Food scene
Venture Coffee Co
5819 24th Ave NWOur absolute favorite coffee in the neighborhood!
Just a few mins walk away -- this cafe with coffee and pastries during the day turns into an Italian restaurant at night!
55 locals recommend
Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Ave NWJust a few mins walk away -- this cafe with coffee and pastries during the day turns into an Italian restaurant at night!
Just a few mins walk away -- this Seattle institution has good seafood and great views of the water. Their happy hour is worth the wait!
188 locals recommend
Ray's Boathouse
6049 Seaview Ave NWJust a few mins walk away -- this Seattle institution has good seafood and great views of the water. Their happy hour is worth the wait!
Just a few mins walk away -- this small-plates gastrobar has a killer heated outdoor patio!
18 locals recommend
Baker's
6408 32nd Ave NWJust a few mins walk away -- this small-plates gastrobar has a killer heated outdoor patio!
If you like oysters, run, don't walk, to this restaurant in Downtown Ballard!
246 locals recommend
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NWIf you like oysters, run, don't walk, to this restaurant in Downtown Ballard!
Stoup Brewing
1108 NW 52nd StThere are many breweries in Ballard; this is one of our favorites!
The Fat Hen
1418 NW 70th StGo there for brunch, you won't regret it!
Tortuga
Just a few mins walk away -- check out this cute coffee truck with beachy vibes!
Just a few mins walk away -- this bistro specializes in woodfire cooking and is perfect for date night!
10 locals recommend
Samara
6414 32nd Ave NWJust a few mins walk away -- this bistro specializes in woodfire cooking and is perfect for date night!
Un Bien
Just a few mins walk away -- the Caribbean sandwiches here are so yummy!
Sightseeing
Surf Ballard
6300 Seaview Ave NWYou can rent a kayak or paddleboard here!
Seattle Sailing Club
7001 Seaview Ave NWYou can get sailing lessons here!
Windworks Sailing & Powerboating Club
7001 Seaview Avenue NorthwestYou can rent a boat here!
The Pantry
You can take a cooking class here!
You can learn about the neighborhood's Scandinavian heritage here!
127 locals recommend
National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market StYou can learn about the neighborhood's Scandinavian heritage here!
Stone Gardens Seattle
2839 NW Market StYou can go rock climbing here!
Flight Room
You can try aerial yoga here!
You can see salmon here during certain times of the year!
65 locals recommend
Ballard Locks Fish Ladder
2930 W Commodore WayYou can see salmon here during certain times of the year!
Sunset Hill Park
7531 34th Ave NWYou can watch the sunset over the water and the mountains here!
Essentials
QFC
Nearest large grocery store (21 min walk or 4 min drive)
Molly's Bottle Shop
6406 32nd Ave NWNearest wine store (5 min walk)
Sunset Hill Green Market
6405 32nd Ave NWNearest grocery convenience store (3 min walk)
UW Neighborhood Ballard Clinic - Primary Care & Urgent Care
1455 NW Leary WayNon 24-hour medical center (7 min drive)
Swedish Hospital in Ballard
24-hour medical center (6 min drive)
Bartell Drugs
24-hour drug store (16 min drive)
Traveler advice
Getting around
Walking
We are walking distance to a beach, restaurants, and groceries. Please see other parts of this guidebook for details.
Getting around
Buses
Bus 44 is a 13-min walk away, to go to the University of Washington or Light Rail stations. Bus 40, which also goes to Seattle downtown, is a 15-min walk away. If you are commuting to Seattle downtown, Bus 17 runs during weekday commuting hours and is only a 3-min walk away.
Getting around
Biking
You can access the Burke-Gilman bike trail nearby. E-bikes and e-scooters can occasionally be found on sidewalks in the neighborhood.
Traveling with kids
Baby Gear Rental
You can rent baby gear from CryBabyComforts dot com and arrange for them to meet you at the airport.
Traveling with kids
Nanny
You can reserve nanny services on DestinationSitters dot com.
Getting around
Luggage Storage
If your flight arrives early/departs late, you can leave your luggage at Bounce Luggage Storage. Their locations in Seattle downtown and near the airport are open 24/7. Book in advance on their website.
Getting around
Deliveries
If you would like to receive food or grocery deliveries during your stay, try Instacart, Shipt, or your favorite delivery apps. Please keep in close contact with your delivery person.
If you use Amazon or anything that delivers using Fedex/UPS/USPS, please track your package; as in any big city, packages left in the open may be lost.