Seattle’s greatest attribute is its weather. Yes, I said it. I stand by it. That’s because beyond the rain showers and grey skies live vast evergreen forests, soothing Pacific waters, a temperate climate every single season of the year – and a city just waiting to be discovered.

Picture it: A busy city nestled between two seemingly infinite mountain ranges, surrounded by more than 50 hiking trails and unforgettable views. Sound too good to be true? I thought so, too until I experienced it for myself.

But to help unlock the wonders of this marvelous city, I enlisted the help of two Seattleites: Michael Surkis, a scheduler for Delta’s ramp operation, and Amneris Molina-Nunez, a customer service agent.

MUST-SEE SPOTS, ACCORDING TO THE LOCALS

• Pike Place Market: Visitors will find everything they could want in fresh fish and produce. Just make sure you watch where you’re going and where you came from. It's easy to get turned around if you’re new to the market.
• The first Starbucks: Grab coffee and limited-edition merchandise that can only be found at 1912 Pike Place – the Original Starbucks.
• Space Needle: A historical structure left over from Seattle’s first World Fair in 1926 is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. Enjoy a nice cocktail in the Loupe Lounge, as you rotate capturing multiple unimaginable views of Seattle Center below. For those looking to tame their inner adventurer, experience a virtual reality bungee jump from the top of the Space Needle.
• Ride the ferry: Take a ride on the ferry across Puget Sound from the shores of Seattle.

• Capitol Hill:A three-day annual music festival will return to celebrate 25 years after a hiatus during the pandemic. Hear some of your favorite genres and artists perform live while enjoying local cuisine this July 21-July 23. Tickets are currently on sale now!

SEASON

The biggest myth that surrounds this metropolitan city is the idea that rain is a constant, but don’t be fooled. Many Seattleites encourage sightseers to embrace the occasional drizzle as they explore. According to Molina-Nunez, every season has something you can do or see – and you can experience all four seasons without extreme weather conditions.

Springtime in Seattle is one of the largest celebrations of the year. No part of the city can resist the urge to welcome a new season into its midst. “The cherry blossom in Seattle is a feast for the eyes,” said Surkis while describing his time on the University of Washington’s campus. For a more tourist-like experience, visit Skagit Valley’s numerous tulip farms, available for tours throughout the season.

During the summers, locals and tourists flock to Alki Beach to escape the uniform and bungalow architecture dominating the metropolitan area. Some might even say it even resembles the boardwalks of California. “Fine-grain sand, burger and ice cream shops, unobstructed views of the Olympic Mountain Range to the west, and if you take the short walk around the cape, you have a commanding view of downtown Seattle," said Surkis. Anywhere you go, you can’t lose.

Fall is an exciting time to be outside in Seattle. The warm weather starts to cool, and the leaves begin to change. One of Molina-Nunez’s favorite things to do is take a ferry across Puget Sound to go hiking or visit one of the many towns just a short ride away. The Bumbershoot Music Festival will be making its grand return Labor Day weekend following its hiatus during the pandemic.

When December arrives, Seattle depicts what many would call a winter wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders are always in for a treat and can wind down with a brew from the city’s flourishing brewing scene, such as Machine House Brewing.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND EATERIES

• Storyville Coffee: After a tiring day walking through Pike Place Market, enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll – a local favorite.
• Ballard: Like many pockets within this city, Ballard is a foodie’s paradise with a variety of cuisines featuring some of Seattle’s freshly caught seafood. We can’t forget the nightlife that continues to thrive.
• The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass: Immerse yourself in the essence of the Pacific-Northwest with a signature cocktail while, relishing in some of Dale Chihuly’s, personal collection.
• Fremont: For my eclectic travelers, stop by Aurora Bridge and get an Instagram-worthy pic of the Fremont Troll while munching on fair trade organic chocolate from Theo’s Chocolate shop.
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Whether you’re coming or going enjoy a fresh made selection of soups and sandwiches at Sea-Tac airport. No worries if you’re in a hurry, order online and have your food delivered to your gate.
• Pioneer Square: Step into the past and visit Seattle’s birthplace and oldest neighborhood. Learn some of Seattle’s deepest and darkest secrets during the Seattle Underground tour, have a drink in the Smith Tower’s speakeasy-inspired bar and if you happen to be in town on a Thursday enjoy the longest art walk in the nation.

HOW DELTA WILL GET YOU HERE THERE

Delta takes pride in its position as Seattle’s largest premium global airline and will increase capacity by nearly 10% for the summer of 2023. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves as a crucial coastal hub for Delta, operating up to 160 daily flights to nearly 55 destinations across the globe.

Delta ensures effortless connections to a multitude of captivating destinations worldwide, making it a preferred choice for globetrotters flying in, through or out of Seattle. Experience the charm of Europe by flying to Amsterdam, Paris, or London Heathrow, or immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Asia with Delta's flights to Tokyo-Haneda, Seoul and Shanghai. Additionally, the airline offers year-round options to Cancun, San Jose, and Puerto Vallarta as well as to multiple cities in Hawaii including Honolulu, Maui, Kailua-Kona, and Kauai, providing endless possibilities to bask in the sun.

Seattle is truly a gem of a city that offers something for everyone. From the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities to the bustling city life and delicious food, Seattle has it all. While its reputation for rainy weather may precede it, locals know that every season brings its own unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a history buff, or simply in search of a good cup of coffee, the Emerald city is a destination that should not be missed.