Visiting Seattle for MLB or a cruise? information you need!

Summer brings MLB and cruises to popular Seattle. Here’s a quick guide to what to do, where to eat and how to consume, and a word of caution!

Seattle has long been a tourist destination. Home to the historic Pike Place Market, the soaring Space Needle and the mystical Chihuly Garden and Glass, a vibrant music scene, tourists from all over the world travel to Seattle for the 30th anniversary of Sleepless. In June, Seattle set another record as the busiest sell-out city in the United States. The cruise industry is having a record year and the Major League Baseball All Stars kicks off July 11 at T-Mobile Park.

While the city is inundated with visitors, it doesn’t feel overcrowded and has something for everyone to explore. Marijuana is perfectly legal, so there’s nothing to worry about. But be warned: Seattle is the only city in Washington that has chosen not to prosecute drug offenses for now. Here are some direct and general tips for visiting the city.

The Amazon Spheres in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle

Recreational marijuana is perfectly legal in Seattle. The greater downtown area is home to a variety of retail outlets, including Have A Heart (Belltown) and Uncle Ikes (Capital Hill). While people are smoking on the street, don’t plan on smoking a pre-roll cigarette in restaurants, retail stores, bars, or nightclubs. Look for something more discreet. There are security checks in the stadiums and cannabis and alcohol are not allowed. It is also not permitted to take marijuana in luggage on cruise ships. When it comes to cruising, aroma is the telltale sign.

The light rail takes you from the stadium district to the shopping district, where the largest hotels are located. You’ll also get to the International District (excellent dining), Captial Hill (hip music and bar district), and historic Pioneer Square.

The city has a great food scene with a variety of experiences and cuisines. Consider tantalizing your taste buds at The Pink Door, Japonessa, Communion, Aqua and more. Unassuming eateries include Bar Cotto, Fogon, Assagios and Gems in Pike Place Market. In the international district, Jade Garden is known for excellent dim sum, Tai Tung is the oldest restaurant and Harbor City is open until 11pm. High-end drinks include the Fairmont and the Four Seasons, and at the other end there’s The 5 Point, as well as a slew of bars in Belltown and Capital Hill. There is a large selection of pubs near the stadium.

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As of July 1, the city does not have a system for dealing with open-air drug users, so some downtown streets have special local scenery. Fentanyl is used freely on the streets and 3rd Avenue should be avoided except as an intersection. Don’t be surprised if you happen to see people screaming, waking up naked, or stealing. The police are blocked in their approach, so try to stay in groups. A majority of Seattle City Council believes no prosecution is needed, and the mayor’s office is slow to change the approach.

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Seattle in summer is beautiful and it will be warm so enjoy your visit to the Emerald City.