Experience Seattle

To help you make the most of your time in Seattle, the WCSFP team has put together a list of recommended tours below. No matter your interests, there is something for everyone.

Pre-Congress: Amazon Spheres Tour (Tuesday, November 28)

Exterior of Amazon Sphere buildings

Start your Congress experience off with an immersive tour, offered exclusively to WCSFP, at the iconic Amazon Spheres in the heart of downtown Seattle at 9:15AM or 11:30AM on Tuesday, November 28.

In this special 45-minute private session, a team of Amazon horticulturists will lead us on a journey through four-stories of waterfalls, fish tanks and terrariums to explore how incorporating good design and green space can inspire and support us on a micro and macro level. Home to 40,000 plants from over 30 countries, this tour of the Spheres is truly a gateway into inspiration and impact, and experiencing Seattle as the Emerald City.

Please note: these tours are not facilitated by the WCSFP team. Space is limited to 18 guests per tour.

BOTH TOUR TIMES ARE FULLY BOOKED.

Where to Meet: A Congress staff member will be in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Seattle with a sign. They will walk you over to the Amazon Spheres. Please arrive 30 minutes before the start of your tour.

The Amazon Spheres are a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

What to Bring: All adults (ages 18 and over) must present a valid government ID to the reception desk at the Spheres. Passports are accepted.

Limit your bag size to 12” x 12” or less. Guests should expect to carry their belongings with them through the space, including coats and bags.

About the Tour: There is a maximum of 18 guests per tour, and participants will be split into three groups of 6, each with their own guide. This is to ensure you receive the best Spheres experience and to optimize your group's mobility through the space.

Stairs and elevators are available for moving between floors. The Spheres has one (1) wheelchair available on a first come, first-served basis for temporary use in the building.

The Spheres climate is optimized so both plants and visitors can thrive; visitors will experience a daytime temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels around 60%.

After the Tour: Anyone wishing to return to the Hyatt Regency (808 Howell Street) will be responsible for finding their own way there. A Congress staff member will not be on site after the tour.



Post-Congress: Evergreen Escapes Tours (Saturday, December 2)

Aerial view of Snoqualmie Falls and surrounding forest with a mountain in the background

Make the most of your Congress '23 journey and explore the jaw-dropping natural wonders of the great Pacific Northwest on Saturday, December 2!

Join Evergreen Escapes on a custom tour to explore the beauty and wonder of Snoqualmie Falls and surrounding sites in the Cascade Mountain Range. With pick-up directly from the Hyatt Regency Seattle, you can choose to take a morning trip and wake up with majestic waterfalls, or opt for a full-day experience complete with lunch at a local winery. Choose the excursion that's right for you and make some lasting memories with your new Congress '23 family.

Please note: these post-Congress tours are hosted by a third-party, independent of Congress '23, and is not organized by WCSFP or Hot Docs.


Snoqualmie Falls Hike and Wildlife Experience | December 2, 9AM-12PM

The Cascade Mountain range is named for the thousands of waterfalls that transport rain and snow from higher to lower elevations. Winter is the best time to view these waterfalls, as the rainy season means the falls are full, and the vegetation vibrant from the return of moisture. The crown jewel of the region's waterfalls is the 268 foot Snoqualmie Falls. Your naturalist guide will inform you of the flora and fauna, and important cultural history of this region with an optional short hike to the base of the falls. After leaving the falls you will also have the opportunity to spot for wildlife at the 460 acre protected elk sanctuary just up the road.


Aerial view of Snoqualmie Falls and surrounding forest with a mountain in the background

Snoqualmie Falls, Wine and Chocolate Experience | December 2, 9AM-3:30PM

The best way to sum up the story of the Pacific Northwest in one day is to get out and enjoy the diverse natural landscape as well as appreciate the culinary riches of the Cascadian cuisine and Washington Wine. This tour starts off traveling east to the 268 foot waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls. Winter is the best time to view waterfalls, as the rainy season means the falls are full, and the vegetation vibrant from the return of moisture. You will have an opportunity to hike to the base of the falls to witness the power and feel the spray of this 100 food wide cascade.

Staying in the Snoqualmie Valley, we head out to visit a local winery that showcases the boutique wine industry in Washington State. A gourmet lunch will be served at the winery, giving you a chance to taste the wine with food. The highlight of this tour is to meet wine makers and learn about the process of turning grapes into wine.

Following the wine tasting we will bring you to a local chocolatier where you will sample gourmet chocolates and learn the story of the small shop directly from the owners. Throughout the day your naturalist guide will spot for wildlife, such as birds and elk that migrate into the valley to spend the winter, and share the rich cultural history of the region.

Travel Tips

For more tips on navigating the city, places to eat, and more, we've partnered with Visit Seattle for all your Seattle travel needs!