The Best Views in Seattle

October 23, 2019 by amyb

Seattle, Washington has that certain something that travelers fall in love with upon arrival. Beyond its beautiful combination of surrounding mountains, water, and forest, Seattle is home to a downtown skyline that’s as unique as it is thrilling. Museums, galleries, restaurants and one-of-a-kind neighborhoods make up the greater Seattle area and provide guests with a seemingly endless variety of options for entertainment. While Seattle is always a sensational vacation destination, knowing how to make the most of its many spectacular views is a sure path to making a trip this direction unforgettable. The following are three of the top places to maximize the views and your overall Emerald City experience.

The Seattle Great Wheel

The majority of first-time visitors to Seattle might assume that the best view of the city comes from the top of the infamous Space Needle. While this is an inspiring vantage point, nothing compares to a trip up the Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 where the skyline is framed from great heights and the Space Needle is included in the view! At 175 feet, guests enjoying the Seattle Great Wheel will take a bird’s eye view on the city as they indulge in an ever-changing panoramic advantage point.

Kerry Park

When it’s time to get into nature and enjoy an amazing view too, head over to Kerry Park which sits in the neighborhood of Queen Anne. Located at 211 W. Highland Drive, Kerry Park is a favorite amongst photographers for good reason. The Seattle skyline leaps into focus from this destination as well as sweeping views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier when the rain decides to stay away. This popular spot is best enjoyed in the early morning hours or in the evening with the added benefit of a great sunset over a twinkling cityscape if you time your visit just right.

MBar

What could be better than a captivating Seattle view accompanied by a first-class meal? Get the best of both when you make a reservation at Mbar. This restaurant is loved for its diverse Middle Eastern cuisine and perhaps even more for its floor to ceiling windows that provide an unsurpassed view from its rooftop location. Mbar can be found at 400 Fairview Avenue North on the 14^th floor.

Book a Seattle Getaway Today

With so many amazing views waiting, there’s never been a better time to book a trip to Seattle. Let the professionals at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you settle into a gorgeous downtown property that keeps you close to the heart of the city while providing the privacy and luxury you deserve. Contact us today for details on how to book your next Seattle home away from home.

Alki Point Lighthouse

August 6, 2019 by amyb

Seattle is well-loved for its many fascinating features. From underground city tours to elegant restaurants and the museums, galleries andparks in between, there’s truly something for every traveler that heads to the Pacific Northwest in the name of exploration and adventure. But perhaps the most defining feature Seattle boasts is its pristine shoreline. Seattle has long been an epicenter of maritime culture and to this day acts a major port city with all the extras that define a city built around the land and sea. When you’re here and looking for a close up look at Seattle’s coastal role, be sure to schedule a visit to the Alki Point Lighthouse.

Navigational Icons

While many trips to lighthouses across the U.S. are a mere look into a past that serves to remind, the Alki Point Lighthouse is a fully-functioning navigational beacon that’s open to the public for tours. Even more impressive is the fact that this lighthouse is one of eight that dot the Puget Sound and work to assist vessels in their safe arrival and departure. The lighthouse is situated on a U.S. Coast Guard Site but doesn’t require an employee to function properly as the structure is fully automated. The Alki Point Lighthouse sits near Alki Beach and is easily identifiable by its stark white façade and vibrant red roof. The lighthouse has been open since 1913, though several times improvements have been made to keep it up to date. In 1962 the old Fresnel lens was replaced by a modern optic device, and in 1984 it was fully automated.

When to Visit the Alki Point Lighthouse

Tours of the Alki Point Lighthouse are available to visitors exclusively during the summer months. Parking is readily available at the lighthouse and those that visit should be prepared to climb and encounter several uneven surfaces. The lighthouse is made up of two landings with one sitting under the ships ladder and the other near the top of the structure. Children under 6-years-old can climb to the first landing with an accompanying adult. The top of the lighthouse is accessible by a spiral metal ladder which leads to incredible, panoramic water views. A visit to the Alki Point Lighthouse is an eye-opening experience in what it takes to protect the coastline and vessels that travel nearby. It is an amazing feat of innovative technology based on a very traditional maritime past.

