Seattle’s unique geographic location offers a wide spectrum of recreational and entertainment opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Its proximity to large bodies of water, mountains and forested areas provides wonderful opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. More than 400 parks are available to Seattleites and visitors for leisure and recreation. Almost unlimited opportunities exist for strolling, jogging, roller skating, bicycling, swimming, tennis, golfing, and picnicking. Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and hundreds of other lakes provide plentiful opportunities for fishing, boating, sailing, swimming and water skiing. During the winter, there are 12 ski areas with excellent accommodations and facilities in the surrounding mountains.

Downtown Seattle offers many things to see and do. Pedestrians will encounter a myriad of shops and restaurants as they walk from pier to pier on Seattle’s waterfront. From the waterfront, one can easily board a ferry for a closer look at some of the islands in the Puget Sound area as well as a view of the spectacular downtown skyline. A block up from the waterfront is the Pike Place Market, a favorite spot for fresh seafood, produce, and shopping. The 607-foot Space Needle, a landmark of the city from the 1962 World’s Fair, is located close by at the Seattle Center.

Seattle is the home of four national league teams -the Seattle Seahawks (football), the Seattle Mariners (baseball), the Seattle Supersonics (basketball), and the Seattle Sounders (soccer). Other popular sports include University of Washington Husky football, automobile racing at Seattle International Raceway, and hydroplane racing during Seafair week.

Excellent cultural endeavors have given Seattle an international reputation in the fine arts. The Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Opera Association, Seattle Repertory Theater, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Art Museum, and ACT Theater are among the finest in the country.