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The Draw
• A water-sports paradise: sailing, kayaking, river rafting, fly fishing and, of course, walking in the rain
• Strong, dark coffee, premier microbrews and the best sushi outside of Japan
• Tech-industry wealth is fueling an ever more vibrant and sophisticated downtown
The Scene
Seattle may have seen a nervy beginning to this decade -- faced with both Boeing's departure and the dot-com bust -- but the city knows how to weather a storm with grace. Thanks to locally stationed giants like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle continues to thrive, with increasingly wealthy urbanites investing in a revitalized downtown. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has been transforming the city skyline, from his Experience Music Project -- a rock-and-roll museum designed by Frank Gehry -- to his new, state-of-the-art Seahawks Stadium. Other newcomers include a retractable-roof baseball stadium, an opera house and a symphony hall. But it's not just the architecture that's springing to life: Highly touted eclectic restaurants (boasting trendy, one-syllable names like Crush, Crow, Lark and Veil) are swarming into intimate neighborhoods. And while the weather may by soggy now and then, the clouds part in the summer to reveal sparkling waters, evergreen forests, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
To Be Seen
• Belltown has transformed into one of the trendiest places in town for an evening stroll, with outstanding restaurants lining First Avenue.
• Capitol Hill. Tree-lined streets, 19th-century homes and a vibrant youth culture combine to make this one of Seattle's most active areas. Check out Volunteer Park, the wildlife sanctuary designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
• The 535-acre Discovery Park is Seattle's largest preserve, with nine miles of walking paths, two miles of beach trail, migratory bird watching and clifftop views.
For The VIP
• An exclusive day at San Juan Islands. Take a scenic float plane ride to Friday Harbor, followed by lunch at Rosario Resort and a private-charter whale-watching tour to see endangered orcas before taking a sunset flight back to Seattle for dinner at the Georgian.
• A mountain getaway at Salish Lodge & Spa. Set in the lush Cascade Forest overlooking Snoqualmie Falls, this lodge offers rafting and kayak tours with expert guides, private plane charters, rock climbing, horseback riding and golf at nearby Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course, a PGA tournament course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
• A private sunset sail on Puget Sound with Emerald City Charters, including catered dinner, delivers a dramatic view of the city. Or go out for a spin on a vintage sailboat from the Center for Wooden Boats (skipper optional).
• A VIP Winery Tour will school you in the increasingly renowned Washington vintages.
Overrated
Contrary to popular belief -- and a set for Frasier that faked the city's geography -- the Space Needle is not the tallest building in the city, nor is it downtown. While it still has a vintage appeal, you'll find better views and food elsewhere.
Underrated
The Ballard neighborhood. Once a working-class Scandinavian area, this up-and-coming neighborhood boasts an artsy collection of boutiques as well as great views of the city. Stop in at the seven-acre Carl English Jr. Botanical Garden and Chittenden Locks to see boats and fish traveling from salt water to fresh.
Don't Miss
Pike Place Market. Yes, everyone goes here, but it's still worth a stop to peruse the antiques, fishmongers and fine restaurants tucked away in this 100-year-old market, which is also home to the original Starbucks.
When To Visit
The summer months are your best bets for avoiding showers.
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