When the sun is out, go to Lake Union for a perfect Seattle day. Parking is free on Saturdays and the park around the water often hosts events. There are restrooms, a boat house, museums, and more! read more

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Probably my favorite lake for a simple day of boating. It's not the largest lake in the area, but it's plenty large enough. There's always something going on, from groups of people learning to sail small boats, to regular boaters enjoying the sun, sea plans coming and going, and the usual paddle boarders. The thing I like the most is the convenience for boating. Plenty of room for many boats, but not so large that the waves cause too much boat rocking. Have you tried to just relax on puget sound or lake washington, not happening unless you find specific coves. We'll lake union is like a huge cove of calm water. To make things better, there's random amenities such as restaurants, parks, and gas station / convenient stores. All of which you can dock your boat and enjoy. Also spots to pick friends up. I don't know of many other lakes in the pnw that offer all of this for boaters. read more

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Along this area, you'll find the South Lake Union Ballard Locks. You'll see where boats come from the ocean and head into the Bay (Lake Union). It's a great stop to see and experience) to watch the locks workers do their thing and ensure the boats make this transition safely. From small boats to large ships. read more

I've been going through photos from my Seattle trip and realized that there were some potential reviews I'd completely ignored. This includes Lake Union itself, a glacial freshwater lake located entirely within the Seattle City limits and attracting its name due to its location by two neighborhoods - Eastlake and Westlake together known as Lake Union. I was fortunate enough to actually officiate a wedding directly on Lake Union aboard the MV Skansonia. As someone who typically performs low-budget, urban weddings I can easily say this was the most magnificent and picturesque wedding I've performed (and that doesn't even include the fact it was my own goddaughter's wedding). Lake Union encompasses 580 acres. It's a major part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Lake Union is host to a variety of recreations including two seaplane companies (Kenmore Air and Seattle Seaplanes). Pleasure boats pass through on the way to Puget Sound. There's an annual wooden boat festival hosted by Center for Wooden Boats. Each week, Lake Union hosts the Duck Dodge Sailboat Races (on Tuesdays). There was never a time that I was near the lake that I didn't see paddleboats and kayaking. Several Parks are around the lake - Gas Works Park is the biggest and most noteworthy as it hosts Seattle's Fourth of July fireworks and a variety of concerts. Other parks include North Passage Point Park, South Passage Point Park, Fairview Park, Terry Pettus Park, and South Lake Union Park. There are floating homes around certain parts of Lake Union. As a fun fact, in Sleepless in Seattle Tom Hanks's character lived in one of these homes. While Lake Union is considered a freshwater lake, it's worth noting that it has a connection via the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to the saltwater Puget Sound. The maximum depth of Lake Union is 50 feet and average is around 34 feet. Because this is also a glacial lake, it has a history that dates back 12,000 years with a basin dug by the Vashon Glacier (Yes, I looked this up. I was curious). It received its present name from Thomas Mercer in 1854. You can clearly see a good majority of downtown Seattle from Lake Union and when I performed the wedding the Space Needle was incredibly visible behind me. I was staying about a mile away in the University District and was fairly easily able to travel by wheelchair down to the actual lake (though it's worth noting that a return would have largely been uphill and more challenging). There are ample trails that make the journey easier. It's really impossible to assess accessibility in terms of a "lake," though Seattle is a weird mixture of really inclusive attitudes along with a terrain that sometimes makes that accessibility more of an ideal than a reality. During my week in Seattle, I visited more than one restaurant that would never meet ADA guidelines. My favorite place, I think, on Lake Union was Ivar's Salmon House. It offered great food, fair prices, and amazing views. read more

Lake Union - Overhead shot of wedding on Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

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Beautiful glacial freshwater lake located within the city limits of Seattle. Grab an outside patio table at Ivar's Salmon House for great views of the seaplanes and the Space Needle. Gas Works Park is the largest park on the lake. Grab a blanket and come here for a beautiful fireworks display on the Fourth of July. Floating homes line the lake. This is where Tom Hank's floating home was in Sleepless in Seattle. read more

Lake Union - Sunny Monday at Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

The view is just beautiful, peaceful and calming. You walk around along the end and just soak up that view and fresh air. Just beautiful. read more

Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

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A nice lake near Seattle, usually has several events through out the year. See quite a few boats out on the lake also.

While it is a great spot to visit all year around, there is nothing like a summer on Lake Union. It is the reason why I visit Gas Works Park often in the warm months of the year in Seattle just to see the view when the sun shines on the water. Lake Union is the site of the popular Independence Day fireworks display in Seattle every year. In the summer, you will see plenty of boats big and small mulling about in its waters. As well as people performing water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Many Seattle attractions like the Lake Union houseboats and the MOHAI are located by the water here. And a common sight daily on the lake are the Kenmore Air seaplanes departing and arriving as Lake Union is the one of the airline's hub locations. Whether you own a boat or not, I think you should take a cruise on Lake Union at least once in your lifetime. It is nice to take in the lake from land, but traveling through its waters offers you a different look that makes you appreciate it more. read more

