Journalists’ Reference Guide

Culture & Recreation

Greater Seattle is the cultural center of the Pacific Northwest. Our region has won national accolades over the years for its unique blend of sophisticated arts scene, fun tourist activities, breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Greater Seattle is perennially ranked as one of the top destionations for tourists traveling to the United States. Visit such original and popular sites in Seattle as: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Pioneer Square Historical District, the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Waterfront, and the International District. The Seattle Center, with over ten million annual visitors, is one of the nation’s most extraordinary urban parks and entertainment centers. In Everett visit delightful and fun places as: the Children’s Museum, Center for the Arts at Monte Cristo or the Performing Arts Center. While in Tacoma stop by “Museum Row” to see the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and the Working Waterfront Museum. In addition, Tacoma is home to Point Defiance Park which includes the world renowned Point Defiance Zoo. During your stay in Greater Seattle, experience and enjoy the area’s wonderful attractions, superb arts scene and relaxed lifestyle.

For more information on tourist activities:

Seattle’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
1-206-461-5840

Snohomish County Tourism Bureau
1-425-348-5802

Tacoma Regional Convention/Visitor Bureau
1-253-627-2836

Sports
Greater Seattle is home to many sports teams and athletic competitions. Baseball, basketball, soccer and American football are all played at the professional level. The Mariners play in SAFECO field. The Sonics play in the Key Arena located in the Seattle Center, which is also home to the Seattle Storm (women’s basketball), and the Seattle Thunderbirds (hockey). Both the Seattle Seahawks American football team and the Seattle Sounders (soccer) play at Seahawks stadium next to Safeco Field. Sports are also popular at the University level. The University of Washington Husky football team is a perennial Pacific 10 Conference contender. The women’s and men’s basketball teams are also exciting to watch.

Restaurants
Greater Seattle is renowned for its wonderful restaurants that serve everything from northwest seafood to international ethnic cuisine. Greater Seattle restaurants have been featured by the Food Network on shows such as “Best of,” “Food Nation” and “$40 a day” for high quality and diverse taste. Check out Capitol Hill, the International District, the University District, and Fremont in Seattle; the Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese restaurants and many coffee houses in Everett; or the many choices for fine wine and seafood or rustic brewery dining in the Tacoma area. These are just some of the Greater Seattle area choices replete with eclectic gourmet dining options. For a complete list check out the local yellow pages or ask any Greater Seattleite.