Where to go for a summer vacaction?

Born in Bo

I am at a loss as to where to take my family on vaction this summer.

WHAT IT SHOULD NOT BE: a beach vacation (been there/done that). Too rugged (wife/daughter wouldn't like)

WHAT IT SHOULD BE: physically beautiful (nature lovers); activities that adults and children can share; good food (wife)

Location is not an issue. Someplace in the Rockies would be great.

Answer
Here are some ideas:

North Dakota has some cool places. If you are into nature this is the place for you. I did a driving tour a few years ago and it was great. If you are interested in something like this contact the North Dakota Department of Tourism or the local chamber of commerce of certain cities. They will send you free maps and info on the tours. Self guided a lot of fun you get to see all the cool things about ND. Here are some sites:
www.ndtourism.com
www.visitgrandforks.com
www.2chambers.com

Washington has a lot of pretty places, and if you like nature there is nothing better than it! The Olympic Peninsula is just gorgeous! The mountains and forest are a site to see. There are some really sweet towns and some nice to stay in. Seattle is a great city, very nice place. There is a lot to do here, good place for couples. Great sites, good little caféâs and wonderful shopping. Young city with a lot of stuff to do nearby you can be in the rain forest in time. There are some really neat parks here and the mountains are awesome.
www.seattle.gov
www.visitseattle.org
www.seattleattractions.com

If you like the mountains Denver and the surrounding areas are really nice, you can get a cabin in the mountains or stay are a nice resort. There is something for everyone here! Breckenridge also has some really nice places to stay. You might also like Aspen.
www.colorado.com
www.denver.org
Here are some other fun things to do in CO

Rifle Falls State Park (Northwest)
The obvious and spectacular highlight of this park is Rifle Falls â a waterfall split into three arms that plunges with chest-thumping force onto a Zen-like scene of rocks covered in hearty plants. Visitors can even take short hike to the top of the falls for a different view. The same trail also leads you past naturally formed limestone caves, with walls and ceilings covered in intricate and delicate limestone formations. Lush greenery and the twitter of songbirds compliment the scene and create the sense of sitting serenely in a large-garden. There are also seven walk-in and 12 drive-in camping sites that allow visitors to fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of this coursing waterfall.

Ridgway State Park (Southwest)
Scuba diving in Colorado? There is at Ridgway State Park. While not quite the waters of the Caribbean, it is a novel way to spend a Colorado vacation. There are 1,000 acres of water to explore, and whether you choose to do it with mask and tank or aboard a boat, youâre sure to get an eye full of the flooded valley floor. Ridgway is well known for being highly accessible to those with disabilities, and offers modern facilities and ample camping. This park also has a marina that rents or sells just about anything you need to have a good time. If youâd like a bit more luxury than a nylon tent, try mixing the experience of pure nature with that of semi-modern comforts in a yurt â a teepee-like structure with wood floors, a door and bunk beds. Visitors can rent yurts through the state park system.

The Springs Resort: Pagosa Springs
The deepest natural hot springs in the world are found in the homey Southwest Colorado town of Pagosa Springs. The mineral-laden water is cooled to varying degrees in the resortâs 18 distinct pools. In each, soakers slink, with eyelids closing from relaxation, into the mineral-rich waters. In the early morning, mist plays off the surface of the pools, engulfing the atmosphere in a thick shroud of vapors. Sunrises seen through this warming fog are broken down to their basic and beautiful colors, tinting the steam with orange and reds. When the mist clears, the San Juan River can be seen flowing along the length of the resort. On one bank, the hot springs relax guests, and on the other stand the Western facades of Pagosaâs downtown shops and restaurants. Staying the night at the lodge provides visitors with 24-hour access to the pools, allowing them a late-night dip in the eerily relaxing stillness. Plush robes and a private entrance to the springs are also perks of calling The Springs Resort home for a night or two.

