Ballard
47.6792° N, 122.3860° W
Welcome to Ballard
Ballard is a lively and inviting neighborhood brimming with character and charm. Steeped in rich Scandinavian roots and centered on a bustling waterfront, it offers something for everyone.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails and sandy beaches of Golden Gardens Park or enjoy the waterfront’s fresh breezes. Culture lovers will appreciate the National Nordic Museum, which showcases the deep historical and cultural ties between Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest.
Ballard is a shopper’s delight, with a mix of charming boutiques, local artisan shops, and specialty stores lining historic Ballard Avenue. From unique home goods and handcrafted jewelry to vintage finds and Scandinavian-inspired treasures, there’s something for every taste.
A stroll along the iconic Ballard Locks or through the seven-acre Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden offers both relaxation and a chance to connect with nature. Add to that a thriving craft beer and cocktail scene, a year-round farmers market and Ballard becomes the perfect blend of culture, community, and leisure—a neighborhood that’s as welcoming as it is vibrant.
Walk Score: 100
Things to Do: Ballard
Beach Day
Located in Ballard, Golden Gardens Park is one of Seattle’s most beloved spots, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy strolls along the rugged shoreline, hikes through forest trails, sunbathing on sandy beaches, or fishing from the pier. The park also features wetlands, a short loop trail, a boat launch, and an off-leash dog area in the upper north end.
Sip & Stroll
Explore the Ballard Brewery District, a walkable hub for Seattle’s craft beer lovers. Start at the Bale Breaker & Yonder Cider Taproom for a mix of brews and ciders, then sample creative IPAs at Lucky Envelope Brewing and classic styles at Old Stove Gardens. Reuben’s Brews offers a huge tap list and friendly patio vibes, while Urban Family Brewing Co. pours farmhouse ales in a relaxed, family-friendly space. It’s the perfect way to sip, stroll, and savor Ballard’s local flavor.
Ballard locks
The Ballard Locks are one of Seattle’s most fascinating landmarks, carrying more boat traffic than any other lock system in the United States. Watching vessels of all sizes move between the waters of Lake Union and Puget Sound, and salmon on the fish ladder is a uniquely Seattle experience. Afterwards, wander the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, a beautifully landscaped oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Delish Coffee
If you’re craving a great coffee stop in Ballard, you’re in for a treat. Start at Homage Coffee for thoughtfully roasted beans and cozy vibes that locals rave about. Then head to Ballard Coffee Co. and treat yourself to one of their legendary cinnamon rolls—yes, they’re that good. Finally, swing by Cardoon for a “Sweet Brick Toast” or a non-traditional brew, like their seaweed latte—creative, comforting, and full of character.
Shopping
Strolling down historic Ballard Avenue you'll find one-of-a-kind boutiques like Fair Trade Winds where boho style and accessories await, Lucca Great Finds offers unique and quirky home decor. Vintage lovers will delight in Lucky Dry Goods’ or The Stray Fox Vintage for retrowear and decor, while The Uncommon Cottage offers unique gifts and stylish women’s apparel. Time to shop ‘til you drop.
Sunday Market
The Ballard Farmers Market, open every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM year-round, has been a beloved Seattle tradition since 2000. Located along the historic cobblestone stretch of Ballard Avenue NW the market features fresh produce exclusively from Washington state farmers. Rain or shine, it’s the perfect spot to browse local fruits, vegetables, and other seasonal goodies while soaking in Ballard’s charming historic vibe.
Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?
Living Here: A Neighborhood Snapshot
Seattle’s neighborhoods are unusually distinct and character rich because Seattle isn’t one city — it’s like a constellation of small towns that just happen to be next to each other… each with its own micro culture, its own tempo, its own aesthetic language. Coffee, pubs, bakeries, boutiques, bookstores are very neighborhood specific and beloved here. People belong to their café. Their bakery. And the architecture makes it even better — old craftsman, mid-century, modern, industrial conversions, Victorian leftovers, Scandinavian touches. Porches, gardens, hidden alleys, random staircases… it all creates this lived-in story everywhere you walk.
