Seattle Attractions
Attractions

Seattle top attractions highlight some of the city's more popular points of interest including Pike Place Market, Hiram Chittenden Locks, the waterfront, Woodland Zoo, the Aquarium and much more. Discover what to see in Seattle by exploring this page.


Pleasure craft head out the Chittenden Locks from inland waters for a weekend of cruising on Puget Sound.

*Top Attractions*
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Pike Place Market
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Center
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle Waterfront
Seattle Art Museum
Washington Park Arboretum
Pioneer Square
Tillicum Indian Village
Museum of Flight

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks* The Lake Washington Ship Canal connects Lake Washington to the Puget Sound. The passage is made possible via the locks, built in 1911 and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Pacific Science Center. 200 Second Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109. Phone: 206-443-2844; Fax: 206-443-3631.
Features five buildings of interactive science exhibits, a tropical Butterfly House, two IMAX theatres (one with IMAX 3D technology), a planetarium and laser light shows.

Pike Place Market*. Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority (PDA). 85 Pike Street, Room 500, Seattle, WA 98101. Phone: 206-682-7453; Fax: 206-625-0646. E-mail

Situated just above the waterfront, the market is popular with natives tourists alike. It is a vital part of Seattle's economy, receiving more than nine million visits each year. It features about 600 businesses including farmers and merchants that offer fresh vegetables, seafood, food bars, cafes, restaurants, crafts, art work, and gifts from booths, stalls and shops, and the original Starbucks. The market was born in 1907, from citizen outrage at the high cost of produce, beginning with a handful of farmers with their wagons on Pike Place. It is the oldest continually operating farmers' market in the USA.

The Seattle Aquarium*
Exhibits, news and events, information, adventures and programs, services, hours and fees.

Seattle Center*
The Seattle Center was built as the United States Science Pavilion during the Seattle World's Fair of 1962. This 74-acre complex is now home to the Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pacific Science Center and the Key Arena, and it also offers exhibits, IMAX movies, laser shows, community events, classes and camps. The center also is home to the 60-foot-tall (185m) Space Needle, which officially opened on April 21, 1962 - the first day of the Fair. The Space Needle features an observation deck, restaurant and cocktail bar within its "Jetsons style" top and it still is prominent on the city's skyline as Seattle's most recognizable landmark. The "Needle" and the Seattle Center can be reached by a 90-second monorail ride from downtown's Westlake shopping center.

Seattle University
If gothic architecture is your interest, the jewel-like St. Ignatius Chapel is worth a visit.

The Waterfront*
A row of piers jutting out into Elliot Bay are the backbone for a mix of maritime industries, shops and restaurants. Ferries, freighters, tugs and even naval vessels go about their business, while the occasional seaplane or para-sailor flies above. Take in all this activity along the promenade linking the piers, or take a harbor tour, island cruise or fishing excursion. On land, are close by. The Waterfront Streetcar (using restored trams imported from Australia) trundles along the waterfront from Pier 70 past the well known Bell St. Pier, the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Omnidome Theatre, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, and on to the Chinatown District.

The Woodland Park Zoo*
Information, virtual tour, wildlife travel adventures, zoo store, conservation, education, FAQ, hours and fees.

Art Galleries & Exhibits

Art Access
Online version of the magazine which presents original art, poetry, reviews and literature, and provides monthly listings for the visual arts, dance, music and theater. A selection is available on their web site.

Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA). 6413 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107. Phone: 206-728-1980. E-mail

Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA). 2721 First Avenue, Seattle, WA . Phone: 206-555-6708.

Charles and Emma Frye Art Museum. 704 Terry Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-622-9250. E-mail

Owners of a prosperous food processing business at the turn of the century, Charles and Emma were able to travel to Europe and collect art. Emma died in 1934. They had no children and Charles spent his last years alone. In his will, Charles Frye provided for the creation of a free public art museum to house and display his beloved collections.

Photographic Center Northwest
Learning environment, working facilities, and exhibition space.

Seattle Art Museum*
Houses a permanent exhibition of Asian, African and Northwest Coast Native American art, as well as touring international exhibitions. Note the post-modern facade designed by Robert Venturi. Web site has information about its collection, exhibitions, member news, programs events, museum store and general information.

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