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 showing 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 Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 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 featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating

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
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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
Kerry Park featuring landscape views, mountains and a city

Lower Queen Anne

While you're in Lower Queen Anne, take in top sights like Space Needle and jump on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station to see more of the city.

Lower Queen Anne
The Belltown Inn
The Belltown Inn
2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$213 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$213
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,574 reviews)
"The staff were so friendly, and the location was very convenient."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

The Belltown Inn
Mediterranean Inn
Mediterranean Inn
3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$272 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$272
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,173 reviews)
"Very comfortable places to stay clean and quiet and lots of places and options to shop and eat.You need friendly staff"

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 2025

Mediterranean Inn
Mayflower Park Hotel
Mayflower Park Hotel
4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
The price is AU$282 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$282
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,210 reviews)
"Hotel staff were all nice and courteous."

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Mayflower Park 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 RailSpur
Sonder RailSpur
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! (167 reviews)
Home away from home 💜
"We had a wonderful Stay The Loft was amazing and very different only thing that I would say is I wish there was a glass partition at the top of the loft i felt a little uneasy.. so that I felt like I wasn't going to fall out of the Loft it was a little bit scary but besides that it was very clean ..."

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Sonder RailSpur
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.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (169 reviews)
"It’s was pretty great! Good location, clean, quiet, easy."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Sweet Suites Capitol Hill
Ballard's sweet suites
Ballard's sweet suites
3.5 out of 5
1458 NW 67th St, Seattle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room espresso maker. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (235 reviews)
"This place was great better then a hotel. We will try and stay there again."

Reviewed on 3 Apr. 2025

Ballard's sweet suites
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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Cities near Puget Sound