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Seattle has so much to offer those who like to explore. One of my favorite things to do is start my day walking through Pike Place and then branching off from them. I typically wander until I get lost and need to hail a taxi back to my hotel. While many people think of Seattle as being rainy all of the time, it typically has 152 sunny days per year on average. June through early September offer the best chance for good weather. Below I've included the top 5 tours to consider in Seattle, but before we get to that, check out these odd and interesting experiences.
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Odd & Interesting
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Underground Seattle Tour
It’s the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels of the world-famous Seattle Underground—don’t be fooled by impostors! Location: 614 1st Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Street. |
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The Crumpet Shop
If you've never had crumpets before you're in for a treat. Location: 1503 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States (Located in Pike Place Market Foundation) |
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Pie Bar
Serves delicious savory and sweet pies along with pie inspired cocktails Location: 1361 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122, United States |
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Chihuly Gardens
A beautiful garden made of glass with surprising pieces at each turn as you navigate the museum. It's right next to the Space Needle so you can do both in the same day Location: 305 Harrison St Seattle, WA 98109 |
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Top 5 Tours in Seattle
Olympic National Park Small Group Tour
The Olympic Peninsula is a microcosm of Northwest ecosystems! Olympic National Park and it’s surrounding wilderness, boast some of the country’s oldest forests, one of the state’s most dramatic mountain ranges, and sixteen species of plants and animals that evolved here and nowhere else. Add in shimmering waterfalls, deep blue lakes, wild river valleys, and vibrant Native American traditions, and your senses will be on constant alert throughout the day!
Start the morning with a ferry ride through the waterways of the Puget Sound. The ferry takes us to Bainbridge Island where we’ll connect with the Olympic Peninsula via the Kitsap Peninsula and Hood Canal Bridge. Once we’re on the Olympic Peninsula your guide will lead you on a naturalist experience best suited for the time of year and conditions of the day.
Moss, Mountains & Wildlife
We’ll drive up to Hurricane Ridge (weather permitting), a mountain citadel that puts you at the edge of the Park’s exceptionally jagged peaks. From the summit you’ll take in a superb 360-degree view that encompasses the surrounding mountains, Strait of Juan da Fuca, and San Juan Islands. The open meadows are ideal for wildlife viewing and we’ll be on the look-out for Olympic marmots, black-tailed deer, and even black bears. You’ll also embark on guided nature walks or snowshoes to learn more about the sub-alpine ecosystems.
We’ll also explore Lake Crescent, which is flanked by trails full of history and mysterious tales. Its placid shores and perfect placement in the midst of the undulating Olympic foothills serve as an instant source of relaxation. We’ll take to the trails to experience the old-growth forests of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock trees, venturing to the misty Marymere Falls if time allows.
On days when the weather closes access to Hurricane ridge, we may visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The Dungeness sand spit hooks out into the strait, leading to an old lighthouse, and in the spring and fall thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds descend on the shallow waters protected by the spit!
Note: This is a nature and sightseeing tour NOT a hiking tour and given the time it takes to reach Olympic National Park there will be considerable time in the van/on the ferry. If you’re looking to get your boots dirty we suggest a private, overnight or multi-day trip to fully experience the peninsula’s forests, mountains, and beaches!
Click here for more information.
The Olympic Peninsula is a microcosm of Northwest ecosystems! Olympic National Park and it’s surrounding wilderness, boast some of the country’s oldest forests, one of the state’s most dramatic mountain ranges, and sixteen species of plants and animals that evolved here and nowhere else. Add in shimmering waterfalls, deep blue lakes, wild river valleys, and vibrant Native American traditions, and your senses will be on constant alert throughout the day!
Start the morning with a ferry ride through the waterways of the Puget Sound. The ferry takes us to Bainbridge Island where we’ll connect with the Olympic Peninsula via the Kitsap Peninsula and Hood Canal Bridge. Once we’re on the Olympic Peninsula your guide will lead you on a naturalist experience best suited for the time of year and conditions of the day.
