Puget Sound

Travel Guide

Tacoma showing a marina, a bay or harbour and a city
Gig Harbor featuring a bay or harbour, general coastal views and a marina
Seattle Waterfront which includes city views, a marina and sailing
San Juan Islands
Capitol Hill featuring 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 showing street scenes and central business district

Downtown Seattle

4/5(177 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

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

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Capitol Hill
Belltown which includes street scenes

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

Belltown
South Lake Union featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating

South Lake Union

4/5(13 area reviews)

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
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University District

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Neptune Theater while getting to know University District, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard 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
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
The price is S$241 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$241
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (3,456 reviews)
"Clean hotel and helpful staff. Good area that was relatively quiet and convenient for walking. Wasn’t as nice as expected for how much we paid."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
The price is S$286 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$286
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (3,457 reviews)
"Great location! Very cool common areas. Rooms are small, but honestly perfect for 2 people. Loved everything about it other than the bed, which was hard as a rock. If you don't do well with an extra firm mattress, either bring a lot of ibuprofen or stay at a different hotel."

Reviewed on 12 Jul, 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
The price is S$277 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$277
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,577 reviews)
"The hotel and our room were very clean and comfortable. We also enjoyed the service staff in the bar/restaurant."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
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! (196 reviews)
"I had a few questions and requests and the owner was very accommodating and responsive. It's one of the best qualities any owner/manager can have (communication skills). The room is small, but was perfect for my needs. The area is quiet and the property is kept very clean. We did not need to use ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 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! (260 reviews)
"Good neighborhood location."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 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! (152 reviews)
Amazing place to stay!
"Such an incredible place to stay! Very clean! Easy check in! Great location! Great security! Everything walkable from the hotel! Kitchenette was extremely convenient! Laundry facilities were fab too! Amazing place!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 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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