From Puget Sound to the Salish Sea, Washington’s waterways include captivating seaport towns lined with unique shops and restaurants plus historic and cultural attractions. World-class whale watching, kayaking, cycling, hiking, farm-to-table dining, and historic to luxury accommodation await. This itinerary showcases the state’s iconic waterways as a fly-drive tour.    

• Get this itinerary on Google Maps

  Experience 1: Arrive at SEA Airport   Begin your adventure by landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

• If you are coming from an international destination, you will land at the brand new and soon-to-be iconic International Arrivals Facility 
• Get your first glimpse of Mt. Rainier from the glass Pedestrian Walkway
• Review the new Bags First arrivals process that will get you on the road sooner

 

Experience 2: Pick up your rental car

  SEA Airport has two passenger pick-up areas outside on the lower drive on the baggage claim level. One at the north end (near Alaska Airlines ticketing) and another on the south end (near the international airlines desks) of the terminal. From there, shuttles will take you and your luggage on a short five-minute to the rental car facility. All rental car companies at SEA Airport operate at a separate rental car facility, with dedicated shuttle buses operating on a 24 hour a day schedule. Directions to the freeway when leaving the rental car facility

• Follow the overhead signs to exit the facility onto S160th St. 
• After turning right on S. 160th St, go up the hill THROUGH the stop light, and take your next right for the on-ramp towards I-5/I-405

Directions to Port Townsend

• Follow signs to Interstate 5 South towards Tacoma
• Drive 103 miles to Port Townsend; allow 4-5 hours to see the sights

 

• Google Waypoint to Port Townsend

     Experience 3: Discover history in Port Townsend   Port Townsend is steeped in fascinating history, from its early Native American roots to its Victorian architecture and maritime legacy, and is home to two National Historic Landmark Districts. One is at Fort Worden State Park, a 434-acre former military fort boasting massive natural beauty; it was the location of the film An Officer and A Gentleman. The second is the downtown district, where the bars and bordellos were originally housed. Uptown, lovely grand Victorian homes grace the landscape with views of the water and glimpses at its maritime history. Learn about the city’s intriguing history at the downtown Jefferson Museum of Art and History, where it’s rumored Jack London spent the night in the 1890s jail.

If you dare, stay at Manresa Castle, a grand home, now hotel, that is reported to be haunted

Or follow the footsteps of the original Native American people on the Chetzemoka Trail, honouring the S’Klallam leader who welcomed the 19th century European settlers to the area. The trail offers 3-mile, 6-mile and 12- mile loops that can be accessed by car, on foot or by bicycle.

Puget Sound Express is a whale watching tour in its third generation of providing life-changing experiences with some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. They run whale watching trips from Port Townsend

More ideas on where to stay, eat, and shop from Enjoy Port Townsend

  Experience 4: Take the 30 minute ferry ride from Port Townsend to Coupeville  

• Google waypoint for Port Townsend ferry
• Port Townsend ferry availability and updates

   Video from Coupeville Chamber    Experience 5:  Enjoy the heritage of Coupeville   Escape it all with these ideas from the Whidbey and Camano Islands Visitors Bureau: Idyllic Whidbey Island – known as the Martha’s Vineyard of the West Coast – boasts some of the Pacific Northwest’s loveliest scenery, complemented by beautiful wooden buildings painted in earth and pastel tones.

• Stay a spell in Coupeville, Whidbey Island’s second most historic town right on the water, with buildings more than 100 years old
• Don’t miss the beautiful downtown area and stop for mussels and other delicious seafood.  Take a look at the Top 10 Things to do in Coupeville from Small Town Washington and Beyond
• From Coupeville, it’s four miles to to Ebey’s Landing, a 554-acre National Historic Reserve which includes one of Western Washington’s most popular coastal trails

Directions:

• From Coupeville, drive north around 20 miles to Deception Pass

   Video by Tom Spurlock   Experience 6: Drive across the Deception Pass Bridge   Deception Pass on the island’s northern tip is home to the National Historic Site of the Deception Pass Bridge, with sweeping views of the water and forest.