Moss, Mountains & Wildlife
We’ll drive up to Hurricane Ridge (weather permitting), a mountain citadel that puts you at the edge of the Park’s exceptionally jagged peaks. From the summit you’ll take in a superb 360-degree view that encompasses the surrounding mountains, Strait of Juan da Fuca, and San Juan Islands. The open meadows are ideal for wildlife viewing and we’ll be on the look-out for Olympic marmots, black-tailed deer, and even black bears. You’ll also embark on guided nature walks or snowshoes to learn more about the sub-alpine ecosystems.
We’ll also explore Lake Crescent, which is flanked by trails full of history and mysterious tales. Its placid shores and perfect placement in the midst of the undulating Olympic foothills serve as an instant source of relaxation. We’ll take to the trails to experience the old-growth forests of Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock trees, venturing to the misty Marymere Falls if time allows.
On days when the weather closes access to Hurricane ridge, we may visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. The Dungeness sand spit hooks out into the strait, leading to an old lighthouse, and in the spring and fall thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds descend on the shallow waters protected by the spit!
Note: This is a nature and sightseeing tour NOT a hiking tour and given the time it takes to reach Olympic National Park there will be considerable time in the van/on the ferry. If you’re looking to get your boots dirty we suggest a private, overnight or multi-day trip to fully experience the peninsula’s forests, mountains, and beaches!
Click here for more information.
Mt. Rainier Day Tour
Stops on the tour:
Paradise Jackson Visitor Center
Longmire Visitor Center
Gift Shop
Narada Falls
Seen on this tour:
Mt Rainier
Glacial Moraines
Reflection Lake
Christine Falls
Wildlife
Rural Countryside
Scenic Waterfalls
Snowfields
Click here for more information.
Stops on the tour:
Paradise Jackson Visitor Center
Longmire Visitor Center
Gift Shop
Narada Falls
Seen on this tour:
Mt Rainier
Glacial Moraines
Reflection Lake
Christine Falls
Wildlife
Rural Countryside
Scenic Waterfalls
Snowfields
Click here for more information.
Seattle Winery + Waterfall Tour
Stops on this tour:
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Boutique Wineries
Snoqualmie Falls
Boehm Candies (as time allows)
Seen on this tour:
UW Husky Stadium
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Building
Floating Bridges
Cascade Mountains
University of Washington
Seattle Yacht Club
Waterfalls
Mt. Si
Twin Peaks
Click here for more information.
Stops on this tour:
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Boutique Wineries
Snoqualmie Falls
Boehm Candies (as time allows)
Seen on this tour:
UW Husky Stadium
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Building
Floating Bridges
Cascade Mountains
University of Washington
Seattle Yacht Club
Waterfalls
Mt. Si
Twin Peaks
Click here for more information.
Mt. Rainier National Park Tour
Hyatt Regency @ 7:00 AM:
Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Seattle at 808 Howell Street, our tour begins in our brand new 14 passenger mini coach as we get an early morning start to start the day. Custom ordered with the best AC/Heating system for your comfort. Your knowledgable guide will share information throughout the trip to prepare you for your Mt. Rainier visit. After a timely restroom stop, your first nature stop will be at Longmire where you'll have the opportunity to step out into the fresh mountain air and start a day that will be truly memorable. Should you choose, you can hike the Trail of the Shadows, a leisurely 0.7-mile loop through old growth forest and meadows.
Paradise Lodge:
Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" And what a paradise it is. Here you will have adequate time to enjoy lunch and spend time hiking at a leisurely pace throughout the lodge area. Bring your binoculars, and you might even see climbers as they hike towards the Muir base camp on their way to the 14,410' summit. You will have ample time to enjoy Mother Nature whether it is a simple stroll on nice pathways or a more vigorous hike around Paradise Lodge.
Falls viewpoints:
Mt. Rainier is known for its splendor for not only the mountain but for its majestic waterfalls. During your Mt. Rainier visit us, you'll also have the opportunity to see and stop at waterfalls including Christine Falls. With the magnificent stone bridge framing the cascading water, you'll come to enjoy the beauty of the alpine wilderness and the brilliance of Mt. Rainier National Park. Your guide will even show you a unique photo tip to get your best waterfall photo.
Reflection Lake:
One of the most beautiful lakes to photograph in the United States is Reflection Lake. Mt. Rainier sits directly behind the lake, and weather permitting, you'll have an opportunity to create a memorable photo on your trip with us. We'll give you ample time to get your "Bucket Shot" photo, and your guide will help to get the best group photo to remember your day with us.
