Wandering Washington Waterways

Welcome to Seattle. Nicknamed the "Emerald City," Seattle draws visitors to its plentiful parks and evergreen forest surroundings, not to mention the waters of Puget Sound. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel located in the heart of downtown. Time permitting, explore the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood to learn about Seattle's unique history and visit Smith Tower Observatory with its historic Otis elevators, stunning 360-degree views and open-air viewing deck. After strolling through Occidental Park visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center and Museum, and on the way back to your hotel be sure and stop at the Sky View Observatory at Columbia Center. At 902 feet (275 meters), the observatory offers the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. The 360-degree panoramic view includes Mt. Rainier, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Baker, Elliot Bay, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and the city of Seattle. This evening enjoy dinner at Dahlia Lounge, a quintessential Seattle dining experience, before returning to your hotel.

Begin the day with a visit to Pike Place Market. A national historic district, Pike Place Market is a vibrant neighborhood housing the city's beloved public market - home to farmers, artisans and small busniesses. Join a food tour to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of this 100+ year-old landmark. Meet the Market's lively characters and hear their memorable stories. See fish fly, cheese being made, the "oldest" Starbucks store and off-beat attractions like the Gum Wall and Rachel the Pig. Afterward, explore Seattle's waterfront. Overlooking Elliott Bay, the waterfront offers unique attractions, restaurants, seafood bars and shops. Visit the Seattle Aquarium, offering fun, exciting ways to discover more about amazing Puget Sound and the world's oceans. Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel perched at the edge of Elliott Bay offering stunning views of downtown and Puget Sound. An aerial adventure awaits at Wings over Washington where a "spirit eagle" sweeps you upward into flight across the State of Washington. Dive down the seaside cliffs through the morning mists of the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier to the San Juan Islands then enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Cascade Mountains and Eastern Washington. Enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood bars or waterfront restaurants before continuing to Seattle Center, home to many of the Emerald City's must-see attractions including the Space Needle, the 1962 symbol for the World's Fair and one of the most photographed structures in the world; Chihuly Garden & Glass with its giant glass creations by internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly; and the MoPOP - Museum of Polular Culture which houses permanent exhibits of Seattle's music history. You can also get in some shopping "therapy" at Westlake Center.

Pick-up your rental car this morning and begin the drive north to Mount Vernon, home to Snow Goose Produce. Once a barn, Snow Goose Produce is now a beloved roadside stand, offering the best organic produce, smoked seafood, baked breads, artisan cheese and legendary ice cream. Continue to the waterfront town of La Conner. Home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and voted best romantic getaway, this tiny town on the Swinomish Channel offers 10 blocks of rich history, eclectic shops and water views. Enjoy dinner at The Oyster Bar in Bow, the Pacific Northwest's premier dining experience known for its seasonally inspired menu and spectacular Puget Sound views. After dinner, continue north to Bellingham, a popular port on the Salish Sea.

Adventure awaits today in Bellingham. Join Moondance Kayak Adventures for 2-3 hours of on-the-water kayak paddling and exploration. Glide by Chuckanut Sandstone formations and keep an eye out for wildlife at a stop on a Nature Conservancy protected Island in the bay or on a beautiful, secluded beach. For lunch, indulge your palate and your mind at Evolve Chocolate + Cafe located in the Fairhaven Historic District and use the Tap Trail walking map to explore some 16 breweries, tap houses and cideries in Bellingham. This evening relax on San Juan Cruises un-matched crab dinner cruise where you will experience sailing the Chuckanut Bay and dining on the Northwest's finest Dungeness crab.

Head south today and drive aboard a Washington ferry to the San Juan Islands' Friday Harbor (reservations strongly recommended). With the San Juan Islands rising like emerald jewels from the sea, you will observe life on forested islands, sandy beaches and tiny coves from the ferry's deck. Following the state scenic byway route southwest out of Friday Harbor, you will want to make a few must-see stops. Pelindaba Lavender Farm is a beautiful 20-acre organic lavender farm that extracts essential oils in an on-site distillery for handcrafted products. Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, is a day-use park with a picturesque 1919 lighthouse. The parks location is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm & Country Store is an 80acre farm with an ever-growing herd of more than 50 alpacas where you can bask on the gentle slopes of sunny pastures, relax in the shade of massive 100-year oak trees, stroll around the farm then browse an extraordinary selection of alpaca sweaters, coats and cuddly alpaca toys in the Country Store. For lunch, take a step back in time at Roche Harbor Resort featuring sweeping water views, restaurants, shops, beautiful gardens and an active marina.

After breakfast, explore Friday Harbor by foot. A few highlights include: The Whale Museum, Historical Museum and SJI Museum of Art. Relax, enjoy lunch and share in the iconic, natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest at San Juan Island Brewing Co. After lunch experience the power of an unforgettable experience with Zip San Juan. Step outside your comfort zone and zip through forested tree canopies and over a lake. For a delicious glass of wine, visit San Juan Vineyard, a destination winery with an 1895 remodeled school house tasting room and estate grown wines. This evening take a sunset walk on the pier, relax in small town life as seabirds call overhead and enjoy a great dinner at Downriggers, located on the water's edge of Friday Harbor.

This morning take the ferry to Anacortes and join Deception Pass Tours for a unique treat. Enjoy a one-hour ride on a seated open deck boat and revel in 360-degree unobstructed views as you pass through the waters of Deception Pass. Also, look for wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, porpoises and maybe an occasional whale. Continue south down Whidbey Island to the scenic town of Coupeville. Enjoy lunch at Toby's Tavern on the shore of tranquil Penn Cove. After lunch make your way to Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve offering spectacular opportunities for recreation. Hike Bluff Trail, a 3.5 mile loop which runs along the bluffs overlooking the Puget Sound. At the halfway point, the trail drops with switchbacks to the beach. This stunning landscape with its rich farmland and promising seaport, lured the earliest American pioneers north of the Columbia River. Later this afternoon make your way to Keystone Ferry Landing and the seaport town of Port Townsend (ferry reservations strongly recommended). This evening enjoy a delicious homestyle meal in a warm atmosphere with stunning views of Port Townsend Bay at Bayview Cafe.

For the ultimate Pacific Northwest thrill you won't want to miss Puget Sound Express' four-hour whale watching tour. Three generations of family have helped visitors see humpbacks, minkes, grays and of course orcas, some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. Afterward, take the Bainbridge Island Ferry back to Seattle. This ferry ride offers some of the best views you'll find of the Emerald City skyline.

Return your rental car at the airport prior to your departure.