• Find lodging and restaurants at the Whidbey and Camano Islands Visitors Bureau site

Directions: Depending upon which route you take, it’s under 11 miles to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal

• Google waypoint for Anacortes Ferry Terminal 

  Experience 7:  Take a ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor  

• For a short stay on San Juan Island, you can leave your car at the ferry terminal and walk on the ferry
• For a longer stay, make a ferry reservation for your car from Anacortes to Friday Harbor
• Learn about the ferries and how to make a ferry reservation from the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
• View alerts, ferry status, and updates from the Washington State Ferries

   

The ferry ride from Anacortes to Friday Harbor is around one hour.

  Experience 8: Slow way down in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island   Ferry passage from Anacortes is a little over one hour and will take you directly to Friday Harbor, the largest town on the island Travel & Leisure named the San Juan Islands in the #2 spot for “Top 15 Islands in the Continental US.” The archipelago is loved for its dense evergreen forests, breathtaking views from both water and land, plus the abundance of wildlife, including a robust orca population. Orcas Island was included in the New York Times list of “52 Places to Go in 2019” for its tide-to-table culinary scene paired with experimental wines. USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice ranked the San Juan Islands #1 as “Best Washington Attraction” for its more than 400 islands and stunning sunsets, pristine wilderness, sandy beaches, and stellar wildlife viewing.   Friday Harbor   Friday Harbor is the main town and gateway to San Juan Island, the most populated island. Historic and just one square mile, the town is walkable and full of great spots to relax and learn. Here are a few tips and links, courtesy of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.

If you want to escape to a slower pace, you’ll be enchanted by Friday Harbor — a charming, historic, walkable seaport just steps from the ferry landing, with small, friendly shops and restaurants, and a refreshing absence of fast-food chains. In this visitor-, family-, and dog-friendly town, you’ll find many of the San Juans’ whale and kayaking tour headquarters, The Whale Museum, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art,  the San Juan Community Theatre for plays and musical events, the San Juan Historical Museum, and so much more. There's no need for a car to see Friday Harbor. Everything is within walking distance of the ferry landing, and it is easy to get around, including shuttle buses and a trolley to take you around the island, as well as bike, three-wheeled Scootcoupe, and moped rentals. From Friday Harbor you can also catch an inter-island ferry to Lopez, Orcas and Shaw Islands. If you do bring your car, use this parking map to find available spaces.

  Whale watching   Washington state is home to several species of whales and it’s an amazing experience to see them in their wild habitat. Orcas, also known as killer whales, are as iconic to the Pacific Northwest as the Space Needle, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Two different ecotypes — Transient and Resident orcas — live in Puget Sound year-round. There are an estimated 300 Transient orcas that separate into pods and roam the region. The Resident orcas are known and loved in this area because they’ve been here for generations, from calves to parents to grandparents and even great-grandparents. The Transient orcas are newer to the Sound.

• Friday Harbor Map and visitors guide
• Head to Lime Kiln State Park and the interpretive center for a chance to see orcas and other wildlife (in season)
• Scientists have worked for decades researching the lives of orcas. The Center for Whale Research was founded and is based in Friday Harbor. And the Orca Network was also developed in the Puget Sound area

Directions:

• Take the ferry from Friday Harbor to Anacortes
• From the ferry terminal, head to Interstate 5 North and drive 40 miles to Bellingham
• Google Maps waypoint for Bellingham

   From the Bellingham Experience   Experience 9: Explore Bellingham’s outdoor paradise   Visit Bellingham, Washington and surrounding Whatcom County for abundant nature, outdoor adventure, and sweeping scenery from the Salish Sea to Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park. Enjoy farm to table menus, craft brews, family moments, a vibrant arts scene and charming historical treasures. Bellingham is an outdoor lover’s paradise known for abundant nature, epic adventures and sweeping scenery. Here you can sea kayak in the morning and go hiking in the mountains in the afternoon. Here are a few tips from the Discover Bellingham and Whatcom County Visitors Center:

• Mountain bike on Galbraith Mountain, ranked among the “Top 10 Places to Ride in the US” by Singletracks Magazine.

