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Seattle may be wet in the spring, but it's also beautiful. Shifting gray skies and an abundance of greenery and blooming flowers make it one of the most visually stunning places to spend spring in.

When you're visiting Seattle in the spring, there are a lot of indoor and outdoor activities that capture the mood fo the season well, and aren't too rough on the wallet.

Many will recommend the Space Needle, for its view of a large section of the city and because it's one of the most famous landmarks in town. What most tourists don't know is that the Space Needle is located in a great little place called Seattle Center, which has a lot of options besides the (notoriously) bad food at the Space Needle. The Experience Music Project building is famous for its oddity, and was once satirized on the shwo the Simpsons. It is located atthe base of the Space Needle, and is a good tourist destination.

Just around the corner is the Pacific Science Center, which is a good way to while away a drizzly day for adults and kids, locals and tourists. If you have the kids along, the Children's GArden is right across the street from it.

Pike place market is another tourist stop well-known in travel guides, but its neighborhood also has a lot more to offer. Take a taxi or bus instead of driving in this area, since parking is both rare and expensive. After lunch at the market, you can take a short trip to the Seattle Aquarium, and fondle some sea urchins in their petting zoo.

In other areas of the city, there's Capitol Hill, which is a short trip down from the Space Needle and has a small strip called Broadway that's always good for shopping, and for staring at the locals. Old Ballard is a bit further from the center of town, but has not only a skatepark but also many good restaurants and some live music venues, notably the Tractor. This neighborhood also captures some of the original essence of Seattle, such as Norwegian gift shops and restaurants as well as the "locks and docks". You can visit the locks and see how ships get into and out of the city.

Georgetown is to the south of the city, and has a thriving art and nightlife scene. Nine Pound Hammer has a large selection of local brews and there are several art galleries and live music venues along the same street. The sound of a lonesome train nearby makes Georgetown a very hip place to visit.

If you're in the mood for outdoor activities, the Woodland Park Zoo is relatively inexpensive, and has tons of freshly blooming flowers to wander around in. Get a map at the entrance and wander around in the lush bamboo forest, or step into the Amazon rain forest building or the nocturnal house if the drizzle soaks you through. Both of these buildings are warm and fascinating. Bring along eyeglass wipes if you wear glasses, though, because the Amazon building is steamy!

Along Phinney Ridge, above the zoo, is a strip of great little restaurants and shops. Walking along Phinney and seeing the local gardens while having lunch is always great in the springtime.

There's a lot to do in Seattle in the spring. Though locals usually don't own umbrellas, you shouldn't feel awkward bringing one and using it! It does rain, it is damp, but it's also beautiful.

Learn more about this author, A.R. Marth.
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