South Lake Union

Explore

Some of Seattle’s biggest tech companies, from Amazon to Google, call this vibrant neighborhood with wide sidewalks and water views home sweet headquarters. On the shores of Lake Union, the always compelling Museum of History & Industry (860 Terry Ave N) engages visitors of all ages with the area’s legacy of innovation, from maritime history to groundbreaking inventions. One pier over, board an enclosed boat with Waterways Cruises & Events (901 Fairview Ave N) for a dinner or weekend brunch cruise out on the shimmering water. If the kids have extra energy to burn (or you just need a break), stop by PlayDate SEA (1275 Mercer St), where little ones love the three-level indoor play area and grown-ups can enjoy wine, beer, and coffee. Pamper yourself with a scalp massage or straight-razor shave at posh barbershop Capelli’s (319 Westlake Ave N), or pause for a moment of serenity among thousands of flourishing plants in the breathtaking architectural wonder of the Seattle Spheres (2111 Seventh Ave).

Eat and Drink

Indulge in an array of international flavors: Japanese comfort food at Hurry Curry (825 Harrison St), vegetarian Indian cuisine at Lassi & Spice (423 Fairview Ave N), lively Mexican food at Maíz (2325 Sixth Ave), punched-up Vietnamese street fare at Ba Bar (500 Terry Ave N), and familiar Scandinavian breakfast and lunch dishes at Cafe Hagen (1252 Thomas St). You can also savor fresh seafood, from crab cakes to lobster rolls, at Bar Harbor (400 Fairview Ave N), or settle into one of the tufted-velvet lounge seats at elegant Spheres bar Deep Dive (620 Lenora St), where the extensive cocktail menu reads more like a book.

Shop

Outfit yourself like a true Pacific Northwesterner at the flagship REI (222 Yale Ave N) location. Inside, a 65-foot-tall climbing wall entertains the adventurous, and racks upon racks are packed with jackets, gloves, hats, and other top-notch outdoor gear. Music fiends should stop at Sub Pop Records (2130 Seventh Ave), where fans can find apparel with the indie label’s logo as well as a curated selection of LPs. Likelihood (2201 Seventh Ave) brings designer streetwear to the fashion-forward, while Shine (207 Pontius Ave N) stocks a thoughtful selection of health and wellness products, with a specific emphasis on cosmetics, accessories, and cookbooks for cancer survivors and fighters.