Seattle Asian Art Museum

Seattle's Asian Art Museum (SAAM) lies outside the downtown corridor, but it's a gem worth seeking out. This noted Art Deco-style building in Volunteer Park on north Capitol Hill houses the museum's varied and impressive Asian art collection.

After visiting the museum, stroll through lush Volunteer Park designed by the Olmsted landscape architects who also designed Central Park in New York City. Then climb up (inside) the old water tower for 360 views of the city, and visit the Victorian-style conservatory stuffed with extravagant tropical plants. There's not a cafe at the museum, but