South Lake Union

Seattle

South Lake Union featuring a bay or harbour, boating and a coastal town
South Lake Union featuring a marina and a lake or waterhole
South Lake Union which includes a bay or harbour and aircraft
South Lake Union featuring a bay or harbour and cycling as well as an individual female
South Lake Union which includes aircraft, a city and general coastal views

One of Seattle’s most scenic neighborhoods, this district houses fascinating museums along the tree-lined banks of its beautiful lake.

South Lake Union is named after the beautiful body of water it borders, a lake that has played a key role in the history of the neighborhood. Head to the shoreline for some of the district’s most interesting attractions and for views of boats bobbing up and down on the water. Discover museums celebrating tradition and innovation and seize your chance to go boating yourself.

Because of the neighborhood’s easy access to waterways out of Seattle, South Lake Union was initially populated by workers who hauled building materials off the boats. As such, the neighborhood played a big role in the city’s growth. After these traditional industries declined, the arrival of tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon in the late 20th century brought the area back to life.

Learn about the history of the region in the South Lake Union Discovery Center, a multipurpose venue with an informative museum inside. Study an interactive model of the area to get a better understanding of the neighborhood.

Enjoy a quieter pace of life in Lake Union Park, a green outcrop that stretches into the lake. The park hosts the Museum of History and IndustryOpens in a new window, an expansive network of galleries telling the story of Seattle. See original models by Boeing and Ford and look to the future of innovation.

Next to the park is the Center for Wooden BoatsOpens in a new window, an interactive museum dedicated to traditional sailing vessels. Take part in a workshop where you bend steel and carve wood or hire a boat to paddle out onto Lake Union.

Away from the lakeside, find slick restaurants that serve the nearby offices of companies like Amazon. South Lake Union borders other popular Seattle sights such as the Space NeedleOpens in a new window and Chihuly Glass and Gardens.

The neighborhood is best reached by streetcars and buses that leave regularly from the city center, although drivers will be able to find parking by the museums. As it is close to Downtown SeattleOpens in a new window but removed from its constant hustle and bustle, South Lake Union makes a great base from which to explore the rest of the city’s sights.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighbourhoods around South Lake Union

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Denny Triangle

While you're in Denny Triangle, take in top sights like The Spheres or Pike Pine Retail Core, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Westlake 7th St Station or Westlake Denny Wy Station.

Denny Triangle
Capitol Hill showing heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Densely populated with mid-rise buildings, this Seattle district boasts nightlife, entertainment, and a counterculture vibe. Explore local bars, fringe theaters, and parks like Volunteer Park, while enjoying street-level retail and Espresso Vivace coffeehouses.

Capitol Hill
Belltown showing street scenes

Belltown

Densely populated and boasting trendy restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs, this waterfront neighborhood offers the Olympic Sculpture Park and easy access to major thoroughfares. Perfect for a walkable, lively stay in Seattle.

Belltown
Kerry Park which includes snow, a city and landscape views

Lower Queen Anne

While you're in Lower Queen Anne, take in top sights like Space Needle and jump on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station to see more of the city.

Lower Queen Anne
Downtown Seattle which includes central business district and street scenes

Downtown Seattle

4/5(1,861 area reviews)

Dive into the bustling nightlife and shopping scene, explore the iconic Pike Place Market, and admire architectural gems like the Seattle Central Library. Enjoy seamless connectivity with the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel and Seattle Center Monorail.

Downtown Seattle
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First Hill

Well-liked for its churches and live music, First Hill is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Saint James Cathedral and Neumos, and jump on the metro at Broadway & Marion Stop to get around the city.

First Hill


South Lake Union

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