Spokane International Airport is the second-largest airport in the state of Washington that serves the communities of Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington, Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. The airport was used during World War II to train units on new aircraft being developed by Boeing. In 1945 the land was developed into a commercial airport. The current name was given in 1960 but the airport code remains GEG as a nod to the original name Geiger Field.
In the next 5-10 years the airport hopes to add another concourse and more non-stop flights to the east coast. Currently, the airport contains 24 gates within its three concourses. There are seven airlines that fly to and from GEG Airport serving many domestic and international destinations. Top destinations from Spokane are Seattle, Denver and Portland.
Ground transportation at GEG includes eight rental car companies, seven bus and shuttle companies, taxis and numerous hotel shuttle options. There is outside parking, garage parking, metered parking and a lot serviced by an airport shuttle. All but metered parking options are available with weekly and/or daily rates. There is also a cell phone lot for passenger pick-ups. The airport has over a dozen dining and retail options for travelers. There are several hotel and motel options within 3 miles of the airport. The Ramada Spokane Airport is on site and even has an indoor water park.
Renton City Hall is located in a seven-story building on South Grady Way and houses a multitude of city services including the Executive Department, the City Attorney, Community and Economic Development, Community Services, Finance and Information Technology, Fire and Emergency Services, Human Resources and Risk Management, Police Department and Public Works Department. Renton incorporated on September 6, 1901. In its early days, Renton's economy thrived on coal mining. Boeing took over as the economic driver in 1941 after the airplane manufacturer ramped up the production of B-29s for the war effort.
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This iconic waterfront landmark is a must-see, particularly for families with children, although it's a great place to visit for anyone who wants to get a fascinating look at the area's spectacular underwater world. With its wide array of colorful marine creatures in award-winning exhibits and touch pools, guests of all ages and tastes are sure to find something to enjoy. One of the best ways to enhance your visit is to check out the host of sea life that can be found in the Pacific Northwest at the aquarium, and then head out on an adventure to see what you can find in the Puget Sound waters or in the tide pools along the state's breathtaking, rugged coastline.
Parking and public transportation
The aquarium is easy to get to by car or public transportation, located on Pier 50 on the downtown central waterfront. Inexpensive metered parking is available right across the street below the Alaskan Way viaduct. Metro Transit offers many bus routes that will bring you within a short walk of the aquarium, including Route 99, which stops directly in front of the building.
Best and worst time to go to the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is open every day of the year except Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m., with the last entry accepted at 5 p.m. and exhibits closing up at 6 p.m. The best time to get here is just after 2 p.m., when the crowds typically begin to thin out whether it's on the weekend or a weekday. Most visitors tend to arrive shortly after the aquarium opens, making it more difficult to get good views of the exhibits without having to bump elbows with others, particularly during the months of June, July and August.
Admission to the Seattle Aquarium
Admission to the aquarium ranges from about $15 to $22 depending on age with children three years old and under admitted free. Discounts are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and active military.
Must-Dos at Seattle Aquarium
Touching some of the fascinating creatures that live in the tide pools on the state's outer coast and the inland sea of the Puget Sound is a must. Visitors can feel the prickly spines of a sea urchin and discover the rough texture of a colorful starfish. The Underwater Dome provides the opportunity to be surrounded by fish and other creatures by heading down a short tunnel and stepping into a 360-degree tank filled with a variety of species, including sharks, sturgeon, vibrantly-colored rockfish, lingcod and more. The aquarium is also home to marine mammals, like playful sea otters and harbor seals that provide practically endless entertainment with their antics.
Other places to visit near Seattle Aquarium
With some of the city's best restaurants located just steps away from the aquarium, you might want to plan lunch or dinner around your visit to the aquarium. If you like fresh oysters, Elliott's Oyster House offers some of the freshest oysters around, while Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar serves up Seattle's famous bread bowl clam chowder as well as amazing fish 'n' chips. Argosy Cruises is located right next door to the aquarium, offering a variety of tours, including a narrated one-hour sightseeing tour that allows visitors to view many of Seattle's iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier from the glistening waters of Elliott Bay.
Insider tips for visitors to Seattle Aquarium
There are several indoor/outdoor open air areas of the aquarium that allow visitors to watch the seals and sea otters swim in the waters of the Puget Sound. If you're here on a nice day, walk out onto the dock and enjoy the fresh air, spectacular views and see these entertaining creatures in a less crowded environment.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
The Enumclaw License Agency has served customers at its current location on Cole Street since 1973. Services include: Vehicle license tabs, vessel license tabs, title transfers, trip permits and tonnage for large trucks and fleet service. Customers waiting in line can appreciate the agency's various adornments and photographs paying tribute to the local racing legacy.
