Seattle is a great holiday travel destination, not just because of its green moniker (it’s nicknamed the “”Emerald City””) but also because of its abundance of warm cafés and Christmas cheer during the winter months.
The holiday season gets an early start with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The whole family can nibble on some fun at the Gingerbread Village in City Centre. If you’re brave, you can even try to navigate the abundance of holiday skaters for $5 at the Seattle Center’s outdoor rink.
The holidays aren’t the only good times to visit Seattle. If you are someone who lets a little rain ruin your day, then it might be best to visit during the summertime.
Anthony’s Pier 66
2201 Alaskan Way
If you get hungry after all of the activity, there are tons of famous seafood destinations in Seattle. The city is known for its exquisite seafood, sometimes with an Asian influence. A classic spot for great seafood, Anthony’s offers moderate prices, a nice atmosphere and great ocean views.
EMP
325 N. Fifth Ave.
www.empsfm.org
The Experienced Music Project, or EMP, is another fantastic and unique attraction. It’s a museum devoted to music history. Known for its odd outer shape, the museum features historical exhibits and interactive activities.
The Space Needle
400 Broad Street
www.spaceneedle.com
If none of the other attractions sounds appealing, there are always the crown jewels of Seattle tourist attractions, The Space Needle and EMP. The Space Needle is a great part of the city’s history. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city, and it has a restaurant and rotating observation deck at the top. You can take an elevator up to the observation deck, which sits about 520 feet above the city. On deck, landmarks can be observed in every direction, and the sun and sparkling blue seawater illuminate the picturesque skyline.
It’s a little expensive to ride the elevator to the top, somewhere between $10-$16, but it’s definitely worth it. Skip dinner at the needle – the round rotating dinner room is kind of cool, but the food is nothing special and it’s much too pricey. If you do get hungry, try getting some dessert. The Lunar Orbiter is served with ice cream, yummy toppings and dry ice. It creates a rolling mist cloud over the whole table. You will be the star of the restaurant if you order it, and it may just be the most exciting dessert you’ve ever had.