Seattle offers an impressive array of free or affordable attractions. Additionally, savvy travelers take advantage of some major seasonal and year-around sightseeing, dining and accommodations packages.
SEATTLE SUPER SAVER
The Seattle Super Saver program, operated by Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau, offers an alternative to the mega online hotel bookers with year-around hotel deals from more than 60 Seattle hotels plus a unique package of benefits and services not available via any other third party hotel distribution channel. These include no booking or hidden fees, no pre-payments and no cancellation fees (up to 24 hours prior to check-in). Phone reservationists personally inspect each property and can advise of kid-friendly hotels, hotel features and location, as well as make reservations. Book at www.seattlesupersaver.com or call (800) 535-7071 (from inside the U.S. and Canada) or (206) 461-5882 (from outside the U.S. and Canada). Reservation lines are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), Monday through Friday.
SEATTLE CityPass
Visitors wanting the "full Seattle experience" often choose to purchase a Seattle CityPass to get the most for their money. Included in the CityPass are admission tickets to many of Seattle's most popular attractions including the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour and an option ticket to The Museum of Flight or Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. If purchased separately, the admission to these attractions would total $106.30.
As a part of CityPass, the cost is $54 for adults and $39 for children. A CityPass can be purchased at the Seattle Visitor Center & Concierge Services, located in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center's upper Pike Street lobby or any of the attractions mentioned above. For more information, visit www.citypass.com.
GO SEATTLE CARD
The all-inclusive Go Seattle Card grants visitors admission to more than 30 of the area's top attractions and tours. Offered by Smart Destinations, the credit-card-sized Go Seattle Card offers simplified access to attractions for a fixed, per-day price (cards are available for one, two, three, five or seven days). Cards are accompanied by Seattle guidebooks and maps to help orient and guide visitors to participating attractions. Savings of up to 20 percent are offered by the card which sells for a low price of $55 for an adult one-day card and $38 for a one-day child card. The card offers admission to the Space Needle, Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, Museum of Flight and other top Seattle attractions. Travelers may purchase the discount card online at www.GoSeattleCard.com.
BEVERAGE TASTING
Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery - You will find this small, family run vineyard and winery just a 35-minute ferry trip across Puget Sound. Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery was the first winery in the Seattle area to grow all of their own grapes on location. Beginning April 4, a guided tour through the vineyard is available Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Wine tasting featuring eight wines is offered Friday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Four wines can be tasted for $3.00. For more information visit www.bainbridgevineyards.com or call (206) 842-9463.
Winery Tours and Tasting - Located in Woodinville, a Seattle suburb.
Chateau Ste. Michelle - Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours are available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Winery tour and tasting is free. (425) 415-3633, www.ste-michelle.com
Columbia Winery- Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5 tasting for five wines.
(425) 488-2776, www.columbiawinery.com
Silver Lake Sparkling Cellars - The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. There are four tasting sheets available and include wines from Silver Lake, Glen Fiona and Hoodsport wineries. Tastings are $5 per sheet and include four to six wines. (425) 485-2437x109, www.silverlakewinery.com
Januik/ Novelty Hill Wineries - Januik and Novelty Hill are two independent wineries that share a tasting room and production facility in Woodinville. Tastings vary from $5-10 depending on your wine preference. Open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.(425) 481-5502, www.januikwinery.com or www.noveltyhillwines.com
Woodhouse Family Cellars - $5 tastings daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tastings included four wines. (425) 527-0608, www.woodhousefamilycellars.com
Redhook Brewery - Puget Sound’s largest microbrewery offers tours and brew tasting for $1.00. The tour of this Woodinville brewery includes tasting of three-four beers and a complimentary tasting glass. For more information visit www.redhook.com or call (425) 483-3232.
Pyramid Brewery - Located across from Safeco Field, Pyramid Brewery offers free tours and tastings daily at 4:00 p.m. For more information visit www.pyramidbrew.com or call (206) 682-3377.