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Love the park - it is perfect for a nice stroll in the sun and enjoying the freshness of the lake. It is nice to come down for a little date or with the family. On our visit they were hosting a wooden boat festival so we got to see all these wooden boats and it was interesting. They had a few vendors set up and we purchased some delicious jerky as well. They also had several food trucks but because we just had brunch we did not indulge in any. But they all looked so good. We were able to get amazing pictures here as well. read more

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Here at the lake taking a cruise around the bay and locks. Lots to do here park, riding bikes, sea planes, swimming, paddle boarding, and lots to choose from to eat or just relaxing. read more

Lake Union - Taking a tour - Lakes Near Me

I love Lake Union. The best part about it is there is always room on the lake whether you're out there in the winter or the summer. Regardless of what you want to do - seaplane, boating, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking or just enjoying the view, this is a great place to go. You can't beat the view from any angle. Visit the Center for Wooden Boats. Also check out the boat rentals. There's also the Duck tourist boat/truck ride that dips into the lake. Great place to take pictures of Seattle as you have downtown, the Space Needle, the water, Magnolia, Capitol Hill, the bridge, and the boats and seaplanes coming and going to capture. The best fireworks are here every Independence Day and anywhere on or near the lake is a great vantage point. They have boats that will take you out on the lake while the fireworks are going off. Houseboats are permanently anchored here with some looking a little scary to the supreme. There's one that I like to check out that was featured on local TV as it cost over $1 million to build and the software engineer that owns it had everything brought in piece by piece. Avoid coming here during the weekday commute as traffic goes cookoo for cocoa puffs at that time. read more

ChauTime Season 2: Episode 6 Reppin The 6 Side!!! Down on the West Coast they got a sayin, "If you're not drinkin' then you're not playin'." That's EggZachLy WTF I be doing 0 to a 100 Real Quick Fuck Being on Sum Chill Shit!!! This is My B.A.E (Before Anyone Else), G.O.A.T(Greatest of All Time) Water Bed on The 6 Side that keeps me Alive and Lush!!! There is no Greater Place in the Entire World to Me than my City from the Day after the 4th of July till Labor Day! Seattle is the Most Beautiful Place in the U.S. to me during that time with the best air, aquatic life (cause best believe I'm about that life I Get it I Get It), food, memories, and the environment has got girls singing and swaying like they are in love off Molly or something as a matter a fact Every Seattleite breaks Free and Roars to come out to play this time because everyone is Rolling!!! I stay Reppin My City!!! Being A Full Time 808 in the 20...6 Side Beach Bum with Sand in Between My Chubby CheekZ ...Wit lil Bit in the Crack Lake Union is the place I go for my Full Time Seasonal Summer Job!!! BOAT LIFE X WakeBoarding!!! Here I go 0 to 100 Real Quick (FYI: SPEED LIMIT IS 15 Knots) There is nothing Butter in the Summertime Than Being on a Boat, Gettin it in B with that Vitamin Till You are as Darker than a Guido or a Third World Banana Boater like a Lady Boi From Pattaya ThaiRand, Speedin on a Boat Drinking Throwing them Hands Up Like You Just Don't Care then Throw Some Gang Signs while you're at it, Having Boat Hopping Parties, and Riding the $hit outta Those Waves WakeBoarding Like your Asian 2Pac Screaming "THUG WIFE" Born to Die, Young and Beautiful, Look Ma No Hands and Drown in the water ... Breathless!!! My Big Home "Anthony Bourdain" ... actually since I have already used him in more than 10 Reviews lets Rewind Time To My other Big Home "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!!!" Will Smith and Dj Jazzy Jeff know whats up when it's the "Summertime" just Like the Song and Best Believe When It's Summer Time I Be Partyin the city where the heat is on, All night on the beach til the break of dawn!!! Just like Prince in "Miami" Cept for one Thing It's We$t Side Till I Die!!! "Welcome to Seattle, I'm Going to Seattle!!!" I call in Sick a Lot during the Summer because I am PHUCKING sick of Work and Need to Pursue My Dreams of Being Burnt Till I match the same Black Hue of my iPhone and can ride The Waves as Good as I did when I was about that 6 Life on Nintendo with Tony Hawk Pro Skater Tree!!! Life PHO Me in the Summertime is the Equivalent of "Chow" From The Hangover!!! I Like to have "SICK NIGHTS", "TooDaRoo 2 MothaPhuckerZ", and Do Anything That Involves LIVING and the MOTTO IS REARRY YOLO doing anything with the Quote in the Back Of My Mind "BUT DID YOU DIE MOTHA PHUCKER" For The Heat Of The Moment, I am having Lana Del Ray S'cuse me Lana Del WEi BanZ issues on Da Pho Rieu Doe!!! SUMMER TIME SADNESS but I'm counting down these days like the Anticipation to Dr. DRE's new album I have been Waiting for since 2001!!! Food: Westward- You rearry Think I wouldn't Include Food in a Review WTF dis ChauTime Get Dat A$$ Pourin Up Sum Drank, OYSTERS cause "The World Is My Oyster" and what ever ShhMancy Shit thurr!!! This is where I dock The Boat!!! (Warning: Do Not Trust Asians Docking a Boat Like Chau While Dining The Boat Could be Untied and Float Up Up And Away Like the Fat Kid From "UP"!!! ) Seagulls- Never Tried One But I'm Sure they taste like Chicken. LockNessMonster- I'm down to experiment with most things in life but idk how good this will taste it's old as shit from what I hear!!! Pho Now, Herro KittyZ X BABBY SquirrelZ and "SO LONG GAY BOYS" "TooDaRoo MothaFUCKA" -Chow From "The Hangover pt.1,2,3,9 X ChauTime!!! "Chuckin Up The Deuces" Like I'm a Fan Of A Fan Like Brown X T-Raw or Chow X Chau!!! read more

