Seattle's Best Free Attraction 2008

This open-air shopping haven is a mecca for authentic merchants straight out of the Northwest’s past.

Reviews:

• “Pike Place IS Seattle!”
• “Our FAVORITE Place to go in Seattle…………..”
• “You have to go when you visit Seattle”
• “Tourist fave, local mob scene/”
• “The best market in town—and possibly anywhere”

Tips: The garage on Western Avenue behind the market offers an hour of free parking for shoppers.

Pike Place Market

This crown jewel of a park, with an expansive botanical collection, resides in the heart of the city.

Reviews:

• “Eye candy for plant lovers!”
• “Midwestern Musings”
• “a serene haven…with trails”

Tips: For information about the Japanese garden, call (206) 684-4725.

Washington Park Arboretum

A massive city park made up of undeveloped habitat, miles of wooded trails and magnificent views.

Reviews:

• “A Jewel in the City”

Tips: Sea lions, seals, even porpoises and orca whales are occasionally spotted off West Point, and at least one pair of nesting bald eagles calls the park home. But don’t feed the animals: This park is a designated sanctuary.

Discovery Park

A short drive from downtown, this water-bound spectacle is a great place to get the feel for Seattle’s maritime life.

Reviews:

• “Fun to see in action”
• “Visit the Locks!”
• “Want to relax?”
• “Great for Visitors and Locals alike”
• “More Than Meets The Eye”

Tips: Boats come and go year-round, but to see the fish ladder in action, avoid November through February and the month of May, when the salmon aren’t running.

Ballard Locks

Built on nine formerly industrial acres on the north edge of downtown, this vibrant park offers a unique urban experience.

Reviews:

• “Great place to see art; don’t plan on a meal there.”
• “Never crowded for me”
• “Don’t touch the boring sculptures”
• “Best Outdoor Space”

Tips: Free public tours of the park are conducted on weekends.

Olympic Sculpture Park

A favorite spot for a quiet walk along the shore or a blazing bonfire.

Reviews:

• “Beautiful sunsets”
• “One of my favorite parks”
• “Wonderful Beach”
• “lovely place”

Tips: Golden Gardens is also beautiful by night. The five fire pits on the beach make this a perfect spot to roast wieners with friends. You can’t burn driftwood, so be sure to bring your own wood.

Golden Gardens Park

This 20-acre Japanese garden, complete with waterfalls and babbling brooks, offers peace and solitude for the weary soul.

Reviews:

• “a peaceful stroll – this month’s haiku”
• “PLEASANT PLACE”

Tips: Free, 75-minute guided tours are available for eight or more visitors. Contact the Kubota Garden Foundation at (206) 725-5060.

Kubota Gardens

This traditional bookstore looks huge, but stays intimate by giving equal attention to local readers and international writers.

Reviews:

• “Fine Bookstore”
• “Browser’s delight”
• “Browse for Hours”
• “Always have what I need”

Tips: Author events at Elliott Bay are always free and often feature literary giants. Snap up tickets for popular events a couple of weeks in advance.

Elliott Bay Book Company

An eclectic neighborhood finds affection for a stone face only a mother could love.

Reviews:

• “Like water under the bridge, you can dismiss it as basic scenery after the first viewing, but the first viewing is a must!”
• “eclectic seattle wierdness but cool”
• “I think it’s cool”
• “Free & Intriguing”
• “A must see for anyone who visits me in Seattle!”

Tips: Parents might want to, um, sniff out the territory before sending their kiddies clambering atop the troll’s unsanitary scalp.

Fremont Troll

The city’s haven for representational landscape and portrait work.

Reviews:

• “Frye, Oh Frye-What a wonderful place”
• “Very strange exhibit”
• “A Hidden Tresure”
• “Grand Legacy”
• “Great Art, and it’s FREE!”

Tips: Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the least crowded.

Frye Art Museum

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