When people think of the best tourist attractions in the United States, the answers that will normally pop into their minds are large, cosmopolitan megacities. While these two cities definitely do have their own unique sites that are worth a visit, many other cities in the United States also have some incredible things to offer their visitors. One of these is Seattle, Washington.

Although primarily known for its dreary, rainy weather, Seattle actually has many unique attractions in store for locals and tourists alike. Beyond the picturesque landscapes and well-known landmarks such as the Space Needle, the city is home to a youthful and alternative culture that makes it not only one of the best places to visit in the country, but to live in as well. There is also an abundance of cheap hotels in the city, perfect for those preferring to travel on a budget.

Here are some of the things that make Seattle a worthwhile destination for anyone:

Fine arts

Seattle is home to a thriving arts scene. The city boasts five art museums, including the famous Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which is home to some of the best art exhibits and collections in the country. Additionally, there are over 200 art galleries throughout Seattle and numerous more public art projects all around the city. This makes Seattle a haven for art enthusiasts and those wanting to get in touch with their creative side.

Music

Few cities can claim to have contributed as much to modern music as Seattle. This is where iconic musicians such as Heart, Nirvana, and Jimi Hendrix got their starts. In fact, the city is one of the few that is credited with the birth of a specific music genre; in this case, grunge. Even today, Seattle remains one of the go-to destinations for aspiring musicians and those interested in live music; the city hosts a number of well-known music festivals each year.

Film and television

Seattle provides the setting for some of the most iconic films and television series of the modern age. Most recognizable among these is the film Sleepless in Seattle, along with the long-running television series Grey’s Anatomy.

Additionally, it is a popular filming location, with many popular films having been shot in the city. These include 10 Things I Hate About You, as well as the television series Frasier. As a result, many film and television enthusiasts visit the city just to see the inspirations behind their favorite bits of pop culture.

Food and drinks

Given its location on the map, Seattle is well-known for its delicious seafood, with the city’s offerings of salmon, tuna, and oysters being some of the best you will get in the country. Additionally, the state of Washington produces the majority of the United States’ apples, and for good reason.

Seattle is also the place to go for a good beverage. It is famous worldwide for its coffee scene, being the home of Seattle’s Best and Starbucks. Washington State also boasts the second-highest number of wineries and the fourth-largest number of cideries in the country.

Sustainability

True to the state nickname of Washington, Seattle is one city that is active in efforts to remain evergreen. Seattle has the distinction of having the first electric utility system in the country to become carbon neutral, and recycling and carpooling are common practices. Hence, it is the perfect place to visit to learn about how we may move towards a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of urban life.