Flightseeing Tours

To see the city from about 1,500 feet, try one of Seattle Seaplanes’ (206/329-9638 or 800/637-5553, www.seattleseaplanes.com [1], $58 pp, two-person minimum) 20-minute scenic floatplane rides over Seattle [2]. Longer flights are available to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, or the San Juan Islands [3]. Flights take off and land at Lake Union [4].

In business since 1946, Kenmore Air (206/486-1257 or 800/543-9595, www.kenmoreair.com [5]) flies year-round scheduled floatplane flights from Lake Union or the north shore of Lake Washington. Destinations include the San Juan Islands ($159–183 round-trip), Gulf Islands ($220), Victoria ($162–192), and onward to several Vancouver Island destinations. A 24-pound baggage weight limit is in effect for these flights, with excess baggage charged at $1 per pound. In addition, Kenmore offers more standard flightseeing trips over Seattle at $198 for up to three people on a quick 20-minute flight.

The most distinctive way to see Seattle [2] is aboard a classic biplane from Olde Thyme Aviation (206/730-1412, www.oldethymeaviation.com [6]). Flights start at $135 for two people on a 20-minute trip. They operate from the Museum of Flight [7] at Boeing Field throughout the spring and summer, and passengers suit up in old-fashioned barnstorming regalia.