Perfect End to Day:
After leaving Mt. Rainier National Park, we'll have one last stop to replenish your energy at one pre-chosen stop, such as Scaleburgers. A little roadside stand located in Elbe, WA that pays homage to its weigh station roots and always uses the best ingredients. Perhaps your day will end at the Copper Creek Inn, which opened in 1946 to welcome visitors to the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier. They are famously known for their homemade cherry pies.
Click here for more information.
Hyatt Regency @ 7:00 AM:
Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Seattle at 808 Howell Street, our tour begins in our brand new 14 passenger mini coach as we get an early morning start to start the day. Custom ordered with the best AC/Heating system for your comfort. Your knowledgable guide will share information throughout the trip to prepare you for your Mt. Rainier visit. After a timely restroom stop, your first nature stop will be at Longmire where you'll have the opportunity to step out into the fresh mountain air and start a day that will be truly memorable. Should you choose, you can hike the Trail of the Shadows, a leisurely 0.7-mile loop through old growth forest and meadows.
Paradise Lodge:
Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" And what a paradise it is. Here you will have adequate time to enjoy lunch and spend time hiking at a leisurely pace throughout the lodge area. Bring your binoculars, and you might even see climbers as they hike towards the Muir base camp on their way to the 14,410' summit. You will have ample time to enjoy Mother Nature whether it is a simple stroll on nice pathways or a more vigorous hike around Paradise Lodge.
Falls viewpoints:
Mt. Rainier is known for its splendor for not only the mountain but for its majestic waterfalls. During your Mt. Rainier visit us, you'll also have the opportunity to see and stop at waterfalls including Christine Falls. With the magnificent stone bridge framing the cascading water, you'll come to enjoy the beauty of the alpine wilderness and the brilliance of Mt. Rainier National Park. Your guide will even show you a unique photo tip to get your best waterfall photo.
Reflection Lake:
One of the most beautiful lakes to photograph in the United States is Reflection Lake. Mt. Rainier sits directly behind the lake, and weather permitting, you'll have an opportunity to create a memorable photo on your trip with us. We'll give you ample time to get your "Bucket Shot" photo, and your guide will help to get the best group photo to remember your day with us.
Perfect End to Day:
After leaving Mt. Rainier National Park, we'll have one last stop to replenish your energy at one pre-chosen stop, such as Scaleburgers. A little roadside stand located in Elbe, WA that pays homage to its weigh station roots and always uses the best ingredients. Perhaps your day will end at the Copper Creek Inn, which opened in 1946 to welcome visitors to the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier. They are famously known for their homemade cherry pies.
Click here for more information.
Private Shore Excursion: Explore The City Of Seattle
Pioneer Square, Yesler Street & 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Elliott Bay Waterfront, Seattle, WA, pass by without stopping
Pike Place Market, 1st Ave & Pike St Between Pike and Pine Sts. and First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, pass by without stopping
Space Needle, 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109-4607, pass by without stopping
Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, WA, pass by without stopping
Kerry Park, 250 W Highland Dr Queen Ann Hill, Seattle, WA 98119-3529
Chinatown International District, Yesler Way and Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, pass by without stopping
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107-4213,
T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134-1216, pass by without stopping
Fishermen's Terminal, 3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119-1679, pass by without stopping
CenturyLink Field, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134-1200, pass by without stopping
Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-1025, pass by without stopping
Fremont Troll, N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA, pass by without stopping
Click here for more information.
Pioneer Square, Yesler Street & 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Elliott Bay Waterfront, Seattle, WA, pass by without stopping
Pike Place Market, 1st Ave & Pike St Between Pike and Pine Sts. and First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, pass by without stopping
Space Needle, 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109-4607, pass by without stopping
Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, WA, pass by without stopping
Kerry Park, 250 W Highland Dr Queen Ann Hill, Seattle, WA 98119-3529
Chinatown International District, Yesler Way and Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, pass by without stopping
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107-4213,
T-Mobile Park, 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134-1216, pass by without stopping
Fishermen's Terminal, 3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119-1679, pass by without stopping
CenturyLink Field, 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134-1200, pass by without stopping
Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121-1025, pass by without stopping
Fremont Troll, N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, USA, pass by without stopping
Click here for more information.
