The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning sol (sun) and stitium (to stop). The solstice occurs twice a year, when it reaches the northernmost point (summer in the norther hemisphere) and southernmost point (winter in the northern hemisphere). Each solstice indicates the stop of the sun before it … [Read more...] about 2026 Solstice and Equinox dates
Hobbies & Interests
Our big list of car shows and auto clubs
The Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan region has its fair share of car shows, car clubs, and swap meets to satisfy car and motorcycle enthusiasts living or visiting the region. We've listed the key (get it?) events and organizations throughout the state. Find a calendar of upcoming car shows and related events below. Auto … [Read more...] about Our big list of car shows and auto clubs
Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien
Burien's annual Classic Car Show is held during the Strawberry Festival, which features games, food, vendors, and live music all weekend in Town Square Park. On Sunday, check out hot rods, classic and vintage cars with fellow gear heads at SW 152nd Street. Cars will line SW 152nd Street in Downtown Burien from 4th Ave … [Read more...] about Father’s Day Classic Car Show in Burien
Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
Photographing fireworks is challenging. Below, we offer some tips from National Geographic and other sources for capturing images of nighttime fireworks shows. Also, we list some vantage points throughout the Puget Sound region where you might be able to snap a great photo. Weather permitting, of course (always a … [Read more...] about Tips and tricks for photographing fireworks
Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
If you are seeking Washington State fall colors, there are many beautiful, scenic drives throughout the counties in the Puget Sound regions. The colorful fall foliage is often set against deep green evergreen trees, with lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains completing the vista. The primary viewing period for … [Read more...] about Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color
13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
In an average year, the best time to see Seattle fall color is the last week of September and first week of October. In the foothills and mountain areas, foliage peaks about one to two weeks later than at lower elevations. Depending on weather conditions, the fall season in Seattle can begin earlier, in mid-September … [Read more...] about 13 best nature walks to see Seattle fall color
Free guided Puget Sound low tide beach walks in summer
During summer, you can visit Puget Sound beaches during low tide and learn about the marine plants and animals. The volunteer Beach Naturalist program runs on low-tide days throughout the summer and on select winter evenings. Local residents who want to help protect our waterways train as Beach Naturalists to help you … [Read more...] about Free guided Puget Sound low tide beach walks in summer
Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
Independent bookstores in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region are staffed by passionate, well-read booksellers. These neighborhood fixtures are the ultimate storytelling backdrop. They are places where you can quietly immerse yourself among the bookshelves, join a lively book discussion group, listen to an author reading, … [Read more...] about Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
You may not know there are many, many salmon fish hatcheries throughout Washington State. Fish hatcheries here and across the country help manage and restore America's fish populations. Together, the hatcheries support a variety of fish species and habitat conservation, endangered species recovery, tribal fishing … [Read more...] about 15 fish hatcheries you can visit in Washington State
Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Bird watching is a popular activity for many residents and visitors in the Puget Sound region and one of the fastest growing recreational activities in the country. More than 500 bird species have been observed in Washington State. It is relatively easy to see and study birds in the wild. Washington State draws … [Read more...] about Bird Watching in the Puget Sound region
Big Seattle Boat Show
The Seattle Boat Show is the West Coast's Largest Boat Show featuring every kind of recreational watercraft, from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts and everything in between. The Boat Show also has acres of accessories, all the latest gear, and free boating & fishing seminars, including low-tech and high-tech … [Read more...] about Big Seattle Boat Show
Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Stargazing is simply observing the night sky. It's an enjoyable hobby enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and amateur astronomers. It's an activity that can be done any time of the year, alone, with friends, or at a group "star party". You can also pursue an interest in astronomy from your backyard or neighborhood … [Read more...] about Free stargazing events in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Tacoma Museum of Glass is a contemporary art museum on the Thea Foss Waterway. The museum has a national reputation for hosting impactful artist residencies, exhibiting national traveling exhibitions, creating unique programs for visitors, and building a permanent collection that chronicles the development of modern … [Read more...] about Tacoma Museum of Glass free and discount admission
Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Here's a list of Japanese and Chinese gardens in the Puget Sound region. Most of these Puget Sound gardens offer FREE admission. The Seattle Japanese Garden at the Washington Park Arboretum is the most well-known. However, there are at least 10 more you can visit, from Everett to Tacoma and Bellevue. They are … [Read more...] about Spectacular Asian gardens in the Puget Sound region
Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
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Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre urban oasis located on Phinney Ridge. The Zoo presents exhibits featuring animals in their natural habitat, is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and certified by the American Humane Conservation program. The zoo is dedicated to wildlife … [Read more...] about Woodland Park Zoo: discount tickets & special exhibits
State and County Fairs in Washington State
Washington state has a rich agricultural heritage. A visit to a state or county fair is an excellent way to sample local foods and enjoy free and cheap entertainment. Fairs are a family-friendly activity. Fairs are also a way to see live local and headliner bands at a fraction of the typical price (or even free). … [Read more...] about State and County Fairs in Washington State
Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Wildflowers bloom in Washington State throughout spring and summer. Exactly where and when varies according to elevation and of course the whims of nature in any given year. Generally, wildflowers bloom at lower elevations from spring to mid-summer, and higher elevations from early to late summer, when vegetation … [Read more...] about Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
In the Puget Sound region, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) represents the natural heritage, interconnectedness, and ecological richness of the greater Salish Sea (which includes Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca). Our heron population is part of an intricate ecosystem that includes the … [Read more...] about Great Blue Herons in the Puget Sound region
Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less. Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or … [Read more...] about Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region
10 best free outdoor activities year-round
The following outdoor activities feature popular year-round sport and recreation pursuits around Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Our list focuses on activities that are relatively easy to learn and pursue. Newcomers to these recreational pursuits can quickly get introduced to the basics without a lot of time or … [Read more...] about 10 best free outdoor activities year-round
Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
The following list of museums in the greater Seattle-Tacoma metro area offer free general admission during regular museum hours. Before you head out, check their website for holiday closures. Most museums with free admission will gratefully accept donations. Some of these free museums also offer gift shops or … [Read more...] about Museums with always free admission in the Puget Sound region
Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
One reason to go to a wine tasting is to try several wines at one time, allowing you to compare the characteristics of the different wines, and figure out which ones you prefer. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s like any other food or beverage preference. Some people prefer chicken over beef and Coke over … [Read more...] about Wine tasting in Seattle and the Puget Sound region
Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
The following free and cheap dance classes and social dances are offered at dance studios and ballrooms around the Puget Sound region. They feature classes and dances in a variety of styles including contra, country, line, salsa, soul, swing, and several others. A few dance classes are free and others are $15 or less … [Read more...] about Dance lessons and social dancing around the Sound
16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
The following list includes lighthouses you can visit in the Puget Sound region. Most lighthouse grounds are open year-round, except where stated otherwise. Most lighthouse are free to visit, though will gladly accept donations for upkeep of the grounds and buildings. A couple sites have small fees. A few lighthouses … [Read more...] about 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free
Air shows in the Puget Sound region
Seattle made aviation history in 1916 when William E. Boeing and Navy Lt. Conrad Westervelt formed the Boeing Airplane company and hired self-taught aviation tinker Herb Munter to build the company's first aircraft, the B&W seaplane. Read more about Boeing and Early Aviation in Seattle at historylink.org, and … [Read more...] about Air shows in the Puget Sound region