  View wildlife  

• For birders, Whatcom County is home to six key locations on the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail, Cascade Loop. Go bird watching 
• Get out on the water in a kayak or on a specialty cruise or whale watching excursion

  Cruise to views  

• Experience the best of the Northwest on the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway and stop for oysters
• Head for the hills on a leisurely drive up Mt. Baker Scenic Highway. At Glacier, the road passes into the evergreen framed Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a National Forest Scenic Byway.
• Other scenic drives

  Take a hike   Year-round hiking opportunities are abundant, with hundreds of miles of trails to explore along with city parks and greenways, where both water and mountain views are plentiful.

• Bellingham Hikes and Wanders
• Visit Bellingham and Whatcom County guide

Directions: Drive south 102 miles on Interstate 5 from Bellingham to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

• Google waypoint for SEA Airport rental car facility

     Experience 10: Return to SEA Airport   Drop your car off at the SEA Airport Rental car facility and take a shuttle bus to the main terminal for ticketing Pro tips:

• Take the nearest escalator or elevator to the 5th floor of the Facility near the customer service center
• Rental Car shuttles pick up on the OPPOSITE side of the facility from where you were dropped off. (Located near the colorful spinning circles )
• Shuttles operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please board the next available shuttle. If a shuttle is departing as you approach, please wait for the next shuttle which should be arriving shortly
• Shuttles drop off on lower drive outside of baggage claim at the north end (near Alaska Airlines) or at the south end (near the international airlines) of the terminal
• To reach your airline’s ticket counter, take the nearest elevator or escalator up to the ticketing level
• Be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your boarding time; more with your vehicle return
• Download the FLYSEA app for checkpoint wait times and find a restaurant
• On your way home, check in to SEA Spot Saver to get an assigned check in time and skip the security line

• Driving directions to the rental car facility 
• Google Waypoint for the SEA Airport Rental Car Facility  

Enjoy your trip home!

  Life's short … so our advice is to go big before you go home and combine two peak experiences into one epic adventure. First, fall in love with the natural beauty of Washington State's tallest peaks, majestic national parks, rugged coastline, and charming towns with this Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip itinerary. Then trade the open road for the open seas. And board your cruise to relax in Alaska and discover stunning glaciers, captivating wildlife, and quaint seaside towns.   Here’s a roadtrip itinerary that we created just for you that can be combined (or not) with an Alaska cruise.   Fly into SEA   Your adventure begins when you land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Port of Seattle owns and operates SEA, gateway to the Pacific Northwest.   SEA just opened the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) in 2022 to meet the growing demand for international service, enhance the passenger experience, and to advance Seattle as a leading tourism and business gateway. This new facility includes one of the longest aerial walkways over an active taxiway in the world, views of Mt. Rainier to welcome you, and a 450,000-square-foot grand hall for expedited baggage claim and customs processing. Here’s more information:  

• Fast Facts on the IAF Grand Hall
• Five Fast Facts about the IAF Pedestrian Walkway
• Bags First for International Arrivals at SEA

  Pick up your rental car   After landing, collect your bags at baggage claim. Head out the baggage claim doors near baggage claim at either end of the terminal and take a shuttle bus to the separate rental car facility. Shuttle buses operate on a 24 hour a day schedule. Two passenger pick-up areas are located outside baggage claim at the north and south ends of the main terminal.   Do a road trip   Known for snowcapped mountains, verdant rainforests, and a spectacular coastline, the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States. This itinerary, developed just for you, showcases Washington State’s unique attractions and experiences like charming seaside villages, stunning beaches, acres of lavender, plus Olympic and Mt. Rainier National Parks.   You’ll fall in love with the unique mix of the great outdoors, small rural towns, fresh farm- to- table cuisine, and Native American culture. This ultimate fly/drive/cruise tour is an ideal grand finale after a cruise to Alaska.   Featured parks:   Olympic National Park     This UNESCO World Heritage site is 95% designated wilderness and home to 25 native species. You’ll find an unforgettable spectacle of glacial lakes, natural hot springs, rugged mountain peaks, wild coast beaches, and lush rainforests. With nearly a million acres to explore and iconic sites from lakes to high mountains, the park presents a smorgasbord of exploration options.   Mt. Rainier National Park     One of the world’s oldest national parks, Mt. Rainier National Park features glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, and lakes and some of Washington State’s most stunning scenery. Ascending to 14,410 feet *4,392 meters) above sea level, the active volcano, Mount Rainier, is home to the most glaciers of any peak in the contiguous U.S., spawning five major rivers. The icy volcano is ringed by meadows full of wildflowers, and ancient forests teeming with wildlife.   Mount Saint Helens     Visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory for the story of one of the world’s most famous volcanic eruptions. Listen to ranger talks, observe the landscapes, or set off on a hike.   Featured towns:   Port Townsend     Take a walk back in history in this charming village by the sea, with its Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and boutique shops and galleries.   Aberdeen  

