Amazing Photos That Prove You Need to Go to Seattle Right Now

It's truly fitting that Seattle's nickname is the Emerald City. After all, the city, tucked away on the northwest side of the U.S., truly is a gem. Despite its rainy reputation, Seattle is one of the country's brightest cities, with a diverse offering of attractions both well-known (the Space Needle, natch) and off the beaten path (a stunning example: Kubota Garden).

Add in the gorgeous Lake Washington and the awe-inspiring Mount Rainier, and you have a destination that seems to pack in more nature in just 84 square miles than you've seen crossing several states. So what if Seattle attracts 36 inches of rain each year? Buy an umbrella, because, after seeing these amazing photos, you'll want to book tickets to see the Emerald City now.

Images: Courtesy of Sam Al-Khoury (Check him out on Instagram here)