Despite the city's relatively brief history, diversity and tradition fill the streets of Seattle. This medium-sized urban hub is booming economically, growing and evolving at a rapid rate, with help from multinational corporations like Microsoft and Starbucks. For many who live here, however, the blue skies, abundant water and picturesque mountain ranges are what make this beautiful city so appealing.

Alki Beach

About as close as Seattle gets to California, this sandy beach in west Seattle draws swarms of walkers, joggers, bikers, skaters, scuba divers and volleyball players. Cafes and restaurants such as Salty's on Alki line the main street, ready to nourish those who've played at the beach all day. Alki Beach, directly across Elliott Bay from downtown, is the spot where the first European settlers camped in the winter of 1851 before they moved to the more sheltered area that is now downtown.

Ballard

Affectionately known for slow drivers and the lilting accents of its many residents of Scandinavian descent, this area was first settled by immigrant Nordic fishermen and mill workers. Visit the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to watch boats travel from salt water to freshwater, then take a trip to Golden Gardens Park to watch the sunset. Popular restaurants in the area include Ray's Boathouse and Bad Albert's Tap & Grill. Stop by Fisherman's Terminal for a look at the boats that keep the fishing industry thriving. Capitol Hill

Yes, this Washington has one too and its mix of eclectic shops, art-house theaters, wonderful restaurants and interesting people make it one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Seattle. Some of the city's most historic houses are located here, as is the renowned Seattle Asian Art Museum and Volunteer Park. Seattle University and Cornish College of the Arts also grace this hill. A popular Capitol Hill restaurant is 611 Supreme. To catch a movie, check out Harvard Exit Theatre.

Fremont

Hip and eclectic, Fremont is always a fun place to go. The sign that says "Welcome to the Center of the Universe" is the first clue that you've arrived. Oddities like the Freemont Troll, a smoking rocket and a bronzed Vladimir Lenin statue will leave you laughing while the Saturday gallery walks and the Fremont Sunday Flea Market will have you browsing. Say hello to the group waiting for a bus, but don't expect an answer—they're life-sized statues, often dressed in celebration of someone's birthday or another grand event. The Fremont Oktoberfest is also held here each year.

Madison Park

Quaint shops, restaurants and cafes fill this upper-crust neighborhood on the shores of Lake Washington. Everyone seems to know each other at restaurants like Madison Park Café, and everyone appears to be going someplace important. Walk down the street to the Madison Park & Beach, take in the beautiful view of the Eastside, and dream about owning a waterfront villa. The Museum of History and Industry can also be found in Madison Park.

International District

Pungent aromas and delectable dishes emit from restaurants like Bush Garden and Sea Garden in this primarily Asian neighborhood. Specialty shops filled with unusual treasures line the streets. The district is home to the inner-city oasis Hing Hay Park, complete with a pagoda and the Wing Luke Asian Museum.

Kirkland

Across Lake Washington from Seattle lies the "Monterey of the Northwest," so called for its posh art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and waterfront. The Kirkland Performance Center and the Kirkland Parkplace Cinema 6 can both be found here. The waterfront Yarrow Bay Grill is a popular stop for fashionable lunches and dinners. While close to the city, Kirkland manages to maintain its small-town atmosphere, which adds to its appeal.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is the heart of Seattle and the number one tourist site in the area, attracting frenzied crowds of visitors and locals. The oldest continually operating farmer's market in the country, Pike Place features fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, and arts and crafts as far as the eye can see. Abundant restaurants include Maximilien in the Market. Shops offer goods from around the world. Bring some change as there are always street musicians singing for their supper.

Pioneer Square

This is Seattle's oldest neighborhood and the place where the term "Skid Row" originated. Lumberjacks skidded logs down "Skid Road," now Yesler Street, to a mill at the bottom of the hill. Saloons and brothels lined the street, and the term soon took on its derogatory connotation locally and nationwide. The Underground Tour explores the now subterranean storefronts of the original neighborhood. Today the neighborhood is filled with art galleries, small shops, bookstores, including Elliott Bay Book Co., and restaurants like the elegant Il Terrazzo Carmine. At night the square comes to life. Popular nightspots include Central Saloon, one of Seattle's oldest bars. Many clubs feature live music, and a group of bars and clubs in the area offers admittance to each for a single cover charge.

Queen Anne Hill

A combination of a quiet hilltop neighborhood and a young trendy hot spot, Queen Anne has popular restaurants like Peso's Taco Lounge as well as coffee shops and nightspots like the trendy Tini Bigs. The view of the city from the west slope is incredible, especially from Kerry Park, which offers Seattle's most photographed view.

Redmond

Thriving due to corporate residents like Microsoft and Nintendo, Redmond has an unlikely yet appealing combination of countryside and technology. The software industry brings money here and with it good shopping at Redmond Town Center. Cyclists appreciate the velodrome at Marymoor Park and the Lake Sammamish State Park Trail (for those of us too slow for the velodrome).

Seattle Center

Part amusement park, part festival grounds, the center hosts The Bite of Seattle, Bumbershoot and many other popular festivals. Permanent fixtures of this 74-acre park include the Seattle Opera, Intiman Theater, Paul Allen's Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame, the Pacific Science Center and the Space Needle.

University District

This area is home to the University of Washington, known to locals as "U-Dub." The park-like 700-acre campus is perfect for a midday stroll. Boats filled with die-hard Husky fans fight for space around the waterfront stadium on game days. Low-priced restaurants and pubs like Flowers line the "Ave" (University Avenue), and stylish young people fill the streets. The University Bookstore anchors a thriving shopping scene.

Waterfront

Elliott Bay, part of Puget Sound, laps against Seattle's Waterfront. On summer days, visitors pack the area to enjoy the fresh air, quaint shops and many seafood restaurants, which include Elliott's Oyster House, Anthony's Pier 66, Fisherman's Restaurant and Ivar's. Catch a ferry to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island, or take a water tour to Blake Island's Tillicum Village for a salmon dinner and Native American dance show.