Cosmopolitan and progressive,
Seattle occupies a narrow strip between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The Emerald City has spawned a corporate who’s who: Amazon, Costco, Microsoft, Nordstrom and Starbucks among them. The cultural attractions are equally impressive.
The Museum of Pop Culture fuses music, movies, and pop culture under one roof. Rising to 605 feet, the iconic
Space Needle offers unparalleled views over the city and across the shimmering water. At
Pike Place Market you can buy fish caught that morning, fresh flowers, vintage apparel, and much more. Beneath Pioneer Square are the remnants of the old city. Seattle Underground is a fascinating, subterranean time-capsule of basements, corridors, ruins, and storefronts. Absolutely make time for a selfie with the gargantuan Fremont Troll who resides under the Aurora Bridge. In trendy Capitol Hill,
Elliott Bay Book Company stocks 150,000 titles. It’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.
Forty miles south in
Tacoma, the
Museum of Glass catalogues the acclaimed work of Dale Chihuly. The visually arresting Pedestrian Bridge links the museum to the vibrant downtown. Nearby Gig Harbor is a charming maritime village. The mud flats of
Kopachuck State Park are littered with sand dollars, and you can clam, crab, and oyster. North about 30 minutes from Seattle in Mukilteo, the
Boeing Future of Flight celebrates aerospace innovations.
Where to Stay:
Camping—especially extended stay—is at a premium in the Sea-Tac area, so reserve well in advance. Pretty
Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell has 184 paved sites with picnic tables and full hookups. There’s also laundry and shower facilities, free cable TV, a playground, Wifi, and lighted sidewalks.
The Majestic RV Park in Puyallup is pet-friendly and offers 101 spaces with full hookups, free cable, a clubhouse, a heated pool, shower and laundry facilities, and a general store.