Spring Blooms with Tulips and Water Taxis

Oh, you're cold? Hey, we're not thrilled about the snow either.

Yes, there's snow on the ground, but on Sunday, April 5, the most-awaited emblem of spring in Seattle finally arrives: the Elliott Bay Water Taxi begins its run, wrapping up in fall on October 31. (As you know, residents of West Seattle begin their winter hibernation about then, and have no need of transportation across the perilously stormy Elliott Bay.)

On kick-off Sunday, the West Seattle-Downtown route is free all day, and there will be live music and family activities at Seacrest Park from noon to 2 p.m.

Otherwise the 12-minute ride to Salty's is $3 one-way for everyone from age 6 to senior citizen, but it's only $1 if you have a valid Metro transfer (or free with a Metro pass). That still leaves you with a ways to walk if you're headed up to Alki, but there are buses and shuttles you can hop if you don't have time for a 45-minute stroll. You can also bring a bike on the water taxi for no extra cost.