When you find yourself noticing the smell of strongly brewed coffee mingling with the salty scent of the Puget Sound, you will know you are in Seattle. Home of the freshest seafood, most microbrews, and the original Starbucks, Seattle seems to have it all. A Seattle day trip through the city can include a stroll along the waterfront or a trip to the top of the Space Needle. However you plan to tackle your Seattle tours, make sure you do it with a trusty cup of coffee in one hand and a reliable umbrella in the other.

Downtown

It is absolutely possible to see the best of Seattle’s downtown area in a day. A Seattle day trip of the downtown area should begin first at Pike Place Market; perhaps the most famous landmark in Seattle. Although there are multiple levels to the market, if you only have a day you’ll likely want to concentrate on just the upper level. Here, you’ll find carefully prepared foods from all around the world, handcrafted art and jewelry, and of course stands selling all the fresh seafood you could ever hope for. From the market, head to the nearby waterfront via one of the free buses in that operate in the downtown area. The Seattle Aquarium and an IMAX theatre are also located here. From the waterfront, take the bus north to see the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project Museum.

Mt. Rainier

If you’ve never been, a day trip from Seattle to Mt. Rainier is a must. Seattle day trips to the mountain are full of great sites and are an excellent way to break loose of the city. Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State and is also an active volcano. Pack a lunch and head off into the mountains for a day of hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, or just viewing wildlife and taking pictures. If you like, you can also check out nearby Mt. St. Helens.

San Juan Islands

Just a ferry ride away, a day trip from Seattle to the San Juan Islands is a rare treat. A day trip from Seattle to the San Juan Islands offers Seattle tours of the surrounding ocean and a view of some of the most pristine and breathtaking island scenery in the area. Seattle day trips to the San Juan Islands will need to be focused on just one of the islands. Orcas Island and San Juan Island are the two most popular stops for Seattle day trips to the San Juan Islands.

Olympic Peninsula

To reach the Olympic Peninsula, you can drive or take a ferry. Once you’ve reached the peninsula, you’ll take Highway 101 and choose one of the multiple routes for hiking or camping that best fits your travel plans. Seattle day trips to the Olympic Peninsula will reveal incredible northwestern rainforests, gorgeous ocean views and delightful beaches. Camp, hike, fish, or simply take pictures. Seattle tours and Seattle attraction tours of the Olympic Peninsula are truly like nothing else in the world.

Seattle Central Library

Even if you don't feel like checking out any books, the Central Library is worth seeing. The building itself has won a number of architectural awards, and is one of the most unique structures in the nation. Tours of the library are available.

Woodland Park Zoo

A lovely zoo just north of downtown, Woodland Park has exhibits focusing on Alaska, Asia, Africa, and more. Extensive exhibits featuring lions, brown bears and more exotic animals abound. The surrounding park is also filled with great trails, and located right near the popular Green Lake, where travelers can go for a walk or rollerblade around the lake.