Seattle - Gems from the Emerald City

Sarah:(W) The 2.8 mile loop takes about an hour to walk; keep an eye out for our resident heron and bald eagle, as well as baby ducks and geese in springtime. Has a rec center, playground, boat rental, and coffee shop as well. Even a beach in the summer! Yes, you can swim in the lake.

Sarah:A less crowded park to take in views of the Sound and Olympics. Kiddos can slide through a giant salmon slide, and all can cross the train tracks on an elevated bridge down to a lovely rocky beach.

Sarah:Watch kayakers, seals, and if you're lucky one of our orca pods. The beach has a nice balance of cultivated boardwalk with traditional PNW beach walks.

Sarah:Bring a sweater as this place gets a lovely cooling breeze off the Sound year round. Make a bonfire at Sunset, play some volleyball, grab an ice cream from the concession stand, and take in the views of the Olympics.

Sarah:A huge labor of love, this Japanese garden was developed in private hands by Mr. Kubota, then gifted to the city as a park. Each vignette of the park carries its own grace.

Sarah:Not as pricey as the boathouse downstairs, this place is where we take landlocked out-of-town guests who want a "seafood restaurant" that never disappoints. Inventive and classic menu options, great views.

Sarah:(W) One of the first pubs to get in on the 90s microbrew scene, LP is going strong with a solid menu, occasional live music, and an incredible list of draughts beyond the requisite IPAs to include sours, whits, ciders and more.

Sarah:(W) Family-owned favorite Mykonos is our go-to gyro spot, but we also branch out into other traditional greek fare and keep an eye on the 'dessert of the day'

Sarah:(W) Delicious and huge portions make this a crowd-pleaser for multiple palates. The handmade tortilla bar (for tips only) can't be beat, as well as the extensive margarita selection.

Sarah:If you are a self-confessed coffee snob, like my light-roast-only husband, then Slate is the place for you. Pour overs, presentation, brainy discussions of beans. Enjoy.

Sarah:(W) Very pleasing and professional coffee spot with wonderful blends, lots of single origin options, and baked goods to complement in our tucked away gem of Tangletown.

Sarah:(W) If Central Perk from Friends were a coffee shop in Seattle, this would be it. Even though it feels like everyone knows everyone, Karen the proprietor will go out of her way to make you feel welcome.

Sarah:Your kids may want to race through this place flitting from excitement to excitement, so leave time to do two rounds so you can take your time to find the octopus, gaze at the jellyfish bridge, touch the tidepool creatures and more.

Sarah:(almost W) Lions and tigers and bears, for sure. But also a Northern exhibit of Grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats and our own Seahawk! The Zoonasium looks like a fun indoor playground idea, but be prepared for complete chaos. I always tell my kids it's closed for repair.

Sarah:The salmon run through an underground viewing window from May to November, and the roses are in bloom in roughly the same period. While that's arguably the best time to visit, we like it year round for the ship action, and maybe a whale or seal or two.

Sarah:Pricey but magnificent, this spot is best for elementary and middle school-aged kids. The exhibits give the most to those who can read independently. And the IMAX theater is a bonus.

Sarah:On a hot August day, there is no place better than the International Fountain which offers a synced musical spouting performance as well as free spray park action for the kids. Steep sides mean it's a little tricky for toddlers, but so far all have survived.

Sarah:(W) This is a lovely shady playground set in a pesticide-free apple orchard. On Wednesday nights in the summer, it also hosts a darling farmer's market.

Sarah:If you need some ionic therapy, head here to bask in a beautiful waterfall and explore the mountain towns near the falls. North Bend was a Twin Peaks shooting location and a good place to stop for lunch.

Sarah:Sometimes the best way to see Rainier on a hazy day is to get up close. The drive is what you'd expect from driving up a volcano, and the stops along the way are awe-inspiring. Consider bringing something to slide on as the Paradise Visitor's Center has snow well into May and June.

Sarah:Fort Ebey State Park feels deeply wild and lovely, and is a great sunset spot after a day exploring the charming town of Langley or the awe-inspiring Deception Pass.

Sarah:Not just for tulips, Skagit Valley is Seattle's agricultural backyard. We head out here for u-pick strawberries and blueberries, to grab lunch in Edison, and to get out of the urban jungle.