Seattle Lights the Way

When you’re in Seattle to experience the best the city has to offer, be sure to book a vacation rental downtown with Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals. Our vast portfolio of upscale properties keeps you right in the heart of the city while providing the luxurious comforts of home. Contact us today to start planning your trip! Check out the best Seattle attractions!

Where to Get Your Fit on in Seattle

April 3, 2019 by amyb

Where to Get Your Fit on in Seattle

Written By: Candi Cane Canncel
Photo Credit: Academy Athletics

If you’re on a fitness kick and are traveling, there’s no need to let your vacation derail your healthy goals. Here’s a list of where to get your fit groove going while visiting Seattle. Though a lot of vacation rental buildings and hotels do have gyms, it adds to the holiday adventure to try a new workout while away from home.

Belltown

If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout that’s truly fun in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, then Academy Athletics is a great bet. They offer a free intro class to all; whether locals or those visiting. Their the one-week trial at $29.99 is an inexpensive option to stay fit while on vacation. For longer stays, their 3-week trial and 6-week challenge program are great ways to see fast results and to ward off gaining any extra holiday pounds. In addition to energetic HITT workouts, they offer nutritional guidance and meal plan ideas. 2700 Elliott Avenue, Suite 102.

One of the chicest boxes around, CrossFit Belltown is a must-stop for any CF enthusiast who’s visiting Seattle. The brick building, modern chandeliers and warm décor is stylish, while the coaches and members are welcoming to new comers. Guests can drop in at $25.00 per class or purchase a punch card at $80. As with most CF studios, prior CrossFit experience is recommended. 3025 1^st Avenue.

Belltown Dance Studio offers drop-in classes like Zumba and Bolly X. Classes are $17.00 each or you can purchase a punch card if you have a longer stay in the area and want to dance off the Seattle cuisine you’ll hopefully be sampling during your vacation. 2217 3^rd Avenue, Suite 102.

Halfway Between Belltown and Pike Place is Urban Yoga Spa. They offer the Traveler’s Pass for the visiting yogi or any guest that would like to Zen out on yoga while on vacation. For $49.00 you get a week of unlimited yoga, use of their mats and towels so no need to take up valuable suitcase space. If you’re traveling with a group, they can create a customize package to accommodate your needs. There’s also a spa and a coffee shop on site for a post-workout massage or latte. 1900 4^th Avenue.

Pike Place Market

Riot Athletics, is a short walk from Pike Place Market and offers a variety of high-intensity workouts like CrossFit, Circuit and Cycling. Single Classes start at $24.00. They also have punch cards if you plan to visit multiple times during your stay. For your convenience, sweat and shower towels are offered complimentary as are shoes for the Cycle classes. 1223 Western Avenue.

Capitol Hill and Convention Center

8 Limbs Yoga: offers drop-in classes in Hatha and Vinyasa as well as a variety of special classes including a gentle yoga class and a devotion-oriented flow class. Drop In rates are $22.00 a class. 500 East Pike Street.

Pure Barre offers classes that tone and tighten like ballet without the years of dance training needed. Single classes are $25.00. 1222 East Pine Street, Suite B.

If true dancing is more your jam, Century Ballroom offers a plethora of styles to suit every taste and level. From Salsa and Bachata to Swing and Tango, most weekend evening classes feature a social dance after the class. Visit their Events page which details their extensive offerings and pricing. 915 East Pine Street on the second floor.

Seattle’s Summer Free Fitness Classes

If you’re lucky enough to visit Seattle in the summertime, there are two venues close to Belltown that offer free group classes that are open to the public. The Seattle Center and the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park both offer Zumba and Yoga in picturesque outdoor settings. Check out their websites for dates and times. As these are community events, be prepared to bring your own mats and towels. And be sure to arrive early to secure your spot, as these are super popular and tend to fill up fast.

Working Out in Seattle

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the middle of all the hot gyms, our luxurious vacation rentals are close to all the places described above! And to keep your fitness goals on track, all of our units are fully stocked and ready to make a healthy meal. From pots and pans, to spices, to serving dishes, we’ve got you covered! Let the team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you book a cozy property with a peaceful view and comfy furniture to help you unwind after that workout. Contact us to start planning your next trip!