Coloradoâs first residents towered over the landscape and their thunderous footsteps shook the earth. Dinosaurs have left their traces all across the state and not only are they abundant, but they are exceptionally accessible. Dinosaur National Monument in the northwest corner of the state is a bonanza of fossils and footprints, where museum-quality T. rex bones have been unearthed. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, west of Colorado Springs, holds the fossilized remains of a giant forest that inhabited the area roughly 35 million years ago. The brontosaurus, diplodocus, stegosaurus and allosaurus were all first found at Dinosaur Ridge, just outside of Denver. Take the kids on a self-guided tour of the area and discover dinosaur tracks that stretch so far and wide that the area has been lovingly called âDinosaur Freeway.â

Striking it Rich: Panning for Gold
Thereâs still gold in them there hills â the prospect of that alone excites the kids. But in Colorado, they also get the opportunity to take away some of Coloradoâs glittering riches while on mine tours. Let them swirl the water in their pan and look for the heavy golden sediment that made the fortunes of many a miner. While itâs doubtful youâll find enough gold in the river to pay the mortgage, youâll have fun filling your pockets with flecks of one of Coloradoâs most precious finds

I know you did not want a beach but, have you looked into Oregon? The drive down the Pacific Coast Highway should please everyone. There are tons of things to do and the wildlife and nature that cannot be beat! Go Kayaking, go to the Sea Lion caves, explore the beaches. Portland, Eugene, Florence and Bend are all wonderful! There are tons of things to do here and the wildlife could not be better! For other options check out Mt. Hood there is a great driving tour that has a ton of outdoor things this is some of the information I used to plan my trip:

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Oregon's newest Scenic Byway, where once volcanoes spewed and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges. Discover exquisite geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers, where natural flora and fauna thrive. Explore our pastoral valleys with farm-fresh produce. See what Lewis & Clark saw. Experience that formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road. Enjoy yourself in our bountiful wonderland. After all, the pioneers did call it "paradise." The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway follows a breathtaking route around Mt. Hood offering panoramic views of stunning geologic diversity. Landscapes unfold from pastoral valleys and the splendid temperate rain forest into semi-arid uplands. Vistas created by catastrophic Ice Age events, our "sleeping" volcano, dazzling waterfalls, fertile farmlands, lush forests rife with wildlife, and gorgeous rivers will keep visitors entranced. History is embedded and alive: this is the same route traveled for thousands of years by local Native Americans, and more recently by pioneers traversing the "last leg" of the Oregon Trail in the mid-1800s. Accessible trails, signage, historical markers, monuments, and museums offer guidance and interpretation. Nowhere else can visitors experience the fantastic range of geology and nature entwined with human history, all within a few miles. The Byway is a traveler's delight.

Check out this site for more:
http://www.traveloregon.com/

I really like driving the Pacific coast highway because there is a lot to do! Nature is great here! Florence has the Sea Lion caves which are amazing! Also depending on when you go a whale cruise is a lot of fun! There are all kinds of good places to eat along this route and there is something for everyone. Here are some websites:
http://www.oregoncoast101.com/
www.byways.org
www.visittheoregoncoast.com
Hopes this helps you have a great trip!!!!

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Is there any camping other than campgrounds on the Pacific Coast in Washington?

best tent camping olympic peninsula image

mhj

We have two old dogs that do not like to play with other dogs or kids, so campgrounds are not a good place for them. We can either car camp or tent camp- just not with close neighbors. We were thinking Olympic Peninsula, but that is negotiable. Any ideas? And thanks for looking!

Answer
You can camp in our National Forests... if you drive down and of the forest roads (the gravel ones) you'll see places along the side where people have camped before.. you'll see fire rings to use.. BUT these places do not have running water or bathroom, so you'll be primitive camping (where you have to bring all your water to drink and cook with).

I would highly suggest buying Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds. It's a book (an east and west addition) that lists campgrounds in forests and other secluded places that are free and $12 and under for one night's stay. I use it as my camping bible.. I don't want to stay where RVs and generators are... I suggest you get a copy.. it will help you plan your trip better.
Good luck & have fun camping!

Where to go for a summer vacaction?

Born in Bo

I am at a loss as to where to take my family on vaction this summer.

WHAT IT SHOULD NOT BE: a beach vacation (been there/done that). Too rugged (wife/daughter wouldn't like)

WHAT IT SHOULD BE: physically beautiful (nature lovers); activities that adults and children can share; good food (wife)

Location is not an issue. Someplace in the Rockies would be great.

