Jacklyn Grambush

Seattle may be known for its rainy days, but it’s not all grey skies and gloom. Lots of rain means lots of green, and when the sun does come out it’s glorious (it is called the Emerald City after all). Regardless of the season or the weather, however, the parks in Seattle are some of the city’s top attractions and a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set on the Puget Sound in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, it’s no surprise Seattle offers easy access to the great outdoors. North Cascades National Park, for example, is an easy day trip from Seattle. But there’s no need to go far to get outside. These Seattle parks are more than just green spaces for walking and picnicking (though they are perfect for those activities too). They offer some of the best things to do in the city, from boating and biking to breathtaking views and wildlife viewing. There are beaches and paths and plenty of fresh air. When it’s time to get outside, make a point to visit these top parks in Seattle and spend some time with Mother Nature.

Ask someone from out of town what Seattle is about and you’ll likely hear about the city’s liberal politics (weed is legal here!), Kurt Cobain’s life (he lived and died here) and all about the many important companies headquartered here, including Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon. What you probably won’t hear about is the underlying culture that gave rise to these various Seattle symbols, a culture of non-conformity and appreciation for nature that fostered a local sense of value in the arts (here are the best museums in town), history and, of course, the city’s food and restaurant scene (naturally aided by the gorgeously fertile land that is the Pacific Northwest). This dedication to the essence of the city is apparent in both the permanent attractions peppered throughout various areas and the best Seattle events that celebrate the local culture year after year. Whether a foodie, a music lover or a cinephile, these yearly festivals and happenings will make you never want to leave town.

Seattle may be known for its music scene, but concerts aren’t the only shows that the city offers. From ballet to plays, operas to comedy, exciting performances abound all throughout the city. It should come as no surprise, then, for the town to be home to beautiful and often multipurpose theaters, some layered with history and others still coming into their own. The versatility of the best theaters in Seattle is apparent in the type of art they showcase and in the respective ambiance they boast: some call for tuxedos and evening gowns, others are ideal for family-friendly affairs while others yet are adults-only destinations. One thing remains consistent, though: Seattle's quintessential vibe—the same one that renders the city's neighborhoods, events and restaurant scenes so unique—finds residence across each one of these theaters.

As a port city surrounded by the salt-water Puget Sound on one side and the fresh-water Lake Washington on the other, it’s no wonder that Seattle beaches are popular destinations among locals and tourists alike—that is, during the 90 days of the year that the weather actually cooperates. From beach neighborhoods worth exploring to exciting bar and restaurant options and, of course, fun water activities, these local beaches are slices of heaven worth visiting when the rain stops pouring on the city. Get your sunglasses and beach towels ready, it’s time to join usually pasty-skinned Seattleites for a swim.