Photography by Cody Ulrich / Styling by Lauren Day

Wish You Were Here:
For Discovery

Wish You Were Here… For Discovery

Photography by Cody Ulrich / Styling by Lauren Day

1. Kenmore Air

Upgrade from sightseeing to flightseeing when you soar above the skyline in a seaplane. Kenmore Air offers scenic tours of the city that leave from Lake Union, as well as flights to the San Juan Islands for more time to admire Puget Sound below. *950 Westlake Ave N; kenmoreair.com

2. The Crocodile

One of Seattle’s quintessential small-concert venues, The Crocodile was front and center in the emerging grunge scene of the early 1990s, hosting influential bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Mudhoney. Today, you’ll find up-and-coming and established acts across genres, from hip-hop and rock to metal and punk to folk and singer-songwriters. 2200 Second Ave; thecrocodile.com

3. Washington State Ferries

A staple for commuters, the ferries double as a popular visitor draw. From downtown, you can ride to Bainbridge Island, with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance, or Bremerton, where you can explore the town’s naval roots. The vessels themselves are such a local icon that Seattle Chocolates created a special souvenir box in their shape. 801 Alaskan Way, Pier 52; wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

4. Annapurna Cafe

If climbing the hills of Seattle makes you feel like a mountaineer, then the cuisine of Sherpas is a fitting choice. You’ll find that at Annapurna, whose huge menu highlights the traditional dishes of Nepal, India, and Tibet. You can even strive to replicate the tastes in your own kitchen by bringing home their signature garam masala spice mix. *1833 Broadway; annapurnacafe.com

5. Seattle Center

Whether you have toddlers or teens in tow, Seattle Center has something to entertain and delight your family. The International Fountain, timed to music, is always a crowd-pleaser, as is the world-famous Space Needle, recently renovated to add a rotating glass floor and glass walls in the observation deck. Older kids will dig the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) exhibits covering music, movies, and video games, while younger kids will adore the incredible Artists at Play playground. The pressed penny machines that lurk at many of these attractions make the perfect souvenir. *305 Harrison St; seattlecenter.com

6. Stateside

Upscale Vietnamese fusion with a French touch and killer cocktails make for a wonderful date night or weekend brunch at Stateside. The restaurant’s pretty décor is also a fusion: vintage-style palm leaf wallpaper meets modern brass pendant lighting. Try the goat curry (add on ginger rice for the ideal accompaniment), Hunan-style chili cumin pork ribs, or cha ca va long (black cod marinated in turmeric with rice noodles). 300 E Pike St, Ste 1200; statesideseattle.com

7. Easy Street Records

In the 30 years since Easy Street opened, plenty has changed in music formats, but the shop remains a great place to pick up some vinyl. The attached cafe is open every day from 7am to 3pm, serving up breakfast and lunch staples with music-themed names (La Bamba Asada, anyone?). 4559 California Ave SW; easystreetonline.com

8. Breweries & Cideries

With somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 craft breweries in the city, a cold pint of fresh, locally made beer is always within reach. Pair yours with oysters at Pike Brewing Company’s upscale gastropub, Tankard & Tun; sample seasonal and special releases at Redhook Brewlab on Capitol Hill; or get a taste of another beverage trend (and bar games) at Seattle Cider Company. *1415 First Ave, pikebrewing.com; *714 E Pike St, redhook.com; 4700 Ohio Ave S, seattlecidercompany.com

9. Smith Tower

When Smith Tower opened in 1914, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Today, it’s dwarfed by others in size, but not in personality. Learn about the building’s history in an interactive tour on your way to the observatory, featuring a speakeasy-style bar, an open-air deck, 360-degree sightlines, and the legendary “Wishing Chair,” an elaborately carved wood throne that some say guarantees marriage within a year for any single woman who sits on it. *506 Second Ave; smithtower.com

10. Ballard Locks

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard acts as a water elevator that raises and lowers vessels passing through from salt water to fresh water and vice versa. (Experience it from the water on a boat tour from Argosy Cruises or a kayak tour from Ballard Kayak.) On-site, you’ll also find a lovely botanical garden and a fish ladder, where, from mid-June to October, you can spot runs of spawning salmon in an underwater chamber that offers views down to the kelp- and shell-strewn bay floor. 3015 NW 54th St; ballardlocks.org

*Visit Seattle Partner

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