Answer
Here are some ideas:

North Dakota has some cool places. If you are into nature this is the place for you. I did a driving tour a few years ago and it was great. If you are interested in something like this contact the North Dakota Department of Tourism or the local chamber of commerce of certain cities. They will send you free maps and info on the tours. Self guided a lot of fun you get to see all the cool things about ND. Here are some sites:
www.ndtourism.com
www.visitgrandforks.com
www.2chambers.com

Washington has a lot of pretty places, and if you like nature there is nothing better than it! The Olympic Peninsula is just gorgeous! The mountains and forest are a site to see. There are some really sweet towns and some nice to stay in. Seattle is a great city, very nice place. There is a lot to do here, good place for couples. Great sites, good little caféâs and wonderful shopping. Young city with a lot of stuff to do nearby you can be in the rain forest in time. There are some really neat parks here and the mountains are awesome.
www.seattle.gov
www.visitseattle.org
www.seattleattractions.com

If you like the mountains Denver and the surrounding areas are really nice, you can get a cabin in the mountains or stay are a nice resort. There is something for everyone here! Breckenridge also has some really nice places to stay. You might also like Aspen.
www.colorado.com
www.denver.org
Here are some other fun things to do in CO

Rifle Falls State Park (Northwest)
The obvious and spectacular highlight of this park is Rifle Falls â a waterfall split into three arms that plunges with chest-thumping force onto a Zen-like scene of rocks covered in hearty plants. Visitors can even take short hike to the top of the falls for a different view. The same trail also leads you past naturally formed limestone caves, with walls and ceilings covered in intricate and delicate limestone formations. Lush greenery and the twitter of songbirds compliment the scene and create the sense of sitting serenely in a large-garden. There are also seven walk-in and 12 drive-in camping sites that allow visitors to fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of this coursing waterfall.

Ridgway State Park (Southwest)
Scuba diving in Colorado? There is at Ridgway State Park. While not quite the waters of the Caribbean, it is a novel way to spend a Colorado vacation. There are 1,000 acres of water to explore, and whether you choose to do it with mask and tank or aboard a boat, youâre sure to get an eye full of the flooded valley floor. Ridgway is well known for being highly accessible to those with disabilities, and offers modern facilities and ample camping. This park also has a marina that rents or sells just about anything you need to have a good time. If youâd like a bit more luxury than a nylon tent, try mixing the experience of pure nature with that of semi-modern comforts in a yurt â a teepee-like structure with wood floors, a door and bunk beds. Visitors can rent yurts through the state park system.

The Springs Resort: Pagosa Springs
The deepest natural hot springs in the world are found in the homey Southwest Colorado town of Pagosa Springs. The mineral-laden water is cooled to varying degrees in the resortâs 18 distinct pools. In each, soakers slink, with eyelids closing from relaxation, into the mineral-rich waters. In the early morning, mist plays off the surface of the pools, engulfing the atmosphere in a thick shroud of vapors. Sunrises seen through this warming fog are broken down to their basic and beautiful colors, tinting the steam with orange and reds. When the mist clears, the San Juan River can be seen flowing along the length of the resort. On one bank, the hot springs relax guests, and on the other stand the Western facades of Pagosaâs downtown shops and restaurants. Staying the night at the lodge provides visitors with 24-hour access to the pools, allowing them a late-night dip in the eerily relaxing stillness. Plush robes and a private entrance to the springs are also perks of calling The Springs Resort home for a night or two.

Coloradoâs first residents towered over the landscape and their thunderous footsteps shook the earth. Dinosaurs have left their traces all across the state and not only are they abundant, but they are exceptionally accessible. Dinosaur National Monument in the northwest corner of the state is a bonanza of fossils and footprints, where museum-quality T. rex bones have been unearthed. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, west of Colorado Springs, holds the fossilized remains of a giant forest that inhabited the area roughly 35 million years ago. The brontosaurus, diplodocus, stegosaurus and allosaurus were all first found at Dinosaur Ridge, just outside of Denver. Take the kids on a self-guided tour of the area and discover dinosaur tracks that stretch so far and wide that the area has been lovingly called âDinosaur Freeway.â

Striking it Rich: Panning for Gold
Thereâs still gold in them there hills â the prospect of that alone excites the kids. But in Colorado, they also get the opportunity to take away some of Coloradoâs glittering riches while on mine tours. Let them swirl the water in their pan and look for the heavy golden sediment that made the fortunes of many

Dog-friendly camping along the WA coast?

best tent camping olympic peninsula image

My boyfriend and I recently camped on the OR coast and had a great time (despite a leaky tent!) and are looking for some coastal camping closer to where we live in the Seattle area.

Can some of you recommend campgrounds you've STAYED AT (please don't just link me if you haven't personally stayed) on the Olympic Peninsula or further South on the coast that allow dogs and have nice tidal pools, trails, etc?

Thanks!

Answer
I don't enjoy dodging 4 x 4s tearing down the beach going 40+ mph when I'm trying to enjoy walking especially with a dog or two and kids in tow, so I prefer to stay further north where there are no cars on the beach. I've stayed at both Mora and Kalaloch campgrounds and go to the beaches nearby including Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach.

