I realize I should have asked this when I was asking about New Years in Seattle but it simply slipped my mind. We will be in Seattle (for the first time) at the end of the month (for about five days) and are wondering if we need a car. I'm guessing there's more than enough to keep us occupied for five days in the immediate vicinity, however, again--since we've never been there--am wondering about the pros/cons of having a vehicle.

Is there enough to explore without the necessity of a car or is there some reason we should definitely rent one? Also, what is on your "do not miss" list for this exciting-sounding city? We enjoy everything from museums to theatre to live music and love to explore new cities and really get to know them.

By the way, we reside in a landlocked area normally, so any local ocean adventures you can recommend would be most welcome.

Thanks again for your help and input!

Strive

TTT

It might depend on if you plan on leaving seattle-- maybe for a day trip to mt. rainier?

Get a car, although you might want to have it only for two or three out of the five days. Outings are certainly doable, but you can also use it to see the city and environs beyond downtown. Seattle is very much a city of neighborhoods, and a car will let you explore that aspect of town.

Take the car on a day trip (or even an overnight if you fancy it) around Puget Sound using the ferry system. If you're skiers (get something with 4WD) there are several options including the Snoqualmie Pass resorts around an hour from downtown, or Crystal Mountain near Mt. Rainier, great skiing but more like 2 hours from town.

For a non-overnight day away, catch the early train (0745) to Vancouver BC - breakfast during the lovely ride along the water, spend the mid-day and afternoon exploring the city, then train back (1830 I think), having dinner on the way. The scenery will be way less visible, but you can save your energy for some music at some Pioneer Square or Belltown joint when you get off the train. Fun outing in winter (and great shopping - aided by the exchange rate) in Vancouver.

If you like music, I would really recommend going to the Expeirence Music Project (EMP). It is a great museum by the Space Needle. It is like the Hard Rock, but with a little more education and interactive exhibits.

You could visit the wooden boat center. That was really interesting also, as I live in a VERY landlogged state/town.

If you enjoy beer and/or wine, I would recommend going to Woodenville. The Red Hook Brewery and the St. Michelle Winery are located there.

Have lots of fun in Seattle. It is beautiful area.

well seattle is not on the ocean and the pacific if a 3hr drive off. however we are surrounded by water. i would recommend looking into the victoria clipper. its a hydroplane/boat that takes you up to victoria canada. you can do overnight deals or just day trips i believe. be sure to take your passport for ease at the border. i personally drive to canada and have never done this but its supposed to be a quick way up on the water. also the state ferry from downtown to bainbridge is good. 30 min trip, walk on, walk off in bainbridge. there's little shops and cafes just off the ferry. not so great though if its rainy.
if the seattle art museum has a good exhibit that is fun, you could walk from pike place. oh! just go to www.nwsource.com and it'll tell you what concerts, shows, festivals are going on in the city.
as to a car i live in seattle and would go nuts w/o mine but its different as a visitor. i guess it really depends on how much you want to explore. get a map and see. fremont is fun and is getting a nightlife. ballard has good places, ya a car for a few days might be good as gardyloo suggested.
anyway have fun!

There's no need to rent a car for every day of your stay. But for exploring areas further out, you would like it. Look into whether your hotel will have a parking charge. There are also relatively cheap lots in various places. For downtown Seattle and Seattle Center, I would see a car as a hindrance.

Strive: I agree w/ the other posters on the must-see's and the must do's. We also walk the city, or take their very reliable public transportation at the end of the day when your feet are tired. We've had a car to leave the city and see the wineries, the Soqualamie (spelling no doubt butchered) Lodge, etc. You'll have no time to get a reservation at the Herbfarm (car needed)- though they may take last minute reservations pending cancellations. We haven't had luck yet. Maybe I should call now for the summertime! The Red Hook Brewery is great; we met my in-law relatives there for the first time, and I made a great impression by knocking over my very large beer all over the table...... but they were very accomodating about it, and the soup they serve there in bread bowls makes a terrific meal.

I'm cutting and pasting below what I have in my "travel places" folder for Seattle. I'm looking forward to going back this year; and see the relatives, and NOT spill beer and enjoy this truly wonderful city! We love to re-visit the favorites, and to try the new ones. BTW, Gourmet magazine recommends: 727 Pine for Business meals, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Personal favorite as The Georgian, and Le Pichet as a "Neighborhood Gem, Le Gourmand, Harvest Vine for Tapas, and Salumi for Italian. Don't forget Sur la Table for culinary tools! (at the Pike St. Mk. area.

Jane H. Capistrano Beach CA

1. If you can splurge- the Dahlia Lounge (cruddy street, however one of the best meals I've ever had). We stayed at the Westin so it was just a quick walk. It's the restaurant you see in "Sleepless in Seattle," where Tom Hanks takes the dopey date-- but the food is absolutely amazing. Not cheap, but a dinner you will remember for years (I still remember what my husband ate!).

2. Lunch at Roy's Boat house. Great view. Right on the water. Oysters, etc. Great food. We were there in a downpour.

3. Down from the Fish Market, Wild Ginger- we had lunch there and it was empty then, but with beautiful and wonderful Vietnamese food. Gorgeous ambiance- simple Asian decor, dark wood furniture, simplicity. We have heard from 2 other couples that it was wonderful when they were there as well.

4. The aquarium is wonderful- be certain you see all of it if you have time. Next door to the aquarium is the sister restaurant to the San Clemente Pier Fisherman's Restaurant!
(Right next to where we live in So. Calif)

5. This sounds very odd, but you absolutely MUST do this- the Underground Tour. It?s kind of hard to explain, but we had a ball- interesting, history, comedy- it is a MUST DO! I guarantee you'll get a kick out of it and enjoy it immensely.

Wineries in Oregon AND Washington are good. Check out in advance (via web) Chateau St. Michelle. We were there in the winter, but in summer, they have concerts outside. Also, good beer, and a nice place for lunch or casual dinner at Red Hook Brewery nearby.

In midwinter the Victoria Clipper is something of a risky prospect - it can and does often have to abort the trips across the Strait of Juan de Fuca due to big water; plus if you're landlubbers you might not look good in green. Remember too that the days are quite short (and dark if overcast) so outings and excursions need to start and end early in the day unless you're gifted with extraordinary night vision.

We really enjoyed the Ballard Locks and adjacent fish ladder. You'd need a car to get there...

Strive, are you aware that you can do a search on previous posts? Up at the top of the United States forum home page you will see "search this forum", type in Seattle. Then go across to the right to "and/or topics" and highlight Washington. Hit the "FIND" button and you will pull up a chronological history of previous posts on Seattle WA.

As for your original post question, a car is not necessary in the city as there is a wealth of public transit options including an airport shuttle service to the major hotels, a free ride bus zone in the downtown area, and a trolley system; I even went out to the Ballard Locks using the city bus system. If you want to go beyond the city limits for a day trip or two, then you will need a car. However, I wouldn't rent it for the entire five days and pay the hotel parking fee on top of the rental fees involved.

Happy New Year!