Lake Union, Seattle

Name: Lake Union
Address: Seattle, United States

#20 among attractions in Seattle

Natural attraction, Nature, Lake

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jelson25 / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Leonardo.stabile / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Robbyrobin / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / ויקיג'אנקי / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joe Mabel / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Jelson25 / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dllu / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Lake Union stands as a shimmering centerpiece, a hub of maritime activity and urban life. This freshwater lake is flanked by bustling neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and city convenience. Measuring approximately 580 acres, Lake Union is a vital part of Seattle's landscape, providing a playground for both water enthusiasts and land dwellers alike.

Lake Union's origins date back to the glacial era, but it has since evolved into a vibrant urban waterway. The lake serves as a conduit between the larger Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, with the Lake Washington Ship Canal connecting these significant bodies of water. The lake's strategic location has made it an essential part of the city's infrastructure and economy.

Today, Lake Union is synonymous with recreation and leisure. The lake's calm waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, attracting locals and tourists year-round. The surrounding area is dotted with parks, such as Gas Works Park to the north, which offers one of the best views of the Seattle skyline and is a popular spot for picnics and kite-flying.

The lake is also home to a unique community of houseboats, including the famous floating home featured in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle." These floating residences contribute to the lake's charming character and are a testament to Seattle's innovative housing solutions.

Lake Union's shores are lined with a variety of businesses, from tech giants like Amazon, which has significant office space in the area, to a multitude of restaurants and cafes that offer waterfront dining experiences. The lake is also a stone's throw from the bustling South Lake Union neighborhood, known for its trendy eateries, shops, and the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), which chronicles the region's rich history.

Transportation around the lake is facilitated by a network of bike trails, footpaths, and public transit options, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. Additionally, the lake is a popular spot for seaplanes, which take off and land on its waters, providing scenic tours of the Seattle area and beyond.

Alternative names: Maximum depth: 50 ftElevation: 0 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°38'24"N, 122°20'6"W

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Seattle United States

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Day trips

Lake Union – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Gas Works Park, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Arthur Foss, Aurora Bridge.

0.4 miN
Sweeping city views from a picnic spot
Gas Works Park, Seattle
11 min walk • Gas Works Park, a distinctive landmark in Seattle, United States, offers a unique blend of industrial history and public recreation. This 19.1-acre park is situated on the north shore of Lake Union and provides an unparalleled urban oasis with a twist.
1.2 miSE
Asian art in a 1930s art deco building
Seattle Asian Art Museum, Seattle
31 min walk • Nestled in the verdant expanse of Seattle's Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is a cultural gem that beckons art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This museum is dedicated to the rich artistic heritage of Asia, showcasing an impressive collection that...
0.8 miS
Museum, Boat or ferry
Arthur Foss, Seattle
21 min walk • Arthur Foss, built in 1889 as Wallowa at Portland, Oregon, is likely the oldest wooden tugboat afloat in the world. Its 79-year commercial service life began with towing sailing ships over the Columbia River bar, and ended with hauling bundled log rafts on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in 1968.
0.7 miNW
Bridge
Aurora Bridge, Seattle
20 min walk • The Aurora Bridge is a cantilever and truss bridge in Seattle, Washington, United States. It carries State Route 99 over the west end of Seattle's Lake Union and connects Queen Anne and Fremont.
0.9 miSE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle
22 min walk • St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Seattle, Washington, is the seat of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. St. Mark's was founded as a mission church of Trinity Parish Church.
0.7 miSE
Bridge
Fairview Avenue North Bridge, Seattle
18 min walk • The Fairview Avenue North Bridge is a road bridge in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States, crossing a shallow arm of Lake Union. The original timber-pile bridge was built in 1948 and expanded with a concrete span in 1963. Both bridges were replaced by a new span that opened in 2021.
0.6 miSE
Park
I-5 Colonnade, Seattle
17 min walk • I-5 Colonnade in Seattle, Washington, United States, is a 7.5-acre city park underneath Interstate 5 connecting the Capitol Hill and Eastlake neighborhoods, which were divided by the freeway in the 1960s. It stretches south of E. Howe Street to E.
0.8 miSE
Park
Lakeview Place, Seattle
22 min walk • Lakeview Place is a 185-square-foot park in Seattle, Washington. According to the city parks department as of 2013, it was the smallest park in Seattle.
1.3 miSW
Nightlife, Music and shows, Music venue
McCaw Hall, Seattle
34 min walk • Marion Oliver McCaw Hall is a performing arts hall in Seattle, Washington, United States. Located on the grounds of Seattle Center and owned by the city of Seattle, McCaw Hall's two principal tenants are the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
0.8 miS
Museum, Ship
Duwamish, Seattle
21 min walk • Duwamish was one of the most powerful fireboats in the United States several times over her 75-year working life. She is the second oldest vessel designed to fight fires in the US, after Edward M. Cotter, in Buffalo, New York.
0.7 miNE
Park, View point
Fairview Park, Seattle
18 min walk • Fairview Park is a 0.8-acre park located in Seattle, Washington, on the eastern shoreline of Lake Union along Fairview Avenue E. between E. Hamlin and Allison Streets. It includes a P-Patch and a boat launch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Lake Union?

Nearby attractions include Lake Washington Ship Canal, Seattle (6 min walk), Terry Pettus Park, Seattle (10 min walk), Gas Works Park, Seattle (11 min walk), Eastlake, Seattle (11 min walk).

How to get to Lake Union by public transport?

The nearest stations to Lake Union:

Bus

Westlake Ave N & Crockett St • Lines: 40 (8 min walk)
Dexter Ave N & Crockett St • Lines: 62 (11 min walk)

Tram

Fairview & Campus Drive • Lines: South Lake Union Streetcar (22 min walk)
Lake Union Park • Lines: South Lake Union Streetcar (25 min walk)