South Lake Union

Seattle

South Lake Union featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and boating
South Lake Union which includes a marina and a lake or waterhole
South Lake Union featuring aircraft and a bay or harbour
South Lake Union which includes cycling and a bay or harbour as well as an individual female
South Lake Union which includes 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 neighbourhood. 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 neighbourhood’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 neighbourhood 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 Centre, a multipurpose venue with an informative museum inside. Study an interactive model of the area to get a better understanding of the neighbourhood.

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 Centre 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 neighbourhood is best reached by streetcars and buses that leave regularly from the city centre, 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 €160 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€160
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,807 reviews)
"Great stay. Awesome location"

Reviewed on 15 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 €148 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€148
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,496 reviews)
"Really good."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Hyatt Place 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 €176 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€176
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,638 reviews)
"The rooftop bar was awesome. The Seattle Skyline and the Space Needle are very unique"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

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

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is €164 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€164
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (1,825 reviews)
"Bed was comfy"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 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 €169 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€169
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 center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Too expensive. Wanted to charge me more than $100 more to stay an additional night. We obviously did not stay the additional night."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Downtown Lake Union
Level Seattle Downtown - South Lake Union

Level Seattle Downtown - South Lake Union

3.5 out of 5
110 BOREN AVENUE N., Seattle, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Stayed at Level several times and love it but the property (particularly guest rooms) are starting to seem like they need some maintenance / fixes from usage. I also do not recommend paying for any of the upgraded rooms offering an “office” which was a sliding wall in the bedroom or this time a second ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Level Seattle Downtown - South 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 featuring 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 mountains, snow and landscape views

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 which includes central business district and street scenes

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 a city and landscape views

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

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