Looking for more hip & happenin’ spots to explore in Seattle? Break out of the downtown bubble and meander over to South Lake Union. On our last trip to Seattle, this once gritty and industrial neighborhood, located on the southern banks of Lake Union, charmed us with its cool cafés, restaurants, bars, and art galleries. (And, of course, its laid-back lakeside vibes!)
South Lake Union (SLU) is most well-known as the heart of Seattle’s tech sector, with companies like Amazon and Google anchoring the area. But with its lakeside perch, SLU is also a paradise for outdoor lovers. While exploring the neighborhood on our visits, we’ve seen a slew of fun waterfront activities from summer SUP yoga sessions to hot tub boats. (Yes, hot tub boats!)
From eating at trendy restaurants and drinking at buzzy bars to scoping out inspiring street art, we found plenty of fun things to do in South Lake Union. Get started planning your visit to Seattle’s tech hub with our complete neighborhood guide, including our recommendations for what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay!
What to see & do in South Lake Union
Lake Union Park
For the perfect introduction to this lakeside neighborhood, start with a stroll around Lake Union Park. When we explored SLU for the first time, we acclimatized ourselves to the area with a leisurely walk around this popular lakefront park.
Lake Union Park drapes across 12 acres on the southwestern tip of the lake. The park’s flat, paved paths snake between lovely grassy areas that are perfect for picnicking and provide easy access to the lake’s shoreline. During our visits, we’ve discovered a ton of fun water-based activities at Lake Union, from canoeing to sailing on the lake.
Prefer to keep the adventure ashore? Both the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Center for Wooden Boats are based in Lake Union Park. Visit these excellent Seattle museums to learn more about Seattle’s rich maritime heritage. (More on each later…)
When you’re done checking out the museums, we recommend hopping on a cruise around Lake Union on one of the historic vessels or renting a rowboat from the Center for Wooden Boats to explore the shoreline on your own.
Before leaving, wander along the Historic Ships Wharf to admire the beautifully preserved boats. Watch people sailing model ships on the two-foot-deep and 100-foot-wide Model Boat Pond. (You can even rent a model boat from the center to get in on the action yourself!)
PRO TIP: Unlike many of our other favorite parks in Seattle, Lake Union Park isn’t well-shaded. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water if you’re visiting on a warm, sunny day.
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Learn about the region’s legacy of maritime innovation at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Located in the historic Naval Reserve Armory overlooking Lake Union, this maritime museum is a fantastic spot for a quick Seattle history lesson.
On our visit to the Museum of History & Industry, we enjoyed strolling around the galleries to hear about major events in Seattle’s history and how they shaped the city. Read accounts of how early settlers tamed Seattle’s unforgiving landscapes to create a home.
Learn about the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 that destroyed the “original” Downtown Seattle around Pioneer Square and the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake that shook the city to its core. You’ll also discover why Seattle is an attractive hub for tech giants like Amazon and Google.
MOHAI’s permanent exhibits are full of hands-on activities. In the Bezos Center for Innovation, tackle real-world challenges in the Idea Lab and explore the Patent Tree, an interactive display featuring inventions from Seattle’s history. We think it’s a great way to see how local ideas have shaped the world.
When you’re done, take a break at Café MOHAI, which serves fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee from local Seattle roasters. The menu changes daily, so we always find something new to try. Enjoy your snack indoors or out on the patio by the lake.
Don’t forget to browse the gift shop on your way out. Here, you’ll find some amazing books, great gifts, and handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans.
The Center for Wooden Boats
If you love the water and all things that float on it, then the Center for Wooden Boats shouldn’t be missed! Based in Lake Union Park, this historic maritime museum brings historic wooden vessels back to life. You can also rent these exquisitely restored vessels for the day or buy one if you have deep pockets!
Spend a few hours browsing the fascinating exhibits at the Center for Wooden Boats that show the process of building and restoring these beautiful boats. Watch shipbuilders in action and marvel at their superb craftsmanship.
