Seattle , and how to pick best island to visit
Jul 20th, 2013, 09:44 PM
#1
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Seattle , and how to pick best island to visit
We will be vacationing in Seattle,WA in September. We are planning on starting our trip in Seattle for the weekend to take on the sites there, thinking of staying downtown without renting a car as I've heard there is a high parking daily cost at the downtown hotels, and there is good public transportation. Any hotel suggestions within a few blocks from Pikes Market?
Monday we would like to rent a car (if needed) and drive up to the ferry to take us to the island for a few days. Now here's the Big Question? If you could only visit One island for two-three days, which would you pick? We can stay in a hotel or rent a house. We'd love to go whale watching, and just do some relaxing site seeing. Scenery is a biggie. So...Victoria Island, Whidbey Island, Orcas Island, Bainbridge??? PLEASE Help!!!
Thought we'd take in Mt Rainier, and Olympic National Park the next two days, then fly home Friday.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Monday we would like to rent a car (if needed) and drive up to the ferry to take us to the island for a few days. Now here's the Big Question? If you could only visit One island for two-three days, which would you pick? We can stay in a hotel or rent a house. We'd love to go whale watching, and just do some relaxing site seeing. Scenery is a biggie. So...Victoria Island, Whidbey Island, Orcas Island, Bainbridge??? PLEASE Help!!!
Thought we'd take in Mt Rainier, and Olympic National Park the next two days, then fly home Friday.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Jul 21st, 2013, 07:04 AM
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Suggestion would be to look at a map of the Seattle area.
From Wikipedia "Victoria Island (or Kitlineq)is an island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and straddles the boundary between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories of Canada."
Victoria Island is not in the Seattle area.
"Pikes" Peak is in Colorado. "Pike" Place Market is in Seattle.
Olympic National Park is West of Seattle a considerable distance.
Mt Rainer is southeast of Seattle.
From Wikipedia "Victoria Island (or Kitlineq)is an island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and straddles the boundary between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories of Canada."
Victoria Island is not in the Seattle area.
"Pikes" Peak is in Colorado. "Pike" Place Market is in Seattle.
Olympic National Park is West of Seattle a considerable distance.
Mt Rainer is southeast of Seattle.
Jul 21st, 2013, 09:22 AM
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I would suggest doing a driving loop by taking the Mukilteo ferry to Clinton, on Whidbey Island. Take a leisurely tour up Whidbey Island, crossing the spectacular Deception Pass Bridge, onto Fidalgo Island. Along the way, check out the picturesque town of Langley, Deception Pass State Park and Mt. Erie. From there, take the Anacortes ferry to the San Juan Islands.
Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island is the best place for starting out on a whale-watching tour, and there are several choices of operators. The San Juan Islands are quite close together, so it is easy to get from one to the next, depending on the ferry schedule. I think that Orcas Island is the most scenic, and the view atop Mt. Constitution has to be one of the best in the State.
You can then continue on the San Juan Islands ferry to Sidney, on Victoria Island. From there, it is a very short drive to the lovely city of Victoria. There are all sorts of things to see there, most notably the famous Butchart Gardens, the B.C. Provincial Museum and the Empress Hotel.
From Victoria, you can take the Black Ball Line ferry to Port Angeles, on the Olympic Peninsula. Drive up into the mountains at Hurricane Ridge, then continue on to the west coast, where there are spectacular beaches right next to temperate rain forests. Check out the Hoh River area, for one good choice.
Lastly, you can continue down the coast, swing west Interstate 5, then head on up to Mt. Rainier. From there, it is not far to the airport.
Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island is the best place for starting out on a whale-watching tour, and there are several choices of operators. The San Juan Islands are quite close together, so it is easy to get from one to the next, depending on the ferry schedule. I think that Orcas Island is the most scenic, and the view atop Mt. Constitution has to be one of the best in the State.
You can then continue on the San Juan Islands ferry to Sidney, on Victoria Island. From there, it is a very short drive to the lovely city of Victoria. There are all sorts of things to see there, most notably the famous Butchart Gardens, the B.C. Provincial Museum and the Empress Hotel.
From Victoria, you can take the Black Ball Line ferry to Port Angeles, on the Olympic Peninsula. Drive up into the mountains at Hurricane Ridge, then continue on to the west coast, where there are spectacular beaches right next to temperate rain forests. Check out the Hoh River area, for one good choice.
