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Aficionados of tugboats and ships flock to this May festival. It makes for a free, fun, and family-friendly way to learn how the working waterfront has become a major factor in Seattle’s economy and culture. The fair centers around the Bell Street Pier, which is adjacent to the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center (see Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center & Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center). An exciting and humorous highlight is the tugboat race on Elliott Bay.

This waterfront gem with excellent views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains opened in 2003 and is Seattle’s first full-service hotel. Celebrity chef Todd English runs Fish Club inside this contemporary property.

Seattle Pride March on Broadway (see Capitol Hill) and Rally in Volunteer Park is all about diversity. Sponsored by the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, it attracts huge crowds from every orientation. Expect outrageous floats, dancing, and the popular “Dykes on Bikes”, a motorcycle outfit whose members freely show what they have beneath the leather.

Booking an affordable executive suite downtown provides an upscale alternative for families or individuals looking for unique accommodations. Each apartment is fully furnished, and many offer fabulous city views. Enjoy complimentary Starbucks coffee and a game room with a pool table and big screen TV. Weekly and monthly rates are available; minimum stays of three nights.

This charming Art Deco building was designed by architects Albertson, Wilson & Richardson in 1929. The façade’s tan brick and multiple shades of granite set it apart from its steel and glass neighbors. Vertical accents make its 27 stories appear even taller, and the lobby’s ornate bronze and marble detail is capped by a fanciful ceiling bas-relief depicting local flora and fauna.

Why not live like a millionaire during your stay? Reserve a room at this stately mansion on Capitol Hill’s “Old Millionaires Row”. Built in 1914 for a wealthy Seattleite, Alexander Baillie, each room comes complete with lavish antiques, and the formal sitting room features two concert grand pianos, a concert Hammond organ, and a beautiful fireplace.

Guests can relax in front of the cozy lobby fireplace or head for The Gallery, a Northwest wine bar, for delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres , Washington state’s award-winning wines, and a selection of fine cigars.

Parents may prefer idle moments in the wine bar called the Gallery, but the hotel also has a heated indoor pool for all ages.

A lovely landscaped strip not much wider than a stretch of the Burke-Gilman Trail (see Burke-Gilman Trail Features) attracts tourists all year round. Today, the park creates viewpoints along the Canal and several places to sit, play chess, picnic, and watch the world go by. Pedestrians don’t need to dodge speeding bicycles, however, since there is a separate gravel path for bi-peds.

Seattle baseball superstar Ichiro dines here.