12 Fun Things to do In Ballard (From a Local)
Way back in 2017, I visited Ballard for the first time. I had no idea that five years later I would be moving there and calling it home. On the northwest side of downtown Seattle, Ballard is a quaint, calm, and lovely place to call home.
It’s home to numerous breweries, boasts gorgeous views of the Olympic Range, and has a unique Scandinavian identity, making it one of the best places to visit in the Seattle metro area. With so many things to do in Ballard, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your trip.
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A Local’s Tips for Fun Things to Do in Ballard, Washington
Note: I’m including a few things that may not technically be Ballard in this article. It’s all relative, and everything is close by.
1. Hang out at Golden Gardens
This is one of our favorite places to go for a walk, look for sea life like orcas or seals, and spend time on the beach. It’s also one of Seattle’s top places. On weekends in the summer, you’ll find this place teaming with people enjoying the long sunny days.
It’s also a great place to view the Northern Lights. There’s hardly any light pollution at the far end of the beach if you are in need of a quick place to get outside.
2. Explore Downtown Ballard
Downtown Ballard is a bustling hub with numerous shops, coffee, bakeries, cocktails, and a diverse array of food from around the world. It’s generally easy to navigate, but parking can be difficult to find on the weekends. (And it’s all pay to park.)
I would also say it’s quite safe and you shouldn’t worry about anything as you mosey throughout the area.
I’m not a big foodie, but here are a few fun places to stop and grab a bite to eat in the Ballard area:
- Asadero Ballard – Expensive, but delicious steakhouse
- Tangerine Thai – Great Thai food, reasonable prices
- Un Bien – Delicious Caribbean food. Two locations, one by Shilshole and another on 15th
- Palermo-Ballard – Yummy Italian food.
- India Bistro – If you want Indian food, this was fantastic.
3. Go to the Nordic Museum
Located in the heart of Ballard, the Nordic Museum is a beautifully designed space celebrating the history and culture of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Sámi people. The architecture mimics a fjord, with exhibits guiding you through 12,000 years of Nordic heritage.
Inside, you’ll find rotating art installations, sleek design elements, and the immersive “Nordic Journeys” exhibit. Don’t skip Freya Café—grab a smørrebrød and an aquavit cocktail.
A perfect blend of culture, design, and delicious bites.
4. Grab a drink at our many breweries
Even three years into living in Ballard, I’m still learning about new breweries in the area. The most popular ones are around 11th Ave NW and 14th Ave NW south of Market Street.
Here, you have:
- Reubens
- Stoup, Urban Family
- Balebreaker/Yonder Cider
- Fairy Isle
- Wheelie Pop
- Lucky Envelope
- Great Notion
- Obec Brewing
- Distant West
- Trailbend Taproom
- Old Stove Brewing
- Bickersons Brewhouse
- Jolly Roger Taproom
- Rooftop Brewing
The last few are a few more blocks away. But it’s a bit crazy to see how many places there are to grab a drink in Ballard.
5. See the Ballard Locks
The locks are freaking cool! I’d never experienced something like this before, and watching them move boats up from one side or lower them from another was super neat. These locks connect the Puget Sound (salt water) with Lake Union (freshwater). I firmly believe it’s one of the best things to do in Ballard.
Also, make sure you check out the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden as well as the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder. Spending about 75 minutes here is likely good enough.
6. Watch the sunset at Sunset Hill
A fantastic spot to watch the sunset or simply enjoy the views overlooking the Olympic Mountains is Sunset Hill in Ballard. It’s a nice grassy area with a few picnic tables. In the summer months, people flock here in the evenings and weekends to hang with friends or read a book.
You’ll also experience some house envy as you see the beautiful houses on this street.
7. Grab Sushi (we have a lot of options)
One of the best things to do in Ballard is get sushi! We have numerous delicious places that will have your mouth watering— and also take all of your money.
These are the ones I’ve tried and enjoyed:
- AA Sushi – our new favorite, as it’s super affordable and offers $5 huge wine pours
- Sam’s Sushi – Great food. Ordered takeout here.
- Moshi Moshi – Delicious, but pricey. We did an anniversary here, and the environment is superb
- Shiku Suhi – Just a couple of shops down from Moshi Moshi. Also, fantastic service and food quality
- Arigato Suishi – On Phinney Ridge, small sit-down, but yummy food!
We also have some good Poke spots that are no-fuss, fast-casual locations.
