Arriving Early To Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Before Your Cruise?

If you are coming to the Seattle area with a few days to spare before your cruise kicks off, you will have plenty of time to squeeze in some touring of the Pacific Northwest!  If you are trying to save on your hotel stay before you take off on your cruise, we recommend staying in Seattle Southside. The hotels are about 30-40% cheaper than downtown Seattle hotels, and you are still close to everything that you need to see and experience in the region! Don't forget to contact Seattle Southside Visitor Services with any questions or for maps, guides, etc. We are happy to help!

Here are some recommendations:

Downtown Seattle - Part One
If you have a rental car, try parking it near the Seattle Center, the north end of downtown, and leaving it there for the day. Navigating a car through downtown can be stressful and tricky!  Once at Seattle Center, hop the Monorail, the elevated train that will take you to Westlake Center Mall and the Fifth Avenue Shopping District. Here you can enjoy department store shopping and upscale shopping. From Westlake Center, you can walk down Pine Street to the Pike Place Market, the country's largest open air farmers market! Browse the vendors and shop for handmade goods like jewelry, pottery, art, fresh produce and more. And don't forget to catch the Fish Market Fish Throwers! Inside Pike Place Market, look for the sign that says "Pike Place Hillclimb" or "Stairs to Waterfront". Take the long flight of stairs down to Seattle's Waterfront and take a stroll looking at beautiful views of Elliott Bay. If time permits, take an Argosy Cruise Harbor Tour (1 hour) or trek to Tillicum Village, a 3-hour tour by boat to Blake Island with an all-inclusive Native American Salmon Dinner and Show.  Depending on your schedule, it may be time to hike back up to Westlake Center and catch the Monorail back to Seattle Center. Now, catch a ride up the Space Needle for fantastic 360 degree views of the city - if its dark out yet, the views of the city lights are even more phenomenol.

Downtown Seattle - Part Two
The Southside of downtown Seattle offers a more laidback and slower feel. Find street parking or a public parking garage if you have a rental car. Start out in Pioneer Square, the "old town" of downtown. here you will find historic buildings, beautifully architected brick facades and antique shops!  Make reservations in advance to take the Underground Tour, or walk up to the counter at Doc Maynard'sabout 1-1/2 hours before you want to take your tour and buy tickets. The Underground Tour is a must-do 90-minute hysterical and historical tour of old town Seattle. Afterwards, hike up a few blocks to the Bank of America Building on 4th and Cherry Street. Go up to the Observation Tower and get a view from the Southside of the city from the city's tallest building! If time permits, walk down Columbia Street (one block North of Cherry Street) and you end up at Pier 52 or the Washington State Ferry Terminal. Take a walk-on ferry ride to Bainbridge Island (about 60 minutes), grab a cup of coffe or lunch in Bainbridge Island, then return on the next ferry. If you have a rental car, you may choose to take a drive through the SODO district where you can catch sights of the massive Qwest Field (NFL Stadium) and Safeco Field (MLB Stadium).

Get a Taste of the Mountains

Snoqualmie Falls
Hop in your rental car and take Interstate 90 East. At exit 25 (Hwy 18 exit), turn Left onto Highway 18/SE Snoqualmie Pkwy. Turn Left onto Railroad Ave SE/ (WA-202). Arrive at Snoqualmie Falls. Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state's most popular scenic attractions with more than 1.5 million visitors each year.  At the Falls, you will find a two-acre park, hiking trail, observation deck, gift shop and the 270 foot waterfall.

Mt. Rainier
About 2 hours South, travel the famed 'Road to Paradise.' Browse art studios and galleries along the way. Explore ski and snowshoe trails in Ashford. Ride a steam train in Elbe. Watch climbers prepare to ascend Rainier at Paradise. Seek out the family snow-play area near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Hideaway, learn, hike and snowshoe at Longmire. Paradise is accessible year round. Take Interstate 5 South to Hwy 7. Follow Hwy 7 to Elbe and SR 706. Continue to Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park.

Have A Few Hours Before Your Flight Out and No Car?

If your airline will let you, check your baggage in at the airport. Then head to the baggage claim level and exit, following the sidewalk out to International Blvd. Cross the street to the Radisson Hotel Gateway. By calling 206-241-5800 to make a reservation, you can catch the Southside Express Shuttle that will take you at NO CHARGE to Westfield Southcenter Mall, the state's largest indoor shopping mall, about 10 minutes away. At Westfield Southcenter you can enjoy shopping at hundred's of popular shops, several dining options and other great stores within walking distance. You can also take the return trip at no charge, just make sure you leave enough time to catch your flight!