Winter Journey to Seattle

March 12, 2019 by amyb

Seattle’s exciting downtown, thrilling landscape and vibrant culture makes it a wonderful summer stop, but it’s a city that shouldn’t be counted out in the winter months! The Emerald City plays host to a vast array of beautiful museums, monuments and dining establishments that are best experienced when the colder weather rolls in. When you’re planning to travel to Seattle in the winter, here are a few places you’ll want to be sure to add to the itinerary.

Day 1: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

While you might not want to be out panning for gold in the winter months, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the story. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park provides guests with an engaging overview of the role Seattle played in the infamous rush to be rich. Those passionate with the pursuit of wealth used Seattle as the primary gateway to reaching potential gold deposits farther north. This museum provides several exhibits that look at the interesting and intricate details of how the gold rush changed the face of Seattle over time.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
319 2nd Ave S.
(206) 220-4240

Day 2: Frye Art Museum

While the winter weather may fluctuate, the Frye Art Museum’s dedication to displaying contemporary works by local and global artists is unwavering. A stop in at this museum is an immersive experience in creative expression. Come for a visit and enjoy browsing a variety of exhibits that explore the ever-changing pulse of the Seattle city-scene as noticed by many different artistic minds. Guests can browse paintings, sculpture and mix-medium exhibits during their time at the museum. In addition, guests should keep an eye on the events calendar as the Frye Art Museum regularly hosts musical performances, artistic lectures and meditation in their on-site auditorium.

Frye Art Museum
704 Terry Ave
(206) 622-9250

Day 3: Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

Learn about Seattle’s unique history on this 75-minute tour of our Underground City. From the ‘Seamstresses’ that started what would become the Seattle Public Schools, to what really started the great fire of 1889, and how Bill and his wife, Shirley, saved Pioneer Square, you will be guided by locals through the twists and turns of the old city. Tours run daily on the hour starting at 9am. The tour starts in Doc Maynard’s Public House, where you can get a snack or beverage before you go or come back and have lunch or dinner. They even have a special Lunch and Tour combo, and offer local, seasonal entrees for the entire family. The tour ends in the Rogues Gallery and Underground Giftshop – a great place for unique, Seattle gifts. Tour tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the box office.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
614 1^stAve, in Pioneer Square Park
206-682-4646 ext 118

Stay Cozy in the Emerald City

Avoid traveling through the weather and instead, choose to stay in the heart of downtown when you come to Seattle in the winter. The team at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals will help you book a luxurious property with a skyline view and stylish amenities customized to your travel taste. Make it a cozy winter stay that keeps you close to all the fun when you’re ready to get out and explore. Contact us to start planning your next trip!

Good Bye Viaduct!

January 1, 2019 by amyb

This January, Seattle is Undergoing an Epic Renovation!

Perhaps surprisingly, January is a great time to make a trip to the Emerald City. Seattle has great eats and world-class museums. Crowds are small, and lines are short! Weather, while rainy, is rarely freezing so getting around is easy. Downtown Seattle has the flagship Nordstrom as well as many other great little stores as well as an upscale shopping mall. Even in January, the Pike Place Market is still vibrant and active, with lots of vendors active year-round.

With that said, on January 11 traffic and commuting in downtown Seattle is going to get a lot more challenging, at least temporarily. Why? Because the Alaskan Way Viaduct, that large freeway between the tall buildings of downtown and the Seattle waterfront will close forever!!!!

It’s being replaced by a brand-new tunnel that will run under downtown, but there is a three-week gap between when the old viaduct closes and the new tunnel can open. This isn’t a scheduling glitch; there are last minute construction tasks that can’t be completed until the viaduct is closed.

Locals are apprehensive about the upcoming traffic apocalypse, and as a visitor there are a couple things you should be aware of if you are visiting us in the month of January:

Currently, about 90,000 car trips a day go over the Viaduct. Many of those cars will migrate to I-5. That means that the already dreadful I-5 headache will start earlier, end later, and be even slower. Be aware of this if you are driving into Seattle or renting a car at the airport and try to plan your arrival before or after rush hour.

Public transportation will not save you here. Busing or riding light rail WILL help by keeping yet another car off the roadway, but still be aware that buses and trains will be extra full, and in the case of buses, you will be stuck on the same roads as everyone else, so allow extra time.

Metro (Seattle’s bus system) is adding buses during the closure, and a second water taxi (so exploring Alki will be easier than ever, as a surprising benefit).