Caffé Appassionato - With locations throughout Seattle, visit a Caffé Appassionato and see the coffee roasting process first hand and enjoy samples of some of their finest blends at their tasting bar. Free. For more information visit www.caffeappasionato.com or call 1-888-502-2333.
ATTRACTIONS
Pike Place Market - Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously-operated farmers market in the U.S. Enjoy samples of local foods from vendors and be entertained by street musicians. Entrance to the market is free, street performers gladly accept donations. For more information visit www.pikeplacemarket.org.
Glass Art Displays - Various locations throughout downtown Seattle have displays of glass art for viewing. Some places to see these exhibits include: the U.S. Bank Building at 5th & Pike, The Sheraton Hotel at 6th & Pike, Benaroya Hall at 3rd & University and various galleries. Free.
University of Washington Campus Tours - You don't have to be a student to take this free tour of the UW campus. The 90-minute walking tour allows visitors a glimpse of Red Square with its gothic style buildings, Drumheller Fountain, Husky Stadium and other notable sights. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit when the cherry trees on campus are in bloom. Free. For more information click here.
Fremont Sunday Market - Host to more than 100 vendors from around the region who bring fresh flowers and produce, crafts and world imports Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer, rain or shine. Browse the flea market in search of the rare or funky or eat in one or the neighborhood bistros. Free. For more information visit www.fremontmarket.com/fremont.
Seattle Mariners' Safeco Field - Visit the home of the Seattle Mariners. The tour includes areas of the ballpark that are not normally open to the public such as the press box, luxury suites, field, dugout and visitor's clubhouse. Hours and dates vary; adult tickets are $9 and children tickets are $7. Tickets can be purchased by calling (206) 622-4427.
Seattle Seahawks' Qwest Field - Visit the home of the Seattle Seahawks. The tour allows fans to sit in a luxury suite, suit up in the visitor’s locker room, and eventually set foot on the same playing surface as Seahawks players. Adult tickets are $7and children tickets are $5. Hours vary; to tour check availability call (206) 381-7582.
ENTERTAINMENT
Out to Lunch Concerts - Free public concerts in Seattle's downtown parks and plazas nearly every lunchtime during the summer. Groups range from classical to rock and jazz. Free. For more information visit www.downtownseattle.com.
Seattle Center - 74-acre park that was the site of the 1962 world's fair and now the city's cultural center - location of the Space Needle, Seattle Opera House, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Children's Museum, Children's Theater, Fun Forest Amusement Park, Pacific Science Center and Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame. Entrance to the Seattle Center grounds is free. For more information visit www.seattlecenter.com.
Northwest Folklife Festival - One of the largest folk festivals in the country - arts, crafts, music, food, performers - on the grounds of the Seattle Center, Memorial Day weekend. Free. For more information visit www.nwfolklife.org.
Pioneer Square Artwalk - A long-standing tradition among art lovers and one of the most successful regular gallery tours in the nation. Take time to meander thorough Pioneer Square's galleries on the first Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m., appreciating the art and sampling wine and hors d'oeuvres some galleries have to offer. Free. For more information visit www.firstthursdayseattle.com.
MUSEUMS
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Actually a museum dedicated to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, this is one half of a two-part park; the other half is in Skagway, Alaska. Visitor Center and Museum open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Free. For more information visit www.nps.gov/klgo.
Coast Guard Museum - Collection of Coast Guard memorabilia, uniforms, guns; when not on duty, Arctic icebreakers are usually moored nearby.Located on the Seattle waterfront at Pier 36. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Free. For more information click here.
Seattle Art Museum - Free on first Thursday of the month. Major Asian, African and Pacific Northwest art collections. Closed Mondays; open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. For more information visit www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Seattle Asian Art Museum - Largest collections of Japanese, Korean and Chinese artwork. Located in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Free on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month. Closed Mondays; open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. For more information click here.
Frye Art Museum - This museum houses a large collection of German and American art as well as others. Free but donations are appreciated. Closed Mondays; open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. For more information visit www.fryeart.org.
