The City of Seattle is located in the State of Washington on Puget Sound, 113 miles (182 km) from the U.S.-Canadian border. Seattle is a commercial, cultural and advanced technology hub of the U.S. Pacific Northwest and a major port city for trans-Pacific and European trade. Surrounded by mountains and water, the greater Seattle area features picture-perfect views and abundant recreational opportunities year-round. Anyone who has ever been to Seattle, or the "Emerald City" as it's often called, can tell you that there is very much more to it than rain and coffee. It's true that Seattle days are often gray or misty, but you'll find that the rain doesn't really stand in the way of any activity.

Outdoor activities include boating, fishing, golf, water sports, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and skiing. Seattle is situated on the shores of two large lakes and Puget Sound, with remote wilderness less than an hour away, and is flanked by two major mountain ranges (Olympics and Cascades), with Mount Rainier in full view.

Seattle was named after the Native American chief Noah Sealth who, in 1851, befriended white settler David Denny as he set up camp on Alki Beach. When gold was discovered in northwestern Canada, Seattle was the closest American port for fortune seekers, and the city grew dramatically. These days, Microsoft and Boeing control the Seattle area, and Starbucks calls this city home.

You can find plenty of culture, activities, shopping, and many wonderful restaurants in this beautiful city.