Seattle: Mother Nature's City

Seattle is one of those rare places where urban energy and natural beauty are on offer in equal measure. Known as the “Emerald City,” it’s a destination where skyscrapers and coffee culture sit side by side with towering evergreens, snow-capped mountains, and sparkling waterways. Seattle is a city that invites you to step outside, breathe deep, and let Mother Nature set the itinerary.

Water All Around

With Puget Sound on one side and Lake Washington on the other, Seattle is practically made for water lovers. Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lake Union and you’ll float past houseboats and city views that feel straight out of Sleepless in Seattle. Feeling adventurous? Take a sailing trip on Elliott Bay or book a whale-watching tour to spot orcas and humpbacks just offshore. For something more relaxed, hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island - a short trip that delivers postcard-worthy views of the skyline and Mount Rainier.

Parks and Green Escapes

Seattle’s nickname isn’t accidental: lush green spaces are everywhere. Discovery Park is a local favorite, with over 500 acres of trails, beaches, and meadows - perfect for a morning hike or a romantic sunset walk. Gas Works Park, with its quirky industrial ruins, is well worth exploring - it was even used as the filming location for the paintballing scene in 10 Things I Hate About You.

If you want to stay central, Volunteer Park in Capitol Hill offers not only scenic lawns and a conservatory but also a touch of queer history. It’s long been a gathering space for Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community, and also plays home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum which features a stunning range of exhibits.

Mountains Calling

Seattle is framed by peaks that feel impossibly close. In less than two hours you can be hiking through Mount Rainier National Park, skiing in the Cascades, or exploring alpine lakes in the Olympic Mountains. LGBTQ+ hiking groups like OutVentures often organize trips, making it easy to connect with like-minded travelers while exploring the region’s wild side. Even if you’re short on time, plenty of day hikes just outside the city, like Rattlesnake Ledge and Snow Lake, deliver big views without long drives.

Urban Outdoors

Not every adventure requires leaving downtown. Walk along the waterfront, ride the Great Wheel, or bike along the Burke-Gilman Trail to discover hidden corners of the city. Seattleites embrace the outdoors year-round - yes, even in the rain - so grab a good jacket and join in.

For LGBTQ+ visitors, Seattle’s outdoors are more than just pretty landscapes. They’re spaces where everyone can feel free, welcome, and part of the city’s easygoing, inclusive vibe. Whether you’re exploring waterfalls, hiking among evergreens, or simply watching the sunset over Puget Sound, Seattle proves that in Mother Nature's City, the outdoors are for everyone.