Dogs are allowed in both of those campgrounds and also on the beaches in those areas. They are supposed to be leashed at all times, but if you have a map to know where the park boundaries are, watch the tide tables carefully and your dog is well behaved and not a menace to anyone you can hike along the beach past the park boundaries for some off leash time.

These camp sites can be crowded in summer and (of course) rain is always a possibility.

What would you do?

ani

if a bear starting ripping into your tent while you, you're significant other are sleeping in a tent in the middle of the woods?
you have no gun.

Answer
..actually, i have been in that situation...a couple times..and both time i pretty much panicked. I did a lot of screaming, got my arms out of my fartsack, and made the tent part of my defensiveness.. i tried to make the bear think i was much bigger than him..but all i did probably was make him think eating any thing that noisy would give him gas..
Bears {black bears} aren't exactly aggressive..they are a timid animal..fortunately..for the most part...and you can bluff them..i wouldn't recommend trying that, tho, just to prove a point...you never know what one is motivated by..and that plays a significant part in what it's doing attacking a tent in the first place.
The first time, i was alone, .. with grub inside my tent..[a 2 man tent on a stream bank], and the bear just got confused and milled around a few seconds and as i clambered out of the dam tent he walked off across the meadow.
The second time i was on the coast on the Olympic peninsula and the bears came into my camp to forage and tore my tent down around me... that time, it was a fight..and again i did a lot of screaming, and some people in another camp came to my aid. Those bears were habituated to humanity..and our camp supplies..and they did not bluff so easy.. that was a scary situation..it lasted for a few minutes..that seemed like hours..and it was my tent that saved me any serious harm.
I've had other encounter with bears over the years..raised one when i was young, and one come out of the back of a cave i had set a camp up in, and we roaped one that tryed scrunching up into a crevace once..but those were years ago, and far away form where i am today.
A griz on the south edge of Yellostone spooked my horses and they ran clear back to Turpin meadows befor they ever slowed down,.. and another griz on another mountian by Two Ochean Pass chased me on a horse and i swear he was faster than my pony...another griz spooked a horse from under me, and i was left face to face with him on a trail on Pacific creek,..he stood on his hind end and woofed, rolling his lips and then droped down and slapped the earth so hard it shook, and i climbed a tree while he watched me ... that was a sphinctor-clincher..
Sorry..i get carried away..thats probably more info than you need or want..huh?

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What would you do?

best tent camping olympic peninsula image

ani

if a bear starting ripping into your tent while you, you're significant other are sleeping in a tent in the middle of the woods?
you have no gun.

Answer
..actually, i have been in that situation...a couple times..and both time i pretty much panicked. I did a lot of screaming, got my arms out of my fartsack, and made the tent part of my defensiveness.. i tried to make the bear think i was much bigger than him..but all i did probably was make him think eating any thing that noisy would give him gas..
Bears {black bears} aren't exactly aggressive..they are a timid animal..fortunately..for the most part...and you can bluff them..i wouldn't recommend trying that, tho, just to prove a point...you never know what one is motivated by..and that plays a significant part in what it's doing attacking a tent in the first place.
The first time, i was alone, .. with grub inside my tent..[a 2 man tent on a stream bank], and the bear just got confused and milled around a few seconds and as i clambered out of the dam tent he walked off across the meadow.
The second time i was on the coast on the Olympic peninsula and the bears came into my camp to forage and tore my tent down around me... that time, it was a fight..and again i did a lot of screaming, and some people in another camp came to my aid. Those bears were habituated to humanity..and our camp supplies..and they did not bluff so easy.. that was a scary situation..it lasted for a few minutes..that seemed like hours..and it was my tent that saved me any serious harm.
I've had other encounter with bears over the years..raised one when i was young, and one come out of the back of a cave i had set a camp up in, and we roaped one that tryed scrunching up into a crevace once..but those were years ago, and far away form where i am today.
A griz on the south edge of Yellostone spooked my horses and they ran clear back to Turpin meadows befor they ever slowed down,.. and another griz on another mountian by Two Ochean Pass chased me on a horse and i swear he was faster than my pony...another griz spooked a horse from under me, and i was left face to face with him on a trail on Pacific creek,..he stood on his hind end and woofed, rolling his lips and then droped down and slapped the earth so hard it shook, and i climbed a tree while he watched me ... that was a sphinctor-clincher..
Sorry..i get carried away..thats probably more info than you need or want..huh?

