Puget Sound Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tacoma which includes a bay or harbour, a city and a marina
Gig Harbor which includes a marina, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Seattle Waterfront which includes a marina, sailing and boating
San Juan Islands
Capitol Hill which includes a fountain

Encompassing sophisticated urban areas, such as Seattle, and forested islands with mountain views, Puget Sound is nothing if not diverse.

Puget Sound impresses with its jaw-dropping natural beauty, interesting historic cities and scenic byways that help visitors journey through Washington state. Take a sailboat to an island off the coast, visit one of Seattle’s many fascinating museums and attend an art festival in a historic town.

Allow plenty of time to properly explore the large Puget Sound region, which stretches all the way from the northern tip of the state down to Olympia and Yelm. Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean that runs through northwest Washington. This complex estuary system has created varied landscapes including small peninsulas and breathtaking islands.

Seattle, known for its coffee culture and Space Needle tower, is Washington state’s largest city. Explore its trendy shops and the red brick buildings of Pioneer Square, a district that dates back to the Gold Rush. Buy locally made goods and fresh produce at Pike Place Market, browse exhibits at the Frye Art Museum and go for a stroll in Discovery Park, which backs onto the beach.

At the base of Puget Sound is Tacoma, known as the “City of Destiny.” The city hosts several summer art festivals and also features the fascinating Museum of Glass and the Washington State History Museum.

Washington’s Native American history takes center stage in Suquamish, home of the Suquamish Tribe. Visit the memorial of Chief Seattle, an influential leader, at Suquamish Memorial Cemetery. Suquamish’s location along the Agate Pass means it is a good vantage point for stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier.

Puget Sound’s islands make for great daytrips from Seattle. Take a ferry to Whidbey Island and taste fresh ingredients grown at local farms. Vashon is a peaceful retreat for hikers and beachcombers who want to explore without worrying about crowds.

Fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or arrive by Amtrak train from nearby cities. Rent a car to travel around the Puget Sound and hop on ferries to reach the islands.

Puget Sound is a jewel in Washington’s crown and a magical place to discover the legendary natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to stay in Puget Sound

Downtown Seattle featuring street scenes and central business district

Downtown Seattle

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Seattle
Capitol Hill featuring heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Capitol Hill
Belltown which includes street scenes

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

Belltown
South Lake Union showing a bay or harbour, boating and a coastal town

South Lake Union

4/5(9 area reviews)

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in South Lake Union. Check out top attractions like Amazon Corporate Headquarters and El Corazón, and jump on the metro at Lake Union Park Station or Terry Av- Mercer St Station to see more of the city.

South Lake Union
Default Image

University District

5/5(2 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Neptune Theater while getting to know University District, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at U District Station or University of Washington Station to see more of the area.

University District
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks showing boating and a river or creek as well as a small group of people

Ballard

Gardens, bars and shopping are some highlights of Ballard. Make a stop by Shilshole Bay Marina or Hiram M. Chittenden Locks while you're exploring.

Ballard
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$306 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$306
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,538 reviews)
"We loved how close everything was to our hotel within walking distance"

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$292 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
AU$292
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,713 reviews)
"The breakfast was wonderful and the beds were very comfortable."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$324 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$324
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,084 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a quick trip in Seattle!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

The Paramount Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy RailSpur Apartments Pioneer Square

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy RailSpur Apartments Pioneer Square

3.5 out of 5
417 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy laundry facilities, concierge services, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"Lots of homeless around"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy RailSpur Apartments Pioneer Square
Sweet Suites Capitol Hill

Sweet Suites Capitol Hill

2 out of 5
702 18th Ave, Seattle, WA
Stay at this aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lumen Field and Seattle Waterfront are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
Good for 2
"Our stay at the Sweet Suites was very nice and convenient for us. The room was big enough for two people with a decent bathroom. You can borrow dishes from the kitchen and return them later. It was nice to have a kitchen nearby although we didn’t use it. The owner is super responsive."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Sweet Suites Capitol Hill
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Pivot Apartments Capitol Hill

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Pivot Apartments Capitol Hill

3.5 out of 5
1208 Pine Street, Seattle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pike Place Market ...
9/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
"Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Pivot Apartments Capitol Hill
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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