Why Seattle?

Seattle's neighborhoods each do their own thing, connected by hills that'll test your calves. Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle has fish throwing, the original Starbucks, produce stands, crafts, and the Rachel the Pig statue. Capitol Hill handles nightlife—dive bars, live music, late- night tacos, LGBTQ+ scene. Fremont has the Troll sculpture under the bridge, vintage shops, a Sunday market, and a Lenin statue left over from the Cold War for some reason. Ballard has breweries (20+ within walking distance), the Nordic Heritage Museum, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, where boats rise and fall, and salmon ladder fish climb. The University District is home to the UW campus, affordable dining options, and the Burke Museum. Space Needle is the obvious tourist thing. Better: Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill gives you the postcard shot for free. Mount Rainier sits 2 hours southeast—day trips work if the weather cooperates. San Juan Islands ferry from Anacortes (90 minutes north) for orcas, kayaking, and a small-town slowdown.

Why Seattle, D.C.?

Stop saving coffee shop photos—book your flight to Seattle and get to a city where outdoor gear counts as business casual, the coffee's legitimately good, and mountains plus ocean sit close enough to hit both in one day.

When to Go

June to September works best—dry season, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (65°F–80°F), as everyone is outside after spending nine months indoors. July-August books solid, hotel rates peak. May and September offer shoulder season deals, fewer crowds, and still decent weather odds. October to April brings the rain—not downpours, just constant drizzle, temps 5°C–15°C (40°F–60°F). Locals don't use umbrellas, just hoodies. Winter hotel rates drop 30-40%, you see the actual Seattle minus the tourist filter. Snow's rare, but it happens, shutting the city down completely when it does.

Visa Info

US citizens don't need anything. Visa Waiver Program countries get 90 days with ESTA approval. Others need standard US tourist visas based on their passports.

Getting There

Sea-Tac Airport connects to everywhere—offering direct flights across the US, as well as international routes to Asia, Europe, and Canada. Book domestic flights six to eight weeks ahead for reasonable fares. Flying Tuesday or Wednesday typically beats weekend rates. Some West Coast travelers check Vancouver or Portland airports when deals make the drive worthwhile.