- Poke Square Ballard (I find this spot offers better portions)
- Just Poke
8. Go to the Zoo
The Woodland Park Zoo, located on Phinney Ridge, is a fantastic place for families to enjoy. Over 92 acres, the zoo is broken up into “bioclimatic zones, featuring different natural habitats ranging from humid tropical rainforests and coastal deserts to temperate rainforests like those of the Pacific Northwest.“
The different exhibits are:
- African Savanna
- Ambassador Animals
- Assam Rhino Reserve
- Australasia
- Butterfly Graden
- Humboldt Penguins
- Living Northwest Trail
- Temperate Forest
- Reptile Realm
- Tropical Asia
- Tropical Rain Forest
Ticket prices range from $27 to $34, with weekdays being cheaper than weekends.
9. Hike around Discovery Park
Another one that isn’t technically in Ballard, but we’re generous here. Discovery Park is one of my top hiking places in Seattle. From the South Parking lot to the lighthouse is around 3 miles and 500 feet of gain. It’s perfect for a quick walk to enjoy the sun.
The lighthouse is also a really great place to spot Orcas in Seattle.
PS: On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker. It’s a pretty sweet spot to visit.
10. Take a walk around Green Lake
One of the best places to walk or run is around Green Lake. The almost three-mile loop is a lovely place to stretch your legs, get fresh air, and enjoy the colors of the season. In Spring, it’s full of Cherry Blossoms, while in Fall, the trees turn all the traditional colors.
The east side of Green Lake is where all the shops are. You’ll also find a coffee shop by the small pier if you need something to warm you up as you walk.
11. Play Golf or Hit the Driving Range at Interbay
Just three minutes over the Ballard Bridge is the Interbay Golf Center. Here you have a mini golf course, a nine-hole golf course, and a two-level driving range.
The range has heaters, so if you want to go in the winter, you’re able to. Just be warned, if you hit a ball weird, it’ll hurt like heck! I will say, though, it’s pretty cool to hit the range when it’s snowing!
12. Indoor Rock Climbing
One of the final things to do in Ballard. Want to hit the climbing wall? Check out Edgeworks Climbing Gym in Ballard. Day rates are $24 per person, with a 10-day pass offering a slight discount at $216. A monthly membership starts at $85.
I’ve never been, but for those who enjoy rock climbing and also want gym access, it’s a good deal!
When should you visit Seattle? And what else is there to do in the city.
What to know about Ballard
Ballard isn’t technically a city anymore; it’s a neighborhood
At some point in time, the City of Seattle swooped in and made everything Seattle. The city limits are surprisingly large, so when people talk about Ballard, it’s the neighborhood name. And honestly, I doubt many people truly know where all the neighborhood boundaries are.
I’m technically West Woodland, but hardly anyone uses that name.
It’s pretty safe
I consider the Ballard area relatively safe. Yes, we have our assortment of unhoused people, but every area has that. I walk to the gym multiple times per week and have had no issues to speak of.
Ballard is walkable
The downtown area of Ballard is incredibly walkable. With plenty of stores and shops to browse, you’ll have a field day out here. Furthermore, most of the neighbors in the area are also walkable. The hardest part is all the hills, which will surely tire you out.
A great way to stretch your legs is to park at the Ballard docks, visit the botanical garden, and then walk out to Shilshole Beach. This is around a four-mile walk.
Not light rail friendly
The biggest gripe with the Ballard area (and also all places east/west in Seattle) is that we don’t have easy access to the light rail. So, if you want to get into this area via public transportation, you’ll have to figure out the bus lines.
I think there’s talk of extending light rail out here in a few decades. But I wouldn’t hold your breath.
Where to stay around Ballard
Don’t expect much lodging for visiting Ballard. That’s probably one of the downsides to the area, but also understandable, as just a decade ago, this was far less popular and built up.
The Ballard Inn and Hotel Ballard are two places in the heart of downtown, but that’s about it. I personally recommend staying in South Lake Union or downtown Seattle, as there are numerous options available in these areas.
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Final Thoughts on the things to do in Ballad
There are so many things to do in Ballard for people of all walks of life and interests. I personally enjoy the more outdoorsy aspects, but not so much the food interests. But thankfully, this little region of Seattle allows everyone to have a good time.
If you plan to visit Ballard, please be respectful and remember to dispose of your trash properly and treat people with kindness.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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