Uncovering Seattle’s Hidden Gems on Bicycle
Seattle – a city known for its bustling streets, lively pier, and famous coffeehouses. However, beyond these popular tourist destinations, Seattle has a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. What better way to explore these hidden gems than by bicycle? Bicycling not only allows you to save on transportation costs but also gives you an opportunity to get up close and personal with the city.
Things to do:
Seattle is a biking mecca, sporting over 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes and trails, making it easier for you to traverse the city. The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular 28-mile trail that runs along the shoreline of Lake Washington and the Ship Canal making it a perfect spot for biking enthusiasts. The Ballard Locks is another popular spot, where the saltwater of Puget Sound meets the freshwater of Lake Union. When you’re there, check out the botanical gardens and fish ladder.
Bicycling:
Before you set out to uncover Seattle’s hidden gems, pick up a bike map available at various bike rental shops around the city. Seattle Department of transportation has an interactive bicycle map, which shows bike lanes, bike trails, shared streets, and multi-use trails. If you don’t have your bike, several places offer bicycle rentals, including LimeBike, the Seattle Bicycle Tour, and the Electric and Foldable Bike Tours. Remember to always ride defensively and obey traffic laws to ensure your safety and that of others.
Seattle:
Seattle’s hidden gems are not just restricted to tourist destinations. For instance, the Madrona neighborhood, situated on the western end of Lake Washington, is an exclusive suburban neighborhood with spectacular views of the lake and The Cascade Mountains. The Kubota Garden, a Japanese-style garden tucked away in the Rainier Beach region, hosts over 60 unique species of plants and foliage, as well as a majestic reflecting pond. Another lesser-known gem is the Georgetown Power Plant, an abandoned industrial infrastructure that’s now used for art installations.
In conclusion, bicycling is an excellent way to discover Seattle’s hidden gems. With several bike paths scattered around the city, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Remember to always abide by traffic laws, wear appropriate safety gear and, most of all, have fun discovering Seattle. Happy trails!
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