Seattle - what to do in that area without a car?
 

I've been to Seattle a few times and love it!! This time I'd like to explore a wider field but i may not have a car, would rather not actually! I've been to the main downtown area attractions, what is there further out that's accessible by public transportation? I like to shop a little, mainly I like nature, birds, flowers, scenery, art.... and a good bakery!! The best I've found so far is Piroshky Piroshky!!

The Great Wheel is probably new to you then, and it is right along the waterfront near the aquarium.

Have you been to the Ballard Locks?

You can take the train to Leavenworth, although service is limited so you would really need to plan ahead. Blackbird Island there would be perfect for nature, birds, etc.

Otherwise you might check with groups such as the Mountaineers and see if they have any outings that you can join.

Take a ferry to one of the islands.

We went to Bainbridge island and it was a nice few hours, went to galleries. Walked around, had a nice lunch.

http://www.visitseattle.org/Home/Thi...d-Seattle.aspx

When are you coming?

I spent a few days in Seattle a couple years ago without a car. I did take the ferry out to some island once (assume Bainbridge), and I went out to that music museum (the EMP museum). Focused a little too much on Nirvana for my taste, I thought it would have a larger collection (expected more like the Rock n Roll Museum in Cleveland), but it was worth the time to get out there for a change. Their website has info on how to get there. http://www.empmuseum.org/

One of my most favorite things was to go to that Klondike Gold Rush museum, actually. It was fascinating to learn more about that event and history. It's not too far from Pioneer Square. They call that brand in Seattle a "park" because it belongs to the park system but it isn't. http://www.seattleandsound.com/klondike.html
http://www.nps.gov/klse/index.htm

You could do any of the neighborhoods by Metro bus... Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard, etc.

Take the #10 bus to Volunteer Park which has great views, a water tower you can climb, and a Victorian plant conservatory you can tour for free (also Asian branch of Seattle Art Museum is in the park).

Walk back along 15th Ave East and there are all kinds of shops and restaurants, including a bakery or two.

That's just one example.

Take the Victoria Clipper to Victoria for one night...no need for a car to do that. I would also check with your hotel (if you are staying in one) for ideas. You can probably book a bus or van tour of Woodinville wine country, which would be a nice afternoon not far from Seattle. Have heard good things about the Bellevue Art Museum, and Bellevue downtown, reachable easily by bus, is a nice contrast from downtown Seattle, with a lot of shopping and restaurants and a nice park to walk in.

The University of Washington has a nice arboretum not far off a bus route.

We stayed at the Fairmont (President club Members) and they have a free shuttle to take guests off site locally. We must have charmed the chauffer because coming home from dinner we asked for around about route and got a loverly downtowm tour and Queens Park (think that was the name) which has awesome views of the night time city and sea!! Free, informative and it was no skin off his nose as he told the Olympic Desk he Just one of perks of membership and a nice driver.

Actually, Bainbridge Island isn't quite the BEST island to visit, yes, it is easy to access, but.... You could take Amtrak northbound towards Vancouver and hop off in Mukilteo or Burlington/Mt. Vernon to Anacortes to a ferry out to the San Juan Islands. So spectacular! There are Airport shuttles that also drive the I-5 route and stop at the major towns along the route. You could do a day trip to Deception Pass/Whidbey Island/Skagit Valley on a Grayline day tour. If you want to go into the Cascades, look to Winthrop and the Methow Valley via the North Cascades Highway instead of Leavenworth and Lake Chelan. There are several food tours available in the Seattle area, too - which will get you out of the tourist crowds and into authentic Seattle.

Have fun!
Julia