We will be in Seattle on July 4 to July 6. How can we get the most out of Seattle without going sleepless -)? While we love the great outdoors, 2 days would only allow us to get to know what's best in the city and immediate surroundings. Any ideas?

If you enjoy the outdoors, a (long) day trip to Mount St. Helens might be fun. If you're in good enough shape and are interested, they offer hikes up the volcano but you need to get a permit first: http://www.mountsthelens.com/hiking.html

Chinatown (The International District) is a must visit some great dim sum.

I haven't been to Seattle in years so I can't really recall other things to do.

The Duck Tour can be fun and runs you around the city...

I forgot to mention the tea shop. If you like tea, stop by Seattle's Best Tea shop in the International District: 506 South King Street

You can do a tea tasting of some excellent oolongs. You won't be disappointed.

1. Pike Place Market
2. Space Needle
3. Ferry to Bainbridge Island
4. Argosy Locks Cruise
5. Pioneer Square
6. Chinatown International District
7. Museum of History and Industry
8. Experience Music Project
9. Seattle Great Wheel
10. Underground Tour

Mt. Rainier National Park is the top day trip from Seattle.

On July 4 book onto a Locks and Fireworks cruise - http://www.argosycruises.com/themecr...ult.cfm#fourth

This will not only give you a very effective and scenic introduction into our watery city, but will put you right under the fireworks show on Lake Union - not far from the "Sleepless" houseboat.

We have done this twice, plan to do it again this year, and find it to be terrific value.

Photo examples -

Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier (you may or may not have the mountain "out" but lovely regardless) - http://gardyloo.us/062406%20078%20800.jpg

Entering Lake Union from the Lake Washington Ship Canal, after going through the Ballard Locks - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_35s.JPG

Boats and houseboats waiting for the show - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_39s.JPG

The crowds at Gasworks Park waiting - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_72s.JPG

Almost time - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_73s.JPG

Kaboom - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_157s.JPG

Kerpow - http://gardyloo.us/20110705_214s.JPG

Don't miss the Chilulay Glass Museum at Seattle Center - it is amazing. Walk by the water through the Sculpture Park, fun sculptures and beautiful waterfront.

A trip to Seattle is not complete without a visit to Pikes Market. Go early in the morning and treat yourself to a bag of those warm little donuts (Top Pot?) in the market. I always buy a bag of the Chukka tart cherries, too, but there are many types - they offer samples.

Eat seafood - you are in Seattle! Some of my favorites: Tom Douglas restaurants: Seatown (very casual), Dahlia Lounge, Palace Kitchen. The Brooklyn (near the Seattle Art Museum), Steelhead Diner (near Pikes Market). My son loves the clam chowder at Ivar's and oysters at Elliots, very touristy places, but right on the water.

Drink coffee - Starbucks was born here- my favorite is Stumptown Coffee, but there are many great places.

The trip to Mt. St. Helen's is nowhere near Seattle proper and is highly conditional on the weather anyway- I would not recommend that you devote one of your days to that outing. Agree with other posters about Pike Place Market and the Bainbridge Ferry. Happytrailstoyou has a good list!

I love all the ideas as we plan to return to Seattle soon. Last time we really enjoyed the Underground Tour, the outstanding view from the Space Needle (despite the annoying high cost), Pike Marketplace, eating in great restaurants, and just walking everywhere. Oh, and the ferry to San Juan Island.

And it is Pike Place Market not "Pikes".

Thank you everybody for your great ideas. My husband is a huge aviation enthusiast so we are booked for the Boeing plant tour for the 5th morning. I can certainly see there is a lot to cram into the remsining time there. Can anybody recommend a fabulous outdoor waterfront restaurant where we can watch the 4th of July fireworks?

Hardy loo, thank you soooo much for the great pictures! They're fabulous.

Sorry, meant Gardyloo. Auto spell changed it on me.

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