    This peaceful town is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula and the hometown of Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana.   Long Beach Peninsula     Experience the 28-mile peninsula, bordered by ocean, bay, and river. Taste the Pacific Northwest in fresh seafood prepared by local chefs.   Tacoma     This city is known for its car museum, bridge of glass art, and Museum of Glass. It's full of charm with amazing food, sights, shops, and parks.   Olympia     Take time to visit Olympia, the Washington state capital, and home to coffee roasters, brewpubs, and farm-to-table restaurants. Handcrafted is a way of life here!   This nine-day itinerary will show you the best of the Northwest.   Itinerary   Day 1: Drive through history to Port Townsend  

• Disembark cruise ship in Seattle
• Pick up rental car in downtown Seattle
• Catch the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island
• Drive 15 minutes to Suquamish Museum
• Visit Finnriver Farm & Cidery
• Arrive in Port Townsend, a charming village-by-the-sea with an artistic soul. It's steeped in fascinating history, from its early Native American roots to its Victorian architecture and maritime legacy, while boasting two National Historic Landmark Districts

  Day 2: Take time for lavender fields, mountains, and lakes   

• Depart Port Townsend for Sequim
• Visit Sunshine Herb & Lavender Farm
• Have a picnic with a view at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge
• Stay in the historic Lake Crescent Lodge

  Day 3: Explore the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula  

• Walk to Marymere Falls
• Have a picnic in Forks, the location for the Twilight novels
• Drive to the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rain forests in the USA
• Feed your Instagram at Ruby Beach, one of the most photographed beaches on the west coast with its sea stacks, huge surf-tossed logs, and bald eagles
• Spend the night at scenic Kalaloch Lodge

  Day 4: Feast on ocean views and fresh seafood   

• Drive to Aberdeen, Washington, the childhood home of Kurt Cobain
• Walk with ocean views on the longest silver sand beach on the West Coast
• Enjoy world famous and locally harvested seafood and shellfish
• Visit Cape Disappointment Park, the graveyard of the Pacific, with a history of more than 2,000 shipwrecks
• Explore Oysterville, on the National Register of Historic Places

  Day 5: Step back in Oregon history and enjoy a modern city  

• Drive to Astoria, Oregon, the last stop for the Lewis and Clark Expedition
• End your day in Portland

  Day 6: Sample the delights of the Rose City  

• Portland is known for its parks, beautiful gardens, microbreweries, and coffeehouses

  Day 7:  Explore Washington volcano and city life

• Join an interpretive talk at Mt. Saint Helens, scene of the most famous volcanic eruption in modern history
• Explore Olympia, where hand-crafted is a way of life in its coffee roasters, brewpubs, and eateries
• Visit Tacoma for the car museum and Bridge of Glass

  Day 8: Bliss at high altitude  

• Drive to Crystal Mountain, take the gondola to unforgettable views of the mountain, and dine at the highest elevation restaurant in the state
• Drive to 6,400 feet (2,300 meters) for an epic view from the Sunrise Visitor Center, the highest point in the national park where vehicles can drive

  Day 9: Return the rental car and head out  

• If you’re taking a cruise, head to your cruise terminal
• Drive to the rental car facility to return your rental car. The rental car facility is open 24 hours a day.Map link to car rental facility |   Directions to rental car facility 
• Take the rental car shuttle to the main terminal

  Transfer from SEA Airport to your Cruise Terminal   There are four ways to get from the airport to the cruise terminals:  

