Pike Place Market

• Pike Place is a giant market where fish are literally thrown through the air. The market is open every day except certain holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. Within the market's boundaries you will find vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to comics to fresh produce. Vendors keep their own hours, so check the shopping guide at the market's information area before wandering the rows of goodies and treats.
  
  Pike Place Market
  
  85 Pike St., Room 500
  
  Seattle, WA 98101
  
  206-682-7453
  
  pikeplacemarket.org
  
  

Space Needle

• No trip to Seattle is complete without visiting one of the pieces of architecture that is iconic to the city skyline. The Space Needle, built for the World's Fair in 1962, has a platform where visitors get a panoramic view the entire city along with the mountains beyond, including Mount Rainier. The Space Needle also has a gift shop and a restaurant, towering at 500 feet off the ground.
  
  Get there early in the morning, as long lines form for the elevator that takes visitors to the viewing platform.
  
  Space Needle
  
  400 Broad St.
  
  Seattle, WA 98109
  
  206-905-2100
  
  spaceneedle.com
  
  

Mount Rainier

• For a one-of-a-kind opportunity, take a trip to Mount Rainier, an active, though currently not erupting, volcano. This national park provides for beautiful photo opportunities and plenty of outdoor fun. Climbing the the top of the giant mountain is reserved for only the most experienced climbers, as it takes three days to reach the summit of over 14,00 feet. For the recreational outdoorsman, though, Mount Rainier has a number of activity options including day hikes, bicycle paths, fishing and boating and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Pets are not allowed on park trails.
  
  Mount Rainier National Park
  
  55210 238th Ave. East
  
  Ashford, WA 98304
  
  360-569-2211
  
  home.nps.gov/mora