Lake Union is a freshwater lake as well as being part of several neighborhoods, including the South Lake Union district, Eastlake and Westlake, with Gas Works Park found on its northern shore. Along the lake both visitors and locals enjoy access to a wealth of fun things to do all year long, of course, it's especially enjoyed by water enthusiasts and outdoor lovers on a beautiful summer day. You'll find everything from special events like the Wooden Boat Festival and fantastic seafood eateries to the opportunity to kayak your way from one side of the lake to the other and more.
Parking and public transportation to Lake Union
Street parking is available throughout neighborhoods that surround Lake Union, but it can be difficult to find a good spot unless you arrive early. There are numerous paid lots and parking garages that offer convenient options, with the least expensive found at the Westlake and Terry garage and the Alley 24 building at John Street and North Yale Avenue, with evening and weekend parking available for under $4. Public transportation is cheap and easy to access, including the Link Light Rail which can be taken from SeaTac Airport to Westlake Center as well as numerous Metro bus routes that run right through the neighborhoods that surround the lake.
Best and worse time to go to Lake Union
As this Seattle landmark is best enjoyed on a pleasant day, you'll want to head here when the weather is right, typically during the months of May, June, July, August and September. If you'd like to avoid the biggest crowds, arrive on a non-holiday weekday. The worst time to go is in January, when the weather is typically dreary and cold.
Admission to Lake Union
There is no admission cost to visit Lake Union, and many available activities, including visiting its parks like Lake Union Park or Gas Works Park, are free. You can even access REI's 65-foot climbing wall without paying a dime.
Must see/do at Lake Union
Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll find a number of picture-perfect moments, including views of the city's iconic landmark, the Space Needle, as well as the floatplanes that take off and land right on the lake. Spending time atop the water is really a must, and by heading to the Center for Wooden Boats, you can rent anything from a kayak or a rowboat to a sailboat. NorthWest Outdoor Center along the lake's western shore rents standup paddle boards, which have become increasingly popular here. Lake Union Charters offers all types of cruises, including day sails and sunset sails that make for a spectacular way to end your day, watching the sun set behind the Aurora Bridge.
Other places to visit near Lake Union
You'll be able to get a good glimpse of the Space Needle from the lake, but while you're here, you should also take the opportunity to visit its 605-foot-high observation deck where you'll be able to get a bird's eye view of the city, its breathtaking surrounding mountains, including Mount Rainier on a clear day. When you're ready for a bite to eat, Chandler's Crabhouse is a favorite and offers panoramic views of the lake as well as waterfront patio seating. The Museum of History & Industry is located in the South Lake Union district in Lake Union Park, providing more stunning 360-degree views of the city through its working periscope along with an excellent collection of Seattle's maritime heritage and history.
Insider tips for visitors to Lake Union
Plan to be at Lake Union on a Sunday and you can take advantage of the free public sails offered by the Center for Wooden Boats. Volunteer skippers and crew take passengers out on the lake, generally between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m, in a variety of watercraft, including steamboats, schooners, yachts, yawls and electric boats, all year round, rain or shine.
K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.