The great thing about staying with Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals is that once you are here you won’t have to deal with any of these traffic issues! Staying in one of our Belltown locations will guarantee you close access to all of the famous Seattle sights. Leave your car in our free parking spot and walk or bike to shopping, restaurants, the Seattle Center, Pike Place Market and more.

2018 Zoo Tunes Summer Concerts! Don’t Miss Them!

June 21, 2018 by darik

The 2018 Zoo Tunes Summer Concert
Series Lineup Rocks

Zoo Tunes is a Seattle summer tradition that has been celebrating the season for more than 30 years. The Woodland Park Zoo brings music festivities and is presented by BECU. This year’s lineup offers plenty of familiar faces to the outdoor concert scene, including Indigo Girls and Adam Ant!

By purchasing tickets to this event, you are not only seeing amazing artists perform, but also helping support the zoo and their endeavors to help provide for the animals.

2018 Summer Concert Line-Up:
June 13 – Ziggy Marley

June 17 – Violent Femmes with special guest Ava Mendoza

June 24 – Indigo Girls (sold out)

June 27 – Trampled by Turtles with special guest Deer Tick

July 22 – The Roots

July 29 – The Psychedelic Furs with special guest X

August 2 – Adam Ant | The Fixx

August 5 – Amos Lee with special guest Bailen

August 12 – Phillip Phillips & Gavin DeGraw

August 19 – Andrew Bird | Punch Brothers

August 22, 23 – Pink Martini

September 9 – Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue’s Voodoo Threauxdown with Galactic, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, New Breed Brass Band

Tickets are available at zootunes.ticketfly.com

While waiting for the show to start, the Woodland Park Zoo offers plenty to do and see throughout the day.

About Woodland Park Zoo
The zoo sits on 92 acres of land and is just 10 minutes north of downtown Seattle in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. From mammals to birds to reptiles, Woodland Park Zoo exhibits 1,000 animals that represent almost 300 different animal species. A couple of highlights are Jaguar Cove, the gorilla enclosure with new baby Yola, and the snow leapord cub! While waiting for the shows to start later that night, be sure to check out the animals that are more than happy to play and enjoy their environment day and night.

With a Seattle CityPASS you can save up to 49% and skip lines at Seattle’s 5 top attractions, including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour, Pacific Science Center or Chihuly Garden & Glass, and EMP Museum or Woodland Park Zoo. You can buy it online or at the zoo gates.

Neighborhoods You Can’t Miss in Seattle

May 12, 2018 by darik

Seattle is full of interesting sights, sounds, and tastes, and each neighborhood features its own unique flavor. Downtown and the Pike Place Market are not to be missed, but Seattle is more than that! Sit back while we give you a run down on how to navigate the neighborhoods of the Emerald City.

Belltown

Chances are, if you are staying with us, this is the area you are calling home. This neighborhood continues to grow, with hip restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Highlights are the great music venues, including Jazz Alley, Tula’s, and the world famous Crocodile (it was a big part of the grunge rock scene). Also, check out the coffee scene! Cherry Street Coffee, Moore Coffee, Bedlam and Street Bean are local alternative to the giant Starbucks! Don’t miss Olympic Sculpture Park while in this area.

Ballard

This charming section is historically Scandinavian, and ideal for a pleasant stroll, shopping, and enjoying a little local nightlife. Check out the brand new Nordic Museum and Ballard’s Brew district, with scores of small and local breweries. Golden Gardens and the adjacent marina make for an excellent summertime walk. Start or end the stroll at the Ray’s Boathouse deck with some adult beverages or excellent seafood. The farmer’s market on Sunday is not to be missed.

West Seattle

West Seattle is where Seattle began, and is today is almost like a city within a city. I recommend starting your West Seattle explorations with a ride on Seattle’s Water Taxi from Pier 52. A 10 minute boat ride will get you to Alki. Right at the West Seattle dock is a fantastic restaurant (Marination Ma Kai) as well as bike, kayak, skate and paddleboard rentals. A stroll, or ride, along Alki’s concrete boardwalk is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, with views back towards Seattle’s skyline and plenty of places to grab a bite or just pull over and enjoy the day.

