Seattle is earning its name as the Emerald City, with a growing integration of natural and urban landscapes.

Grunge, Starbucks and Pike Place Market are all things that jump to mind when thinking of Seattle. But it’s time to take another look at Washington’s Emerald City.

Surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests (not to mention thousands of hectares of parkland throughout the city itself), Seattle is increasingly integrating nature experiences with urban culture in a way unlike any other city in the USA. From nature-inspired hotels and amazing hiking trails to thoughtful architecture, discover how Seattle is bringing its green side to life.

1. Evergreen architecture

The Seattle Spheres make a striking landmark in Denny Triangle. Amazon created this new piece of architecture as a space in which to “think and work differently, surrounded by nature and the wellness benefits it provides". In reality, that means three spherical conservatories, somewhat reminiscent of Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay. Inside, you’ll find over 25,000 plants woven into more than 370 square metres of living wall, with fascinating plants from around the world.

For sports fans, Climate Pledge Arena is a must. Home to three of the city’s major sports teams, including the Seattle Kraken and Storm, this is the most sustainable arena in the world.

2. Life on the water

Nestled right on the edge of Puget Sound, water is at the heart of the Seattle way of life. Dive right into the local lifestyle at the new waterfront precinct, also known as Elliott Bay Waterfront Park. Fifteen years in the making, here you can discover playgrounds, public community piers, bike lanes, thousands of native plantings, the Seattle Aquarium and more.

If looking isn’t enough, hire a kayak and explore Lake Union. This freshwater lake holds much to keep you entertained, from the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), where ships can head out to Puget Sound. You can also see the unique Gas Works Park from the water.

For another viewpoint, jump on the iconic Washington State Ferry or book an Argosy Seattle Harbour Cruise.

3. Hotels linked with nature

Seattle hotels are leading the way in eco-conscious design, bringing nature and luxury together. Take 1 Hotel Seattle, for example; standing next to the Puget Sound, everything from the design to sustainable cuisine has been considered. Enter to a green wall and enjoy reclaimed timber and native plant elements throughout (not to mention waterfront views of Puget Sound). Sitdown to restaurant menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients.

Another leading example is Moxy Seattle Downtown, which evokes the area’s industrial and logging heritage with design elements like log end tables, Edison bulbs in cages and even lobby books about nature and camping.

Populus Seattle has a strong link to the environment, with the hotel’s website stating, “from biophilic architecture, natural materials, original art and seasonal cuisine, there is a love for the natural world in every detail". Housed in a building constructed in 1907, elements of the old have been repurposed for the new, like original Douglas fir timber beams now being used as framing doorways.

Let the great outdoors in thanks to the modern design at Thompson Seattle. The hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows rising up to 12 stories, so guests can soak up views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.

4. Inspiring hiking trails

Become a true local by taking advantage of Seattle’s many hiking and biking trails, joining operators like Evergreen Escapes or going it alone. Start with the popular Burke-Gilman Trail, which follows the historic route of a former rail corridor.

Soak in the best views of Mt Rainier – Seattle’s iconic backdrop – from Kerry Park, one of the smallest parks in the city. Time your walk for sunrise or sunset for the best lighting without the crowds.

On the other end of the scale, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering approximately 19 kilometres of walking trails along the shores of Puget Sound.

5. Fantastic dining options

When it comes to gastronomy, few city dining scenes are as innovative or connected to their surroundings as Seattle. Here, farm-to-table dining is just the delicious beginning.

The Peasant/Beast & Cleaver is a butcher by day and a fine dining restaurant by night. Here, they commit to using the whole animal in the kitchen to minimise waste, and only work with local farms that rear livestock ethically. Lauded for its friendly service, the speciality here is – unsurprisingly – cuts of meat.

Another no-meat-waste restaurant is Off Alley, cooking nose-to-tail and only what’s in season – meaning the rotating menu could hold anything from grilled prawns to braised lamb neck. What you can count on is everything being served with a unique and creative twist.

For those less keen on meaty menus, Seattle boasts a range of options for vegans, vegetarians or just those who enjoy a mix. Try Surrell for plenty of meat-free options; it’s committed to working with local farms, ranches, vineyards, wineries and artisans.

The Herbfarm offers an elevated, nine-course, chef-selected menu (which can be changed to suit dietary requirements with advanced notice). Here, farm-to-table fine dining is enjoyed inside a charming, wine country cottage.

There’s also the casual Bounty Kitchen, where vegetables are king. Here, you’ll find a range of healthy salads and bowls using organic and mostly local ingredients, plus old-fashioned cooking techniques like pickling, fermenting, roasting and grilling.

The menu doesn’t get fresher than at Lola, where Greek-influenced flavours are enhanced by produce from a family-owned farm in Prosser (about three hours from Seattle). As you’d imagine, the menu changes regularly depending on what’s in season.