5 Places to Explore After Cruises from Seattle

Cruises from Seattle are an incredible way to explore the Pacific Northwest. But too often, passengers fly in, cab to their ship and sail away, only to scurry back to the airport upon their return. That means that while they enjoy days of discovery at sea, they miss one of the region’s must-see destinations, Seattle. The city has thriving arts, music and food scenes, and, contrary to popular belief, less rain than New York or Houston. Next time you touch down in The Emerald City after a couple of weeks at sea, consider sticking around to explore some of the area’s specialty coffee, gorgeous parks, and laid-back lake life.

The Washington Park Arboretum

Managed by the University of Washington and Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Washington Park Arboretum features an outstanding array of native plants, wetlands and wildlife. It’s famed for its central, meandering path, “Azalea Way,” which bursts with azaleas, flowering cherries, dogwoods and magnolias in early spring, making it a popular destination for Mother’s Day strolls. Washington Park Arboretum: 2300 Arboretum Dr. E.; 206-543-8800

The Center For Wooden Boats

Forget that lazy Sunday—set an early alarm, and get to The Center For Wooden Boats around 9AM to sign up for a free tour of Lake Union or Lake Washington. Before getting out onto the water, stop by the center’s main exhibit. There, you can learn to tie a knot, read about the history of the region’s maritime industry and check out an impressive array of old, handcrafted sailboats. The Center for Wooden Boats: 1010 Valley St.; 206-382-2628

Stoup Brewing

Grab an Applewood Smoked Porter and a bite to eat from the resident food truck and cozy up next to Stoup Brewing’s outdoor firepit. In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Stoup is known for its well-balanced beers and attention to detail. That’s thanks largely to Cicerone-certified, brewer Robyn Schumacher, who puts her extensive background in biology to excellent use in the brewhouse. Stoup Brewing: 1108 NW 52nd St.; 206-457-5524

CenturyLink Field

We love you Sounders, we do! We love you Sounders, we do! We love you Sounders, hey, ho, Sounders, we love you! If you’ve never been to a professional soccer match, a Seattle Sounders game at CenturyLink Field would be an incredible, if not slightly intimidating, introduction. Fans are just that– absolutely fanatical about their home team. Even on cold, rainy Seattle nights, a Sounders win will have the city and its stadium vibrant and bursting with life. CenturyLink Field: 800 Occidental Ave S.

Victrola Coffee Roasters

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your morning brew, but felt unsure of where or how to start? Seattle, often referred to as the “Coffee Capital of the World,” is the perfect place to start your education. Victrola Coffee Roasters on East Pike Street offers free, public sampling events every Wednesday at 11am. There, you can explore how industry professionals taste and evaluate coffee, and ultimately start to learn how to brew your own perfect cup. Victrola Coffee Roasters: 310 E. Pike St.; 206-624-1725