See Sam’s (played by Tom Hanks) floating bachelor pad in real life on Lake Union. The home is privately owned, so a tour from the water is your best bet for a glimpse (full disclosure: the interior shots were filmed on a soundstage). Try the Locks Cruise offered by Argosy Cruises (*argosycruises.com) for a glimpse of the houseboat life.
On New Year’s Eve, a pensive Sam watches the fireworks display across the lake at Gas Works Park (2101 N Northlake Way) from his balcony. In reality, the park hosts Fourth of July festivities, while the Space Needle (*400 Broad St; spaceneedle.com) is home to the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display, also visible from Gas Works.
Quick-witted friend Jay, played by Rob Reiner, stops in front of the Inn at the Market (*86 Pine St; innatthemarket.com) to assess the cuteness of Sam’s butt for prospective dating purposes. Inside Pike Place Market (*First Ave and Pike St; pikeplacemarket.org), Jay and Sam dine at Athenian Inn—now Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar (81517 Pike Pl; athenianseattle.com)—to discuss women and tiramisu, the en vogue dessert of the early ’90s. Near the seat where Tom Hanks sat during the movie, you’ll find a plaque commemorating the film, just inside the restaurant on the right.
The original location of local restaurateur Tom Douglas’s Dahlia Lounge, served as the backdrop for Sam’s date with overly enthusiastic interior designer Victoria, who ultimately proved no match for Meg Ryan’s Annie Reed. However, now the location is home to Serious Pie. For a similar feel to Dahlia Lounge, head over to another one of Tom Douglas’s restaurants, Lola Seattle (2000 4th Ave; lolaseattle.com), for a parallel ambiance and amazing Mediterranean cuisine.
Annie’s sleuthing brings her to Alki Beach (1702 Alki Ave SW) in West Seattle, where she watches Sam and his son, Jonah, play on the beach from across the street at what is now Duke’s Seafood & Chowder (*2516 Alki Ave SW; dukesseafood.com). Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals (wheelfunrentals.com) to cruise the pathway beside the sand.
Of course, there’s plenty more to do during your stay in Seattle. For those who find themselves wanting to take on their own Sleepless in Seattle adventure, check out the city’s most happening after-hour locales.
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