Welcome to Northwest Seattle
A luxurious neighborhood close to the Woodland Park Zoo
Northwest Seattle is a cozy residential stretch, including neighborhoods with glamorous estates, charming single-family homes, and chic townhomes. The region is separated from bustling downtown by Lake Union and borders Puget Sound with many beautiful beachfront parks and trendy spots for dining. Most find the neighborhoods to be pleasant, walkable, and beautiful.
You will love the elegant residential streets and arboreal green spaces of a region designed to feel suburban with all the luxuries and conveniences of the city. Spotlights in Northwest Seattle include the Golden Gardens, Carkeek Park, and the Woodland Park Zoo.
What to Love
- Beautiful residential neighborhoods and estate homes
- Vast green spaces, seaside parks, and picturesque hiking trails
- The Woodland Park Zoo and Green Lake Park
- Delicious international restaurants and trendy shopping
- Proximity to downtown, but with a chill suburban feel
Local Lifestyle
Life in Northwest Seattle is as relaxing as you want it to be. You can dive into the big city's bustle and energy, kick back and enjoy a few days by the shore, or meet your neighbors on a relaxing dog-walk stroll through the neighborhoods. Residents also love to explore the local tapestry of restaurants and dive into the vivid nightlife venues. Northwest Seattle cherishes its casual vibe and beautiful streets and works hard to ensure residents are always relaxed.
You will find everything you need nearby, especially if you love outdoor recreation. Prominent neighborhoods include Haller Lake, Bitter Lake, Broadview, Licton Springs, Greenwood, and Phinney Ridge. Phinney Ridge is closest to the zoo.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Northwest Seattle has some great shopping and dining options. You can find the best activities at the north and south ends of the community near the zoo and the Northgate cluster. Start your journey at Bongos, the locally acclaimed Caribbean restaurant. This place has raving reviews and a festively casual beachside atmosphere with colorful tables in a sandy courtyard. Don't let the casual vibe fool you — this is one of the best places to eat in town.
The Blue Glass is an enchanting little bistro with shadowy tables lit by glowing lamps and beautiful painted artwork on the walls. The fare is a delectable mix of meat, seafood, salads, tacos, cocktails, and craft beer.
For great local seafood, head to Ray's Boathouse on the beautiful glittering waterside of Shilshole Bay. Ray's offers seafood PNW-style, and locals suggest you catch dinner at sunset when the views over the water are as excellent as the food.
For shopping opportunities, you will find two unique shopping malls at either end of the Northwest Seattle region. South, near the zoo, you'll find the Wallingford Center, a boutique little indoor shopping mall with absolutely charming internal shops. At the north end, you'll find the Northgate North Mall, a classic shopping mall with everything you could need and more.
Things to Do
Those looking for activities in Northwest Seattle will find endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the occasional festival to celebrate with friends and family. One such festival is the Freemont Solstice Parade. Every year around the June summer solstice, the Freemont Arts Council launches this event for all of Seattle, especially Northwest residents.
Nearby is the peninsula of Discovery Park, a vast and incredible green space with beautiful hiking trails and natural attractions. Discover Bird Alley, the historic Guard House of Ft. Lawton, or the Wolf Tree Nature Area when you're not lounging on the beautiful Discovery Park beaches.
The Ballard Locks is a ship canal between Salmon Bay and Washinton Lake. It is also a thriving attraction where you can see the fish ladder, watch the boats pass by, or head into the partially submerged structures to see fish up close and personal through large underwater windows.
The Golden Gardens Park is another breathtaking beachside park featuring The Grove gardens, a boathouse, mini wetlands, an off-leash area, and beautiful hiking trails.
Lastly, don't forget to stop and check out the legendary Freemont Troll carved below the Aurora Avenue bridge.