• Here’s some great advice from Cruzely.com

  1. Catch a ride: App-based rideshares and taxis are located on the third floor of the airport parking garage 2. If it’s your departure day and you purchased a transfer from your cruise line for bus transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal, go to the cruise lobby on the ground floor of the parking garage. You can get directions from your current location by searching for “cruise lobby” in the interactive map. 3. LINK Light Rail is an inexpensive transportation option that takes you from the airport to Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. From the station, rideshare or taxi services can take you directly to your terminal. Approximate travel times from Westlake Station:  

• To Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66: Six minutes by car; 20 minutes by foot
• To Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Pier 91: 15 minutes by car

  4.  Airport Shuttle services found on the SEA Airport site   If you’re heading home, have a great journey and we hope to see you again!   Head for the open seas   Experience the natural beauty of Alaska, from “calving” glaciers to snowy peaks stretching toward the sky, to magnificent wildlife and small towns boasting unimaginable history. You won’t want to miss exploring the Last Frontier.     Cruise lines that call Seattle home for seven-day roundtrip Alaska cruising include:  

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line 
• Norwegian Cruise Line 
• Oceania Cruises 
• Princess Cruises 
• Royal Caribbean

The two downtown cruise ship terminals, Bell Street and Smith Cove, make Seattle ideal for Alaska or Pacific Northwest cruises. The Port of Seattle recently received the Cruise Critics Award for the Best North American Home Port and the Top-Rated Destination for the U.S. and Canada.   Bell Street Pier 66   Located downtown along Seattle’s waterfront, Bell Street Pier is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises. Pier 66 is walking distance from iconic city landmarks such as Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and excellent restaurants.   Smith Cove Pier 91   Smith Cove is home port to Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. The terminal is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city’s retail core and is closer to trendy districts like Ballard with its historic locks, salmon ladder, Fishermen’s Terminal, and hip eateries.   Enjoy Seattle luggage free   After your cruise (and if you are flying out of Seattle on a U.S. domestic flight), make your last day hassle free with the complimentary Port Valet program. You can sign up on board and check your luggage directly from your cabin to your domestic (only) U.S. flight and enjoy your last day in Seattle without dragging your luggage around.  

• Things to Do in Seattle Instead of Dragging your Luggage Around

  At SEA Airport, pick up last-minute gifts at an eclectic mix of bookstores, gift shops, designer brands, and local goods.  

• Directory of SEA Airport restaurants and stores 
• Download the FlySEA app for directions, checkpoint wait times, and airport updates

  Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the State of Washington Tourism Office

  Known for its huge culture scene, music history and growing gastronomy ventures, Seattle’s festival calendar is a true reflection of the exciting city. Below are five of the best festivals that will be returning to the cultural city for another year.   PrideFest (24 - 25 June)   Located in both Capitol Hill and at the Seattle Center, PrideFest welcomes an array of citywide celebrations and exciting events. With the central focus being the celebration of love in the  LGBTQIA+ community, this year’s theme and events calendar is yet to be announced. However, travellers can expect colourful festivities with bright decor, outfits, excellent music, dancing, performances and special guests.   Capitol Hill Block Party (21-23 July)   Celebrating the Capitol Hill neighbourhood in Seattle, Capitol Hill Block Party has 100 local and national acts performing at bars, outdoor stages and restaurants in the area. Known for creating the world's most influential musicians, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Seattle is the city for music fanatics and Capitol Hill is where the newest and best in the industry can be found. This year’s headliners are still TBC.   Bumbershoot (Labor Day Weekend)   Bumbershoot was named after an umbrella to describe the wide variety of arts and performances that the festival encompasses. Returning in 2023, attendees can expect an abundance of culture including comedy, film, dance, theatre, literature and visual arts events. The lineup is heavy on music and has previously featured icons such as Bob Dylan and Mary J Blige. Part of the primary focus of the lineup is regional Pacific Northwest talent. Bumbershoot will be held over the Labor Day weekend - seeing out a very busy season of summer festivals.   Refract returns for a 5th year (12 - 15 October)   Bringing together the art community, Refract returns for its 5th year. Celebrating a milestone and continuing to showcase the creative uses of glass in the Pacific Northwest, around 60 local artists will showcase their talent, shining a spotlight on the intricate medium of glass art. During, glass art enthusiasts and newcomers will enjoy artist parties, exclusive open studio tours, special gallery exhibitions, hands-on experiences and intimate glass blowing demonstrations at multiple locations across the city.   Cloudbreak (tbc November)   After a successful first year, Cloudbreak is due to return in late 2023. A true celebration of the city’s vibrant music venues, the once in a lifetime festival is a joint venture between Visit Seattle and King County, inviting travellers and locals to immerse themselves in Seattle’s much-loved live music scene. As part of the music-driven festival, hotel guests at 70 participating Downtown Seattle hotels will gain free access to over 60 concerts across the city throughout the course of the festival. Guests can show their hotel key card along with a special Cloudbreak card on arrival at participating music venues in order to enter, until full capacity is reached.

