For more information about Kirkland, our home town, including places to dine and places to stay,
click here. 
This key indicates the basic price of admission. Parking, souvenirs, and concessions are extra.
|
    Susan Tamfu spent an afternoon at the Pacific Science Center (Seattle Adventure #42). Her first stop: The Tropical Butterfly House. To view the photo gallery, click here.
1. Space NeedleSeattle's best-known landmark, the Space Needle, was built for the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. Visitors can take a 41 second elevator ride to the observation deck at 520 feet. From the top, the view includes downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, Lake Union, Lake Washington, and Mount Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges in the distance. In the evening, visitors can admire the sunset and the city lights from a bird's-eye view. The Sky City Restaurant, located just below the observation deck level, has a revolving floor that allows diners to get the full view of Seattle during their meal. 
400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109 [map]
2. Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman trail provides 27 miles of paths for bicyclists and walkers. The trail begins in Ballard and follows the Ship Canal and the shores of Lake Union and Lake Washington to Bothell at the north end of Lake Washington. In Bothell, the trail changes to the Sammamish River Trail, and continues south on the east side of Lake Washington to Marymoor Park in Redmond. www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/BurkeGilman/bgtrail.htm
3. Museum of FlightThe Museum of Flight is located on the edge of Boeing Field and houses dozens for aircraft, including a SR-71 Blackbird, a F/A-18 Hornet, the first Air force One, and a Concorde. A variety of exhibits cover the history of aviation. 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108 [map]
4. Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is a favorite stop in downtown Seattle. Local venders sell fresh produce, ethnic food, seafood, flowers, jewelry, arts and crafts, and antiques. Street performers demonstrate their talents along Pike Street, and the staff at the famous Pike Place Fish Market throw fish to entertain customers. The original Starbucks coffee shop is across the street from the main market building. 86 Pike St, Seattle, WA [map]
5. Bellevue SquareBellevue Square is an upscale shopping center in downtown Bellevue that contains more than 200 stores, including large department stores such as Nordstrom and Macy's, as well as a wide variety of smaller shops. NE 8th St. and Bellevue Way, Bellevue, WA [map]
6. Woodland Park ZooThe 92-acre Woodland Park Zoo is acclaimed for its naturalistic exhibits, which cover the span of the animal kingdom. Keep an eye out for seasonal exhibits, such as the butterfly room. N. 50th and Fremont Ave N. Seattle, WA [map]
7. Seahawks Football at Qwest FieldFans can watch the 2006 National Football Conference Champions play at Qwest Field, the Seahawks' new stadium. 800 Occidental Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 [map]
8. Seattle Aquarium
Located in downtown Seattle at Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium's exhibits feature marine life from Pacific Northwest and around the world. Visitors can see fish of all kinds, sea birds, otters and other marine mammals, and a variety of other sea creatures. 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 [map]
9. Benaroya HallBenaroya Hall in downtown Seattle is the home of the Seattle Symphony. Its two concert halls host more than 200 annual performances by the Seattle Symphony, as well as more than 100 other performing arts groups. 200 University Street, Seattle, WA, 98101 [map]
10. Washington Park ArboretumThe 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum, located on Lake Washington just east of downtown Seattle, is a favorite location for canoeing and kayaking (available to rent nearby at the University of Washington), and has a network of walking paths. The park is known for its large collection of trees from around the world, and contains an impressive Japanese garden. 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, 98112 [map]
11. Washington State Ferries
Washington State has the largest ferry system in the United States. Many Washingtonians use the ferries to commute to work, but they are a great way to sightsee, as well. From Seattle, passengers can catch ferries to islands in Puget Sound or to the Olympic Peninsula. From Anacortes, passengers can take a ferry through the San Juan Islands to Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island. 801 Alaskan Way Pier 52 or 50, Seattle, WA 98104 [map]
12. BroadwayBroadway on Seattle's Capital Hill is a favorite area for window shopping. Visitors can get a burger and fries at Dick's, find the statue of Jimi Hendrix (who was a Seattle native), and stop at Dilettante Chocolates for an extravagant dessert. Broadway E, Seattle, WA [map]
13. Experience Music Project (EMP)The Experience Music Project is a museum of popular American music, featuring a variety of interactive and interpretive exhibits. The EMP's unusually shaped, multicolored metallic building makes it an easy-to-spot element in the Seattle skyline. 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109 [map]
14. Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is made up of 20 acres of lawn on a point in Lake Union, and has a dramatic view of downtown Seattle. The park was once the site of a gasification plant where gas was produced from coal. Some of the plant's structures remain, creating an unusual landmark. 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA [map] www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/GASWORKS.htm
15. Mount Rainier National ParkMt. Rainier is a 14,410 foot active volcano in the center of a 235,625 acre national park. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, winter sports, and--for the more adventurous--mountain climbing. The best view of the mountain with road access is the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, located at an elevation of 5,400 feet. Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA [map]
