Though Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington, it does lay a little off the beaten path in terms of tourist destinations. Sitting right on Interstate 90, Spokane offers more than just a stopover for those heading across the state of Washington on their way to the much larger metropolitan area of Seattle. From the natural beauty of the area that can be seen in north of the city or in nearby Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to the wonderful shopping opportunities and great historical and cultural facilities, Spokane has proven itself to be a worthy destination all its own.
Here are five things you must do whent traveling to Spokane, Washington.
1. Riverfront Park - Spokane’s Riverfront Park offers something for everyone. Take a stroll along a peaceful section of the Spokane River, or enjoy the torrent that is the Spokane Falls. There are a number of things to do at the park itself including: visit the IMAX theater, take a gondola ride over the falls, ride a carousel built in 1909, take a train/tram ride around the park, enjoy the amusement park type rides, and more.
2. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture - A visit to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture is a great way to be both entertained and educated at the very same time. One of the largest collections of Plateau Indian arts and craftsmanship can be viewed at the museum as well as a number of exhibits on the settling of the area. Truly one of the better museums in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Riverside State Park - A great way to get away from city life, but still be within the city of Spokane is to visit Riverside State Park. The park covers a great deal of land alongside the Spokane River and offers its visitors the opportunity to go cross country skiing in the winter and ATV riding in the spring, summer, and fall. From camping to horseback riding there is no shortage of things to do at Riverside State Park in Spokane.
4. The Centennial Trail - Built in time to commemorate the state centennials of Washington and Idaho, the Centennial Trail is more than just a Spokane attraction. The length of the entire trail is 61 miles, connecting Spokane with its neighbor to the east, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The entire trail is paved and is a great place for walking, running, biking, and more. It follows the Spokane River during almost the entire run and offers some of the best viewing of the local waterway.
5. Splashdown Waterpark - Few things would be as refreshing on a hot summers day as a trip to Spokane’s Splashdown Waterpark. Featuring swimming pools as well as a number of waterslides that lead right to them, Splashdown Waterpark is a great vacation attraction for young children and their parents alike.
The city of Spokane offers a unique combination of outdoor recreational opportunities combined with a great deal of more urban attractions. The city’s claim to fame is the beautiful Riverfront Park which sits directly in the middle of town right along the famous Spokane Falls area of the Spokane River. The city of Spokane is a classic medium sized city offering all the benefits of a large city but also featuring many attractions and attitudes that prove it hasn’t forgotten the things that make a small town a great place also. There are enough things to do in the city of Spokane to make any vacationer thankful that they made the decision to spend all or part of their trip there. Spokane truly is a great place to visit.
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Seattle - the largest city in the state of Washington – is located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” and the “Star of the Pacific Northwest.” Also known for its microchips and eclectic mix of coffee, Seattle offers its guests many exciting and beautiful places to visit. One of the most visited place worldwide; a trip to Seattle is another lifetime unforgettable experience. Due to its generally damp weather, the best months to visit are July and August.
Sights and Attractions
The Space Needle – 605-foot tower – is Seattle’s premier landmark. Rotating at 360 degrees, its restaurants and observation decks allow its visitors to have breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Seattle Central Library is an 11-story building of glass and steel. It is reported that this building can house about 1.45 million books and other materials. It has also an underground public parking for 143 vehicles. Seattle Central Library opened 400 computers for public use. Over 2 million individuals visited the new library in its first year. Its unique architectural design attracted 2 million visitors in its first year.
Olympic Sculpture Park – a 9-acre park - provides magnificent views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. It has a Z-shaped walkway that leads to a 900 feet of restored beachfront. Along the way are the various contemporary art sculptures from world-renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois, Ellsworth Kelly, Claes Oldenburg, Mark di Suvero, Tony Smith and Alexander Calder.
Considered to be Seattle’s largest park is Discovery Park. It is a 534-acre of wildlife sanctuary and park. A visit to this place let visitors witness the magnificent view of cool of both the forests and beaches. South Bluff trail gives visitors a great view of Mt. Rainier and the skyline. A trail map is provided at the visitor center near the Government Way - the best entrance to this place. Bellevue Botanical Gardens found in the middle Wilburton Hill Park is the best place to go for some quiet moments. It is a 36-acre public area of beautiful gardens, woodlands, gift shops and even offers some classes to the visitors. Pike Place Market is the place where the first Starbucks coffee outlet was opened. A historical place, Pike Place Market is where early trading of products took place. Informational tours and activities are offered regularly.
Seattle is also home to corporate giants Boeing and Microsoft. A tour of Boeing’s extensive assembly plant is open while Microsoft’s museum is only open for employees, their families, and friends.
A climb to the fish ladder at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will give visitors a good view of trout and salmons who may be heading to Lake Washington and some sea lions looking for food. Known locally as the Ballard Locks, it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Museum of Glass is also another architectural wonder that uses glass and steel to form the 90-foot steel cone. Hot Shop Amphitheater lets the visitor take a peek on the intricate process of glassmaking. Connecting the museum to the Washington State History Museum is the Bridge of Glass.
Nightlife
If you are after Seattle’s nightlife, expect an exciting night as well. Famous bands and musicians - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and rocker Jimi Hendrix – are from the place called Seattle. Fenix Underground houses 3 dance floors, 5 bars, a café, a stage for live performances and a pool room. A different style of music can be enjoyed every night at this astounding place. The Capitol Club – great place for nightlife – has an excellent selection of foods and a great view of the city.
Hotels
Busy as it is, hotels that are affordable to the most expensive suites are everywhere in Seattle. A place to stay during the visit is never a problem. Good places to start your hunt are Hotel Vintage Park and Sorrento Hotel. Both offering great services, your stay at Seattle will surely be a relaxing one.
Restaurants
Food is never a problem when in Seattle. Metropolitan Grill offers the best steak, pastas and salads. Choices of wines complement the steak. Another great place to dine-in is Ray’s Boathouse. Aside from a sumptuous menu of oysters, crab cakes, salmon and wine, Ray’s Boathouse offers an excellent view of the mountains and the water especially at sunset.
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