Let’s be honest. Seattle is a victim of countless weather stereotypes, especially in the wintertime. Seattle could be nicknamed “The City of Rain.” The story continues. If you’re not cold from the weather, you’ll get hypothermia from the metaphorical “Seattle Freeze.” Legend has it that we drink absurd amounts of coffee in order to experience some form of warmth during these harsh months.

As a proud Seattleite, I have to speak to the contrary. This is not true. Although most days result in overcast skies and temperatures ranging in the 40s, we do get plenty of sunshine. I especially love winter here because it presents one of the two most congenial climates. My favorite climates are a perfect tie between high 40s-low 50s and sunny and high 70s temps after the sun has gone down. Believe me, after a 110 degree heat wave during the summer, low 80s during dusk feels like heaven. Although the second is nowhere to be found during a period lasting around 6 months, the first is widely in stock. I am very glad that is the case here.

Although the Cascades are out of reach during this time of year (usually under a dozen feet of snow), the Puget Sound is as wonderful and welcoming as ever. The Puget Sound is probably the closest thing you will come to a Norwegian fjord in Washington state. In my opinion, it is a sight best seen in cooler weather. It simply adds to the whole ambience. The cold climate and rough waters really accentuate the many beaches scattered throughout the region. I really don’t know why, but I feel that beaches go well with cold climates. Although I do love tropical climates in limited doses, I naturally gravitate towards brisker climates more frequently. For me, there are very few things that are more enjoyable than walking on a rocky beach in the middle of winter, with the sea spray and the overcast turning the Puget Sound into an endless void in the distance.

Although they are nearby in sheer mileage, the islands scattered across the Puget Sound are actually surprisingly difficult to reach. When the time frame hinders longer day trips, my preferred destination is Picnic Point Park. It is a little park in the neighborhood with amazing views of the Puget Sound. Although the hidden park is popular among locals, is has somehow remained shielded from wider attention. After walking across a bridge over some train tracks, you will be greeted by one of the best views of the Puget Sound. Its crazy to think how Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island takes around 90 minutes to drive to when it is only about three miles from where you’re standing.

The beach is especially beautiful in the winter. As I stated before, there is usually always some form of overcast present during the later and early months of a year. Whidbey Island is often times the last thing you see in the distance before the clouds seamlessly blend with the water. The resemblance found here to impressionism is astonishing. There aren’t any distinct colors but rather a smudging of layers upon layers of tones and hues masterfully blended together. If the tides are timed right, you can actually walk pretty far down the beach. So far, I have made it all the way to the neighboring Meadowdale Park. Contrary to Picnic Point, Meadowdale is packed on the weekends. Although the distance between the two parks is only around one-and-a-half miles, it feels much longer. Let’s get this straight, beach walking is hard. It is hard to walk when one leg has to be taller than the other. The only other thing that has been harder, in my opinion, is walking on sand dunes. It is like walking on a beach, but with an even steeper grade. Though, I must admit that the views are absolutely stunning from atop a sand dune. It is worth the effort.

Although much is off limits during the winter, there is so much that the Seattle region has to offer during the dark and dreary indoor months. When everyone else is indoors hiding from the drizzling rain, I personally like to enjoy the natural beauty the region has to offer. Even though stereotypes say otherwise, Seattle is just as stunning in the winter as it is any other time of the year.