Seattle, WA

Seattle has a mild, rainy climate, but certain times of the year are better for sightseeing:

• March–May (Spring): Best for cherry blossoms, outdoor festivals, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer): Ideal for warm weather, outdoor adventures, and music festivals.
• September–November (Fall): Great for fall foliage, wine tasting, and fewer tourists.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for holiday lights, cozy coffee shops, and nearby skiing.

• Space Needle – The most iconic landmark, offering panoramic views of the city and Mount Rainier.
• Pike Place Market – A historic public market featuring fresh seafood, local vendors, and the famous fish-throwing show.
• Chihuly Garden and Glass – A stunning glass art exhibit by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
• Seattle Great Wheel – A giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront with breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – A unique museum dedicated to music, film, sci-fi, and video games.
• Kerry Park – A famous viewpoint offering postcard-perfect views of the Seattle skyline.
• Underground Tour – A fascinating journey through Seattle’s buried historic streets.
• The Seattle Aquarium – A family-friendly attraction showcasing marine life from the Pacific Northwest.
• Ballard Locks & Fish Ladder – A great place to watch boats and salmon migrating upstream.
• Mount Rainier National Park – A stunning day-trip destination for hiking and scenic views.

• Fresh Pacific Northwest Salmon – Served grilled, smoked, or in a classic Seattle salmon sandwich.
• Seattle-Style Hot Dog – A hot dog topped with cream cheese and grilled onions.
• Geoduck – A giant Pacific clam, often served raw or in sushi.
• Dungeness Crab – A local seafood delicacy, perfect for crab feasts.
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Try their famous mac & cheese at Pike Place Market.
• Pike Place Chowder – Award-winning clam chowder, a Seattle favorite.
• Pho – Seattle has some of the best Vietnamese pho in the U.S..
• Rainier Cherries – A sweet and juicy seasonal fruit from Washington State.
• Craft Coffee – Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, but don’t miss local favorites like Tully’s and Caffé Vita.
• Seattle Craft Beer – The city has one of the best craft beer scenes in the country.

• Flights: Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 20 minutes from downtown.
• Link Light Rail: A fast and affordable way to travel between the airport and downtown.
• King County Metro Buses: Extensive bus routes throughout the city.
• Seattle Streetcars: Operate in South Lake Union and First Hill neighborhoods.
• Ferries: The Washington State Ferries offer scenic trips to nearby islands.
• Monorail: Connects downtown Seattle to Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle).
• Bikes & Scooters: Available for rent throughout the city, great for short trips.
• Rideshares & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely available.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small businesses.
• ATMs are available throughout Seattle, including at the airport and shopping centers.
• Currency exchange services are available at Sea-Tac Airport and major banks.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese are also widely spoken in certain neighborhoods.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• Seattleites are friendly but value personal space—don’t be surprised if small talk is minimal.
• Tipping is expected (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• The city is eco-conscious—recycling and composting are strongly encouraged.
• Dress in layers—Seattle’s weather can change multiple times a day.
• Coffee culture is serious—locals often have strong opinions about their favorite coffee spots.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For summer travel (June–August): Book 3–6 months in advance for hotels and attractions.
• For major festivals (Seattle International Film Festival, Bumbershoot): Book at least 6 months ahead.
• For last-minute trips: Seattle has plenty of hotels, but booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Some national parks and ferry routes require timed entry reservations—check before visiting.
• Traffic can be heavy—consider using public transport or walking in downtown areas.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com