PEAK’s Pacific Northwest Chapter encompasses all of Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington – and Seattle is the main hub for many of our meetings, as well as home to many of our members.

Our chapter is thrilled to welcome this year’s PEAK conference to town, and we’re excited to share our favorite places and facets of this beautiful city with those who might not be as familiar with it. We love the fresh air, the clean water, and being surrounded by green hills, mountains, and waterways. There a great number of things to see and do right here in the city, and plenty of amazing places to visit in the surrounding region.

At our last chapter meeting, we asked members to offer their recommendations. While you’re here, we hope you’ll find time to experience some of these iconic places and activities:

Downtown and surrounding vicinity…

Don’t miss the Pike Place Market.

Explore the Seattle Center campus, which houses The Space Needle, Chihuly Museum of Garden & Glass, MoPop (the Museum of Popular Culture), The Armory, and more. Even if you don’t visit any of the paying attractions, it’s a cool place to walk around.

Get a local coffee (Okay, Starbucks is technically local… but, there are MANY other local and independent options! If you’re a Starbucks fan, visit the Starbucks Roastery store for a special experience.)

Experience live theater and music: the Showbox, the Moore Theater, the Paramount, the Crocodile; the Tractor Tavern (Ballard)

Eat dim sum in Chinatown/International District

Visit the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Tower, the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest (at 902 feet, 73rd floor)

Tour Seattle Underground (Pioneer Square)

Explore the Seattle Aquarium (downtown/waterfront)

Visit MOHAI – Museum of History and Industry (South Lake Union)

And, if you get the chance, get out of downtown!

Take a ferry to Bainbridge or Vashon Island

Take a neighborhood stroll (Ballard, Fremont, and Phinney Ridge are favorites)

Check out the Ballard Locks and the Fish Ladder

Wander through the Woodland Park Zoo (Fremont)

Walk around Green Lake

See the view from Gas Works Park (Wallingford)

Shop the Neighborhood Farmers Markets (Ballard, Wallingford, University District, and more)

Visit the Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee grave site (Capitol Hill)

Explore the Northwest African American Museum (Central District)

Take an electric boat around Lake Washington

Visit local breweries

Dine at local restaurants, including incredible seafood

Whatever you do, you’re sure to enjoy all that Seattle has to offer. We look forward to seeing you here in March.

Alexia Cameron is communications chair of PEAK’s Pacific Northwest chapter.