Seattle is serviced by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), located 16 miles south of UW. Daily, non-stop flights connect Seattle with all major urban centers in the U.S. as well as many international locations, making Seattle an accessible and affordable destination.
Light rail trains run every 8 to 15 minutes directly from Sea-Tac, with multiple stops in downtown Seattle and a stop in the University District that is conveniently located next to several hotels noted above and just 3 blocks from the conference venue buildings on campus. Ticket machines are located at every station, with fares costing less than $4. Shuttle transportation, taxis, buses, and ride shares are also readily available.
The University of Washington is located five miles north of downtown Seattle, with easy access via light rail, bus, and ride share. The University District is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, with e–bikes and e-scooters easy to find and rent.
Seattle offers a wide range of amenities from diverse and sophisticated dining and entertainment to stunning natural beauty. While a common perception of Seattle is that it’s constantly raining, the city’s total annual rainfall is less than many other U.S. cities. Visitors to the Emerald City appreciate how regular mists and the accompanying mild climate make Seattle one of the greenest cities in the country, with lush parks and vistas on all sides. June is the peak of spring blooms and the beginning of the relatively dry summer season. In addition to the natural environment, tourists come for music, culture, coffee, wine-tasting, outdoor lifestyle, and numerous attractions including:
- Argosy Cruises departs daily from downtown Seattle. The one-hour narrated cruise of Elliott Bay showcases mountain scenery, the unique city skyline, and a busy shipyard.
- The Center for Wooden Boats is Seattle’s hands-on maritime heritage museum. Visitors can spend an afternoon sailing or rowing on Lake Union in one of the dozens of small watercraft in CWB’s collection.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass is a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to showcasing the work of famed artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit is located near the Space Needle at Seattle Center, the 74-acre site of the 1962 World’s Fair.
- The Fremont neighborhood, renowned as Seattle’s most artistically eccentric community, wavers whimsically somewhere in time between the 50s and the 23rd century. It is also home to the Fremont Troll, an 18-foot sculpture featured in many movies.
- Pike Place Market, affectionately called “The Soul of Seattle,” overlooks Seattle’s Elliott Bay. Opened in 1907, it is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States.
- Seattle Underground Tour is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square. Guides regale visitors with tales of Seattle’s sordid history, answering questions like why the late 19th century census showed Seattle was riddled with an exponentially increasing number of seamstresses.
- The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Pier 57 on Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington. With an overall height of 175 feet, it is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast.
- T-Mobile Park, home to the Seattle Mariners, is a terrific setting for baseball. Sweeping views of Seattle’s downtown skyline and beautiful sunsets over Puget Sound, combined with excellent views of game action from all angles, give fans an experience unequalled in Major League Baseball.
- In addition to coffee, the region is well known for its breweries and wineries. Washington state produces 75% of all hops grown in the U.S. and is the second largest producer of wine, with more than 750 wineries. Seattle is home to over 60 breweries, while neighboring Woodinville hosts 130 wineries spanning four winemaking districts.
June is a beautiful time to visit the Northwest, especially if you love the outdoors. Your hiking, camping, and other outdoor options are nearly limitless. In less than an hour you can reach the dramatic Snoqualmie Falls, in two hours Mt. Rainier National Park, and three hours Olympic and North Cascades National Parks.
Visitors to Seattle can also explore the myriad islands surrounding Seattle, including Vashon, Bainbridge, Whidbey, and the San Juan Islands, accessible via our state and county ferries as well as by float plane. Whether you go for the day, or walk on for the ride, there is always something to see. June is also a great time for whale watching, including resident Orcas frequenting waters near Seattle in search of migrating salmon.