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During your Seattle vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Woodland Park Zoo
Located in north Seattle, this sprawling zoo has outstanding exhibits focusing on Alaska, tropical Asia, the African savanna, and the tropical rainforest. The brown-bear enclosure, one of the zoo's best exhibits, is a very realistic reproduction of an Alaskan stream and hillside. In the savanna, zebras gambol and giraffes graze contentedly near a reproduction of an African village. An elephant forest provides plenty of space for the zoo's pachyderms, and the gorilla and orangutan habitats are also very well done. There's even a large walk-through butterfly house ($2 additional fee) during the summer months. Don't miss the giant Komodo dragons from Indonesia. A farm animal area and petting zoo are big hits with the little ones.
Center for Wooden Boats
This unusual little museum, located adjacent to the Northwest Seaport/Maritime Heritage Center, is basically a collection of wooden boats of all kinds. Most of the boats are tied up to the docks surrounding the museum's floating boathouse, but some are stored in dry dock (on the dock itself). Dedicated to the preservation of historic wooden boats, the center is unique in that many exhibits can be rented and taken out on the waters of Lake Union. There are both rowboats and sailboats; rates range from $13 to $46 per hour (call for hours of availability). Free classic boat rides are held on Sunday from 2 to 3pm, and individual sailing instruction is also available.
Pacific Science Center
Although its exhibits are aimed primarily at children, the Pacific Science Center is fun for all ages. The main goal of this sprawling complex at Seattle Center is to teach kids about science and to instill a desire to study it. To that end, there are life-size robotic dinosaurs, a butterfly house and insect village (with giant robotic insects), a Tech Zone where kids can play virtual-reality soccer or challenge a robot to tic-tac-toe, and dozens of other fun hands-on exhibits addressing the biological sciences, physics, and chemistry. The August Bubble Festival is always a big hit. There's a planetarium for learning about the skies (plus laser shows for the fun of it), plus an IMAX theater. Be sure to check the schedule for special exhibits when you're in town.
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton
Five miles east of Seattle - Tacoma International Airport, 14 miles south of downtown Seattle. Conveniently located to the Renton/Tukwila and Kent business ...
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle
Located between 4th and 5th Avenues and University Street. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel's main entrance is on University Street. The hotel is located in the heart of Seattle's financial, retail, arts & entertainment districts, just minutes from the Convention Centre and Pike Place ...
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