Sightseeing
Area Attractions
ENJOYING THE REGION
Exploring the attractions and activities along the downtown Seattle waterfront
Arboretum The Washington Park Arboretum, located near the University of Washington just south of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, offers 230 acres of exploring possibilities among more than 5,000 kinds of trees, shrubs and vines, plus a waterfront trail and display gardens. Free admission, except for the Japanese Garden, (206) 684-4725. Download maps and audio tours at www.botanicgardens.uw.edu or contact the Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle 98112, (206) 543-8800. For a different view of the park, rent a canoe from the University Waterfront Activities Center and paddle the surrounding waterways. (206) 543-9433.
Chinatown-International District In South Downtown Seattle near CenturyLink and Safeco Fields, this district is home to Seattle’s Pan-Asian community. Neighborhood highlights include the Chinese pavilion in the newly expanded Hing Hay Park, the Wing Luke Asian Museum, Chinagate, community gardens, dragon sculptures, various multicultural festivals and events, and Uwajimaya, one of the region’s largest Asian retail stores. (206) 382-1197, www.cidbia.org.
Chittenden Locks The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connect the freshwater Lake Washington Ship Canal with the saltwater Puget Sound. 88
GREATER SEAT TLE INFOGUIDE • 2018-19
Designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Locks have raised and lowered vessels of all sizes from the Lake to the Sound since 1917. An underwater viewing room reveals salmon swimming up the Locks’ fish ladder. The grounds also feature the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens and a Visitors Center with exhibits and a gift shop. Free tours March through November. (206) 783-7059, or visit www.nws.usace.army.mil and search “Chittenden Locks.”
Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Tour The Seattle area’s largest employer and the world’s largest aerospace company offers tours at its Everett plant. The one-third mile walking tour and video presentation showcases the plane building process. Reservations advised, (800) 464-1476. Sales start on-site at 8:30 a.m. for limited number of same day tickets. Tours include admission to the Future of Flight where you can enjoy interactive displays, exhibits, gift shops and café. Tickets for the Future of Flight without taking the Boeing Tour are also available. www.futureofflight.org.
Museums and Galleries The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, is known for its Asian, African, Pacific Northwest and contemporary American art holdings, as well as its diverse line-up of programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the first Thursday of each month is free. 1300 1st Ave, Seattle. A ticket to SAM usually provides admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum if used within one week, but this museum is currently closed for renovations and expansion. (206) 654-3100, www.seattleartmuseum.org.
Photo © Don Wilson/Port of Seattle
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xploring Seattle area sights is an ongoing endeavor, even for long-time residents. Many an exciting day or evening can be spent at the various tourist attractions that make the city unique.