Visiting Seattle (Vancouver, Rainier: rentals, hotels, neighborhoods)

[treat]

So I will be visiting Seattle this summer... and have no idea what to expect except cloudiness and apparently one heck of a gay pride parade...

I'm from the east coast, so I'm looking for things that are uniquely west coast and Seattle.
-What resturants/clubs/bars do you recommend? I'm also looking for one nice expensive resturant (and some really cheap places) And not the Herbfarm.
-I'm really into seafood - what would be the best places to find some fresh stuff? Are there any markets or restaurants that you think are best?
-Are there any cool streets/neighborhoods to visit?
-What "touristy" things are there besides the space needle (heard the food sucked)?
-Anything else enjoyable that you know of? Any tips for visitors?

Yeah, the only thing I have planned is to take the ferry to see the skyline.

What would be some good day trips be outside of Seattle? I'm looking at Portland, Vancouver, and someone recommended Vancouver, Washington. What do you think? Any other cities I should see? State/national parks?

[movingtodcfromseattle]

Restaurants: We really like Elliott's on the waterfront for seafood. Anthony's on Shilshole Bay is yummy too. There is also Ivar's...great chowder and fish and chips.

Touristy:
Duck tour - Ride the Ducks of Seattle - 206-441-DUCK
Pike Place Market is a must
Seattle Underground Tour - UNDERGROUND TOUR
A walk around UW campus is always pretty. They also have canoe rentals. If you grab a picnic lunch you can paddle under the 520 bridge and have a picnic in the Arboretum. - UW Rec Sports Programs - Waterfront Activities Center (http://depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php - broken link) ; Washington Park Arboretum ~ Center for Urban Horticulture ~ UW

Day trip:
Mt. Rainier National Park is good. Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Take the Victoria Clipper to Victoria, BC. Make sure you have your passport though! Clipper Vacations - Victoria Clipper Ferry, Hotels, Tours & Vacation Packages Seattle

That's what I could think of off the top of my head. If you are coming in July or August you should have more than just gray skies!

[pw72]

The ferry trip is a great idea. And as "touristy" as it sounds, the Space Needle observation deck is still one of the best views of the area. If you have some extra cash, Lake Union seaplane tours are also great. If you have time, and the weather is good, Mt. Rainier is spectacular. Do all these things during clear weather and you'll never want to leave! (bottom line, if the weather was better in Seattle, it would probably be the most popular place in the US)

[SPOKENFOR]

I agree, it would probably be the most popular place in the country. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S as far as I am concerned. It is so cool year round, that made it more than enough for me to fall in love with. Moved there and stayed 8 months , and love it...Had to move back to Florida just recently, hoping I am able to return there..As far as the weather, I enjoy the cloudy days actually and cool temps compared to Florida.

[fakeguy]

Originally Posted by movingtodcfromseattle

Restaurants: We really like Elliott's on the waterfront for seafood. Anthony's on Shilshole Bay is yummy too. There is also Ivar's...great chowder and fish and chips.

Touristy:
Duck tour - Ride the Ducks of Seattle - 206-441-DUCK
Pike Place Market is a must
Seattle Underground Tour - UNDERGROUND TOUR
A walk around UW campus is always pretty. They also have canoe rentals. If you grab a picnic lunch you can paddle under the 520 bridge and have a picnic in the Arboretum. - UW Rec Sports Programs - Waterfront Activities Center (http://depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php - broken link) ; Washington Park Arboretum ~ Center for Urban Horticulture ~ UW

Day trip:
Mt. Rainier National Park is good. Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Take the Victoria Clipper to Victoria, BC. Make sure you have your passport though! Clipper Vacations - Victoria Clipper Ferry, Hotels, Tours & Vacation Packages Seattle

That's what I could think of off the top of my head. If you are coming in July or August you should have more than just gray skies!

Ill be in town for business on Monday, cant wait to check out some of these places. Thanks!