Latest news with #SeattleAquarium
Business Insider
22-07-2025
- Business Insider
I went to Seattle for the first time and made 6 mistakes in 3 days
I took a three-day trip to Seattle for the first time in May. My packing, booking, and planning mistakes kept me from making the most of my trip. I left with regrets about skipping attractions and nature hikes. When I rolled into Seattle on an Amtrak train two months ago, I didn't know I had already made decisions I'd regret later. And I definitely didn't know I would make a few more in the coming days. Although my first trip to Seattle was only three days long, I'm still thinking about the mistakes I made months later. These mishaps kept me from making the most of my time in a city I'd wanted to visit since I was a kid. I should have booked more than three days in Seattle. Three days wasn't nearly enough time to explore all Seattle had to offer. I found myself rushing around the city to pack in as many sights as possible, which made it challenging to be present. I also realized that the more you see, the less you actually do. Although I covered a lot of ground in Seattle, I didn't go inside many places. I simply photographed buildings like the waterfront Seattle Aquarium and wondered what marine life I was missing out on. I passed museums and countless coffee shops but didn't enter one. I should have brought just a backpack. I regretted bringing my carry-on suitcase to Seattle as soon as I left the train station. My first hotel stay was about a mile from the station. I decided to walk, but I didn't realize the road was almost entirely uphill. During my visit, I stayed in two other hotels and dragged my suitcase up and down multiple hills in the area. A couple of times, I had to carry the case over cobblestone streets I hadn't anticipated. In these irritating moments, I wondered why I hadn't just brought a backpack. I had backpacked on trips as long as two weeks in the past. And since I was visiting in May, I didn't need many extra layers. Next time I go to Seattle, I'll consider the weather, trip duration, and terrain when deciding how to pack. Visiting Pike Place Market on a Thursday afternoon was a mistake. I was really excited to see Pike Place Market in person. Growing up, everyone I knew who visited Seattle raved about the iconic outdoor market upon their return to school. So, as soon as I checked into my hotel, I went to the popular shopping center, where more than 200 stores and restaurants were waiting for me. I practically ran down a hilly street until I was slowed down by crowds entering, exiting, and simply standing in groups in front of the market. The whole experience felt more like waiting in line than shopping or exploring. I shuffled from stand to stand, trying not to pause in one place too long to keep traffic flowing. I later learned from the market's website that it's typically most crowded after noon on Thursday through Monday. In the future, I'll visit Pike Place Market on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning so I can take my time without the crowds. I shouldn't have skipped the Ferris wheel. The Seattle Great Wheel stands on the waterfront in downtown Seattle. It's an architectural anomaly in the city's skyline, so I noticed it every day and even considered riding it for $23. But I assumed it was probably a tourist trap that was not worth waiting in line for. After my trip, I saw photos taken from the top that made me realize I was wrong. I didn't even consider the sights I'd see on board. The 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel faces downtown on one side and Elliott Bay on the other, creating two strikingly different views. I'll be back to see it for myself someday. I should have booked a longer stay at 1 Hotel Seattle. When I checked in at 1 Hotel Seattle for my last night of the trip, I had one thought — I should have been here the whole time. The luxury chain 1 Hotels opened its Seattle location less than a week before my stay. From the lobby to the room, the hotel brought nature indoors with biophilic furniture, live plants, natural surfaces like quartzite, pebble stones, and reclaimed timber. The blend of nature and luxury was so serene and unique to my other stays that I wish I'd booked it for my entire trip. I wish I had spent more time in nature. Living in New York City, I see skyscrapers on walkable streets every day, but I rarely get a chance to visit a national park. And in my experience, the West has some of the most epic natural landscapes in the US. So, looking back on it, one of my days in Seattle would have been better spent about 70 miles southeast of the city at Mount Rainier National Park. Instead of exploring more of the urban metropolis, I could have had a completely different experience hiking through mountains, forests, and fields of wildflowers. With a longer stay, a lighter load, and a better idea of what I want to see and do, my next trip to Seattle should be much more fulfilling.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is King County Prop. 1 on the August 2025 primary ballot?