  The new year is all about new beginnings and the city of Seattle isn’t taking this lightly. Whether that be the return of some of the city’s favourite events such as Museum Month and Taste Washington or the celebration of iconic anniversaries, from Sleepless in Seattle to the Seattle Opera - there’s every reason for travellers to add this exciting destination to their bucket list this year.   Key events   Seattle Opera celebrates 60th anniversary (Now - 11 March)   In celebration of Seattle Opera’s 60th anniversary, an extensive events calendar has been announced for its 2023/24 season. Marking the key occasion, Seattle Opera is offering a range of experiences which take attendees back in time to relive the rich history of opera. From the eighteenth century to the 1980s, and intimate character portraits to fantasy epics, this season's works have never before been seen in Seattle. A roster of some of opera’s most celebrated creators, including over 20 company debuts, will see stories such as The Life and Times of Malcolm X and The Barber of Seville brought to life.   Museum Month is back (1 - 28 February)   For the whole of February, guests who stay at participating downtown hotels in Seattle will receive half-price admission to the region’s favourite museums and attractions. Immerse in history, discover the very best of pop culture and stroll through a garden of intricate glass with Seattle’s Museum Month. Travellers can choose from an array of venues including the Museum of Pop Culture, The Museum of Flight and Seattle Aquarium.   Taste Washington returns (6 - 12 March)   Taste Washington, one of the biggest and best food and wine festivals in the Pacific Northwest will this year make its return. From 6-12 March, the event will feature over 250 wineries alongside a large portion of the state’s best restaurants. New this year, the festival welcomes Pacific Standard - a highly anticipated dinner series - bringing wine lovers and makers together to enjoy a meal prepared by premier chefs. Travellers can expect talks, tasting and much more.   Countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 (June)   Seattle’s legacy as a premier sporting destination was cemented last year, following its selection as one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In June, FIFA will announce the number of matches, and rounds in which Seattle will host in the tournament.   30 years since Sleepless in Seattle (September)   September will mark 30 years since the release of the classic romcom, Sleepless in Seattle, which saw iconic performances from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of the characters by strolling around the famed Pike Place Market, spotting the skyline at Gas Works Park and seeing Lake Union, where Sam Baldwin (Hanks) and his son lived in their houseboat.   New openings    Seattle Art Museum hosts first new American Art Installation in 15 years (now - 26 March)   Art lovers can experience a milestone at the Seattle Art Museum by viewing its new installation of American art galleries, the first in 15 years. The result of an extensive collaboration among curators, American Art: The Stories We Carry brings SAM’s historical American art collection into conversation with its native, modern and contemporary art collection. The gallery is curated by artist Inye Wokoma and features new commissions by artists Wendy Red Star and Nicholas Galanin. The exhibition presents America’s complicated history across several themes including how people interact with land and places, how objects reflect histories of trade, migration and exploration and the multiplicity of American identities.   RailSpur, Pioneer Square (opening date TBC)   Named after the railways that once ran through the area, RailSpur encompasses three historic buildings in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s first ever neighbourhood. Focusing on preservation and sustainability, the transformative micro-district includes office, retail, restaurant, residential and hospitality experiences. With most of it now complete, later this year will see the arrival of a new sophisticated boutique hotel teamed with a rooftop bar and restaurant. The accommodation set in 100 S.King St’s Westland Building will offer views of the Puget Sound and include a multi-storey living wall that will connect guests to nature.   InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue, Bellevue (opening date TBC)   Occupying floors three to eleven of a 28-storey tower, InterContinental Bellevue at the Avenue is a 252 room hotel, decked out with luxurious rooms, 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including a grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and additional meeting rooms, not to mention the business centre, fitness centre and outdoor deck on the same floor. The hotel tower will elevate luxury and sophistication for locals and visitors alike.  