After your visit, head down to the historic livery on the water and rent a boat to take out on the water. Aren’t you much of a sailor yet? Sign up for a few sailing lessons or join the Sunday Public Sail regatta manned by volunteer skippers.
Every Sunday, the Center for Wooden Boats offers free public boat rides on Lake Union. Rides are first-come, first-served, and you can sign up at the dock starting at 10 am.
El Corazón/Funhouse
Love metal, alternative, hard rock, and grunge? El Corazón/Funhouse is the place to go in South Lake Union to rock on. The venue has hosted live music for over a century, under a variety of names, making it one of Seattle’s oldest continuously operating music venues.
Much of the reason we love visiting Seattle so much is that so many of our favorite artists got their start here. And when we learned that Pearl Jam played their first five shows at this venue, known back then as The Off Ramp, we knew El Corazón was a place we needed to check out!
The venue’s current iteration mixes both the original El Corazón and the relocated Funhouse, another legendary Seattle music venue. The original Funhouse opened near Seattle Center in 2003 and was known for its punk and underground shows. After its original building was demolished in 2012, it was reborn as a side room of El Corazon, bringing its iconic clown mascot and rebellious spirit to South Lake Union.
El Corazón/Funhouse hosts a variety of weekly events with a focus on rock, metal, punk, alternative, and hardcore. And it isn’t for the faint-hearted. Both the 800-capacity main hall and the more intimate 200-capacity side room are often packed to the hilt.
From well-known local groups to budding new bands on the block, El Corazón/Funhouse caters to it all. Check out their event calendar to check for upcoming concerts. Book tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
PRO TIP: One of the coolest parts about visiting El Corazón/Funhouse is checking out the memorabilia from decades of Seattle music history lining the walls. We also recommend popping into the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), one of our favorite Seattle museums, to spot the old Off Ramp sign, hearkening back to the days when grunge legends first played the venue.
Argosy Cruises
We can’t think of a better way to experience this lake-centric neighborhood than from the waters of the lake itself. Head over to Argosy Cruises on the lake’s western shore to enjoy a guided cruise around Lake Union and beyond to see a different side of Seattle.
Established over 70 years ago, Argosy Cruises celebrates the rich history and tradition of South Union Lake life with narrated, family-friendly tours. Choose between two wonderful tours, both of which offer quintessential Seattle cruise experiences.
Relax on a gentle one-hour Harbor Cruise and soak up spectacular views of the city skyline. Learn about the history of Seattle and the workings of the shipping port, and take in the historic waterfront.
For more time on the water, join the two-hour Locks Cruise that glides through the beating workboat heart of Seattle to the Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks in the Ballard neighborhood. The cruise passes under drawbridges and by working shipyards, giving you a close-up look at Seattle’s industrial side.
Find out how skippers manage the ever-changing tides of Puget Sound and explore the floating homes and houseboats of people who live on the water. Enjoy a drink from the full-service bar on board while navigating around the locks.
Gas Works Park
Although it’s not technically in South Lake Union, we couldn’t wrap up our guide without mentioning Gas Works Park. Located on the northern shores of Lake Union, opposite SLU, in the Northlake neighborhood, this urban gem is one of the most interesting landmarks we’ve stumbled upon in the city.
Drive a short 10 minutes north of SLU to Gas Works Park to gawk at the spectacular views of Lake Union and the city skyline, including the Space Needle. The park sits on the site of the old Seattle Gas Light Company coal gasification plant. The ruins give Gas Works Park a Steampunk vibe that’s unlike any other place we’ve visited in the city or region. We think it’s a fantastic spot to snap photos that’ll light up any IG feed!
Parts of the old plant have been given a lick of paint and transformed into a fun climbing and playing area for kids. A gentle hill in the center of the park, known by locals as Kite Hill, catches the wind and is perfect for flying kites on a windy day. Kite Hill is also the perfect spot to sit during the annual Seafair Summer 4th of July celebration to watch the incredible fireworks display over the city.
