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Tuesday Afternoon Tours
Tour 3 - Seattle City Tour
Get the best view of Seattle—the perspective of a local. You will be escorted around town by a friendly and informative Seattleite who will provide historical background of the area, point out interesting landmarks, as well as give insider tips on special shopping and sightseeing areas. You will get an insider’s look at the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle. The tour begins with a drive by Seattle’s Waterfront as guests are transferred to historic Pioneer Square, Seattle's oldest residential area, now a major visitor attraction with restaurants, galleries and lively clubs.
A stop at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks will show how the area's fresh and salt waters meet. The Locks are the most popular destination along the Lake Washington Ship Canal. They are made up of 2 navigational locks, a dam and spillway, a fish ladder, a botanical garden, and a regional visitor center. The locks allow vessels to pass from fresh water Lake Washington, into the salt water of Puget Sound and guests will enjoy the underwater viewing at the adjoining salmon ladders. Following the Locks Tour, you will enjoy a scenic drive through Seattle’s best neighborhoods to experience the infamous views.
Next is Seattle’s most recognizable landmark: the Space Needle (this is an optional trip). The tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts fabulous views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, the beautiful city of Seattle! The Space Needle was built for just $4.5 million, and has had its share of milestones, including numerous weddings and a jump by six parachutists. During the 1962’s World's Fair, nearly 20,000 people a day traveled to the top. The Space Needle hosted over 2.3 million visitors during the Fair and is still, nearly 40 years later, Seattle's number one tourist destination.
If this option is chosen, you will have the wonderful opportunity to “Live the View at the Needle”. Your group’s visit will begin at the two-story glass pavilion and a new retail store, also known as ‘Base Camp’. From the ‘Launch Pad’, AKA the elevator, visitors take a 43-second journey skyward to the Observation Deck, where you will enjoy a 360-degree view of the most unforgettable scenery in the Northwest.
Pike Place Market is known for its exciting sights, sounds and aromas. The Pike Place Market began on August 17, 1907. Nearly a century after its founding, the Market remains a vital part of Seattle's social and economic fabric. Approaching its 97th Anniversary, the Pike Place Market is indeed one of the greatest public markets in the world. The nine-acre historic district hosts an estimated nine million visitors each year who come to experience a feast for the senses and shop for an incredible diversity of products. Helping to make up the Market experience are local farmers, craftspeople, businesspeople, and those crazy fish throwers. There will be time to shop and explore this fascinating area, and easy-to-read maps will be provided for those who wish to linger on their own.