 

Whether it's enjoying a pumpkin spiced latte at the original Starbucks or shielding from the cold in one of the many museums on offer including Chihuly Garden and Glass or Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle has a plethora of ways to celebrate this festive season. The friendly city is a beautiful destination to visit during the winter, with its surrounding snow-covered mountains and trees. 

  T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle    Why not have a bucket-list experience this New Year with T-Mobile New Year’s at the Needle? The largest structurally launched fireworks and light display in North America, travellers can watch bright colours bleed into the sky to ring in the new year. For the best view, watch from the Seattle Center or see the Space Needle light up from one of the many viewing spots around the city.   Magic at the Market, Pike Place Market (26 November)   One of the most famous markets all year round, Pike Place Market at Christmas is even more remarkable. Kick off the festive season with the 27th annual Magic at the Market, where families can meet Santa whilst listening to the sound of carolling and sipping on eggnog. Taking place on the 26 November with a vast artisan craft offering, it’s the perfect place to purchase Christmas gifts for loved ones. The unforgettable day will lead up to a famous Market lighting ceremony, which will take place at 5pm.   WinterFest (25 November-31 December)   The five weeks of WinterFest at Seattle Center are bound to lift seasonal spirits with the Winter Train and Village - a yearly tradition which has been displayed for over 40 years. Its annual lighting display, ice sculpting, fire pits and food vendors are sure to keep visitors entertained during the opening day celebration on the 25th of November, while each weekend will feature live performances and more. Entertainment will be supplied by local dancers, musicians and comedians, providing the perfect seasonal line-up.   Downtown Holiday lights and delights   Enjoy magical moments all season long in downtown Seattle with events by the Downtown Seattle Association and Metropolitan Improvement District. Get in the spirit with the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Westlake Center on 25th November presented by Alaska Airlines. Be mesmerised by over 140,000 dazzling lights at Holiday Lights & Delights, presented by Amazon. Snap the perfect selfie under larger than life illuminating light sculptures in Westlake Park. Westlake and Occidental Square will host family friendly activities every weekend including live holiday concerts, meet & greets with costumed characters and many sweet treats. All events are free and open to the public.   Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival   A Northwest tradition since 1949, Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival is a ship-to-shore holiday celebration that shouldn't be missed. The official Christmas ship, the Spirit of Seattle is decorated with hundreds of beautiful white lights and sails to around 40 different Puget Sound waterfront communities. Talented choirs on board perform to guests, other boats and communities that gather on the shores.   WildLanterns    Explore the zoo like never before at WildLanterns -  an all immersive experience featuring large scale animal and nature cape lanterns. Offering a larger than life event, visitors can experience wild places from around the world in a new light. A journey can be taken through the glowing Garden Delights to A Walk Among African Animals, where beautiful flora and fauna can be found. The Asian Safari and Oceania Animal Odyssey offers a new perspective on the world's most beautiful animals. Festive sweet and savoury treats will also be available to keep guests suitably refreshed.

