South Lake Union Travel Guide

Seattle

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

One of Seattle’s most scenic neighbourhoods, 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


Top hotels in South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is Rp3.038.392 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
Rp3.038.392
Rp3.585.303 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,780 reviews)
"Limited dining"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown

3 out of 5
110 6th Ave N, Seattle, WA
The price is Rp2.361.359 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.361.359
Rp2.852.456 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,489 reviews)
"There was only one staff working at the counter. The line was 6 guesses after me. Each guess takes 15 to 20 Mins because we came early after our cruise ship."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is Rp2.757.671 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp2.757.671
Rp3.320.104 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,818 reviews)
Great hotel near Seattle attractions.
"Great location so close to the space needle and other attractions. Appreciated the parking options both onsite and at their sister hotel only a few blocks away. Only stayed a night but having the kitchenette would have been great on a longer stay. The pull out couch was a sectional so great for lounging ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott

Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott

4 out of 5
300 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is Rp2.889.775 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.889.775
Rp3.409.934 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,617 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.301.912 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
Rp2.301.912
Rp2.716.256 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (1,007 reviews)
"Safe"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle
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 Rp2.873.262 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
Rp2.873.262
Rp3.456.501 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Inviting and helpful staff at a perfect location to enjoy fine dining and everything that Seattle has to offer."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
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

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Denny Triangle

If you're spending time in Denny Triangle, check out sights like The Spheres or Pike Pine Retail Core and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Westlake 7th St Station or Westlake Denny Wy Station.

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

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave while getting to know Capitol Hill, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop to see more of the area.

Capitol Hill
Belltown which includes street scenes

Belltown

Belltown is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theatre.

Belltown
Kerry Park featuring landscape views, 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 showing street scenes and central business district

Downtown Seattle

4/5(177 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, great live music and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Seattle. Top attractions like Pike Place Market and Space Needle are major draws. Catch the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Seattle
Queen Anne featuring landscape views and a city

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Space Needle and Seattle Center, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.

Queen Anne

South Lake Union Travel Guide