Seattle

Take the elevator up to the Space Needle for sweeping 360-degree views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Step onto the outdoor deck or the Loupe, the world’s first rotating glass floor, for memorable photos; plan ahead and book a sunset slot if you can.

Stroll through Pike Place Market and you will find fresh seafood, seasonal produce, bright flower stalls, and handmade crafts from local vendors. Catch the famous fish toss at Pike Place Fish, pop into the original Starbucks store, and sample market bites while street performers set the scene, then dive in and taste the city.

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to experience hands-on exhibits on music, science fiction, film, and video games in the striking building designed by Frank O. Gehry. You can explore iconic instruments and interactive displays, so check current exhibitions and plan your visit.

You can wander forested trails and open meadows, stroll down to the beach, and soak in sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. At 534 acres, the park gives you room to explore the West Point Lighthouse, coastal bluffs, and lively birdlife. Plan a visit.

Ride the Seattle Great Wheel, a 175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57 with enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas and colorful LED lighting. Enjoy sweeping views of Elliott Bay, the Space Needle, and on clear days the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier; plan a sunset ride for the best light and consider buying tickets online to skip the line.

Explore Dale Chihuly’s vibrant, large-scale glass works across light-filled indoor galleries, the dramatic Glasshouse installation, and sculptural displays in the garden next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Book tickets in advance to secure entry, then take your time soaking in the color and craftsmanship.