2 Best Sights in Seattle, Washington

Nestled between the University of Washington campus to the west and the Laurelhurst neighborhood to the east is the Center for Urban Horticulture, consisting of the 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area and 16 acres of landscaped gardens. The UW Botanic Gardens department uses the center as an open-air laboratory. Their main interest is studying land reclamation: until 1966, the Natural Area was a city dump, and recovery is still an ongoing process. Both animals and humans seem happy with the results. It's popular with bird watchers, who have spotted more than 200 species here; the swampier areas yield frequent beaver sightings; and joggers and walkers enjoy the flat gravel trails, which lead past interesting plant life and include scenic views of Union Bay. To get here, head east from the U-District on 45th St. and turn right onto Mary Gates Drive.

Marvel at the lustrous 53 acres of rugged forest at Schmitz Preserve, about 15 blocks east of Alki Point. The Preserve was donated to the city in pieces between 1908 and 1912, and features one of the remaining stands of old-growth forest in Seattle.