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 Space Needle 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 Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave 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
South Lake Union which includes a bay or harbor, boating and a coastal town

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
Default Image

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
Queen Anne featuring landscape views and a city

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
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is P9,512 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,512
P11,224 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,626 reviews)
"Distance to Harborview Hospital was very convenient (was there due to my dad dying) Very clean and friendly. Only downfall was the very expensive parking."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is P9,045 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,045
P10,674 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (3,492 reviews)
"Didn't stay long but all of the people were great, especially Israel."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is P9,614 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,614
P11,345 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (3,501 reviews)
"First time staying at this property and found it to be very clean and comfortable. All of the staff were very helpful, friendly and polite. I would definitely recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Seattle."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

citizenM Seattle 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.
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! (198 reviews)
"Nice guests."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 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! (264 reviews)
"Old school residential community, arrive before 5:30p-6p to park. A short walk for parking found on main-drag or by the school’s grassy area (left of the school). Houseguests were present, yet secluded within their own space and occupying their own time."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Ballard's sweet suites
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 fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Pike Place Market and Seattle ...
9/10 Wonderful! (155 reviews)
"Room was very clean and in a great location!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 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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