Lastly, you can continue down the coast, swing west Interstate 5, then head on up to Mt. Rainier. From there, it is not far to the airport.
Jul 21st, 2013, 09:48 AM
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That's a good plan, ALF, although once again you've mislabeled Vancouver Island as Victoria Island. I know it's confusing, but Victoria (the city) is actually on Vancouver Island. Still more helpful than 1JAR's response!
Jul 21st, 2013, 11:13 AM
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I'm counting only 4 or 5 days after Seattle, so think that Alf's plan if ambitious.
I think you should choose an island only accessible by water, so would go with San Juan Island or Orcas Islands, as suggested by HTtY. San Juan Island is the most populated (though hardly crowded); Orcas the largest. You could spend two nights on the island, then take the ferry to Victoria (on Vancouver Island, Canada - need your passport) to spend one night there, for one day in that pretty town (and visit Buchardt Gdns). Then the Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles and visit Hurricane Ridge on your way back to Seattle, if you time it right.
You'd have to check the ferries for timing to see the exact timing - if this would work. There aren't a whole lot between San Juan Island and Victoria.
I think you should choose an island only accessible by water, so would go with San Juan Island or Orcas Islands, as suggested by HTtY. San Juan Island is the most populated (though hardly crowded); Orcas the largest. You could spend two nights on the island, then take the ferry to Victoria (on Vancouver Island, Canada - need your passport) to spend one night there, for one day in that pretty town (and visit Buchardt Gdns). Then the Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles and visit Hurricane Ridge on your way back to Seattle, if you time it right.
You'd have to check the ferries for timing to see the exact timing - if this would work. There aren't a whole lot between San Juan Island and Victoria.
Jul 21st, 2013, 05:07 PM
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"You can then continue on the San Juan Islands ferry to Sidney, on Victoria Island"
____________________________________
I see Alf is confused too and re: my helpful suggestion, need to look at a Map.
____________________________________
I see Alf is confused too and re: my helpful suggestion, need to look at a Map.
Jul 21st, 2013, 05:40 PM
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ALF, all it takes is a moment with a search engine to learn that if you type in "Pike's," all of the hits will be "Pike Place..."
It bugs locals to see posters unwilling to do even basic research before posting a question.
It bugs locals to see posters unwilling to do even basic research before posting a question.
Jul 21st, 2013, 06:11 PM
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Thanks so much for all your help!
I am no expert of the Northwest States and proper names; that's why I was thrilled to find this forum. Obviously Vancouver Island is the proper name, but I've heard it both ways, and was able to google "Victoria Island,Seattle" with lots of listed sites. I couldn't swear if I typed Pikes or auto correct did it. I've never been there, don't hear about it much about it here in Dallas, but look forward to going.
So i'm sorry if I offended anyone....
ANOTHER QUESTION PLEASE: Is eating at The Skycity Restaurant, Space Needle worth it, or should we go the observation deck only? I've eatten at The Reunion Tower in Dallas which is the same concept, just not as pretty views as Seattle!! Just reading a lot of mixed reviews.
Thanks so much everyone. I get a little nervous planning a trip to somewhere I don't know much about, especially since I'm planning for another couple too! This is great information.
I'll try to find a Washington map somewhere in Dallas tomorrow so I can look these suggestions over.
Appreciate "Y'all"!
I am no expert of the Northwest States and proper names; that's why I was thrilled to find this forum. Obviously Vancouver Island is the proper name, but I've heard it both ways, and was able to google "Victoria Island,Seattle" with lots of listed sites. I couldn't swear if I typed Pikes or auto correct did it. I've never been there, don't hear about it much about it here in Dallas, but look forward to going.
So i'm sorry if I offended anyone....
ANOTHER QUESTION PLEASE: Is eating at The Skycity Restaurant, Space Needle worth it, or should we go the observation deck only? I've eatten at The Reunion Tower in Dallas which is the same concept, just not as pretty views as Seattle!! Just reading a lot of mixed reviews.
Thanks so much everyone. I get a little nervous planning a trip to somewhere I don't know much about, especially since I'm planning for another couple too! This is great information.
I'll try to find a Washington map somewhere in Dallas tomorrow so I can look these suggestions over.
Appreciate "Y'all"!
Jul 21st, 2013, 07:32 PM
#11
Everybody is so used to Pike's Peak that I suspect that's where the misconstruction happens. Different Pike, by the way.
