South Lake Union in Seattle

South Lake Union is a great Seattle neighborhood to check out if you’re the type of traveler who likes to get off the beaten path and away from a city’s biggest (and most crowded) tourist attractions. This area of the city is home to a variety of parks and historical attractions, and it offers a beautiful waterfront. Getting outside of Downtown Seattle proper can be appealing for several reasons. Not only will you find affordable options for dining and shopping, but you will be surrounded by local residents instead of fellow tourists. If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of that Seattle laid-back atmosphere you’ve heard so much about, check out South Lake Union.

During a trip to Seattle, you might not know where to begin exploring the local neighborhoods. There are appealing features of neighborhoods from Green Lake to Madison Park to Capitol Hill. South Lake Union Seattle is unique for several reasons. For one, it has a great concentration of parks—as its name suggests, it’s located right on the south shores of Lake Union, which has a beautiful lakefront park with plenty of green space. If you’re looking to travel on a budget, planning outdoor picnics in local parks will help you save money. Parents traveling with kids might want a safe place for the kids to run around and burn off some energy. Both of these can be accomplished by spending some time in local parks including Lake Union Park, Denny Park, and Cascade Playground, all of which are in the neighborhood.

Part of the appeal of South Lake Union is how well thought out it is. This neighborhood has undergone significant renovation and now boasts wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and excellent public transportation. A distinct focus on recreation during this renovation period created a family-friendly environment. When you visit, you will also notice a certain creative streak. This neighborhood is known for its creative residents who have developed an area of the city with unique dining and shopping options along with plenty of green space.

South Lake Union Seattle has its fair share of trendy restaurants to offer visitors. Expect the laid-back atmosphere of Seattle to accompany your dinner at any of the local favorite restaurants including Portage Bay Café, Seastar Restaurant, Mistral Kitchen, and Tutta Bella. Many visitors are drawn by the opportunity to dine al fresco right on the water here. If you’re planning a trip to Seattle during the days of summer sunshine, you will want to plan a day to have lunch or dinner at one of these waterfront restaurants such as Daniel’s, Chandler’s, or Dukes. With more than 40 restaurants to choose from in the area, you might have a hard time narrowing down the choices!

South Lake Union Seattle has also earned a reputation as a great place to shop. You might not be on the hunt for oriental carpets or Asian antiques, but you might just find these items irresistible when you come across them in the neighborhood’s eclectic stores. Other local things to do include visiting the Cascade Farmers Market, taking in a show at the Cornish College of the Arts, or go kayaking from one side of the lake to the other. When you spend time in South Lake Union, you will be trading sightseeing for actively engaging in exciting neighborhood activities.