Once a rather dull port and industrial center, Seattle has undergone an astonishing transformation. Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Driven in part by its flourishing economy, it is today an energetic, forward-looking city at the forefront of innovation. The city is rich in culture and easy-going lifestyles, and it’s no accident that Seattle is the “Coffee Capital” of the United States, with an espresso bar on almost every corner. One of the city’s most active sightseeing areas is the waterfront and piers, home to recreational spaces, boat tours, and ferry docks, as well as fun attractions like the Great Ferris Wheel.

In addition, the city boasts a magnificent mountain setting; to the east is the ice pyramid of Mount Rainier National Park, rising out of the Cascade Mountains, to the west, the partly snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park.

Though it’s worth spending a couple of days exploring Seattle, day trips beckon in the parks, beaches, and attractions outside of the city. Tempting nature lovers with moss-laden trees and winding trails, the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park is not to be missed.