Ballard, WA

Seattle

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks featuring a river or creek and boating as well as a small group of people
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks showing heritage architecture
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks featuring outdoor art
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks featuring boating, a river or creek and a coastal town
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks which includes a bay or harbor, boating and a river or creek
Experience a piece of Seattle’s Scandinavian heritage in a charming neighborhood brimming with fun and funky shops and celebrated restaurants.

Understand Seattle’s fishing and lumber industry origins during a visit to Ballard, a historically Scandinavian neighborhood. From trendy shops in vintage storefronts on Ballard Avenue to the National Nordic Museum, the neighborhood’s heritage and hipster vibe are evident.

Notice the occasional “Free Ballard” signs indicating interest in returning to a city status separate from Seattle. Ballard officially became part of Seattle in 1907. The neighborhood’s undeniable sense of independence is evident among long-time residents and younger professionals living here.

Sunday’s Ballard Farmers Market sells produce from Washington farmers. Savor extended brunches at popular restaurants featuring celebrated chefs. In July, attend Ballard’s famous SeafoodFest with food, drink, music and art.

Live music energizes Ballard’s bars and clubs nightly, including DJs, varied popular musical acts and karaoke. Find used books, vinyl favorites and locally made gifts at neighborhood shops. Stop at nearly a dozen area breweries and taprooms, perfect for meeting with friends for a fun night out.

Picnic at Ballard’s waterfront and the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Attend outdoor summer concerts in the adjacent Carl S. English Botanical Gardens. Ships navigate from Puget Sound through the locks and the Lake Washington Ship Canal into freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington. During the summer, wander below the locks to watch salmon swimming up a fish ladder from saltwater to freshwater spawning grounds.

Enjoy Ballard’s stunning waterfront views from Golden Gardens Park, a sand and rock beach perfect for picnics, sunbathing, walking, beachcombing and watching sunsets over the Olympic mountain range. A stretch of the Burke-Gilman Trail connects Ballard Locks to Golden Gardens.

One Ballard highlight is the National Nordic Museum. In addition to rotating exhibits, explore Nordic Journeys, celebrating the cultures of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Denmark over the last 12,000 years. Multiple galleries brim with art and artifacts.

About 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of downtown Seattle, Ballard is a very walkable neighborhood accessible by car, boat, bus, foot, bike or paddleboard. Travel here by public transportation if possible, as parking can be limited.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Ballard Hotel Deals

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
$168 nightly
The price is $198 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$198 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,683 reviews)
"I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The location is perfect—it's close to everything you need, whether it's shops, restaurants, or attractions. It made getting around super convenient. The staff were exceptional; they were incredibly kind and welcoming, which really made the stay feel special. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
$179 nightly
The price is $211 total per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
$211 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,522 reviews)
"Perfect spot . Everything is within walking distance. The valet parking is affordable and a Great feature. I'd come back this hotel for future stays. Staff was wonderful and helpful. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North

SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North

3.5 out of 5
3000 S 176th St, SeaTac, WA
$108 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$124 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in SeaTac. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,778 reviews)
"Easy access to airport. Hallway carpet needed a good vacuuming."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

SureStay Hotel by Best Western SeaTac Airport North
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
$256 nightly
The price is $302 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$302 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,422 reviews)
"A wonderful hotel. Walked to the wharf."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hyatt Regency Seattle
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
$199 nightly
The price is $235 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$235 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,531 reviews)
"Rooms are comfortable | shower is lovely and refreshing | drinks are fabulous and bartenders are fun | no free non lactose options for the complimentary coffee however the latte is not too expenaive and very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Coast Gateway Hotel

Coast Gateway Hotel

3.5 out of 5
18415 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
$166 nightly
The price is $189 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$189 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in SeaTac. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7,362 reviews)
"the hotel was convenient to the airport with a free shuttle. We chose it for the price and were happy with our choice. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The pub (situated on the car park) was friendly and served food till late, really good food and not overpriced."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Coast Gateway Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Ballard

Fremont featuring a river or creek, a park and a bridge

Fremont

4/5(108 area reviews)

Fremont is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Fremont Troll and Lake Union.

Fremont
Gas Works Park showing a park and industrial elements as well as a couple

Wallingford

5/5(6 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the lake views and sporting events in Wallingford. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Union or Wallingford Center.

Wallingford
Queen Anne showing a city and landscape views

Queen Anne

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Queen Anne is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Space Needle and Seattle Center, and you can get around town on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station.

Queen Anne
Bread with coffee is better.

Taken at October 2nd, 2016.

Northgate

3.5/5(288 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Northgate, you might enjoy attractions like Northgate Station and Jackson Park Golf Course. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Northgate Station to see more of the city.

Northgate
Husky Stadium showing signage and a statue or sculpture

University District

4/5(493 area reviews)

Home to the University of Washington's main campus, the University District features a bustling commercial presence along main streets and is well-connected by two Link light rail stations.

University District
Kerry Park showing snow, mountains and a city

Lower Queen Anne

While you're in Lower Queen Anne, take in top sights like Space Needle and jump on the metro at Seattle Center Monorail Station to see more of the city.

Lower Queen Anne


Ballard, WA

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