Seattle is a relatively compact city, but it’s also hilly and has famously unpredictable weather. So, it’s a mistake to think that it doesn’t matter which neighborhood you stay in on a family vacation there. You don’t want to find yourself having to climb hefty hills with less-mobile relatives or heavy strollers, and you don’t want to struggle to reach the main attractions on windy, rainy days. Not to mention that some neighborhoods are more peaceful than others, and some have more family-friendly amenities. All in all, the first step to having the best family vacation experience in Seattle is to pick the right neighborhood to stay in.
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Downtown Seattle
Most hotels in Seattle are clustered around the Downtown area. This is the main tourist base, and it’s a great option for easy access to Pike Place, the waterfront, and attractions like the Space Needle. It’s a very walkable area, with plenty of amenities and parks for families. However, it can be crowded, and some families may prefer to stay in a neighborhood with less nightlife.
Seattle Center and Lower Queen Anne
These are great places to pick if you want to be close to attractions but a bit further away from the bars and clubs. The Seattle Center museums and the Space Needle are a stone’s throw away, and there are lots of family-friendly hotels here. If you need a break, there are plenty of green spaces where you can relax and let the kids let off steam. The public transport links from Seattle Center to Downtown and the waterfront are very good – which is just as well, as this area is uphill from the waterfront and, while the incline is gentle, it can be a tricky walk with strollers and/or mobility aids.
South Lake Union
SLU is an up-and-coming area with all the conveniences that a modern family expects. It has wide sidewalks, modern hotels, and good access to parks and lakes. It is also well connected by streetcars, buses, and short taxi rides to downtown and Seattle Center, so it’s relatively easy to get around with children, despite being a little farther from the main attractions.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is a busy neighborhood up the hill to the east of Downtown. You’ll find Cal Anderson Park here – a great place for kids to run around and play – and it’s well served by the light rail and buses. The main downside of staying in Capitol Hill is the nightlife. This is a vibrant area that can get busy and noisy at night.
Ballard
Ballard is northwest of Downtown, near the water. It has a strong ‘local’ feel, with parks, a marina, and plenty of restaurants and shops. It feels calmer and more residential than the city center, while still having plenty of dining and entertainment options. However, it does take longer to reach Downtown and major attractions from here.
Fremont
Fremont is a small, relaxed neighborhood south of Ballard, known for its independent shops and quirky cafes. It’s great for green walks by the canal and the river, but it has fewer large hotels. If you do decide to stay here, you’ll need to look for apartments or small boutique places. Like Ballard, it’s harder to get to the center of Seattle from here, but Fremont is well served by buses.
University District
The district around the University of Washington is a good option for families on a budget. There are plenty of lower-priced hotels and food options, and public transport into the rest of Seattle is good thanks to the student population. That being said, the district can feel crowded during term time and, while it is relatively family-friendly, the area is more geared towards university students than to families with young children.
West Seattle
West Seattle is across the water from Downtown, so you’ll need to take the bridge or ferry to get to the major attractions. That being said, the ferry can be an adventure for kids, and it’s sometimes nice to get out of the hustle and bustle at bedtime. The area has long beach parks, lots of open spaces, and quiet, peaceful streets. However, this isn’t typically a tourist neighborhood, so you may find hotel choices a bit limited.
The Right Neighborhood Makes All The Difference
Picking the right neighborhood as your base can make a big difference to your family’s trip to Seattle. So, think about what’s most important to you and your family, and what you can do without. For example, if you want to be within walking distance of the major attractions, you might have to pay a bit more or put up with nighttime noise.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind being a bit further out, you can get a peaceful night’s sleep and cheaper accommodation – but you might have to navigate public transport or Seattle’s notoriously problematic parking when getting from place to place. So, weigh the pros and cons of each neighborhood and choose based on what matters most to you.