My girlfriends and I are heading to Beautiful Seattle next weekend, and two of us are bringing infants. We're still not sure if we should rent a car. So far, we are planning to do mainly touristy attractions, like a cruise, the space needle, Pike Place Market, etc. How easy is it getting around the city? What exactly should we expect if it rains? (Down pour? Light rain? Cold and damp?) I live in Southern CA, where it usually only mists when it "rains." Should we dress in layers every day? Most importantly, is it too risky to just hoof it with a stroller?

The whole downtown area is pretty compact, and very walkable (but hilly). All the curbs have ramps at the corner, making it easy for strollers. I walking with strollers would be much easier that taking baby carriers in and out of a car, and finding parking. Some streets (Pike, University) are much less hilly than others (Madison, Marion).

You can get to Seattle Center (the Space Needle) on the monorail.

If it rains, it is usually light and doesn't last long---but no promises. We generally do not get gully-washing downpours like I've seen in Portland (or once in Pasadena). You will need a rain jacket, though, and something for the strollers if it rains (like the extendable hood or awning I've seen on many).

If you have pushed a stroller around the Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods in San Francisco, you will have a similar experience in Seattle.

HTTY

Depending how little those infants are, I might consider carrying them in backpack or the like. You can navigate Pike Market with a stroller but it could be somewhat difficult(crowds and lots of shops). If you are mostly staying in downtown then I would say do not get a car. Take a cab to the Space Needle. It will be cheaper and easier than parking for the time you are there.

North-south streets are essentially flat; east-west streets are uphill (and down). If you are headed uphill, check on the east side of the street to see if there is a building with an elevator or escalator that will take you up to the next street. For example, from First Avenue (Pike Place, art museum, etc) there are elevators in the Federal Building.

Someone used to print a map of how to get from the waterfront up to Sixth Avenue without getting wet, but I can't find a source now.

Strollers would be fine around downtown Seattle. The sidewalks are wide and smooth with handicap accessible cuts at every corner.

Impossible to predict what exactly the weather will be. Mostly lately it's been in the 40's with light precipitation. But last weekend it snowed briefly, and a few days have had bright sun-breaks.

Thank you all for your tips. Much appreciated!