Can you tell me a few things about Seattle Washington please?

Seahawk Te

I love mountains, ocean, trees, rain and clouds along with a big city environment. Seattle seems to offer me a bit of everything. Can you tell me a bit about Seattle though and the surrounding areas? I've got a few questions.

What is the must do activity in Seattle, that Seattle is most known for?
What are some good restraunts that offers that Northwest kick? Best food?
Where is the best place to live in Seattle?
How far are the mountains and some camping areas? Mt Rainer included.
How far is the ocean, and which beach is the best to visit?
Is Mercer Island a good place to live?
What are YOUR favorite places in Seattle, or favorite activities?

Thanks much, you'll be a great help.

Answer
One of the previous answerers said Seattle and Tacoma are right on the coast. And they are definitely not. They are on the coast of Puget Sound, but not on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Be prepared for a 3 to 4 hour road trip to get to the actual beaches like Ocean Shores and Long Beach. I recommend Aberdeen for a beach trip though, because it is a nice little town. If you just need a quick outing to a local beach, check out Alki Beach, right in Seattle, or look for Gene Coulon Memorial Beach in nearby Renton. That's a 20 minute trip or so down I-405. There's also an Ivar's at Coulon Beach, which is the locally recommended seafood restaurant. Must do activities? Probably going out on a boat and enjoying Lake Washington, checking out the islands in Puget Sound by ferry, and going hiking and camping (sometimes you'll need to bring a tarp to put over your tent :D ). The best place to live is the suburbs, I would say. The whole area is beautiful, but living 15 or so minutes away from the city makes life a little quieter, and gets you closer to the Cascade Mountains, outdoor activities and major shopping centers (including Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila, the largest shopping center in the Northwest). The mountains are about an hour or so from the city, and camping is always fun in Eastern Washington (a nice road trip away) and on the Olympic Peninsula, which can be traveled to by ferry (which also has it's own set of mountains!). Mercer Island seems like a beautiful place to live, but you may find that the real estate is a little expensive (Bill Gates lives on Mercer Island :D ). So that's pretty much it for Seattle. I've lived here my whole life and I never want to move anywhere else. The people, the coffee, the clouds, the rain, the activities, the clear air and much more make Seattle one of the best and most unique places in the world.

Hope that helps!
Joey

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Can you tell me a few things about Seattle Washington please?

best tent camping olympic peninsula image

Seahawk Te

I love mountains, ocean, trees, rain and clouds along with a big city environment. Seattle seems to offer me a bit of everything. Can you tell me a bit about Seattle though and the surrounding areas? I've got a few questions.

What is the must do activity in Seattle, that Seattle is most known for?
What are some good restraunts that offers that Northwest kick? Best food?
Where is the best place to live in Seattle?
How far are the mountains and some camping areas? Mt Rainer included.
How far is the ocean, and which beach is the best to visit?
Is Mercer Island a good place to live?
What are YOUR favorite places in Seattle, or favorite activities?

Thanks much, you'll be a great help.

Answer
One of the previous answerers said Seattle and Tacoma are right on the coast. And they are definitely not. They are on the coast of Puget Sound, but not on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Be prepared for a 3 to 4 hour road trip to get to the actual beaches like Ocean Shores and Long Beach. I recommend Aberdeen for a beach trip though, because it is a nice little town. If you just need a quick outing to a local beach, check out Alki Beach, right in Seattle, or look for Gene Coulon Memorial Beach in nearby Renton. That's a 20 minute trip or so down I-405. There's also an Ivar's at Coulon Beach, which is the locally recommended seafood restaurant. Must do activities? Probably going out on a boat and enjoying Lake Washington, checking out the islands in Puget Sound by ferry, and going hiking and camping (sometimes you'll need to bring a tarp to put over your tent :D ). The best place to live is the suburbs, I would say. The whole area is beautiful, but living 15 or so minutes away from the city makes life a little quieter, and gets you closer to the Cascade Mountains, outdoor activities and major shopping centers (including Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila, the largest shopping center in the Northwest). The mountains are about an hour or so from the city, and camping is always fun in Eastern Washington (a nice road trip away) and on the Olympic Peninsula, which can be traveled to by ferry (which also has it's own set of mountains!). Mercer Island seems like a beautiful place to live, but you may find that the real estate is a little expensive (Bill Gates lives on Mercer Island :D ). So that's pretty much it for Seattle. I've lived here my whole life and I never want to move anywhere else. The people, the coffee, the clouds, the rain, the activities, the clear air and much more make Seattle one of the best and most unique places in the world.

