Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, and commonly called the Ballard Locks, are the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. The locks prevent the mixing of salt and fresh water while letting boats pass from Puget Sound's salt water to the fresh water of the Ship Canal that connects to Lake Washington and Lake Union. Visitors can watch boats of all sizes pass through, as operators adjust the water levels in the locks.
Parking and public transportation at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
A small parking lot has metered parking that is $2.00 an hour for a maximum of three hours. Parking payment is required Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. King County Metro buses also serve the surrounding area.
When to go to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Summer is a popular time to visit the locks, especially since the grounds around the locks include the Carl S. English, Jr. Botanical Garden.
Admission to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Admission is free. The grounds around the locks are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The visitor center, which has displays on the history and operations of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May through September. From October though April, the visitor center closes at 4 p.m. and is also closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Must see/do at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Also at the locks is a fish ladder, where fish (mostly salmon) can pass between fresh and salt water. You can watch the fish as they swim through the ladder from a viewing room below the water line.
Other places to visit near the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Also in Ballard is the Nordic History Museum, or you can head a little north to Golden Gardens Park, which has a beach on Puget Sound.
Insider tip for visitors to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The best time to see the most salmon on the fish ladder is in September, although the fish do migrate up the ladder from mid-June through October.
Author's bio: Carol Wiley is a Seattle freelance writer who offers services ranging from articles and blog posts to customer case studies and white papers.
Few visitors seem to make the trek out to West Seattle, but if you do, you'll find one of the few destination beaches on Puget Sound, Alki Beach, where you can get the sand between your toes and enjoy the very best views of the city skyline. It's also a great spot to learn about Seattle's earliest settlers, as this is where the Denny Party arrived and spent the winter of 1851 before retreating to Elliot Bay. Today, it attracts kayakers, paddle boarders, joggers, beach lovers and sun worshippers of all types.
Parking and public transportation at Alki Beach
Street parking is your only option when visiting Alki Beach by car. On the weekend and during the summer months you'll need to arrive early, or have some patience, and you'll likely find a spot not too far away along Alki Avenue SW. Your best bet is to take King County Metro Transit. From downtown Seattle, board the No. 37 southbound bus at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Pike Street to the corner of 61st Ave SW and Beach Drive SW.
Best and worst time to go to Alki Beach
The best time to go for fun in the sun is during the months of July, August and September, although this is also when crowds are at their peak. The worst time to go if you don't want to rub elbows with hundreds of others, is during the middle of the day on a beautiful weekend – try to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the fabulous views without the hassle of the crowds. You'll often get the best of both worlds by visiting from mid-May to early June, or after the kids have gone back to school in September.
Admission to Alki Beach
There is no admission fee to visit Alki Beach. Street parking is also free in this neighborhood.
Must see/do at Alki Beach
Alki Beach is the place in Seattle to see and be seen, offering some great people watching as well as the chance to participate in all types of activities. Plan to walk, bike, rollerblade or jog the 2.5-mile trail that stretches from the West Seattle Bridge to near Alki Point Lighthouse. The 1913 lighthouse is open to the public, free to visit, and inside you can see photographs, old instruments and charts of Puget Sound. Be sure to sample the fish and chips at Spud Fish & Chips, here since 1935, and take a selfie in front of the replica of the Statue a Liberty, a symbol meant to remind all that Alki was once known as New York-Alki.
Other places to visit near Alki Beach
If you visit Alki when it's busy and want to enjoy a bit of solitude, head to Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint, which runs parallel to Beach Drive SW, from about Alki Point to 63rd Ave. SW. This part of the beach is much quieter, and it also includes Constellation Park, home to interesting artwork, including a tide pool sculpture. You might want to start or end your day by visiting Salty's on Alki Beach, a Northwest institution with fantastic fresh seafood, breathtaking views and an especially romantic atmosphere. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the eatery also offers an excellent brunch.
Insider tips for visitors to Alki Beach
If you'd like the chance to enjoy whale watching, keep an eye on the salmon reports. When the runs are near West Seattle, orcas tend to pass near the shores of Alki Beach.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
Discovery Park is Seattle's largest park, a 534-acre natural area that occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site, set atop Magnolia Bluff featuring two miles of protected tidal beaches, meadows, streams, forests, sand dunes and bluffs, as well as 12 miles of walking trails and 270 species of birds. This fabulous park is popular with locals and visitors alike, ideal for anyone of any age who enjoys the outdoors. History buffs, scenery lovers, explorers and bird watchers will especially appreciate this park.