  The Port of Seattle marked the end of its successful 2022 cruise season, announcing a 6% growth in passenger volume compared to the last full pre-Covid season of 2019, with 1.28 million revenue passengers, or 640,000 individual travellers passing through the Port of Seattle for an Alaskan cruise.   Strong health and safety provisions played a major role in the success of Seattle’s cruise season. The Port and cruise lines adopted COVID prevention and response protocols prior to the season to ensure protection for passengers, crew, and the local community.   Cruise passenger spending benefits local businesses. Seattle and the Seattle southside region saw dramatic recoveries in tourism activity this year.  Year over year hotel occupancy in downtown Seattle showed improvements of 67 percent in May and 63 percent in June.  Overall, cruising from Seattle supports nearly $900 million (£756,302*) a year in local economic activity and approximately 5,500 local jobs.   Looking ahead to 2023   Demand for cruises to Alaska and stays in Seattle and Washington State remain very high, indicating strong economic activity potential for the 2023 season. While slightly fewer ships will sail from Seattle in 2023, ship occupancy will continue to increase to an estimated 85 percent next year. Preliminary forecasts call for 1.3 million revenue passengers (650,000 guests) with the season potentially stretching from April 15 to October 30. This schedule may change as cruise lines refine itineraries.   First movers for a Cruise-led Green Corridor   While the full return of cruise has significant economic benefits, the Port is equally focused on its goal to be the greenest and most energy-efficient port in North America. Earlier this year, the Port of Seattle — alongside Alaskan and Canadian port communities, cruise industry partners, and environmental experts — launched a collaborative effort to explore the feasibility of a fully decarbonised maritime green corridor.   The concept of shipping Green Corridors came out of Conference of Parties (COP) 26 meetings in Glasgow.  The first-ever cruise Green Corridor is aimed at accelerating maritime decarbonisation through the deployment of low and zero greenhouse gas emission solutions between Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington.   Throughout the year the Port continued its industry-leading work on environmental initiatives related to water quality, electrification, and more. Additional information on cruise environmental, economic development, and community initiatives can be found on the Port's cruise sustainability blog.

 

Travellers can expect colours of red, orange and yellow in Seattle throughout the Autumn season. Beginning to transform in mid-to-late September, colours are at their most vibrant in October and November. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte from the Starbucks capital of the world, wrap up warm and discover autumn in these beautiful spots in the Emerald City. 

  Washington Park Arboretum   Running along Lake Washington, this natural attraction has 230 acres of unique plants. Washington Park Arboretum is free to visit and is home to some of the best walking trails in the city where the changing seasons can be enjoyed. Also, home to the Seattle Japanese Garden, visitors can see Japanese style landscape installations at the Arboretum.   Discovery Park   Boasting 534 acres of land, Discovery Park is Seattle’s biggest and boldest park. Overlooking the Puget Sound, the park has plenty of offerings for autumn visitors including panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. For travellers wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Discovery Park offers moments of tranquillity in its open meadows, forest groves, streams and saltwater beach   Bellevue Botanical Gardens, Bellevue   Made up of 53 acres, Bellevue Botanical Gardens has several small gardens, each with their own unique character. Revel in the last blooms of summer and the ever-changing leaves of autumn at Bellevue Botanical Garden whilst smelling the brown sugar from the Katsura trees and witnessing the new colours on the maples. Guests can also partake in guided tours or visit the interactive garden which educates through digital plant identification which can be accessed via smartphone.   Mount Rainier National Park   Any season is amazing at Mount Rainier National Park but autumn is a particularly special time to visit. Just a two hour drive from the city, the scenic route offers once in a lifetime views of the Pacific Northwest. Set sights on the stunning mountain teamed with colourful valleys and waterfalls. At 14,410ft, Mt. Rainier has more than 130 trails to explore on foot, ranging from easy to challenging, but all with scenic autumnal views.   Taste a Pumpkin Spice Latte at the original Starbucks   Nothing says autumn like a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. What better way to soak up the new season than enjoying one from the very first Starbucks. Located at Pike Place Market, the store is a central hub for coffee and gastronomy and has been serving Seattleites since 1971. After grabbing a coffee, travellers can discover the fresh, seasonal produce on display at the Market.

India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has reported a data breach just days after launching. The airline warns customers to be ‘vigilant against possible phishing attempts.’ The data breach was ‘limited to names, email addresses and phone numbers’ and no travel-related information was accessed, Akasa said. “A temporary technical configuration error related to our login and sign-up service was reported on August 25.” “On being made aware of the incident, we immediately stopped this unauthorised access by completely shutting down the associated functional elements of our system,” it said. “We undertook additional reviews to ensure that the security of all our systems is enhanced." It has reported the hacking to CERT-In, the government agency that deals with data security incidents. Other Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have also suffered data breaches in recent years