5 Ways To Skip The Games In Seattle

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Seattle, the Emerald City, is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless entertainment options. However, for those looking to skip the typical tourist traps and experience the city like a local, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities to explore. From outdoor adventures to unique cultural experiences, here are five ways to skip the games in Seattle and discover the city's hidden gems.

Explore Seattle's Great Outdoors

Seattle is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from the Olympic Mountains to Puget Sound. For those looking to skip the games and experience the great outdoors, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few:

• Discovery Park: This 740-acre park in the Magnolia neighborhood offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, meadows, and forests. Hike the 2.8-mile Loop Trail, explore the park's many beaches, or simply enjoy a picnic with a view.
• Washington Park Arboretum: This 230-acre park features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and stunning views of Lake Washington. Take a guided tour or explore on your own and discover the park's many hidden gems.
• Kayaking on Puget Sound: Rent a kayak and explore the sound's many islands and inlets. Get up close and personal with sea lions, seals, and other marine wildlife.

Seattle's Best Kept Secrets: Outdoor Adventures

• The Rattlesnake Ridge Trail: Located just outside the city, this 4-mile trail offers stunning views of the Cascades and Puget Sound. Hike through forests and meadows, and enjoy a picnic at the top.
• The Seattle Waterfront: While not entirely off the beaten path, the Seattle Waterfront is often overlooked by tourists. Take a stroll along the newly renovated pier, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, and enjoy the stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

Experience Seattle's Vibrant Cultural Scene

Seattle is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, from music to visual arts to food. Here are a few ways to experience the city's cultural side:

• The Seattle Art Museum: With a collection of over 25,000 objects, the Seattle Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. From European masters to contemporary artists, the museum features a wide range of exhibits and installations.
• The Music Scene: Seattle is the birthplace of grunge music, and its music scene is still thriving today. Catch a live show at the Paramount Theatre, the Moore Theatre, or the Crocodile.
• Food Truck Heaven: Seattle's food truck scene is one of the best in the country, with everything from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ. Find your favorite truck and enjoy a delicious meal on the go.

Seattle's Best Kept Secrets: Cultural Attractions

• The Frye Art Museum: This free museum features a collection of 19th- and 20th-century European art, as well as rotating exhibits and installations.
• The Center for Wooden Boats: This unique museum showcases a collection of historic boats and offers sailing lessons and rentals.

Discover Seattle's Neighborhoods

Seattle's neighborhoods are each unique and worth exploring. From trendy boutiques to historic landmarks, here are a few neighborhoods to discover:

• Capitol Hill: This trendy neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, boutique shops, and restaurants. Explore the historic mansions, visit the iconic Space Needle, and enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries.
• Pioneer Square: This historic neighborhood is home to some of Seattle's oldest buildings, including the original Starbucks store. Explore the Underground Tour, visit the Seattle Art Museum, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
• Ballard: This charming neighborhood is known for its Nordic heritage and historic architecture. Visit the Ballard Locks, explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy a meal of fresh seafood.

Seattle's Best Kept Secrets: Neighborhoods

• The Central District: This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to a vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and some of the city's best restaurants.
• Georgetown: This historic neighborhood is home to the city's oldest building, the Georgetown Steam Plant. Explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries.

Get Off the Beaten Path with a Guided Tour

Sometimes the best way to experience a city is with a guided tour. Here are a few unique tours to get you off the beaten path:

• The Seattle Underground Tour: Explore the city's hidden underground tunnels and spaces on this unique tour.
• The Seattle Food Tour: Sample the city's best eats on this guided tour of Seattle's culinary scene.
• The Seattle Street Art Tour: Explore the city's vibrant street art scene on this guided tour of murals and graffiti.

Seattle's Best Kept Secrets: Guided Tours

• The Puget Sound Ferry Tour: Take a guided tour of the sound's many islands and inlets, and enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
• The Seattle Brewery Tour: Sample the city's best craft beers on this guided tour of Seattle's breweries.

We hope you've enjoyed this guide to skipping the games in Seattle. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture vulture, or just looking for something new and exciting, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. So why not get off the beaten path and discover the real Seattle?