Our friends decided to explore the aquarium with us, and that was more fun because of their boys. Some things are just more exciting through the eyes of a child.
The space is large, covering three piers and allowing many perspectives on sea life. We saw a seal demonstration, and listened to staff posted at points of interest who were giving presentations about exhibits. I was surprised, but of course delighted to see the birds.
The oldest parts of the Seattle Aquarium opened in 1977, but the Ocean Pavilion opened in 2024 and that section is stupendous. I will let the photos speak for themselves.
The boys were getting tired and our friends wanted to get home in the daylight, so we said our goodbyes and went separate ways.
Of course it was pitch black by the time we headed back to our room. We explored a bit of the city and enjoyed Christmas lights and people all around. Pedro wanted to swing through the Pike Place Market. Neither of us wanted to go to the so-called Gum Alley, but we ended up there anyway, as we tried to find our way.
It’s so close to us that I take Seattle for granted. It’s a vibrant city and we should come more often. Art is everywhere, and often whimsical, and tucked away to be found.
Pike Place Market is always fun, with its multiple underground levels, and the famous fish tossing at the fish market. It was very busy on this dry December weekend, and people at stalls watched us with eager eyes, hoping to tempt us to make a gift purchase. Our hotel was only a short distance, but uphill. The walk felt good after our big meal. I am eternally delighted with lights at night, especially when things are wet and especially reflective.
We were totally surprised to find a section of sidewalk labeled as Seattle’s Walk of Fame. I’ve never even heard of it. If there isn’t an Atlas Obscura entry for this, I will create one. (Hey! I received notice that a recent website entry of mine was approved from my trip to England in May. It’s about the Greywell Tunnel, the largest bat roost in Britain.)
I foolishly thought I could put our whole weekend into a single blog post. It never works. I simply have too many fun photos and I can’t bear to unload 50 of them onto you at once! So…stay tuned for the next post about Seattle Architecture and our train ride back home to Portland.
Conscious Engagement 
The aquarium is fantastic, thanks for taking me along. The rest of Seattle does look like a great adventure. Thanks also for showing me the Jimi Hendrix section of the walk of fame Crystal 😀
I’m glad you are also a fan of Hendrix. I can’t resist his music. It doesn’t really sound like a Pacific Northwest vibe, but then, Hendrix was unique enough to occupy his own category. ❤
I think the last time I visited the Seattle Aquarium was when I was in the military. I was definitely due an updated visit!
His sound and music was so different. I have around 10 vinyls, including bootlegs and repeats of them on CD’s
My funeral songs are Angel and Little Wing
Little Wing is my favourite Jimi song of all time. ❤
Have you seen Jimi Plays Berkley a live music movie/doco. I have always loved Little Wing. The guitar solo is amazing. In that movie he plays that solo WITH HIS TEETH!!!!!!
Whaaaatttt???!!!!!!
Incredible post, but I especially loved the aquarium shots. Just marvelous.
Thank you, Lou! That Ocean Pavilion was amazing. I sat on the bench in front of the biggest window, and could have happily sat there for two hours. It’s better than television. I couldn’t believe it had sharks, and rays, and maybe tuna? clustered around the rays and following them closely. Tiny schooling fish, and solo colorful fish that seemed quite busy, poking into the fake reef and looking for bits of something tasty. Then, when we circled the enormous tank, we kept finding entire schools of totally new fish that chose to be in a different place, due to the light, or temperature, or mechanically created water currents in there or something. I was fully fascinated.
A beautifully photographed record of a splendid trip. Of course I really liked the urchins wordplay 🙂
yay!! I was hoping someone would notice. Of course you were the one who did. 🙂
How fun! Yes, outings with young children can be the best! Great photos!
Aw, thank you Lenore.
The aquarium reminds me of the Monterey Aquarium. Have you been there, Crystal? I could spend a few hours just watching the fish swim around. I remember the bubble gum wall. Yuck. And Pike Place: Always interesting. It looks like you and Pedro had a great time.
I have not been to the Monterey Aquarium. I want to try to get to the Newport one next, since it’s so close. Kellen and Cameron love it. Yes, Pedro and I did have a great weekend.
Haven’t been to the Newport Aquarium, Crystal. I just looked at their website. Looked impressive.