Believe or not, once in a while the sun does shine in Seattle, WA. When most people think of Seattle, there are a few key trademark thoughts that come to mind: Starbucks, the Space Needle, Pikes Market and seafood, the Seattle Marners, Sonics and Seahawks, University of Washington and of course the rain! There’s a reason why it’s so green around Seattle, and often when I visit I love to listen to the “tap tap” of the rain hitting the metal roof of my family’s floating home. But, although Seattle recieves, on average, 38.6 inches of precipitation a year, the city actually ranks below many other cities throughout the U.S. for annual precipitation including New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston and Boston. So really, it’s not always raining in Seattle contrary to popular belief.
When the sun comes out in Seattle, it’s one of the best places to enjoy the outdoors especially in the summer. On a sunny day during the summer, the temperature is usually perfect. The light blue sky blends right into the Columbia blue sound. The Olympic Mountains tower in the distance with the iconic Space Needle serving as a guide.
Seattle provides a ton of fun things to do as a tourist or a local and also serves as a great launching point to explore the multitude of outdoor activities outside the city. But, where do you go if you want to enjoy the sun and don’t have time to venture too far from the city?
Tucked away up on Capitol Hill but still considered central, Volunteer Park is a great place to get away for a few hours. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and named a Seattle designated landmark in 2011, Volunteer Park represents the long history of the Seattle park system. The park was formally designed by the Olmsted brothers, known for landscape architecture, between 1904-1909. In 1912, the original design components were completed. There are several things to see in the park including a beautiful conservatory, the Asian Art Museum and a Water Tower, built in 1906, serving as an observation point open to the public. After ascending 106 steps to the top of the Water Tower, you can take in 360 degree views of the city, harbor and mountains and read about the historical significance of the park.
Volunteer Park also offers plenty of open space to sprawl out on a grassy lawn as well as a community Dahlia garden. If blooming, the garden is a colorful escape showcasing a rainbow of red, pink, orange, yellow and white Dahlias.
The Dahlias spring to life in all shapes and sizes.
So even on those days when it seems like the sun may never shine in Seattle, just know the day will come when the clouds will clear and the city’s beautiful skyline will be unveiled. On those special days, it’s truly a treat to enjoy the sun and explore all the wonderful places the city has to offer even when you can’t venture too far.
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