Highway 99, we all know, cuts off the waterfront from the rest of downtown, and admittedly getting down there from Pike Place Market can seem like you’re wandering through a Habitrail designed by M.C. Escher. But take an easy access point from the Harbor Steps or Spring or Madison Streets; duck under the viaduct; walk north up Alaskan Way, ideally when there’s a cruise ship in port looming overhead like a second skyline, as the gulls caw and Elliott Bay sparkles; and continue into Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park on the quiet, winding strand. You’ve just passed commerce, history, tourism, art, and nature both green and blue: everything Seattle is, in 20 leisurely minutes. GAVIN BORCHERT