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


South Lake Union Hotel Deals

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $206 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
CA $206
CA $243 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
"perfect for a city break, great coffee as well!"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle
2 out of 5
200 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $165 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $165
CA $195 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (1,006 reviews)
"Wry convince"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $393 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
CA $393
CA $469 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,800 reviews)
"Nice room. Great breakfast. Very convenient to attractions and cruise port."

Reviewed on Jul. 5, 2025

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
3 out of 5
925 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $280 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
CA $280
CA $336 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great property.. very nice place"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
3 out of 5
110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $298 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $298
CA $357 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,458 reviews)
"Close to the monorail and Space Needle. Not the nicest neighborhood"

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
EVEN Hotel Seattle Downtown - Lake Union by IHG
EVEN Hotel Seattle Downtown - Lake Union by IHG
3.5 out of 5
527 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is CA $287 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
CA $287
CA $339 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"good location, clean"

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

EVEN Hotel Seattle Downtown - Lake Union by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Lake Union

Hot Cakes is my jam! The molten cakes here at absolutely delectable. They are so rich and innovative in terms of flavor. This one was the dark chocolate one

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 featuring 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 showing snow, mountains and a city

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 featuring street scenes and central business district

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
General Porpoise offers delicious cream filled doughnuts of all different flavors. Though a bit on the expensive side--one doughnut is about $5--it makes for a great treat every once in a while. My personal favorite is the vanilla custard!

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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