Vacations Blog

Seattle Central Library: Admission Always Free

If you are one of the thousands or travelers to Seattle every week and are looking for a few ‘inexpensive’ things to see to supplement your stay, read on.

Considering that the Fall weather in Seattle is still pleasant and at times beautiful, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to take in this cosmopolitan city which is surrounded by abundant natural beauty.  With that in mind, here is a short list of  FREE (You can’t get any less expensive than that)activities in my fair city that can fill up an agenda and serve as a supplement to a memorable Northwest vacation.  See you around town.

1. Free Sail at Center for Wooden Boats - Located on the South end of picturesqe Lake Union, the Center for Wooden Boats moors dozens of beautiful wooden boats of all shapes and sizes.  Most are sail boats, and on Sunday afternoons you can show up a little before 2:00 PM and sign up to take a free family sail.  It is a terrific way to enjoy the water with stunning views of the surrounding city.

2. Pike Place Market - You have all heard of it, right?  The Pike Place Farmers Market, one of Seattle’s most enduring icons,  celebrated it’s 100th birthday last year and is a tourist Mecca because there are so many things to see and do while visiting.  And, you can spend as much or as little as you like.

Seattle's Pike Place Market

3. Central Library - The main branch in the Seattle Public Library system, an architechtural wonder designed by Rem Kluhous, is a must see if you are visiting the cities downtown core.  If you visit, don’t forget to check out the Red floor.

4. Olympic Sculpture Park - Located along the Seattle waterfront, Olympic Sculpture Park is a personal favorite of mine.  As thier website indicates: “The Olympic Sculpture Park has transformed a nine-acre industrial site into open and vibrant green space for art. This new waterfront park gives Seattle residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting, while enjoying the incredible views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.”  Well worth seeing for the views alone.

Father and Son Sculpture at Olympic Sculpture Park

5. International Fountain – Located at the Seattle Center next to the Space Needle, the International Fountain is a gathering place for locals and tourists, especially on sunny Summer and Fall afternoons.  The fountain shoots out cool streams of water in sync with music you will know when you hear.  And the best part: You can kick off your shoes, join the throngs of kids (young and old), and get soaked.

6. Frye Art Museum – Located on First Hill in Seattle, The Frye as it is known locally, had been a treat for visitors looking to take in rotating exhibits of modern art as well as an impressive permanent and founding collection, since it opened its doors in 1952.  And best of all, it is has free parking to go along with its free admission.

Photo credits: Central Library by LWY from flickr creative commons; Pike Place Market from Seattle Municiple Archieves; Father and Son by ricardo-pereira from flickr creative commons