For a sense of quintessential Seattle, check out a houseboat or two while visiting the Eastlake neighborhood on Lake Union. This historic neighborhood on the east side of the lake was once home to those who worked in the freight industry, overseeing the movement of cargo from Elliot Bay and the downtown area across Lake Washington to the eastern suburbs of Seattle.

The first humble houseboats housed migrant workers who came to the region to help build what is now the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Today, the neighborhood has Seattle’s highest concentration of houseboats, ranging from modest to luxurious. Even the most luxurious of these is still a relatively small structure.

Eastlake isn’t just houseboats. Notice the single-family homes, apartments and condos, most built after 1980, where many residents live off the water. People here mostly work at neighborhood businesses or in South Lake Union, where Amazon, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and other notable organizations employ thousands.

The neighborhood has a small, but stable dining scene, ranging from Venetian-inspired tapas and homey Italian to sushi. Mingle with locals as you enjoy oyster shooters and red chili chicken tacos at a lively happy hour.

With its waterside location, outdoor activity calls in Eastlake. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard on Lake Union, hang out in Fairview Park or play bocce ball at the Eastlake Boulodrome. Meander along the Lake Union Loop, also known as the Cheshiahud loop. Miles of paved trails suitable for runners, walkers and cyclists connect to Gas Works Park, the Fremont Bridge and the University Bridge. Look for the 35 “pocket parks” along the loop as you circle the lake. The water is always abuzz with seaplanes, sailboats, motorboats and paddlers.

Find Eastlake on the eastern shore of Lake Union, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of downtown Seattle. Surrounding neighborhoods include Portage Bay to the north, Capitol Hill to the south and pretty Interlaken Park to the east.