June 18, 2018
Summer is the best time of year to live in Seattle, so make the most of the season down by the water. The Port just happens to have a few ideas on beautiful places to spend your sunny day!
1. Have a picnic with a view
Have an al fresco lunch at a Port of Seattle waterfront park. Here are a few of our favorites:
Centennial Park, along Elliott Bay west of Queen Anne, has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the islands across Elliott Bay. There’s a bike/walking path to help get everyone moving, and rose garden that’s perfect for a little relaxation.
Jack Block Park is a 15-acre park in West Seattle that sits on the northwest corner of the Port of Seattle’s Terminal 5. With a shoreline walking path, play area and walkable pier with an observation tower, there’s plenty to keep kids occupied. The tower overlooks Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle, and also offers a view of port operations at Terminal 5 and Vigor Shipyards.
8th Avenue South Park, located in the South Park neighborhood, offers great views of the Duwamish Waterway and, at low tides, has access to a small beach.
2. Celebrate seafood at Fishermen’s Terminal
Visit this iconic Seattle spot and a real working fishing terminal, then dine on the bounty of the sea for a quintessential Seattle experience. Walk the docks, have a lunch of fish and chips in front of the fishing boats, then visit Wild Salmon Seafood Market to pick up some fresh fish to grill back at home.
3. Ride your bike along the water
Take in views of Elliott Bay and ogle the giant cruise ships on a ride along the Terminal 91 Bike Trail — a paved route that runs from Centennial Park to the to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal in Magnolia, and continues on connecting trails all the way to the Bell Street Cruise Terminal. The trail is open to walkers, runners and bike riders.
4. Take your kayak (or paddle board) out for a spin
Slow down and smell the seaweed. For an up close experience on the water, use your own power and kayak along the Seattle waterfront. Launch from one of the Port parks in Elliott Bay, Ballard, along the Ship Canal, and in the Duwamish Waterway.
5. See an outdoor movie
Catch an ocean-themed movie at the two Movies at the Marina events at Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard. The movies — “Overboard” on Aug. 3 and “Moana” on Aug. 17 — start at dusk, but get there early for best seating. The movies — and the popcorn — are free, and you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and well-behaved dogs. Have a boat? Sail up; there’s guest moorage available.
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