Harrison St, Lower Queen Anne

Seattle Center is what Seattle is known for. Home of the Space Needle, the large intercity park offers so much in terms of entertainment, culture and relaxation. There are a few theatres, such as Intiman Theatre and McCaw Hall for plays and shows performed by local and traveling acting companies as well as the Pacific Northwest Ballet Company. Key Arena hosts concerts, sports and other events. The main building includes the Seattle Children's Museum and, across the way, the Seattle Children's Theatre. There's a football field and an amusement park with rides for the kids. The EMP (Experience Music Project) sits on the east side along 5th Avenue. Though the outside of the building is incredibly ugly, the inside offers interactive fun and a pretty nice bar. On the south side of Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center and IMAX Theatre shows off some amazing and educational displays that change periodically throughout the year. In the center of Seattle Center, the large International Fountain sits in the middle of an outdoor area where you can sit and relax, listening to the music that plays along with the fountain. Covered walkways protect you from the sun and rain, and the Seattle Monorail offers a quick, inexpensive trip down 5th Avenue to Westlake Center's shopping downtown. There is so much local art around the center to look at and appreciate, as well as the green natural beauty that Seattle is famous for. And, of course, the Space Needle towers above it all, offering Seattlites and tourists sweeping 360 degree views of the city, mountains, Puget Sound and surrounding islands. (The revolving restaurant, though a novel idea, has historically served up some of Seattle's worst cuisine, so be warned). There are several parking garages around the Center, some on-street parking on the side streets and a very large open parking lot on the east side of 5th Avenue.