Queen Anne-South Lake Union Travel Guide

Explore the diverse attractions, outdoor activities, local culture, and culinary scene of Queen Anne-South Lake Union with our comprehensive tour guide to Seattle's famous neighborhood.


Introduction to Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Queen Anne-South Lake Union is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle, Washington state. Located in the heart of the city, this vibrant area is known for its diverse attractions, outdoor activities, local culture, and culinary scene. The neighborhood is home to major cultural institutions, such as the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and the Museum of History and Industry, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

The neighborhood is also a hub of outdoor activities, with easy access to hiking and biking trails, scenic parks, and the beautiful Lake Union. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Queen Anne-South Lake Union has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum: One of the most popular attractions in Seattle, this museum is dedicated to the work of glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, and features a stunning collection of glass artwork.
  • Museum of History and Industry: This museum showcases the history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, with exhibits on regional pioneers, industry, and culture.
  • Pacific Science Center: A fun and educational science museum, with interactive exhibits on topics such as astronomy, biology, and physics.
  • MOHAI: The Museum of History and Industry features interactive exhibits on the history and culture of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
  • Space Needle: An iconic Seattle landmark, the Space Needle offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains from 520 feet in the air.

Natural Attractions of Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Union Park: A picturesque park with stunning views of the Seattle skyline, offering picnic areas, walking trails, and boat rentals.
  • Gas Works Park: Located on the site of a former gas plant, Gas Works Park is a popular destination for picnics, kite-flying, and watching the sunset.
  • Discovery Park: One of Seattle’s largest parks, Discovery Park offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Puget Sound.
  • Seaplane Tours: Take a seaplane tour of the area to see Seattle from a whole new perspective.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Queen Anne-South Lake Union

  • Burke-Gilman Trail: This 18-mile trail runs along the shore of Lake Washington and connects Seattle with the neighboring cities of Kirkland and Bothell.
  • Elliott Bay Trail: A 3-mile scenic trail that runs along the waterfront from Myrtle Edwards Park to Terminal 91.
  • West Point Lighthouse Trail: A short but scenic walking trail that leads to the West Point Lighthouse in Discovery Park.

Best Things to Do in Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Activities and Tours

  • Seattle Food Tour: Explore the culinary scene of Seattle with a food tour of the city, featuring stops at local eateries and markets.
  • Underground Tour: Learn about the quirky history of Seattle’s underground tunnels on this guided tour.
  • Lake Union Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise around Lake Union, taking in views of the city’s skyline and houseboats.
  • Seattle Aquarium: This family-friendly attraction features a wide variety of marine life, including otters, seals, and giant octopuses.
  • Kayaking on Lake Union: Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters of Lake Union, complete with stunning views of the Seattle skyline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Day 1: Explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, followed by a visit to the famous Pike Place Market.

Day 2: Take a hike in Discovery Park, then explore the local breweries and coffee shops of Queen Anne.

Day 3: Visit the Museum of History and Industry, followed by a walk around Gas Works Park.

Day 4: Take a seaplane tour of the area, then enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Union.

Day 5: Rent a bike and explore the Burke-Gilman Trail, followed by a picnic at Lake Union Park.

Day 6: Take a food tour of Seattle, complete with tastings of local cuisine.

Day 7: Explore the local landmarks and architecture of Queen Anne, followed by a visit to the Seattle Aquarium.

Food and Drink Scene of Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seattle-style hot dogs: Hot dogs topped with cream cheese, jalapenos, and onions, a local favorite.
  • Fish and chips: Fresh, locally caught fish battered and fried to perfection.
  • Clam chowder: Creamy and delicious, a staple of the Seattle seafood scene.
  • Coffee: Seattle is known for its coffee scene, with numerous local coffee shops offering some of the best brews in the country.

