Cheap seattle getaways
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Seattle is a great place for visitors of all ages thanks to the low cost or free activities the city has to offer, says Heather Bryant, Communications Manager for Visit Seattle. She says savvy travelers can take advantage of sightseeing, accommodations and dining packages to make the holiday more affordable. Bryant says almost nine million people visit Seattle every year for its surrounding lush, evergreen forests, and many do it on a budget.
Packages and Discount Cards
The non-profit Seattle Super Saver program run by the Convention and Visitors Bureau features deals on hotels, airfare, car rentals and tour and attractions tickets. If you are planning visits to multiple attractions, two options exist to save you money. The Seattle CityPass gives you admission to the Pacific Science Center, Space Needle, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour and Seattle Aquarium. In March 2011, the pass cost $59 for adults and $39 for children, for savings of around 50 percent. The Go Seattle Card gives you admission to more than 30 of Seattle's top attractions and tours for a fixed, per-day price. Cards are available for one to seven days and cost from $49.99 to $134.99 for adults and $32.99 to $89.99 for children, as of March 2011.
Getting Around Cheaply
You can ride Metro Transit's buses in the downtown area for free and take the Link Light Rail from downtown to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for less than an airport shuttle or taxi. Low-cost trips are available on the South Lake Union Streetcar to the South Lake Union neighborhood, or take the Seattle Center Monorail from downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center. If you want to get out on the water, try the Washington State Ferries low-cost trip across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton.
Free Attractions
Drop in on the Pike Place Market and sample local foods and watch street musicians. This is one of the oldest farmers markets in United States and one of Seattle's most popular attractions. The year-round Fremont Sunday Market sells produce, flowers, crafts and flea market bargains. Seattle is known for a number of famous glass artists and some works are displayed in the lobbies of several buildings throughout downtown including the U.S. Bank Building at 5th and Pike, the Sheraton Hotel at 6th and Pike and Benaroya Hall at 3rd and University. Tour the University of Washington campus on a free 90-minute walking tour. You will see Red Square, Drumheller Fountain and Husky Stadium. The campus is beautifully landscaped and especially attractive in spring when the cherry trees are in bloom.
Free Entertainment
Seattle Center, the 74-acre park that was the site of the 1962 World's Fair, is a mecca for free outdoor entertainment. The park is home to the Space Needle, Children's Museum and Pacific Science Center. On the first Thursday of every month, you can take part in the Pioneer Square Art Walk and browse a diverse array of local and international art. A number of Seattle museums feature free admission including the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Coast Guard Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Frye Art Museum and Seattle Asian Art Museum. As of March 2011, the Museum of Flight is free the first Thursday evening of every month.
Wine Tasting
Sip some locally-produced wine and tour a winery for free or for a minimal tasting fee of $3 to $5. Some choices nearby include Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery that grows all of its own grapes on-site- Chateau St. Michelle, Washington's first winery- Silver Lake Sparkling Cellars, the state's largest consumer-owned winery and Columbia Winery, featuring European-style wines. Guided winery tours are available.
Tags: March 2011, Seattle Center, adults children, Bainbridge Island, Cheap seattle, Cheap seattle getawaysSource: www.ehow.com