16. Seattle Central LibraryDesigned by the award-winning Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the new steel and glass Central Library provides a dramatic 11-floor, 362,987-square-foot home for its holdings. 1000 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA [map] www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central&bran
17. Snoqualmie FallsVisitors can view the dramatic 270-foot waterfall from the park above the falls, or take a short hike to the bottom of the canyon. The Salish Lodge and Spa, perched on the cliff above the falls, is famous for its breakfasts. 6501 Railroad Avenue SE, Snoqualmie, WA [map]
18. Ballard LocksVisitors can watch ships pass between Lake Union and Puget Sound through two navigational locks. Visitors can then cross the dam to the fish ladder and underwater salmon viewing area. The locks border a lush botanical garden. 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle WA 98107 [map] www.seattle.gov/tour/locks.htm
19. Mariners Baseball at Safeco Field
Sports fans can watch major league baseball played by Ichiro Suzuki and his teammates at Safeco Field. The stadium, completed in 1999, has a retractable roof, so the Mariners can play ball rain or shine. 1250 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98134 [map]
20. Sonics Basketball at Key ArenaFans can cheer on the Seattle Sonics at Key Arena at the Seattle Center. 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109 [map]
21. Seattle Art MuseumThe Seattle Art Museum holds an impressive collection of more than 21,000 objects, from Old Master paintings, to African masks, to contemporary Northwest Art. Note: The Seattle Art Museum is closed for expansion until the spring of 2007. 100 University Street, Seattle, WA 98122 [map]
22. Boeing Plant TourVisitors can tour Boeing's plant in Everett, where airplanes are assembled in the largest building by volume in the world, at 472,000,000 cubic feet. 8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo, WA 98275 [map]
23. Alki BeachAlki Beach Park has sandy beaches and views of the Olympic Mountains, Seattle, and the ferries and other boats on Puget Sound and Elliot Bay. Walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and bicyclists enjoy a 2.5 mile path along the beach. A variety of shops and restaurants line Alki Avenue. 1702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, WA [map] www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/alki.htm
24. Skiing and Snowboarding
Snoqualmie Pass and Steven's Pass are a couple of spots in the Cascade Mountains that offers skiing and snowboarding slopes. It only takes about an hour to get from our campus to the slopes. Skis and Snowboards are available to rent locally or on location.
Ski Slopes Near Kirkland [map] seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snowsports/
25. 5th Avenue TheaterThe 5th Avenue Theater in downtown Seattle is the home of the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company, and hosts a variety of concerts, lectures, and films. The theatre has a Chinese interior inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing. 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 [map]
26. Seattle WaterfrontThe Seattle waterfront on Elliot Bay is home to the Seattle ferry terminal, the Seattle Aquarium, Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe, and the original Ivar's seafood restaurant, along with many other restaurants and shops located throughout the piers. Visitors can catch a harbor tour, go parasailing on Elliot Bay, or take the Clipper to Victoria, B.C., all from Alaska Way on the waterfront. Alaska Way, Seattle, WA [map]
27. ParasailingLocal companies offer parasailing on both Elliott Bay and Lake Washington. Parasailing near Seattle, wa [map]
28. Bellevue Botanical GardenThe Bellevue Botanical Garden is comprised of 36 acres of display gardens, woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Gardens include a perennial border, a waterwise garden, a Japanese garden, an alpine rock garden, and summer displays of dahlias and fuchsias. 12001 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98005 [map]
29. Paramount TheatreThe Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle hosts touring Broadway productions, dance performances, and a wide variety of concerts. The theatre was built in the 1920's and underwent an extensive restoration in 1995. 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA, 98101 [map]
30. Asian Art MuseumThe Asian Art Museum houses a world-renowned collection of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan art. 1400 East Prospect St. Volunteer Park, Seattle, WA 98112 [map] www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibit/exhibit.asp
31. Pacific Northwest BalletThe Pacific Northwest Ballet is one of the largest and most highly regarded ballet companies in the United States. The company is made up of 43 dancers, and offers more than 100 performances each year. Performances are held in Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center. 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109 [map]
32. Hot Air Balloon RideSeveral companies in the Seattle area offer hot air balloon rides. Passengers get dramatic aerial views of the region, including mountains, lakes, and cities. www.blastvalve.com/Balloon_Rides/USA/Washington_Ba
33. Westlake CenterWestlake Center is a four-story, glass enclosed shopping center in the heart of downtown Seattle. The monorail's downtown station is located on the upper floor, as is a large food court. 400 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101 [map]
34. Ballard and Fremont MarketsOn Sundays at the Ballard and Fremont Markets, local venders sell arts and crafts, organic produce, flowers, and other local products on Sundays.