Hope that helps!
Joey

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What would you do?

best tent camping olympic peninsula image

ani

if a bear starting ripping into your tent while you, you're significant other are sleeping in a tent in the middle of the woods?
you have no gun.

Answer
..actually, i have been in that situation...a couple times..and both time i pretty much panicked. I did a lot of screaming, got my arms out of my fartsack, and made the tent part of my defensiveness.. i tried to make the bear think i was much bigger than him..but all i did probably was make him think eating any thing that noisy would give him gas..
Bears {black bears} aren't exactly aggressive..they are a timid animal..fortunately..for the most part...and you can bluff them..i wouldn't recommend trying that, tho, just to prove a point...you never know what one is motivated by..and that plays a significant part in what it's doing attacking a tent in the first place.
The first time, i was alone, .. with grub inside my tent..[a 2 man tent on a stream bank], and the bear just got confused and milled around a few seconds and as i clambered out of the dam tent he walked off across the meadow.
The second time i was on the coast on the Olympic peninsula and the bears came into my camp to forage and tore my tent down around me... that time, it was a fight..and again i did a lot of screaming, and some people in another camp came to my aid. Those bears were habituated to humanity..and our camp supplies..and they did not bluff so easy.. that was a scary situation..it lasted for a few minutes..that seemed like hours..and it was my tent that saved me any serious harm.
I've had other encounter with bears over the years..raised one when i was young, and one come out of the back of a cave i had set a camp up in, and we roaped one that tryed scrunching up into a crevace once..but those were years ago, and far away form where i am today.
A griz on the south edge of Yellostone spooked my horses and they ran clear back to Turpin meadows befor they ever slowed down,.. and another griz on another mountian by Two Ochean Pass chased me on a horse and i swear he was faster than my pony...another griz spooked a horse from under me, and i was left face to face with him on a trail on Pacific creek,..he stood on his hind end and woofed, rolling his lips and then droped down and slapped the earth so hard it shook, and i climbed a tree while he watched me ... that was a sphinctor-clincher..
Sorry..i get carried away..thats probably more info than you need or want..huh?

Can you tell me a few things about Seattle Washington please?

Seahawk Te

I love mountains, ocean, trees, rain and clouds along with a big city environment. Seattle seems to offer me a bit of everything. Can you tell me a bit about Seattle though and the surrounding areas? I've got a few questions.

What is the must do activity in Seattle, that Seattle is most known for?
What are some good restraunts that offers that Northwest kick? Best food?
Where is the best place to live in Seattle?
How far are the mountains and some camping areas? Mt Rainer included.
How far is the ocean, and which beach is the best to visit?
Is Mercer Island a good place to live?
What are YOUR favorite places in Seattle, or favorite activities?

Thanks much, you'll be a great help.

Answer
One of the previous answerers said Seattle and Tacoma are right on the coast. And they are definitely not. They are on the coast of Puget Sound, but not on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Be prepared for a 3 to 4 hour road trip to get to the actual beaches like Ocean Shores and Long Beach. I recommend Aberdeen for a beach trip though, because it is a nice little town. If you just need a quick outing to a local beach, check out Alki Beach, right in Seattle, or look for Gene Coulon Memorial Beach in nearby Renton. That's a 20 minute trip or so down I-405. There's also an Ivar's at Coulon Beach, which is the locally recommended seafood restaurant. Must do activities? Probably going out on a boat and enjoying Lake Washington, checking out the islands in Puget Sound by ferry, and going hiking and camping (sometimes you'll need to bring a tarp to put over your tent :D ). The best place to live is the suburbs, I would say. The whole area is beautiful, but living 15 or so minutes away from the city makes life a little quieter, and gets you closer to the Cascade Mountains, outdoor activities and major shopping centers (including Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila, the largest shopping center in the Northwest). The mountains are about an hour or so from the city, and camping is always fun in Eastern Washington (a nice road trip away) and on the Olympic Peninsula, which can be traveled to by ferry (which also has it's own set of mountains!). Mercer Island seems like a beautiful place to live, but you may find that the real estate is a little expensive (Bill Gates lives on Mercer Island :D ). So that's pretty much it for Seattle. I've lived here my whole life and I never want to move anywhere else. The people, the coffee, the clouds, the rain, the activities, the clear air and much more make Seattle one of the best and most unique places in the world.

Hope that helps!
Joey

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