Spend an afternoon or the whole day with us in the charming Seattle neighborhood of Ballard. Just minutes from both Port of Seattle cruise terminals, 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!
THERE’S MORE TO SEA IN BALLARD…
A DESTINATION TO SAVOR
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.
NORDIC CULTURE ON A NATIONAL SCALE
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.
EXPLORE CHARMING BOUTIQUES
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!
MARVEL AT THE BALLARD LOCKS
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.
VELKOMMEN TO BALLARD
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.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN LUXURY
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.
WHERE IS BALLARD AND HOW DO YOU GET HERE?
Whether you are cruising out of Pier 91 or Pier 66, Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood offers visitors a unique shore excursion before they embark on an Alaska cruise or want to spend an extra day at the end of their trip and experience a little town inside the city.
Ride-Sharing Services such as Uber and Lyft offer the most convenient door-to-door transportation option. Terminal 91 has a dedicated ride-share lot near the terminal entrance and is a very short drive to Ballard.
If you are coming from Pier 66 downtown, there are signs leading you to the designated ride-share pick up area. Once there, use your preferred rideshare service app and request a pickup.
Taxis are also available at the ground transportation lot near the terminal entrance.