The Brief King County Proposition 1 will be on the August 2025 Washington State primary election ballot. Proposition 1 would replace an expiring levy that funds King County parks, outdoor education programs, the Woodland Park Zoo, forest conservation and more. If passed, it would authorize an additional regular property tax of $0.2329 per $1000 of a resident's prior year property assessed valuation. KING COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State primary election is on August 5, with the voting period beginning Friday, July 18. The ballot will have 59 local measures, including King County Proposition 1, which supports county parks, educational facilities and other local initiatives. What we know The King County 'Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy' – also known as Ordinance No. 19922 and Proposition 1 on the upcoming primary election ballot – was adopted by the King County Council to replace an expiring parks levy. Proposition 1 would authorize an additional regular property tax levy to replace an expiring one that funds the following King County areas: Parks, trail systems and open spaces Outdoor education programs Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Memorial Stadium, Seattle's Waterfront Park and the Pacific Science Center Ballfield preservation Aquatic facilities Youth and amateur sport programs Open space and forest conservation If approved, the levy would have a duration of six years, starting in 2026, and residents would pay $0.2329 per $1000 of their property's prior year's assessed valuation. This would mean a property worth $500,000 would pay an additional approximately $9.58 per month, and around $115 per year. What they're saying There have been several statements in favor of the levy, and endorsements from organizations including the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Parks Foundation and the Washington Trails Association. "Our parks, playgrounds, ballfields, trails and swimming pools are essential places for kids to play, learn to swim, and for our communities to gather, recreate and enjoy nature," organizations and residents in favor of the levy said in a statement. "Your Yes vote will expand our regional trail system, improve access to popular hiking and biking areas, and provide direct resources for parks and playfields for cities large and small." A statement in opposition to the levy has not been submitted. The full ordinance can be read here. What's next Proposition 1 will be on the ballots of registered King County voters for the upcoming primary election in August. It will need a simple majority to pass. Read a voter guide for the 2025 Washington primary election here. The Source Information in this article is from the King County government website. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE Idaho hiker mistaken for Travis Decker tells all Pierce County Sheriff's Office major arrested after serious Graham crash Grandmother shot near Pioneer Square 'thought it was a rock' that hit her Buyer secures iconic Seattle 'Spite House' under listing price Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh wins 2025 Home Run Derby Trash piles up in Renton amid nationwide Republic Services strike To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. Solve the daily Crossword
Axios
28-05-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Beachcombers delight: Seattle's tide pools exposed
Seattle and the Puget Sound region will see some of the lowest tides of the year Wednesday and Thursday around 1pm, according to NOAA tide predictions. Why it matters: The receding waters offer a unique opportunity for beachcombing and tide pooling, exposing marine life like sea stars, moon snails and anemones that are typically hidden under the surface. State of play: The Seattle Aquarium's Beach Naturalist program will be holding guided tours at Dash Point, Golden Gardens and Seahurst parks on Wednesday, and at Olympic Sculpture Park on Thursday. Between the lines: These extreme low tides — known as syzygy tides — occur when the Earth, Moon and Sun align during new and full Moon phases, amplifying gravitational pull and leading to higher high tides and lower low tides, per NOAA.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Giant Pacific octopus found in Bellingham, WA tidepool
The Brief A husband and wife exploring Bellingham Bay had an unexpected encounter with a giant Pacific octopus last week. The video of the rare sighting has garnered over 20 million views online. BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A husband and wife exploring Bellingham Bay last week had an unexpected encounter with a giant Pacific octopus in a tidepool, just steps from the shore. Captured on video by Micah Moeller, the octopus was so close to the couple that they could have touched it. This rare sighting has captivated the internet, with the video garnering over 20 million views. Local perspective Giant Pacific octopuses, known for their massive size and impressive eight arms with 200 suckers each, are typically nocturnal creatures, according to the Seattle Aquarium. To see one out and about during the day is a surprising and unusual experience for those familiar with the region. Micah, who has lived in Bellingham his entire life, tells FOX 13 that he had never seen anything like it before. The Source Information in this story is from a video by Micah Moeller, the Seattle Aquarium, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Fire destroys, damages multiple Cybertrucks in Seattle lot Family wants justice years after Graham, WA man's death Bryan Kohberger defense ramps up legal maneuvers in bid to keep Idaho murders suspect off death row Major TSA change to shorten airport security wait times, DHS says: What to know Seattle Seahawks trade DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh Steelers To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protecting the depths: Bull kelp could become WA's state marine forest
The Brief Lawmakers in Olympia are now taking a deep dive into an often-overlooked issue: the protection of bull kelp. House Bill 1631 aims to safeguard crucial habitats for salmon and other species by establishing bull kelp as the state's official marine forest. Bull kelp is considered a "canopy" or "foundational" species providing shelter and food for a wide array of marine life, including salmon, rockfish, and small crustaceans. OLYMPIA, Wash. - As the state faces ongoing debates over school closures and budget deficits, lawmakers in Olympia are diving deep into an often-overlooked issue: the protection of bull kelp. House Bill 1631 introduced this legislative session aims to safeguard these crucial habitats for salmon and other species, by establishing bull kelp as the state's official marine forest. While the bill is largely symbolic and comes with no direct cost to taxpayers, proponents like the Seattle Aquarium hope it will spark further conservation efforts and inspire public action. What they're saying Miguela Marzolf, Ocean Policy Director at the aquarium, shared the legislation has been well received. Telling FOX 13, the measure is backed by Democrats and Republicans alike. Marzolf believes the key is to create connections people might not have considered. "When we are in Washington a lot of people envision pine trees and evergreens and going out and hiking," said Marzolf. "I think what will really help draw that connection is we've got our terrestrial forest, and we also have our underwater forest that we need to be thinking about and protecting." The state of Washington reports over the last century, bull kelp has declined by 80 percent across Puget Sound. Rising water temperatures, sedimentation, and ocean acidification are all factors contributing to the struggle. Leaders in Olympia have already promised Climate Commitment Act Funds, to preserving at least 40,000 acres of underwater forest across the region. Big picture view Bull kelp is considered a "canopy" or "foundational" species providing shelter and food for a wide array of marine life, including salmon, rockfish, and small crustaceans. Zachary Randell, a senior research scientist at the Seattle Aquarium contends without it we would see much less species diversity in the water. "Seals, orcas, you may not know it, but those species rely on kelp," explained Randell. "Kelp is directly and indirectly connected to the health of all species in our coastal environment," Randell said. "Without it, we would see much less species diversity in the water." The Source Information in this story came from the Seattle Aquarium, Washington State Legislature and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Where migrant ICE raids, arrests are already happening: List Oldest running movie theater in WA closing, hoping to relocate Toto, Christopher Cross, Men at Work to rock WA State Fair What are the chances of a February snow storm in Seattle? Here's what we know Is it illegal to warm your car up unattended in WA? Here's what you need to know To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX Seattle FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
