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 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


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 ₹13,014 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,014
₹15,357 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,738 reviews)
"Super comfy bed linens! Smallest but coolest high tech room I’ve ever stayed in."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 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 ₹16,966 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹16,966
₹20,364 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,478 reviews)
"Great location in downtown Seattle, close proximity to the Space Needle and other attractions around the area. Price was great for the location. Staff was friendly and the free continental breakfast was great. Also have free cribs if you don't want to bring one (Pak N Play style). Mattress's are ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
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 ₹10,170 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹10,170
₹12,001 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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 (1,010 reviews)
"The place was good and its close to the space needle too. Just be careful of where you park your car, we saw 2 cras broken into."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 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 ₹18,515 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹18,515
₹22,192 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,820 reviews)
"Excellent property and customer service. Great breakfast. Spacious rooms. Nathanial was very helpful."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 ₹16,957 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹16,957
₹20,354 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,006 reviews)
"amazing"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
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 ₹20,573 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹20,573
₹24,276 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,584 reviews)
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Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
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
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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 Travel Guide