4 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Springtime in Seattle is one of the best times of year to explore the city. Since many guidebook will tell you about the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Benaroya Hall, and the EMP Experience Music Projectall fun things to do, here are some things to do in Seattle - from a local's perspective.

Weather: Like Change?

It's true, it does rain in the Spring, but what you may not hear about as often is the veritable 'theater' of weather that is entertaining for it's own sake. The opening night is the first day of Spring. Black cloud fronts move across the sky, drop some rain, or maybe a bit of hail, depart as quickly as they came, and next you are standing in a sparkling paradise under blue skies and warm sun. You might see snow, you might enjoy 70 degree days. The climate might be balmy, or brisk, but it's always exciting, and with the Rhodies and tulips in bloom, what a great time of year to be in Seattle. There is an old saying that if you get tired of the weather in Seattle, just wait fifteen minutes. This is never more true than in Spring.

Georgetown: Artists, Motorcycles and Music

If you want to get off the beaten path, and go where local artists, friendly bikers, hipsters on dates, and musicians congregate -but won't make you feel like an outsider, Georgetown is the place. It's a small district South of the SODO district (South Downtown) and one of my favorite places in the city - rain or shine. Old restored brick buildings house a coffee shop, a couple of pubs, art galleries, and the best sandwich place for miles around. There is a motorcycle shop with windows into the workshop visible from the sidewalk. You will find a record store with pretty good bargains on vinyl and a spiffy collection off all kinds of music from punk rock to bluegrass. Georgetown is right off the five freeway, and a bus-ride to downtown. People are friendly, food is good, and its not hard to find parking.

Kubota Gardens: An Oasis

You might find the Kubota Gardens listed in a guidebook as a small blurb with a tiny green blob on the map, but this is an amazing gem in the city. Sure, you can go along with the crowds to the unspeakable beautiful and famous Seattle Arboretum, but if you want to stroll quietly through with a fascinating collection of Japanese plants, mixed with Northwest natives, or sit on a bench and watch birds, or watch the very few other visitors taking photographs or contemplating the views, this is your place. The Kubota Gardens is special any time of year, but in Spring, it's really in its glory. The story is that it was just a regular park, whose Japanese maintenance worker designed and planted this remarkable little world over a period of forty years.

Lake Washington: Walk Beneath the Cherry Trees

There are many vantage points from which to enjoy Lake Washington, from a boat, or from shore. You can randomly choose a spot and find a beautiful place to be on Lake Washington. But, local bike riders, joggers, pet-walkers, and hand-holding love birds, and kids all love the stretch of Lake Washington lined for miles with cherry trees, and a curvy sidewalk, with grass patches and little beaches all along the way. Watch the rowers on the lake, get some exercise, see Mercer Island, downtown, Seward Park, the floating bridge, all from the Olmstead-designed walkway beginning under the floating bridge and going all the way to Seward Park. It's a good place to be in Spring.

If you are coming for a visit or if you are a towney looking for something new to do, I hope you enjoy some favorite spots that sometimes get overlooked. Seattle in Spring is something to experience at least once in your life if you get the chance!

Learn more about this author, Gillian Sand.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Things to do in spring in Seattle?
We want to hear your view. Write now!