Houses & Vacation Rentals in Seattle

First things first: Washington state's raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and apples are second-to-none, so make sure to enjoy these regional specialties while in Seattle. Foodies will love Seattle's culinary options, particularly its seafood options - there are clams, crab, salmon, oysters, and mussels up for the taking.

Local restaurants serve delicious coffees, chilled beers, fresh meat and vegetable dishes, and more. Storyville Coffee, Caffe Ladro, Victrola Coffee Roasters, and Caffe Vita all roast their own beans. Seattle’s foodie tours allow local food experts to take you on an exciting food trail throughout the hidden gems of the city.

The 9 Best Places to Get Sushi in Seattle

1. Sushi Kappo Tamura: At Sushi Kappo Tamura, chef Taichi Kitamura works with local fishermen to provide diners with specialities like hairy crab. The weekend brunch here is a must.

2. The Cutting Board: If you’re looking for cheap and delicious gyoza, or you're mad about nigiri, then the Cutting Board is the place to go.

3. Tsukushinbo: If you love affordable dishes and are looking to try a range of Japanese cuisine, be sure to try the legendary ramen at Tsukushinbo on Main Street.

4. Mashiko: This elegant eatery does things a little differently, with chef Hajime Sato making every meal an experience, with oddities like caterpillar rolls.

5. Shiro’s: At this popular establishment, put your faith in the chef, and look forward to a classic omakase arrangement.

6. Momiji: Love sushi classics served up in traditional surroundings? Then head to Momiji, which provides an authentic Japanese setting and extensive menus.

7. Chiso: This charming restaurant is another great option for sushi in Seattle, and has a similar vibe to Momiji.

8. Issian: It may look a little rough and ready from the outside, but don't be deceived! You'll be won over by its masu sushi.

9.Wataru: When you want a real taste of Japan, head to Wataru, which flies its bonito in from the country.

Springtime is perfect for bargain hunters, as this is when the city is gearing up for the summer, its high season. It can get a bit chilly at times, so come prepared. Early fall, between September and November, is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. The summer crowds have dispersed, allowing you to enjoy the city like a local. June to August is peak season when the sheer scale of festivals, parties, and sunshine will make up for the crowds and high season prices.

A walk downtown will take you past the Rem Koolhaas/OMA designed Central Library, the Paramount Theater and Pike Place Market, which is the oldest continually operating farmers market in America. The International District, meanwhile, is home to world-class art galleries, cozy bookshops, antique stores, hip retro bars, and nightclubs. To the east is Seattle's Asian neighborhood. Seattle's most iconic landmark, the Space Needle, is a must-see to appreciate the Emerald City from above.

Important architectural landmarks include the Columbia Center (the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest) and Smith Tower, an Art Deco skyscraper, which is the city's oldest. The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder is where tourists watch the steady stream of sailboats, motorboats, tugs, and yachts cruise by. The fish ladder at the underwater viewing gallery will get you up close and personal to salmon and other friendly fish. For those planning to visit several tourist attractions in a short time, consider taking the handy and economical Seattle CityPASS.

The city boasts several art galleries and museums, all exceptionally educational and well-maintained. Art and culture enthusiasts should not miss the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum for its Chinese & Japanese Art, and the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience. The Pacific Science Center, the Science Fiction Museum, and the Seattle Aquarium will keep the kids intrigued.

Rock and roll fans, watch out for the Experience Music Project, featuring a special Jimi Hendrix exhibit. Pick up a guide at the tourist center for more information on the city's Nordic, Asian American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, and African American roots. Seattle condo rentals are a great way to soak in the city's cultural vibes.

To delve into Seattle's cultural heritage, the Museum of Pop Culture and the Museum of History and Industry are two world-class institutions that display two very different, but equally important aspects of Seattle's history.

For something on the lighter side for your young ones, the Woodland Park Zoo provides plenty of fun with furry friends. The Seattle Children's Museum and the interactive Pacific Science Center, both housed inside the expansive Seattle Center park, offer a day's outing both educational and fun for kids of all ages.

Get outdoors and go boating on Lake Union or Lake Washington, explore the untamed wilderness of Tiger Mountain State Forest, or make the jaunt up to leafy Kerry Park for stunning skyline views of downtown Seattle. Art lovers in your family are well-catered in Seattle, too. There's the spacious Seattle Art Museum, the 9-acre Olympic Sculpture Park, or the unique Chihuly Garden and Glass sculpture garden showcasing Dale Chihuly's original large-scale colored glassworks.

1. Fremont Brewing

Seattle loves its craft beer and has a wealth of breweries across the city. Fremont Brewing is a family-run company that has taken the U.S. by storm. Its Universal Pale Ale and award-winning Bourbon Abominable Winter Ale demonstrate why it's among the top-producing craft breweries in the country.

2. Cloudburst

A newcomer to the scene is Cloudburst, which puts a spin on classic beers. Try the cherry and pineapple pale ale Punch Drunk Love and its Nirvana-inspired Grandma Take Me Home stout.

3. Populuxe Brewing

Check out the Washington 2018 Small Brewery of the Year by visiting Populuxe Brewing for one of its signature IPAs in the huge beer garden.

1. Mount Rainier National Park

Around two hours from Seattle is Mount Rainier National Park, an enormous expanse of snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, and roaming deer. It is an excellent place for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

2. Leavenworth

Follow the Skykomish River east of Seattle and discover a little piece of Germany. Situated at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is modeled on a Bavarian alpine town and is home to family-run restaurants and a Nutcracker Museum.

3. Twin Peaks

Television buffs can see the iconic sights from the cult classic Twin Peaks, with tours around Seattle letting you experience the locations that inspired creator David Lynch.

Seattle has something going on all year around. The year begins with the Seattle Boat Show in January and the Seattle Festival of Improvisational Theater in February. Spring features the Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival and the Moisture Festival. Summer has plenty in store: the Seattle International Film Festival, Seattle Pride, Seattle International BeerFest, and the Capitol Hill Block Party, among other events.

September's International Comedy Competition and the Earshot Jazz Festival are a hit with music and comedy fans. The year closes with the Christmas Ship Festival, where ships sail to different Puget Sound waterfront communities, with bonfires lit ashore by rapturous crowds singing Christmas carols.

During the Fourth of July, travelers get the chance to enjoy the Seafair Summer 4th celebrations held at Gas Works Park. This festival offers visitors the chance to enjoy live music, try a handful of various food vendors, as well as joining in on several games and contests.

Space Needle

Seattle's most iconic landmark, the Space Needle is a soaring observation tower boasting beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the city, and the neighboring mountains in Washington.

Safeco Field

Home to the Major League Baseball team, the Seattle Mariners, this is the perfect place for you to experience a classic American sport.

Pike Place Market

One of the oldest farmers' markets in the country, Pike Place sells fresh produce and excellent gifts. Whether you choose to sample seafood chowder for lunch or simply wish to pick up souvenirs, Pike Place has what you're after.

The Museum of Flight

As well as the numerous space and air craft, the interactive nature of this museum draws thousands of visitors in each year. You can even get a taste of a space shuttle mission.