another, joined by a parking deck. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can catch the Mariners or the Seahawks in action. Go 12s!
