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Washington State

Seattle Waterfront

In Seattle, impromptu outings await on the central waterfront, a short stroll from downtown hotels.  Curiosity shops and gift stores dot the promenade, flanked by casual dining options and waterfront attractions including the Seattle Aquarium.  You can ride a state ferry into Puget Sound sunsets, leisurely soaking up the beauty.  Or buy a ticket on a commuter ferry across the sound to Bainbridge Island - where a waterfront footpath leads along Eagle Harbor.

Harbor tours let you view Elliott Bay from the decks of a square-rigged sailing vessel.  Argosy Cruises offers fine dining and a stunning view aboard its dinner cruise (206-623-1445, www.argosycruises.com).  Salmon fishing charters depart from Pier 54.

Also from the Seattle Waterfront, you can cross to Blake Island for a Native American salmon bae or take in live musical reviews during lunch and dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Puget Sound (206-674-3500, www.spiritcruises.com) or you can venture through the famous Government Locks (part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal) and into Lake Union.  One operator, Waterways Cruises and Events, visit Puget Sound attractions like Kiana Lodge and Port Orchard (206-223-2060,www.waterwayscruises.com).  Another will take you all the way to the San Juan Islands, or to Victoria, British Columbia and back to Seattle in a day.  Call Clipper Navigation 206-448-5000,www.victoriaclipper.com).

On Lake Union (a mile north of downtown Seattle), rent a classic wooden boat to ail or row (Wooden Boat Center 206-382-2628, www.cwb.org).  Or line up a sailboard lesson, try out a sea kayak (NW Outdoor Center 206-281-9694), or sail a speedy catamaran.  Here, too, cruise companies offer short outings, breakfast cruises or champagne brunch, lunch or dinner.  Sleep on water board the renovated 1944 army tug, MV Challenger, for a bunk and breakfast you'll never forget.  (206-340-1201).

In West Seattle, across Elliott Bay from downtown, outfitters rent sailboats and sailboards, as well as boat-and-tackle for seasonal salmon fishing (charter boats also available here).  Just east of Seattle, in lake front cities such as Kirkland, you can join park-sponsored outings that teach you how to windsurf, canoe, kayak, run a river, and sail (similar programs are available in many cities around Puget Sound and Lake Washington - check community websites for more information).  Also in Kirkland, Argosy Cruises (206-623-4252) offers sightseeing tours across Lake Washington aboard the MV Kirkland, a restored 1924 ferry boat.  Famous homes are often pointed out during these tours.

Locals Suggest...

  • Kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and rowing are best on the local lakes when waters are calm and windless -- try early morning.
  • Cruising to Victoria?  Leave your car in Seattle and bring a bike for exploring instead.
  • Bayshore footbaths in Myrtle Edwards Park on the central waterfront offer an uncomplicated way to get next to the water.
  • Seaplane rides from Lake Union and Lake Washington combine the thrill of take-off and landing on water with stupendous views.