Car Rental Seattle - Exploring Seattle

Seattle also offers some good skiing opportunities in the mountains east of the city. Alpental, Snoqualmie Summit, Ski Acres and Hyak are the best spots. While you’re in the area visit the impressive Snoqualmie Falls, which has some good hiking and a spectacular lodge and spa, the Salish Lodge and Spa.

Washington State is also famous for its microbreweries and Woodinville 30kms northeast of Seattle is a good place to try out the local brew. Redhook Ale Brewery, one of the first in the state, has a convivial new pub and brewery here. There are also some old wineries in the area offering further opportunities for an afternoon tipple.

To the west lies saltwater Puget Sound and exploring its misty islands is one of the most romantic things to do in Seattle. Winslow is a popular destination by ferry. While you’re there, the Bainbridge Island Winery is worth visiting. Bremerton, a naval base 24kms west of Seattle, has an interesting naval museum and the USS Turner Joy, a US naval destroyer at the Waterfront Park, is an impressive sight.

Nearer to the city, just south of the Lake Washington ship canal, university-run Washington Park Arboretum features 5,500 different plant species within 200 acres (80ha) of mature forest and gardens. At the southern edge of the arboretum is the Japanese Garden, a collection of koi pools, waterfalls and manicured plantings. Bird watching is popular at the northern end of the arboretum, as are canoeing, fishing and swimming.