Puget Sound

Travel Guide

Tacoma showing a bay or harbor, a marina and a city
Gig Harbor showing a bay or harbor, general coastal views and a marina
Seattle Waterfront showing sailing, a marina and boating
San Juan Islands which includes rocky coastline, a sandy beach and general coastal views
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(7 area reviews)

Pike Place Market and Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 are a few top attractions in Downtown Seattle. Hop around the city on the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, great live music, and popular shops.

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

Capitol Hill

Consider a visit to Broadway and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Capitol Hill. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop.

Capitol Hill
Belltown featuring street scenes

Belltown

Belltown is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

Belltown
Husky Stadium showing signage and a statue or sculpture

University District

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in University District. If sightseeing is on the list, Neptune Theater is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at U District Station or University of Washington Station to see more of the area.

University District
South Lake Union which includes a bay or harbor, a coastal town and boating

South Lake Union

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
Queen Anne showing a city and landscape views

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Space Needle and Seattle Center, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.

Queen Anne
Executive Hotel Pacific
Executive Hotel Pacific
3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is P8,958 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P8,958
P10,571 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (3,407 reviews)
"still one of the affordable places down town."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,591 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
P10,591
P12,498 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,402 reviews)
"Clean and modern."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Hyatt Regency Seattle
4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
The price is P16,281 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
P16,281
P19,212 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,367 reviews)
"Very nice property, convenient to walk through the city."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hyatt Regency Seattle
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.
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! (194 reviews)
"The property was fantastic and communication with the owner was top notch. Im in Seattle often and will stay there again."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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! (257 reviews)
"The location was really convenient. We could walk to downtown Ballard, plus there were lots of great places within a few blocks. Our room was efficient. It would have been nice to have a chair in the room to read vs the small bench. The communal kitchen on the first floor was a nice addition. We ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Ballard's sweet suites
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! (188 reviews)
"The hotel was ok. Just different and the A/C very noisy."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy RailSpur Apartments Pioneer Square
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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