Downtown
Seattle's downtown runs along the edge of Elliott Bay, which is filled with passenger ferries, cruise liners, and container ships. Up north at the Olympic Sculpture Park, you'll find nine acres of enormous pieces from the likes of Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois. About a dozen blocks south is Pike Place Market, the unofficial soul of the city, where you'll find the famed fish flingers, the flower stalls, a slew of places to eat, and—yes, indeed—the original Starbucks. Downhill at the waterfront, you can board a ferry for a 30-minute ride to peaceful Bainbridge Island (a perfect spot for a picnic). Or wander a few blocks south to explore historic Pioneer Square, home to Seattle's first settlement, and its waterfall garden. Just east is the bustling Chinatown-International District. (Keep an eye out for the fiberglass dragons on the light poles.)
RESTAURANTS
Etta's Seafood
The crab cakes are the rage at celebrity chef Tom Douglas's sleek joint, but don't leave without sharing a massive slice of coconut cream pie. 2020 Western Avenue, (206) 443-6000.
Lowell's Restaurant and Bar
Try the hearty breakfast quesadillas or a burger with Tillamook cheddar. 1519 Pike Place, (206) 622-2036.
Anthony's Fish Bar
Grab fish and chips at the walk-up bar, then watch the boats from the café tables outside. 2201 Alaskan Way, (206) 448-6688.
Beechers Handmade Cheese
Watch the curds being stirred while you lunch on Beecher's mac and cheese, an artisanal "breadzel," or great sandwiches (grilled Dungeness crab and Flagship cheese). 1600 Pike Place, (206) 956-1964
STORES
Flora and Henri
You'll covet everything in this Seattle-based kids' line, from the sweet knits to the canary yellow silk party dresses. 717 Pine Street, (206) 749-9698.
Hands of the World
Look for beaded necklaces from Kenya and Tanzania, handmade instruments, and colorful Peruvian stuffed animals. 1501 Pike Place Market, #428, (206) 622-1696.
Pike Place Magic Shop
It's hard to tell if kids or adults have more fun at this shop jam-packed with novelty items and gag gifts. Ask for trick demonstrations at the counter. 1501 Pike Place Market #427, (206) 624-4271.
ACTIVITIES
Seattle Aquarium
Stand under the 12-foot glass ring filled with moon jellyfish, and check out the touch tanks. 1483 Alaskan Way, pier 59, (206) 386-4300.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Twenty-one works line the park's Z-shaped path, which slopes down to the water. 2901 Western Avenue (206) 654-3100.
Washington State Ferries
Go to pier 52 and take a 35-minute ride across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island, where you can explore the quaint town of Winslow and stop for lunch at Café Nola. 801 Alaskan Way, (206) 464-6400.
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