Wondering what to do in Seattle? Let us offer a few suggestions . . .

If you're looking to experience what Seattle has to offer (from a local's perspective), we think you'll enjoy any of the activities listed below.

We've tried to include as much information and phone numbers on this list where possible, but PLEASE double-check our information -- it's always a good idea to also pick up a guidebook as a complete resource for information and for additional suggestions.

GETTING AROUND

Before we get to the list, you're probably wondering what is the best way to get around as you explore Seattle. Within the downtown area, it is relatively easy to walk or take advantage of the "free-ride zone" on the bus, which spans the majority of the downtown area. For most attractions outside of the immediate downtown area, a car is probably the best way to go -- The problem, of course (as in most cities), is parking it within the downtown area. The best deal for parking is in the underground lot at Pacific Place, a mall located at Sixth and Pike.

IN SEATTLE

CITY PASS - If you are looking to hit all the best of Seattle's tourist attractions, at half the normal admission price, this is the way to do it.  For $33.50 ($21.50 for children) you can have tickets to the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, an Argosy Cruise, the Boeing Museum of Flight, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Aquarium. The City Pass is good for one week, so you don't have to try and fit all of these activities into one day. Tickets can be purchased at any of the locations mentioned above.

PIKE PLACE MARKET - If you only have the chance to do one activity on this list- this is it! The Pike Place Market is as much an icon of Seattle as the Space Needle, and much more fun! Founded in 1907, this farmers market features more than 100 farmers and 200 craftsmen. Within the market, there are many restaurants (try the Athenian Inn, where part of Sleepless in Seattle was filmed), shops, coffee shops and even the world's first Starbucks. Be sure to get a picture of the flying fish!

EXPERIENCE MUSIC PROJECT - EMP just opened last summer and seems to be quite an attraction. Funded by Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft) and designed by Frank Gehry, it was originally intended as a memorial to Jimi Hendrix but has instead turned into an interactive rock & roll music museum. It's located in Seattle Center right under the Space Needle, not far from Lake Union. Be prepared for sticker shock though - admission is $20.

THE SPACE NEEDLE & SEATTLE CENTER - Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, the Space Needle remains the most recognizable symbol of Seattle. The Needle also marks the center of "The Seattle Center." Here you can find the Pacific Science Center, Key Arena (Go Sonics!), an amusement park, several theaters and now, the Experience Music Project (see above for description). On a clear day, the Space Needle provides an amazing view of the region - from Puget Sound, Lake Washington and Lake Union, the Olympic Mountains to the West, the Cascade Mountain Range to the East, Mt. Rainier to the South and much more. There is an observation deck at the top (tickets are $11.00 for adults, $8.00 for children). The Space Needle and Seattle Center are connected to the center of downtown Seattle by another attraction from the 1962 World's Fair - The Seattle Monorail! This elevated transport provides a quick 90-second trip each way between the Westlake Center shopping mall to the Seattle Center ($1.50 each way).

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING - The main shopping area is within easy walking distance to the Pike Place Market, Seattle Monorail, and Seattle Art Museum (check out this museum if you have time!). The shopping is anchored by the Nordstrom flagship store at 5th and Pike Street, which is connected to the upscale Pacific Place mall. Located nearby are countless shops (both unique to the city and nationally-known), restaurants, and coffee shops as well as The Bon Marche and The Westlake Center mall. Good restaurants to try downtown are: The Icon Grill, Rock Bottom Café, and Desert Fire.

PIONEER SQUARE - This neighborhood, with the city's central business district to the north and the Mariners' Safeco Field ballpark to the south, is the historic district of Seattle. Bookstores, art galleries and many local bars are located here.  If you go, be sure and take the Underground Tour and see Seattle as it was at the turn of the century, the twentieth century, that is.

THE SEATTLE WATERFRONT - Ferries to Seattle's many neighboring islands leave from the city's popular waterfront area (if you go, Bainbridge is by far the nicest island), as well as numerous boat tours of Puget Sound. You'll also find the Seattle Aquarium (Pier 59), The Omnidome Film Experience (Pier 59), the Maritime Discovery Center (Pier 66) as well as plenty of great seafood restaurants. Feed the seagulls at the famous Ivar's Clam Bar (great clam chowder and fish & chips!), ride the waterfront trolley or watch the sunset over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from Anthony's Pier 66 Restaurant (206.448-6688).

ARGOSY CRUISES - This company offers the biggest variety of boat tours including Seattle harbor cruises, cruises through the Ballard Locks to Lake Union and cruises from Lake Union to Lake Washington. On this tour, you'll see Dale Chihuly's glass art studio, the houseboats of "Sleepless in Seattle" fame, the University of Washington, and Bill Gates' monstrosity he calls home. Prices range from $12-24. For reservations or more information, call (206) 623-4553.

JUST OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN (10-15 MINUTES BY CAR)

BEACHES - If the weather is great (keep you fingers crossed), try Alki Beach across Elliott Bay from downtown Seattle (with spectacular views of the city and islands). Be sure to get a home baked pastry and latté at the Alki Café before you start your walk along the beach. There is also a great paved path for roller-blading, running, biking and walking.

LAKE UNION - Located right in Seattle, just northeast of downtown, Lake Union also offers some fun activities, including:

Seakayaking: Kayaks can be rented from Northwest Outdoor Center, 2100 Westlake Avenue North -- (206) 281-9684 (approx. $10-15)

Aerial Tours: Seattle Seaplanes take off from Lake Union and offer 20-minute scenic flights over the city for $42.50 - (800) 637-5553.

FARTHER AFIELD (OUTSIDE SEATTLE)

MT. RAINIER - Seattle's most treasured sight on a sunny day! This 14,410 Ft. snowcapped volcano is located 90 miles outside of Seattle and is a great place to go for a day trip for some hiking or just a picnic. For more information, call (360) 569-2211.

SNOQUALMIE FALLS - Located approximately 45 minutes from the city, the beautiful 270 ft. falls is surrounded by a great park for hiking. The TV show "Twin Peaks" included these falls to open their show. There is also a great restaurant and inn (The Salish Lodge - (800) 826-6124) at the very top of the falls where you can look over the edge of the falls as you eat! To get there, drive east from Seattle on I-90 and look for exit 27.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS - These picturesque islands lie Northwest of Seattle in the Puget Sound. There are said to be as many as 786 islands in the San Juan archipelago, but by ferry you can reach only four. Keep your eyes open for Orcas and bald eagles! For information, call the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, (360) 378-5240.

WINERY/BREWERY TOUR - There are two well-known wineries and several microbreweries in the area that are always fun to visit. The Columbia Winery, (800) 488-2347, is located in Woodinville (approx. 45 minutes from downtown Seattle) and features Washington's largest wine tasting bar. Chateau Ste. Michelle, (800) 267-6793, is the largest winery in the state and is located nearby in the grand mansion of a 1912 estate. Located just down the street from these wineries, is the Red Hook Brewery, (425) 483-3232, one of the most popular microbreweries in the area.

VICTORIA, B.C. - Located in neighboring British Columbia, Canada, Victoria is a beautiful quaint city located on Vancouver Island. The city itself is reminiscent of England with Native American influences. The best way to get to Victoria is on the Victoria Clipper, a high-speed (2 hour) passenger ferry which cruises through the San Juan Islands on its way to Canada. If you take the early boat, you can spend the day in Victoria and be back in Seattle in time for dinner. The Clipper leaves from pier 69 on the Seattle Waterfront. For information call (800) 888-2535.