Visit Seattle in winter? After relaxing at the park, head a few blocks north up N Northlake Way to Lake Union Hot Tub Boats. One of the coolest outdoor activities in Seattle is renting a hot tub boat to enjoy a leisurely float on Lake Union.
On the way out, we would also recommend checking out the Fremont Troll, one of the city’s quirkiest landmarks. The 6.5-ton mixed media sculpture, built in 1990, depicts an under-bridge troll crushing a VW Beetle and guarding the bohemian Fremont neighborhood.
Once you’ve snapped a few photos, carve out time to explore other gems in Fremont. Stop by for a craft beer at the nearby Fremont Brewing’s Urban Beer Garden (1050 N 34th St), a fantastic outdoor eating & drink spot from one of our favorite craft breweries in Seattle.
PRO TIP: As beautiful as the views across Lake Union are at Gas Works Park, do NOT venture into the water here. The sediment here is hazardous. Keep dogs on a short leash, and don’t let them drink or walk through puddles on the site.
Where to eat & drink
South Lake Union’s buzzing dining scene has something for everyone. Whether you need a hearty breakfast before a sunrise paddle or a late-night spot for tacos and tequila, SLU won’t disappoint.
Before taking a walk along the water, grab a craft coffee at 203° Fahrenheit Coffee Company (610 Terry Ave N). Enjoy a single-origin roast however you want it—whether as an espresso, cappuccino, or Americano—or settle for seasonal favorites like iced strawberry matcha.
Get your fill of sea-smackingly fresh seafood and ice-cold beer at Duke’s Seafood (1111 Fairview Ave N). Tuck into heaving platters of prawns, local Whidbey Island mussels, or Dungeness crab from Alaska. If you prefer land-based food, we also saw grass-fed steaks and burgers on the menu and a full-service bar for drinks.
When tequila calls, it’s time to head to Cactus South Lake Union (350 Terry Ave N). Jostle with the Amazon crowd over killer margaritas and delicious American/Mexican southwestern-inspired cuisine. We love their tapas-style plates, which are ideal for sharing for an off-the-beaten-track brunch.
Is it a rare steak and good red wine kind of day? Daniel’s Broiler (809 Fairview Pl N) is the best bet around South Lake Union for top-notch steaks and award-winning wines. Tuck into USDA Prime Steaks, North Pacific King Salmon, and lobster tails against a backdrop of stunning lake views. We think this is a great spot for date night!
Fresh seafood and beautiful views are on the menu at The White Swan Public House (1001 Fairview Ave N). Grab a picnic table overlooking the water and order some chowder, scallops, finger-licking fish and chips, and fresh oysters.
Even better, don’t leave White Swan Public House without tasting its Dungeness crab mac and cheese. We learned this dish is a big hit among local foodies—and we weren’t disappointed!
Have some old-school fun at Flatstick Pub (609 Westlake Ave N), where you can unwind over a pint of local ale and a game of pinball. Casual and laid-back are the orders of the day, as well as easy-eating grub like burgers and nachos. (We also had a ton of fun at their Pioneer Square location!)
For something more sophisticated, head to the 14th-floor rooftop Mbar (400 Fairview Ave N), where you can lounge next to firepits on wraparound seating with panoramic views. The Middle Eastern-Mediterranean fusion pairs perfectly with a variety of fine wines from the bar.
Sneak in appetizers like steak tartare and halloumi cheese before moving on to entrees like ribeye and duck, bursting with Middle Eastern flavor influences.
PRO TIP: The Mbar’s rooftop patio is the finest viewpoint we’ve found in the neighborhood, offering sweeping views of Lake Union, the Space Needle, and even Mount Rainier on a clear day. The patio is most impressive, though, at sunset. We recommend pulling in just before the show to enjoy sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip below the Seattle skyline.
Where to stay
With its central location, South Lake Union is one of our favorite neighborhoods to stay in Seattle outside of the downtown core. We always find a good selection of hotels here, fitting mostly within the mid-range to luxury price range.
