If you’ve lived here long enough you would have heard the old joke: Seattle summers start on the Fifth of July. That’s when our typical “50 Shades of Grey” weather takes a backseat for “Little Miss Sunshine” conditions and the greatest time to be alive around Puget Sound.
The ingredients for memorable Seattle summer experiences are simple – sunshine, seasonably warm temperatures and being outside. Just add water!
I have lived here for a decade and enjoyed many days exploring the region – sea to lakes, Olympics to Cascades. And when temperatures rise, it’s time to embrace every aspect of the water. Here are five of my favorite ways to soak in Seattle-area water adventures, usually without having to get soaked.
Dinner cruise on Lake Washington
If you’re looking to impress your out-of-town friends, take the group on a dinner or brunch cruise on Lake Washington. Aboard a 100-foot craft, Waterway Cruises provides a civilized tour, tasty food, sufficient drink and a picturesque journey around the lake between SR-520 and I-90. (Yes, you’ll get to see where Bill and Melinda live!)
Blake Island tour
I was pleasantly surprised by my experience on a half-day trip to Blake Island, the ancestral campground of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes and believed to be the birthplace of Chief Sealth (roughly pronounced as “Seattle”). It starts with a 45-minute ferry trip from the Seattle waterfront and ends on the sacred Kitsap County island. Once there, visitors will feel welcomed by the Native Americans who showcase their culture and customs with a show of storytelling and dance in the decorated Tillicum longhouse. The excursion includes a delicious meal of alder-roasted fish, meat stew, rice, salad, dessert and beverages. You couldn’t ask for a better experiential day right in our back yard.
Seattle Center fountains
Fountains are arresting. The soothing, repetitive sounds provide a calming feel that are welcome amid a chaotic city. Seattle Center offers a half-dozen fountains across its 74-acre patch. Most notable is the International Fountain in the centerpiece of the, um, center. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 220-foot-diameter fountain is a place to relax and enjoy the dancing streams choreographed to a custom music track. On warm days, watch kids (and kids at heart) play in the base of the bowl-shaped structure as the 9,000 gallon-capacity fountain weaves and gushes all around. The so-called super shooter sends 66 gallons of water blasting about 120 feet into the air – a sight to see. (The water is recycled and treated three ways to ensure cleanliness.)
Bainbridge Island
If I could live anywhere in the Pacific Northwest without having to worry about work, money or other day-to-day commitments, my choice would probably be Bainbridge Island. It’s close enough to the big city and yet a world away. Bainbridge offers almost all the conveniences of suburban living and yet you are within a stone’s throw of wildlife, woods and water. Hop on the ferry from the Seattle waterfront and you’re inside Eagle Harbor within about 35 minutes. Bainbridge town center offers a great sampling of life – art gallery, island history museum, bakery, restaurants and much more. But what makes Bainbridge Island truly special is the range of experiences – from the beautiful Bloedel Reserve (left) in the north to the small-but-active commercial district featuring historic Lynnwood Theatre to the south. This is a picture-perfect day trip on your own or with friends and family.
Lake Union kayaking
Nothing could be more adventurous and cathartic than kayaking on Lake Union. The exhilaration starts with the prospect of wanting to travel the perimeter of the lake to see the blending of houseboats, yachts, kayakers and waterfowl. For about $20 an hour, you can take your time to watch the seaplanes take off and land around you (boaters and kayakers have the right of way), to wave at houseboat residents as they sit on their deck enjoying a drink and to get a different perspective of Gas Works Park on the north side (as you become the object of curiosity photo-takers). You need to be in decent shape – especially your upper body – and have rugged soles on your shoes to guide the rudder with pedals at your feet. Yes, you’ll get a little wet – but you’re on the lake, for cryin’ out loud!
Want more? Check out these additional opportunities to enjoy the water, courtesy Seattle Met, or a map of local rental options from Seattle Curbed.
The water is all around us. Take advantage of our natural luxuries!
(This article is not an endorsement of any company, nor was I compensated for any mention. It is my attempt to share details about some of Puget Sound’s great treasures and how to best enjoy them.)