Browse local independent boutiques, vintage stores, and specialty shops galore.
Savor an unparalleled food scene — from casual cafés to fine dining.
Wet your whistle at a boatload of bars and breweries.
Discover fun at local festivities.
Immerse yourself in Ballard's Indigenous roots and Scandinavian history.
Engage with maritime culture and marvel at marine life.
Find everything you need nestled between charming shops and restaurants.
Relax, pamper and rejuvenate at local spas, gyms, and salons.
A city-within-a-city, Ballard is a vibrant urban village packed with everything under the sun. We invite you to spend a day, a week—or lifetime—exploring hundreds of small businesses and destinations.
Just minutes from both Port of Seattle cruise terminals and downtown, Ballard offers the chance to experience an authentic Seattle neighborhood. Escape the hustle and bustle of tourist hot spots and leisurely explore our cultural attractions, shopping, and dining at your own pace.
The neighborhood retains its historical charm as a Scandinavian fishing village while offering modern amenities that cater to travelers. Enjoy flavors from James Beard Award-winning chefs, unique Pacific Northwest gifts at boutique shops, the National Nordic Museum, and the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden “Ballard” Locks.
Check out our Visitors Map & Guide to find the best restaurants, places to shop and cultural destinations to explore in our cozy neighborhood!
Ballard’s culinary scene is one to be savored. Home to James Beard Award-winning chefs, the neighborhood offers elevated cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, innovative farm-to-table dishes, or international fare, Ballard’s diverse range of restaurants ensures there’s something to satisfy every palate.
For those interested in exploring Ballard’s cultural heritage, the National Nordic Museum is a must-visit. Celebrating the history and culture of the Nordic countries, the museum offers fascinating exhibitions and events. The National Nordic Museum is the only museum of its size and scale in the U.S. that represents the history and culture of the Nordic region. Immerse yourself in the unique Nordic cultures that helped shape Ballard into a “Scandinavian fishing village”. The museum also boasts Freya Cafe and a gift shop.
Ballard promises an exceptional shopping experience with boutiques offering unique Pacific NW gifts. Our collection of independent shops is at the core of what makes Ballard a welcoming and vibrant place to visit. From handcrafted jewelry to locally made art, the shops in Ballard provide the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs that reflect the region’s eclectic yet distinctive character. Uncover the perfect treasures to tuck into your luggage at one of Ballard’s many boutiques!
Spend the afternoon at the famous Hiram M. Chittenden “Ballard” Locks – a feat of engineering built in 1917, relax in the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens, witness the locks in action as a variety of boats make their way to and from Lake Union to the Puget Sound, and watch the salmon make their way up the Fish Ladder traveling home to spawn from a life in the ocean.
Public art adds color and culture to our corner of Seattle. Ballard has dozens of large scale public art projects on display throughout the neighborhood. Art enthusiasts will delight in discovering bold murals decorating alleyways and entire building facades. From unexpected corners to prominent locations, immerse yourself in the creativity and talent that define the Seattle art scene.
We invite you to make Ballard your home for a night or two. With so much to do and see, you can relax and vacation at your own pace. No rushing or battling crowds – Just soak in the chill neighborhood vibes.
Nestled in the Ballard Avenue Historic District are two places to unwind and make the most out of your trip: the Ballard Inn and the Hotel Ballard.
Spoil yourself at the boutique Ballard Hotel & Spa and be steps from all the best shopping and dining the neighborhood offers. Rest up before your cruise or take a vacation from your vacation in our cozy corner of Seattle.
