South Lake Union, WA

Seattle
South Lake Union featuring a lake or waterhole and a marina
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 Industry, 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 Boats, 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 Needle 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 Seattle 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


South Lake Union Hotel Deals

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 ¥20,515 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥20,515
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.6/10 (1,000 reviews)
"The windows offer a beautiful view of the Space needle and yet they were soooo dirty. Room was clean despite the age and wear and tear."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle By The Space Needle
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥20,818 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥20,818
per night
May 27 - May 28
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 breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,195 reviews)
"Very close to the Pledge Arena, walking distance of about a mile. We felt very safe. We also walked about 1.5 miles to the marina and had a seafood dinner/happy hour at Dukes. Perfect day!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott South Lake Union
Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott South Lake Union
4 out of 5
300 Terry Avenue North, Seattle, WA
The price is ¥29,052 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥29,052
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (707 reviews)
Stylish hotel in a great location
"I recently stayed at the Astra Hotel, situated in a prime location, it offered convenient access to all the attractions I wanted to visit. The hotel's modern and stylish design immediately caught my eye. The rooms were clean, comfortable and spacious. The staff greeted us warmly and went out of their ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Astra Hotel, Seattle, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott South Lake Union
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥30,917 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥30,917
per night
May 12 - May 13
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,225 reviews)
"MJ was wonderful, he went above and beyond out expectations. He got us to a room in a quick manner and also found us transportation to the airport. All of the staff was great."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Seattle Center
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Seattle Center
2.5 out of 5
226 7th Ave N, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,595 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,595
per night
May 12 - May 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (864 reviews)
"Excellent hotel"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Seattle Downtown/Seattle Center
Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
211 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥21,595 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥21,595
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Good and closer to space needle."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown, an IHG Hotel
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 neighborhoods around South Lake Union

Capitol Hill showing heritage architecture as well as an individual male

Capitol Hill

4.5/5(128 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Lake View Cemetery - Bruce Lee's Grave and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Capitol Hill. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Capitol Hill Station or Broadway & Denny Stop.

Capitol Hill
Belltown which includes night scenes, street scenes and central business district

Belltown

Belltown is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 and Moore Theater.

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

Downtown Seattle

4.5/5(9,584 area reviews)

Pike Place Market and Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66 are a few top attractions in Downtown Seattle. Hop around the city on the metro at Westlake Station or University Street Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, great live music, and popular shops.

Downtown Seattle
Queen Anne showing a city and landscape views

Queen Anne

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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
Pioneer Square showing central business district, heritage architecture and street scenes

Pioneer Square

Shopping, museums, and art galleries highlight some notable features of Pioneer Square. Make a stop by Smith Tower or Pioneer Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Pioneer Square Station or Occidental Mall Stop to get around town.

Pioneer Square


South Lake Union, WA