35. Bellevue Art MuseumThe Bellevue Art Museum offers a variety of permanent and visiting exhibits of art, craft, and design which emphasize the work of regional artists. 500 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 [map]
36. Chinatown/ International DistrictSeattle's international district is home to a variety of shops and arts and entertainment venues. The district hosts the annual International District Summer Festival.
37. Dick's Drive InDick's has been a Seattle favorite for burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1954. There are five locations around Seattle. 111 N.E. 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105 [map]
38. Golden GardensGolden Gardens is a park on Shilshole Bay on Puget Sound in North Seattle. There are sandy beaches, picnic areas, walking paths, a boat launch, and a fishing pier. 8499 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA [map] www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/Golden.htm
39. Green LakeGreen Lake, located in the heart of North Seattle, is circled by a 2.8 mile path that is popular with bikers, skaters, runners, and dog walkers. There are picnic areas and a swimming beach, and paddle boats and canoes are available for rent. 7201 East Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle, WA [map] www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/greenlak.htm
40. Fremont Outdoor CinemaParticipants take along their own lawn chair, purchase popcorn and other treats from local venders, and enjoy movies under the stars on specific Saturday evenings June-September. North 35th and Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA [map]
41. Mount St. HelensMount Saint Helens erupted in May 1980, flattening or burying nearly 230 square miles of forest. The Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument was created for research, recreation, and education, allowing visitors to see the aftermath of a volcanic eruption in person. Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA, 98611 [map]
42. Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center features exhibits on a variety of scientific topics, such as dinosaurs, insects, the human body, sound and music, and technology. The museum hosts traveling exhibits throughout the year, and there is an IMAX Theater. 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109 [map]
43. Redmond Town CenterThis open-air shopping center contains 100 shops and several restaurants, as well as a movie theatre. 16413 Northeast 74th St, Redmond, WA 98052 [map]
44. Seafair
Seafair is Seattle's summer festival, held annually in August since the 1950's. The festival features air shows by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels (shown at right), hydroplane races on Lake Washington, a torchlight parade, a triathlon and a marathon, concerts, and a variety of other community events located throughout the city.
45. Seattle Underground TourGuided tours take visitors through underground passages that were once the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. The knowledgeable and entertaining guides explain Seattle's history along the way. 608 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 [map]
46. Wing Luke Asian MuseumThe Wing Luke Asian Museum explores issues related to Seattle's Asian Pacific American community's culture, art, and history. 407 Seventh Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104 [map]
47. Golf
The Seattle area offers dozens of golf courses. Beginners to advanced golfers will find courses to challenge them. Golf Course near Kirkland, WA [map]
48. Museum of GlassThe Museum of Glass in Tacoma has received world-wide accolades for its design and exhibits. It features a variety of permanent and visiting exhibits and a workshop where visitors can watch glass artists at work. The Chihuly Bridge of Glass displays pieces by Dale Chihuly, a leading glass artist and Tacoma native. 1801 Dock St., Tacoma, WA, 98402 [map]
49. Wakeboarding
The large lakes throughout the Seattle area--including Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Lake Sammamish--as well as Puget Sound, are great spots for enjoying a variety of water sports, such as wakeboarding.
50. "The Ave"University Way, or 'The Ave,' the main street through Seattle's University District, is a great place for used book shopping and sampling ethnic food. University Way NE, Seattle, WA [map]
51. Horseback RidingWestern Washington offers opportunities for horseback riding at all levels, from short trail rides to more adventurous journeys. Riders can take lessons and board horses within a few minutes from Northwest University's campus. Horseback riding near Kirkland, WA [map]
52. BurgermasterBurgermaster is a 1950's style drive-in restaurant near Northwest University's campus that offers great burgers and shakes. 10606 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA 98004 [map]
53. Kenmore AirKenmore Air is one of several seaplane companies that take advantage of Western Washington's large bodies of water for landings and take-offs. Their scenic flights and tours offer aerial views of the Seattle area. 6321 NE 175th St, Kenmore, WA 98028 [map]
54. Whale WatchingPuget Sound offers opportunities for whale watching April through September. Boat tours provide close-up views of orcas and gray whales in their natural habitat. Whale watching near Seattle [map]
55. Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll ArtThe Museum of Doll Art is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of dolls as an art form, and houses more than 3000 dolls. 1116 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 [map]
56. ParaglidingTiger Mountain in Issaquah on the Eastside is a favorite spot for paragliders. Beginners can ride tandem with experienced paragliders. 11206 Issaquah-Hobart Rd. SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 [map]
57. Center for Wooden BoatsAt the Center for Wooden boats on Lake Union in Seattle there are restored wooden vessels on display, sailboats and rowboats for rent, and opportunities to take sailing lessons. 1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109 [map]
|
AthleticsMuseums and Tours
Performing ArtsScenic
|