The Museum of Flight - This museum is considered one of the foremost flight museums in the world. Walk within inches of a Blackbird spy plane or board the original Air Force One. Free from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.museumofflight.org.
Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame - Museums co-located with $15 admission allowing access to both museums. Free on the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open daily; summer hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.empsfm.org.
SCENIC PARKS
Seattle boasts many parks that offer stunning views of the city, Elliott Bay, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, or just a quiet shady retreat from the fast-paced city. Pack a picnic lunch of fresh fruits, meats and cheese from Pike Place Market and enjoy Seattle from off-the-beaten path.
Olympic Sculpture Park - The nine-acre park unifying the Belltown neighborhood in downtown and the waterfront features a 2,500-foot, descending, z-shaped pedestrian path leading to a beach on the waterfront. With sweeping views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, the path takes visitors past sculptures and major works by world-renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Alexander Calder and Mark di Suvero. Open daily; opens 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. Free of charge. For more information visit www.seattleartmuseum.org
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - One of the city's most popular visitor attractions, locks raise and lower boats between salt and fresh water between 6 to 26 feet. Watch salmon make their way up the fish ladder from the viewing window (sometimes you may catch a sea lion hunting for a meal) or just watch pleasure boats go through the locks. Free. For more information visit click here.
Washington Park Arboretum - The Arboretum collects, conserves and teaches about plants that are hardy to the Northwest. Its 230 acres are filled with 10,000 native plants and its landscape is an excellent setting for hands-on learning and recreation. The Arboretum is recognized as one of the most beautiful and diverse collections in the western United States. Free. For more information visit www.depts.washington.edu/wpa.
Japanese Gardens - Located at the south end of Washington Park Arboretum, this garden contains native Japanese flowers, shrubs and trees and is open to the public February 18 - November 15.. Chado, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, is presented free with admission on the third Saturday of the month, April-October at 1:30 p.m. Hours vary. Garden admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, students and seniors. For more information click here.
Discovery Park & Daybreak Star Indian Center - Situated in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is the perfect urban retreat. Spend the day exploring 534 acres of wooded trails where small animals hide among native plants. Open meadows and bluffs overlook Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Stop by the Daybreak Star Indian Center to view original Native American arts and crafts. Free of charge. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitor Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, closed holidays. For more information click here.
Kerry Park - This small grassy strip on Upper Queen Anne offers a picture-perfect view of Seattle Center, Downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. On clear days Mt. Rainier looms aboveproviding a stunning backdrop. Free of charge. For more information click here.
Volunteer Park - Look down upon the city from this prime location on Capitol Hill. This park is home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Be sure to climb the water tower for "the best free view in Seattle," as voted by readers of the Seattle Weekly. Free of charge. For more information click here.
TRANSPORTATION
Metro Buses - Exploring downtown is convenient and affordable thanks to Metro Transit's Ride Free Zone which includes a 1.3-mile bus tunnel that was renovated in September 2007. The tunnel begins at the Convention Place Station on Ninth Ave. and Pine St., runs through the retail core, financial district, Pioneer Square and ends in the International District. The tunnel is open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to midnight. For those who want to explore outside the downtown area, the fare is $1.75 for adults and $.75 for children 6-17 years of age between off-peak hours and $2 for adults, $.75 children during peak hours. All-day passes are also available on weekends. For more information visit www.transit.metrokc.gov.
The Seattle Center Monorail - For a quick, inexpensive trip between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center try the monorail. A round trip ticket is $4 for adults, $1.50 for children and $2 for seniors. Terminals are located on the upper level of Westlake Center and at the Seattle Center near the Space Needle. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more information visit www.seattlemonorail.com.
OUT ON THE WATER
Washington State Ferries - Take a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton from downtown Seattle. Ferries depart from Colman Dock on the Seattle waterfront. Cost is $6.70 passenger/walk on only, round trip. For more information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
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