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To both you and the OP - if you can get the search function to work, there's a pretty good Seattle thread around here already that will help you.
We'll have a car...don't plan to do too much hiking this trip. I just want to hit as many cool things as possible for her. She's never been to the area...I go up about twice a year but for work.
Yes, Snoqualmie Falls is an easy drive and then a walk on a paved path to the falls.
In terms of Port Townsend, there are a variety of accommodations there in the little town center or on the beach. I have not stayed in them but the Swan and the Bishop have the best reputations, with a couple of others being just a notch below. These are small, boutique, Victorian-type places, not luxury accommodations. There is also the Port Ludlow Resort & Marina which is about 25 minutes from Port Townsend and is more of an upscale place, but obviously not walkable to any Port Townsend sights and there's not much else there (an overpriced restaurant on site). There is a LOT to do in Port Townsend and some very good restaurants, so you'd have plenty of options even outside of the whale-watching. It's a charming and extremely picturesque Victorian town. Also has great pizza and this place. Wineries, cideries, craft breweries and the like in the area if you have time for that, too. If you decide to stay there I can give you lots of recommendations.
I assume this was the EMP museum. I haven't done this but have heard good things. Another general recommendation, but not based on personal experience, is that the Underground Tour has a good reputation.
Thanks...I'll start to firm up plans for flight, hotels, car and whale watching...the rest I'll see what makes the most sense as I map it out.Yes, Snoqualmie Falls is an easy drive and then a walk on a paved path to the falls.
Anacortes would hit the same spots for whale watching as SJI, yes. I just think going to the islands is prettier.
Of course, if you're out that way, it would be hard not to spend a little time in the Olympic National Park, too...
So much to see, so little time.
Portage Bay - I can't say I think it's so much better than other places. Personally I love Joule for brunch. If you go to Portage I'd say the one in Ballard and the one in the U District would be the ones to stay away from in terms of crowds. Ballard is where we lived until a year or so ago, but it's just a huge hassle everywhere there.
Olympics - if you go out that way:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_Tower
No, take a ferry from downtown - to Bainbridge or Bremerton. This is worth doing as a walk on, just for the ride. Try to time it so you return to Seattle at sunset or night. Maybe take some binoculars as well.
I previously suggested Bainbridge (as well as Vashon) and stand by that as opposed to Bremerton, which is kind of an ugly town once you get there. I stand would also mention that this would be a reasonable way for him to get to the Port Townsend and/or Olympic NP area. Personally I prefer the Edmonds/Kingston ferry, but Bainbridge has those views back to the city skyline - better for a tourist.
Hell, if you want great flowers, going to Paradise at Mt Rainier for wildflowers is about the best thing you could do without hiking, too.
The real paradise is Paradise Meadows in the Wild Sky Wilderness Area. There's a trail to it that doesn't show on most maps, but it's listed here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5421463.pdf You can also hike up from Barclay Lake, but the trail is almost non existent, and it's very steep.
I've been up to Barclay Lake. I was just going for easy access for him, since he has limited time (and also didn't want to hike). If I were going for pure wildflower beauty, I'd vote for Spray Park, though it will be past prime by that time.
Yeah, if you're on the Olympic peninsula (Port Townsend or the like) and don't go to Hurricane Ridge, that would be a mistake.
Let's talk about car rental:
San Juans are nice but really look over the schedule, it's a pretty big time commitment. Those are some long ferry rides, but beautiful. If you choose to make that commitment I would plan to hit the view point at the top of Moran State Park on Orca Island just before sunset. It's a spectacular view. IMO this is a full day trip.
Ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria takes reservations as well. That's it, as far as I know.
If you could get a car just for the day, I'd highly, highly recommend Wallace Falls with the kids. The best part of this group of falls is that you can go as far as you want and will still see some good stuff, so if the kids get tired you can tap out and still have a nice day. There are officially the Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls, but there are other falls along the way as well - IIRC seven in total if you were to go to the top. Best bet with the kids would be to stop at Middle Falls, which gives the best view anyway and avoids the rooty, more difficult (though not that bad) part at the top. Would be about an hour drive from the heart of Seattle. Wallace Falls On the way back, the Sultan Bakery is a ridiculously amazing place for lunch, breakfast, dinner, whatever. You would definitely need a car, though.
This is a great post.
I've never been to the Sultan Bakery, but I'm adding it to my list o'things to check out. Also up in that area:
Does she have a sister?