The food at the Sky City is surprisingly good considering it's a real tourist place. There's a minimum charge, $35 at dinner, but only $25 at lunch. That includes the elevator and the observation deck, so if you're prepared to pay for the deck alone, then the lunch is a decent deal.
The food at the Sky City is surprisingly good considering it's a real tourist place. There's a minimum charge, $35 at dinner, but only $25 at lunch. That includes the elevator and the observation deck, so if you're prepared to pay for the deck alone, then the lunch is a decent deal.
Jul 21st, 2013, 07:55 PM
#12
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Yes, I wrote "Pikes" Market instead of Pike Market and
I guess that was a locall taboo. Won't happen again here! Haha
Thank you for info on Sky City info. Think we'll try it.
Won't start naming everyone - but you were ALL a big help!
Jennie
I guess that was a locall taboo. Won't happen again here! Haha
Thank you for info on Sky City info. Think we'll try it.
Won't start naming everyone - but you were ALL a big help!
Jennie
Jul 22nd, 2013, 08:31 AM
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I am suitably abashed for picking on you. Maybe this will help with some decisions:
http://www.visitseattle.org/Essentia...ttle-Maps.aspx
You should have plenty of maps available on your computer: Google Maps, Mapquest, etc.
http://www.visitseattle.org/Essentia...ttle-Maps.aspx
You should have plenty of maps available on your computer: Google Maps, Mapquest, etc.
Jul 22nd, 2013, 08:44 AM
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It bugs locals to see posters unwilling to do even basic research before posting a question, and they conclude incorrectly that when they believe a post reveals a lack of research they have license be be rude, inconsiderate, and boorish. When their neighbors chide them, they try to bully them into silence. It is a sad reality for those of us who love this forum.
HTtY
HTtY
Jul 22nd, 2013, 03:35 PM
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Wow-You continue to amaze me. So nice learning what is worth our time and money on this trip, and which ideas may be better off skipped. All your suggestions are so great .
Could find no real map of Washington State here locally, so I picked up the big
Rand McNally United States Road Atlus! I am ready now! Haha
Bobmrg - This is the best site I've seen on visiting Seattle. The city and area maps are
clear, and I was even able to order a free Visitors Package. Lots of other good info.Ii'll be checking out tonight.
Lastly, Thanks for "defending me". Y'all were a little rough on this Fodor's newbie, but Southern Ladies
are tougher than most think!
See you in Seattle!!!
Could find no real map of Washington State here locally, so I picked up the big
Rand McNally United States Road Atlus! I am ready now! Haha
Bobmrg - This is the best site I've seen on visiting Seattle. The city and area maps are
clear, and I was even able to order a free Visitors Package. Lots of other good info.Ii'll be checking out tonight.
Lastly, Thanks for "defending me". Y'all were a little rough on this Fodor's newbie, but Southern Ladies
are tougher than most think!
See you in Seattle!!!
Jul 22nd, 2013, 05:57 PM
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jdaniell, one more suggestion to pep up your travel experience. Go to www.google.com and click on More over on the right. You will see a wide selection of programs...scroll down to Google Earth and download it. With Earth loaded and looking at its home screen, type the name of a city, and area, or a landmark that you might want to visit and click on the magnifying glass; the earth will begin to rotate and bring your area of interest to the center of your screen (try typing in your home address to get an overhead view). Over on the right you will see a scale; click on the plus to expand the picture. If you see little camera icons, hover your cursor over one and click on it when its name appears...you will see a photograph taken by a traveler just like you. Left click and hold and you can move the picture around.
I have visited the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the London Eye, and dozens of other places I will never be able to visit in person, and I have previewed visits to sites around the Pacific Northwest before actually travelling to them. Try it, you'll like it.
I have visited the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the London Eye, and dozens of other places I will never be able to visit in person, and I have previewed visits to sites around the Pacific Northwest before actually travelling to them. Try it, you'll like it.
Jul 22nd, 2013, 06:48 PM
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Bobmrg-I have Google Earth, but never thought about using for traveling. Might help when looking for hotels too (always wonder about the area). Also will check out photos on it. Thanks!
Jul 23rd, 2013, 08:45 AM
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Google is, as always, your friend. When you call up Google Earth and type "Pike's" into the search box, it takes you right to Pike Place....so it is more friendly than some posters on this forum (he said, looking in the mirror).
