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[quote=Anonymous]I'm a Seattle native, so I obviously have some biases, but here's my opinion nonetheless.  I would only try to do both cities if you are super urban people who would only want to see the cities themselves.  (And even then, I would probably choose Seattle and Vancouver or Victoria.)  Otherwise, I recommend that you choose one city and visit it plus the surrounding area (mountains and water).  If you choose Portland, you could spend a couple days in the city, a couple days in Bend, and a couple days at the coast, for instance.  (The NYTimes just did "36 Hours in Hood River, Ore," and it had some great suggestions.)

If you choose Seattle, here are my recommendations.  When you're in the city, obviously go to the market (Pike Place, where they throw the fish).  The Experience Music Project (EMP) museum is great for all ages--very hands on, interactive.  I haven't been to the Pacific Science Center in about 5 years, but it has traditionally been good for kids.  Make sure to get in a boat at least once, preferably a few times.  A ferry is cheap and a great way to get out on the Sound.  You can also rent kayaks in Lake Washington.  There's a water taxi from Alki to downtown and back.  And there are lots of tourist boats from one of the piers downtown.  While you're there, check out the aquarium.  If you are sports people, Safeco Field is a great place to see a baseball game.  The Uwajimaya grocery store right near there is a fun cultural experience.  Outside of Seattle, I'd recommend a couple of days either in the San Juan Islands or at Sol Duc hot springs in the Olympic National Forest.  If you book now, you should still be able to get a couple nights in a cabin either place.  Alternately, you could head for the mountains--maybe Leavenworth, which is a VERY cheesy tourist town, but there's plenty to do there and good options for accommodations.  Or you could just do some day hikes out of Seattle.  Or drive down to Rainier and spend a couple days there.

I know you said you're going in July, but if you have any flexibility about when, I recommend as late in July as possible.  Summers in the PNW get off to a very slow start--August and September are typically the best months (you know, if you like 75 and sunny every day).

So, those are just a few recommendations.  If you post more about what you all typically like to do, I'm happy to come up with more suggestions![/quote]

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