Seattle Center

moPOP Seattle You may know Seattle Center as home of the world-famous Space Needle, but it was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair. The grounds are home to festivals of all kind, and boast a variety of great
attractions you won’t want to miss.

The International Fountain is a summertime favorite (picture a giant backyard sprinkler), while the Pacific Science Center, MoPOP, Garden and Glass, and the Children’s Museum are definitely some of the best Seattle has to offer.

International District

If you’re looking for some of the most delectable food around, you have to hit up the I.D. Looking for the best dumplings you’ve ever tasted or some killer duck? This is the place. You’ll know you’re there when you see the colorful fiberglass dragons on the lampposts or the bi-lingual Chinese/English street signs. Pan-Asian cuisine abounds, and you won’t walk away hungry. Check out the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience to learn about the rich cultural heritage, and don’t miss Uwajimaya!

5 Nightlife Hot Spots Not to Miss in Belltown!

May 9, 2018 by darik

While the Capitol Hill neighborhood has become arguably the most popular Seattle destination, Belltown still offers plenty of options with no need for driving or an Uber. Dive bars, live music venues, craft cocktails, speakeasies, and and EDM night club are all within walking distance.

The Upstairs is a stone’s throw from our Belltown Court property on 2nd Avenue between Bell and Blanchard. From the horse’s mouth, “Perched quaintly atop a flight of stairs in a century-old building, The Upstairs is a bar with a laid back, speak-easy type atmosphere (hidden) in the middle of Belltown. With an eclectic mix of seating, The Upstairs is a bar that is meant for chill imbibing.” Couple the laidback vibes with an awesome happy hour and you’ve got the perfect location for kickstarting your night on the town, or enjoying a more relaxed night out. Fair warning, there are Spanish tapas provided from Bar Abajo, but a very minimal food menu more suited for snacking. Personal favorites are the Bee’s Knees or the Diablo’s Revenge if you want try try something spicier.

The Crocodile has been a staple on the Seattle music scene for over 25 years. Since 1991 The Crocodile has hosted an eclectic range of artists including Nirvana, The Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, R.E.M, Tom Morello, Yoko Ono, The Melvins, Talib Kweli, The Head and The Heart, Toro Y Moi, and the list goes on and on. Seattle has a wealth of venues to see live music, but The Crocodile is a great place to see national and international touring musicans in an intimate setting. Get in not too long before doors open, head upstairs, and you can snag the perfect spot between the bar and the railing thats directly above the stage. The Crocodile also has the Back Bar area serving food and drinks 7 days a week.

Showbox at the Market is another spot in Belltown that is perfect for catching a show while in Seattle without catching a cab. The original “Show Box” opened all the way back in 1939, and has been going strong for almost a decade. Duke Ellington, Pearl Jam, The Ramones, Prince, The Roots, Frank Ocean, Muddy Waters, and The Foo Fighters are just a few names who have graced the stage of The Showbox. As long as everyone in your group is at least 21 years old, you can skip the long line before a show. Kern’s Music Shop directly next to The Showbox opens 2 hours before doors open, and gains you priority access into the venue. If you don’t want to deal with the crowd the bar area has tables and chairs that are slightly elevated offering a perfect view of all the action.

Shorty’s is your destination if you are looking for no frills food, strong drinks, arcade games, a juke box, and the quintessential dive bar setting. When I say no frills I’m talking hot dogs and nachos, and drinks that are a bit more clear rather colorful. Located smack dab in the middle of a stretch of new and old Belltown bars on 2nd Ave, Shorty’s is always sure to provide some interesting memories to your Belltown and Seattle adventures.

Bathtub Gin and Co is basically the complete opposite of Shorty’s. If you are looking for something a bit classier than a dive bar, and drinks that take a little longer to be made, Bathtub Gin may be more suitable for you. Bathtub Gin and Co is a speakeasy style bar so you will have to do some searching, but it isn’t to hard to find. Located in the alley between 1st and 2nd Ave, between Blanchard and Bell is a door with a small plaque. Seating is very limited so its better for small groups, and the door man will turn you away if there isn’t space, so getting there early is best. Bathtub Gin has amazing craft cocktails, but remember they will take a little longer than your average drink. You can let the bartender know what types of flavors and booze you like, and they are pretty damn good at turning those flavor profiles into a drink.

Post banner photo credit The Crocodile.