Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Ballard is most associated with the famous Hiram M Chittenden Locks, is a largely residential area also noted for such Greenlake and other outdoor wonderlands. A sure bet for outdoorsy activities, this part of town does have some worthwhile cultural high spots including; Seattle Metaphysical Library, the Nordic Heritage Museum, as well as events like the Ballard Jazz Festival. Be sure and visit Fisherman’s Terminal for some of the best fresh crabs and seafood in the state.

Capitol Hill, including the Central District, is situated just East of Downtown, a primarily residential and traditional center of Seattle’s African-American community. Besides the quiet neighborhoods in this area like Madison Park, this part of town is noted for some super parks such as; Cal Anderson Park, Volunteer Park, and Washington Park Arboretum. You’ll also enjoy showing the whole family the Seattle Asian Art Museum, and the Museum of the Mysterie.

Fremont - Wallingford is Seattle’s most active arts community. Quirky in the extreme, this bohemian-like neighborhood also plays host to some notable corporate tenants like Adobe Systems, and some others. The area is most famous for the Fremont Solstice Parade held yearly, as well as for the strange works of art lingering about. The Fremont Troll, Gas Works Park, and especially the Fremont Rocket from back in the 50’s retro flavor, are attractions no visitor will soon forget.

Queen Anne, including the are of West Lake Union, sits just Northwest of Downtown. A massive mixed use district, the area is most famous for the famed Space Needle and Seattle Center, but serves as one of the fastest growing residential districts as well these days. The city’s wealthy residents cotton to Magnolia, and Interbay, and everything in between is commercialized in some way. Expect to find many of Seattle’s best restaurants, shopping spots, and excellent entertainment attractions.

The University District (U-District), is so named for being home to the University of Washington. Mostly residential, the neighborhood bears an unmistakable student influence. Book shops, trendy cafes, and all the trappings of college oriented life are here. Expect one of the most beautiful University campuses in the United States and touristy sites like; the Burke Museum, the Henry Art Gallery, and Magnuson Park, among the many others. Needless to say, there are plenty of pubs and bars too.