Exploring Seattle: A City That Blends
Nature and Effortless Walkability
Seattle, nestled between the stunning Puget
Sound and the majestic Cascade Mountains, is a city known for its vibrant
connection to nature, and exceptional compactness. These two attributes create a place for all to
enjoy and encourages exploration and discovery.
Nature: A City Surrounded by Greenery
Seattle, also affectionately known as the
Emerald City, is a place where nature thrives in every direction. Where lush
Evergreen forests dotted with snowy mountaintops collide with pristine waters of
Puget Sound, nature is in abundance throughout Seattle.
A huge hand in incorporating nature into
Seattle’s foundations was former President of Seattle City Council, Myrtle
Edwards. While she was in office in the 1960’s she sought to ensure that every
Seattle resident had a park within a 10-minute walk from their home. Ms. Edwards’ efforts are still felt today
with 488 city parks spanning over 6,000 acres.
The city’s largest park, Discovery Park,
offers 534 acres of forests, meadows, and beaches. It’s a perfect escape for a
peaceful afternoon hike with panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic
Mountains. Additionally, discover
the diverse collection of trees and plant life at the Washington Park
Arboretum, which is also home to a stunning Japanese Garden.
Several recreation activities are within
reach – hiking, skiing, sailing,
and kayaking, just to name a few!
Walkability: Exploring by Foot
One of the most unique characteristics of
Seattle is its exceptional walkability. It's
refreshing for visitors to experience a variety of activities without the need
for a rental car and the hassle of finding parking.
The city was designed to accommodate
pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation. The waterfront is undergoing a
major transformation, including the completed Waterfront Overlook, which now
connects the iconic Pike Place Market—famous for its vibrant vendors, fresh
seafood, and the original Starbucks—to the waterfront, its numerous attractions,
and one of the cruise terminals. Visitors can easily navigate the waterfront and
enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains in
the distance.
Another transportation option is the
extensive Washington State Ferry system, one of the largest in the world, which
shuttles commuters and tourists across the Puget Sound. Explore the charming town of Bainbridge, just a
short 40-minute ferry ride from Seattle’s waterfront. There you can take in Bainbridge's historic
main street with numerous craft stores, an acclaimed brewery, and award-winning
restaurants. Not to mention it’s the birthplace of Pickleball, one of the
fastest growing sports in the U.S.
Seattle’s connection to nature and
outstanding walkability make it a city unlike any other. Seattle offers an
abundance of experiences for everyone all within reach.