Parking and public transportation at Discovery Park
Discovery Park hosts three main parking areas, the South Parking Lot, North Parking Lot and East Parking Lot. An alternative, as lots tend to fill quickly on the weekend, is to park on one of the neighborhood streets that lead to the park. As parking lots aren't near the beach, those who are physically unable to walk the distance, are over 62 years of age, as well as families with children younger than eight years old, are eligible for a permit for beach parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center Tuesday thru Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's also easy to get here by taking the Metro Transit bus, routes 19, 24 or 33 from downtown.
Best and worst time to go to Discovery Park
If you're hoping to avoid crowds, weekends during the months of June, July and August are the worst time to go to Discovery Park. While this time of year typically brings pleasant weather, if you want to enjoy the best of both worlds, visit on a week day if possible. You'll also have a good chance for sunshine and idyllic temps minus the crowds by visiting in late April through mid-May as well as mid-September through about mid-October.
Admission to Discovery Park
There are no fees to visit Discovery Park. If you're eligible for a beach parking permit, it's also free.
Must see/do at Discovery Park
This park is ideal for a picnic -– bring your lunch and enjoy the views after going for a hike. The 2.8-mile Loop Trail is suited for just about all fitness levels, an easy trek that passes through sand dunes and forests. You can also take one of the three different trails off Loop Trail to reach the beaches, Puget Sound and the lighthouse. Visiting the historic lighthouse, West Point Light, is a must too, with the grounds open to the public during regular park hours. Bird watchers may want to take one of the guided bird walks, offered at peak migration periods during the spring and fall.
Other places to visit near Discovery Park
Just a few minutes east of the park, you'll find the Ballard Locks, officially named the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which provides a link for boats between the salt water of Puget Sound and the fresh water of the Ship Canal. This is a great place to watch the parade of tugs, sailboats, barges, motorboats and yachts pass through, as well as to watch salmon swim through a fish ladder. If you want to pick up some fresh seafood, the Trident Seafoods retail store is just one-tenth of a mile away and offers some great deals. The Red Mill Totem House, a locals' favorite with fantastic fish n' chips as well as burgers, is also just steps away.
Insider tips to Discovery Park
Many visitor don't realize this is one of the best places near downtown Seattle for exploring tide pools. Check the tide tables and visit the rocky shores on the north beach about one to two hours before low tide, and you'll have the chance to view sea stars, moon snails, hermit crabs and more.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
The Pacific Science Center in Seattle houses dozens of interactive exhibits on science, technology and nature within its five buildings. Beyond the exhibits, which have a family-friendly and educational focus, the non-profit science foundation is also home to two IMAX theaters, a laser dome, a planetarium and a butterfly house, along with a café and a science-themed gift shop.
How to get to Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is located in the Seattle Center complex. If traveling from I5, take the Mercer St./Seattle Center exit and turn left onto 5th Ave N, then right onto Broad Street. There's a parking garage adjacent to the Science Center; limited street parking is also available. A monorail from downtown (5th Ave. & Pine St.) travels directly to the Seattle Center.
Best and worst time to go to Pacific Science Center
The crowd at the Pacific Science Center is generally manageable at all times. It's slightly busier on the weekends, when you should try to arrive early to avoid ticket lines. Check the center's website for special exhibitions and IMAX show times in advance so you can properly plan out your visit.
Admission to Pacific Science Center
Adult admission is approximately $23; children and senior discounts are offered. There are additional charges for special engagements and IMAX, planetarium and laser dome shows, but combo packages for those at discounted prices are available.
Must see/do at Pacific Science Center
It's always sunny in the 85-degree Tropical Butterfly House, which is home to hundreds of butterflies that flutter right over your head. For something a little cooler, laser light shows in the world's largest domed laser theater feature mind-bending laser imagery accompanied by a live DJ. Themed shows include music by Michael Jackson, Daft Punk, the Beatles and more.
Other places to visit near Pacific Science Center
Seattle's iconic Space Needle is also housed in the Seattle Center complex, along with the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum and the Experience Music Project.
Insider tips for visitors to Pacific Science Center
Don't miss out on the Live Demonstration booths set up alongside many of the exhibits. Museum staff host intimate, hands-on lessons in science, technology and math at these booths that will give your kids an even more interactive experience at an already-interactive venue.
Author's bio: Amy Cassell is a Seattle-based writer and editor. She loves words, travel, music and naps.
