If you're looking for a holiday packed with sun, sea and sand then you'll need to look elsewhere, because Seattle, the capital of the Pacific Northwest, is very much a rainy destination. Those who holiday in Seattle do so to experience the restaurants, hotels, wineries and thriving music scene. It's not a place to hang out in your hotel and wait for the rain to go away, Seattle is all about being active with two mountain ranges, water-based activities and numerous walking tours right on the doorstep. Rainfall can be heavy all year-round, but temperatures peak in the summer months of July and August making this the optimum time to visit. There are flights available from the UK to Seattle airport throughout the year.
Plenty to do, whatever the weather - Seattle is a destination for all the family...
Seattle is seen as one of the best places in the world to live thanks in large to the many outdoor activities it is perfectly situated for. Consequently, this is a destination with plenty to do for all the family. From water-based activities on the lakes, to breathtaking mountain ranges that draw skiers from around the world, Seattle has plenty to keep you active. Partygoers and sun-seekers certainly won't rush to this city, but with varied entertainment options even the most stubborn holidaymaker will find something to enjoy.
With plenty to discover in Seattle it will be important to get around quickly and Seattle city centre is well serviced by public transport including an elevated Monorail that offers superb views of the harbour. However, the best views are to be enjoyed at the Space Needle, which features a revolving observation deck from which you can pick out the city's leading sights.
This is a young community and the historic district of Pioneer Square is the best place to experience the city's lively atmosphere. This is the hotbed for Seattle nightlife with many different clubs and bars, playing everything from techno to grunge. By day there are plenty of attractions such as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and a unique underground tour. Other nocturnal hotspots in the city include the Crocodile Café in Belltown and the Jolly Roger Taproom in Ballard.
If you want to shop, there are host of fashionable boutiques and sizeable malls throughout the city but it is Pike Place Market which really catches the eye. It offers producer-priced goods and both farmers and fishmongers are on hand to sell their wares. This is a great place to grab a bargain and also to explore a number of specialist shops and the world's first Starbucks coffee shop.
The Experience Music Project is one of the most popular attractions in the city - a rock 'n' roll museum that comes alive with many interactive features and it has become a popular concert venue. The Seattle Art Museum is also worth a daytrip, especially after the completion of its renovation in 2007. The Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour is about 25 miles north of Seattle in Everett and is a showcase of the Boeing production line from the 747 to the 787. Seattle is also the home of the American coffee explosion, and Starbucks opened their first coffee shop in the area in 1971.
However, perhaps nothing in Seattle can compete with the natural wonders that include the Mount Rainier National Park with its snow-capped peak that attracts climbers, though novices should steer clear because the ascent is extremely dangerous. The Mount St Helens area remains protected after the volcano's eruption in May 1980 but there are organised walks in the summer months, while in the winter it's possible to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails.
If skiing's your main draw, it's best to head towards Snoqualmie Falls, which was famously the setting for the TV series Twin Peaks. In total there are four ski slopes, several hiking trails and a steam train.
Jumping on a Washington State Ferry will introduce you to the Puget Sound Islands, with Bremerton proving particularly popular with visitors thanks to the docked USS Turner, Bainbridge drawing crowds to its winery, Vashon Island considered an artist colony and the San Juan Islands featuring miles of unspoilt beaches… perhaps there is something for sun-seekers after all!
