Sightseeing
Beautiful sunsets glorious views of the Olympic Mountains, swimming and kayaking and paddleboarding
728 locals recommend
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWBeautiful sunsets glorious views of the Olympic Mountains, swimming and kayaking and paddleboarding
Rotating exhibits of history.
The only museum of its size in the US dedicated to the Nordic heritage
127 locals recommend
National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market StRotating exhibits of history.
The only museum of its size in the US dedicated to the Nordic heritage
Really cool to watch the fish climb the fish ladder. Only 2 blocks from the house, and to watch how the locks work. a feat of the early 1900s. very similar (on a smaller scale) to the panama canal.
65 locals recommend
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
2930 W Commodore WayReally cool to watch the fish climb the fish ladder. Only 2 blocks from the house, and to watch how the locks work. a feat of the early 1900s. very similar (on a smaller scale) to the panama canal.
Have a great (expensive) spa massage but worth it. Have steam room and sauna and aromotherapy showers
Habitude Salon & Day Spa: At the Locks
2801 NW Market StHave a great (expensive) spa massage but worth it. Have steam room and sauna and aromotherapy showers
Neighborhoods
Was primarily Norwegian and Nordic fishermen's residences with lots of commercial fisherman and boats; now more upscale nightlife and restaurants with all kinds of good food ranging from Cuban, thai, indian, asian, pizza, japanese noodles, sushi, Pha and more, and the tractor tavern and local pubs
17 locals recommend
Ballard Avenue Northwest
Ballard Avenue NorthwestWas primarily Norwegian and Nordic fishermen's residences with lots of commercial fisherman and boats; now more upscale nightlife and restaurants with all kinds of good food ranging from Cuban, thai, indian, asian, pizza, japanese noodles, sushi, Pha and more, and the tractor tavern and local pubs
Beautiful views of the Puget sound and Olympics from Park above the Puget Sound Marina
8 locals recommend
Sunset Hill
Beautiful views of the Puget sound and Olympics from Park above the Puget Sound Marina
my favorite beach
The Ballard Elks has a secret beach where we paddle/ kayak. You can rent from Surf Ballard across the street on Shilshole Ave. I provide a paddleboard for your use. This is walking distance from the house.
Ballard Elks Lodge #827
6411 Seaview Ave NWThe Ballard Elks has a secret beach where we paddle/ kayak. You can rent from Surf Ballard across the street on Shilshole Ave. I provide a paddleboard for your use. This is walking distance from the house.
Food scene
Intimate dark with candles romantic setting and firepits. Fun bar and happy hour specials, Italian comfort food.
55 locals recommend
Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Ave NWIntimate dark with candles romantic setting and firepits. Fun bar and happy hour specials, Italian comfort food.
Voted number 1 sandwich in America a couple years ago for their delicious pulled pork sandwiches and variety of Carribean food
Un Bien
Voted number 1 sandwich in America a couple years ago for their delicious pulled pork sandwiches and variety of Carribean food
Sen Noodle Bar
2307 NW Market StGreat Thai noodles next door to Pestle Rock
My personal favorite Thai restaurant because of its originality. Creative Thai isan food
51 locals recommend
Pestle Rock
2305 NW Market StMy personal favorite Thai restaurant because of its originality. Creative Thai isan food
Lockspot Cafe
3005 NW Locks PlLocal favorite for many years for fish chips
Favorite place to watch the sunset. Celebrating 50 years! a local favorite for seafood and curried mussels and getting engaged.
188 locals recommend
Ray's Boathouse
6049 Seaview Ave NWFavorite place to watch the sunset. Celebrating 50 years! a local favorite for seafood and curried mussels and getting engaged.
Samara
6414 32nd Ave NWIntimate romantic setting . 10 blocks up the street across from Picolinos
Across from Picolino's. Can buy a bottle and drink your wine outside with the locals.
Molly's Bottle Shop
6406 32nd Ave NWAcross from Picolino's. Can buy a bottle and drink your wine outside with the locals.
Pono Ranch Restaurant & Bar
1501 Shilshole Ave NWFun music venue on weekends, raggae blues variety
Walking distance (28th and Market) for breakfast and lunch, next to climbing gym and Nordic Museum
57 locals recommend
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
2821 NW Market StWalking distance (28th and Market) for breakfast and lunch, next to climbing gym and Nordic Museum
Traditional Dive bar with darts 2 blocks towards Ballard on Market, so 4 blocks away
10 locals recommend
Sloop Tavern
2830 NW Market StTraditional Dive bar with darts 2 blocks towards Ballard on Market, so 4 blocks away
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Ballard Farmers Market and downtown Pike Place fish throw
bus goes downtown to Pike Place if you do not have a car.