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
For comfort and convenience, we wouldn’t hesitate to make our base the citizenM Seattle South Lake Union. The hotel is a short walk from Denny Park and the iconic Space Needle. Like others we’ve stayed at in the chain, we dig the well-appointed guest rooms with comfy décor and en-suite bathrooms. Tuck into a delicious continental breakfast every morning and relax over drinks in the lounge after a day of sightseeing. Another bonus? The citizenM Seattle South Lake Union is designed for tech-savvy travelers, with self-check-in kiosks and rooms that let you control lights, blinds, and temperature from a tablet.
EVEN Hotel Seattle DTWN Lake Union, an IHG Hotel
Perfectly located opposite the Lake Union waterfront with easy access to downtown Seattle, EVEN Hotel Seattle DTWN Lake Union provides a modern and stylish retreat for travelers. Designed with health and wellness in mind, guest rooms have in-room fitness zones with yoga mats and resistance bands. We dig the menu at the on-site restaurant, EVEN Kitchen & Bar, focusing on fresh, hearty fare like Caprese salad and apple & brie flatbread. Stay fit in the 24-hour on-site fitness center and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
Set within walking distance of the Seattle Center and the Space Needle, the modern Astra Hotel, Seattle is the perfect base for exploring the city. Unwind in modern, well-appointed guestrooms with sweeping views of Seattle. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and great coffee at Caffe Ladro and lunch at the casual Otium Grill & Greens. We love ending the day with sundowners at the Altitude Sky Lounge rooftop bar against a backdrop of panoramic city and lake vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Getting there
On foot
From the Seattle Center in Uptown and from Belltown, it’s less than a 20-minute walk to Lake Union Park. To get here from Capitol Hill, it should be no more than 25 minutes on foot to the heart of the district.
By tram
South Lake Union is served by the South Lake Union Line of the Seattle Streetcar. From the Westlake & Olive stop in Downtown Seattle, it’s a short 8-minute ride to Terry & Mercer in the heart of the neighborhood or 10 minutes to Lake Union Park.
By car
With its traffic congestion and parking difficulties, we generally try to steer clear of driving in Seattle’s city center. It can, however, be much quicker than walking or taking public transit, especially if coming in from neighborhoods that are a bit further away.
Estimated drive times to South Lake Union from other Seattle neighborhoods include:
- Fremont: 8 minutes
- Capitol Hill: 9 minutes
- Seattle Chinatown-International District: 10 minutes
- Queen Anne: 11 minutes
- Magnolia: 17 minutes
- Ballard: 18 minutes
PRO TIP: South Lake Union is one of the easiest and cheapest neighborhoods to park around the downtown core. We’ve learned from locals in the know that many of the parking lots near the Amazon buildings are free on weekends and after 4 pm from Monday to Friday. Score!
Where to next
Done exploring South Lake Union? There are plenty more cool Seattle attractions to see within a quick walk or ride!
If you haven’t done it yet, we recommend walking 20 minutes west of SLU to explore the Seattle Center. Besides its world-famous Space Needle, we absolutely love the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and its collections of unique music memorabilia. The stunning Chihuly Garden and Glass is another must-see for us, with its whimsical glass sculptures transporting us to another world.
Coffee lovers should skip the “Original” Starbucks near Pike Place Market and instead pop down to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the Pike/Pine Corridor. It’s less than a 10-minute drive southeast of the neighborhood and offers magical brews we couldn’t find at any other Starbucks we visited in Seattle.
Directly west of South Lake Union lies Capitol Hill, another one of our favorite city center neighborhoods. Whenever we’re in Seattle, we love venturing over here to sample cuisines from all over the globe, from rustic Italian to ramen packed with umami.
Besides checking out Capitol Hill’s trendy restaurant & bar scene, we also recommend heading up to Volunteer Park. It’s one of our favorite parks in Seattle, with a ton of interesting attractions, including the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee Grave Sites.