Local Beverages

  • Microbrews: Seattle is home to numerous microbreweries, offering unique and flavorful beers.
  • Wine: Washington state is the second-largest wine producer in the country, with many local wineries offering tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mediterranean-Style Dream Home - Queen Anne Hill: A spacious and luxurious vacation home with views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound.
  • Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown: A modern and comfortable hotel located in the heart of Queen Anne, with easy access to local attractions.
  • Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle: A budget-friendly option located in the heart of downtown Seattle, with easy access to public transportation.

What to Buy in Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local artwork: Seattle is known for its thriving art scene, with numerous local galleries showcasing works by local artists.
  • Seattle souvenirs: From Space Needle keychains to Pike Place Market t-shirts, there’s something for everyone at the local souvenir shops.
  • Washington wine: Bring home a bottle of locally produced Washington wine, a perfect gift for the wine lover in your life.

Local Culture and Customs of Queen Anne-South Lake Union

  • Seattle is a city that prides itself on its laid-back, progressive culture. Visitors should expect to encounter a friendly and open-minded community.
  • One custom that Seattleites take very seriously is recycling. Be sure to sort your recyclables from your trash, as it is required by law.

Best Time to Visit Queen Anne-South Lake Union

The best time to visit Queen Anne-South Lake Union is during the summer months of June through August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, Seattle is a great destination year-round, with a variety of indoor attractions and activities available during the cooler months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Do:

  • Do try the local seafood, coffee, and beer when visiting Seattle.
  • Do take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, kayaking, and biking.
  • Do be respectful of the local customs and culture, and try not to litter or damage the natural surroundings.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as Seattle is known for its rainy weather.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals, they are more than happy to help navigate the city.

Safety and Health

Safety in Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Seattle is generally a safe city, however, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take common sense precautions to ensure your safety. Avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious in areas with high levels of foot traffic.

Health in Queen Anne-South Lake Union

Seattle has excellent healthcare facilities and emergency services. It is important to stay hydrated during the summer months, as temperatures can get high.

Getting to Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Transportation Options and Logistics

  • Sea-Tac Airport is located 15 miles south of Seattle, with numerous transportation options available to get to the downtown area.
  • The Link Light Rail runs from Sea-Tac airport to downtown Seattle’s Westlake station, where you can take a bus or taxi to Queen Anne-South Lake Union.
  • King County Metro is Seattle’s public transportation system, with buses running throughout the city.

Airports Near Queen Anne-South Lake Union

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Located 15 miles south of Seattle, this airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Queen Anne-South Lake Union

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in downtown Seattle, offering service to numerous domestic destinations.
  • BoltBus Station: Located in downtown Seattle, offering service to several West Coast cities.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Numerous car rental companies operate in Seattle, offering affordable rates and easy access to any destination in the city.
  • Bike rental: Several bike rental companies operate in Seattle, offering an easy and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

How to Get Around in Queen Anne-South Lake Union

  • Walking: Queen Anne-South Lake Union is a walkable neighborhood, with numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants located within easy walking distance.
  • Bus: King County Metro operates buses throughout the city, with numerous stops in Queen Anne-South Lake Union.
  • Bike: Seattle is a bike-friendly city, with numerous bike lanes and rental options available.
  • Car: Numerous car rental companies operate in Seattle, offering affordable rates and easy access to any destination in the city.

Where to Go Next from Queen Anne-South Lake Union: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Olympic Peninsula: Just a few hours west of Seattle, this stunning national park offers incredible hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
  • Mount Rainier: Located just south of Seattle, this national park is home to one of the tallest peaks in the United States, and offers incredible hiking, climbing, and skiing opportunities.
  • San Juan Islands: A short ferry ride from Seattle, the San Juan Islands offer a peaceful and scenic retreat, complete with charming towns, kayaking, and whale watching.

Conclusion

Queen Anne-South Lake Union is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Seattle. From the stunning natural scenery to the thriving culinary scene, this neighborhood offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be fully prepared to explore all the highlights of Queen Anne-South Lake Union and beyond.

Space Needle and International Fountain Space Needle and International Fountain A postcard-perfect view of Seattle, as seen from Kerry Park A postcard-perfect view of Seattle, as seen from Kerry Park Museum of Pop Culture Museum of Pop Culture