weare staying near the U. of Washington but we want to see the waterfront, museums, etc. of Seattle. Howto get from the campus to the sites without renting a car? Or should we rent because of the distance?

There are lots of bus routes serving the U. District, about a 10 min. ride to most of the downtown attractions. In the downtown area proper the bus is free - jump on, jump off.

Hi,

Most who've never been here don't know how thorough and reliable the Seattle metro bus system is. It's hard to find a better "bus" system in the country. IF you are at a hotel anywhere central to the University district (near 45th or University Way), the busses that run down University way are incredibly convenient.

Busses pass every 10-15 minutes until well after midnight and you usually have multiple options on which bus to catch coming back from town.

Don't hesitate to use the Seattle metro bus system.

For more metro info:

http://transit.metrokc.gov/bus/bus.html

You can also rent canoes, kayaks, etc. at UW! That will allow you to get close to the water (provided it's nice weather). Enjoy your stay.

The public bus system is great for your stated purposes. You can get downtown in a kayak from the the U of W, whether the water is above or below. It comes both ways in Seattle. Plan for going through the locks between Lake Union and Puget Sound and then moor next to the Fireboat by Ivars. That voyage might take a while.

Seattle has a pretty good mass transit. Without a car when stationed there five or so years ago, my wife used the services of a truck driver she dated for three weeks. They got around.