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Lake Union- my favorite lake in Seattle! Wanna go boating? Sailing? Watch the sunset? Or ride the duck around the lake? Maybe watch Fourth of July fireworks? It's all here. Lake Union is all that and a few bag of chips. Stunning lake with the view of space needle, gasworks park, that 99 bridge, houseboats, all the bustling restaurants on and around the Lake makes this place one hot tamale. And I love every bit of it. This is the lake to be whether one wants to take off on a seaplane, or go paddle board, boating, sailing and everything else in between! And to top it off, I get to see the stunning July fourth and New year fireworks without leaving my balcony. And watch stunning sunsets every single day from my house. I must have had taken over several hundreds pictures by now but still can't get enough. The new Museum and the park make it that much easier to walk around the lake. And that south lake union transit!! Or if you choose, just go to one of the many restaurants, sit on their decks and sip libations till the sun sets away in front of your eyes. Can't get any better than that!! read more

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Really? You can review a lake? Yes this lake is pretty awesome, it's blue and watery and all that. On a serious note, I see boats and canoes out there all the time during sunny days, and seeing planes taking off and landing there. I would imagine it's a decent place to boat if you don't want to venture too far from Seattle. On a sunny day it is probably more crowded than if you drive to Eastern WA and boat on one of those lakes though. But it's convenient. read more

Lake Union - Sunrise. Lake union. - Lakes Near Me

This is the lake proper in the area. The park named for it is definitely a whole other animal. In these waters you will find both boats, seaplanes, waterfowl, turtles, fish, and most likely a host of other shellfish and bottom feeders. I also know that sturgeon will frequent these waters, but they are usually too deep, snacking on the bottom. This lake is a host of a variety of tours and educational activities, and continues to call back to the roots of the area, which was a village on the lake. The nearby park has more details about the history of the lake, but it is obviously an important body of water both for commercial and ecological reasons. Even though you will find trash and industrial waste happen from time to time here, the area is still pretty healthy for being such a heavily trafficked area. I've lived in areas where the water was much less healthy, and it had a distinct affect on the impression of the area. There are plenty of humans that will be here during the summer actually brave enough to get their skin in that water, but you won't catch me in there. I'll avoid potential contaminants, thank you very much. Kayaking on the water looks fun, but so far my only experience has been on a larger tour boat at night. Either way, the lake is a great place to relax, and it is definitely a contributing factor why people want to come here. read more

Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

Lake Union can make it a bit difficult to navigate the city but it's still wonderful place -- as in you have to transfer 3 times on buses to get around it sometimes and sometimes you wish you had an amphibious car when you just need to get from Eastlake to the other side. Tuesdays in the summer provide entertainment in the form of the Duck Dodge. 4th of July the lake allows for a fabulous fireworks show. Also, there's the seaplanes which take off and land daily from there. Oooohhh and don't forget the wooden boats that you can sometimes hear the horns from if you live close enough. All in all, Lake Union adds to the charm of Seattle. read more

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This is a beautiful park. However it had duck poop all over. I couldn't really enjoy this place.

Dear Lake Union, I love you. Yes it's true, the way the sun glimmers on your waters, the way you offer sanction to the oh so small sailboats and you lead a journey to the gallant ocean for the bigger vessels.. You allow me to run around you at all times during the day. You remind my girl her fear of heights when raising your Fremont Bridge. You allow me to kayak and go sailing for free! And on the days where I feel oh so blue you allow me to sit on my balcony drink a beer and watch all the activity's on and around you.. Yes it's true, your the reason I got my apartment, and in times when I don't feel like walking an extra 1.5 miles I can always count on your S.L.U.T (South Lake Union Trolley) to go downtown(extreme pun intended)... Yes Lake Union, I love you.. even though I am not aloud to dive in you (more pun) read more

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We are incredibly spoiled with all the natural beauty in this city. Lake Union is that body of water that lies between Lake Washington in the east and Shilshoe Bay and essentially Puget Sound in the east. Since it is surrounded by the city, it is one of the most utilized body of water for recreation. There are public access points, and a few places where you can rent a kayak or canoe. Since it isn't very big, I like to see it via kayak. I have my own but you can easily rent them over at the Agua Verde paddle club. You can paddle right up to Alaskan fishing fleet vessels, cruise around Gas Works Park or just watch the sea planes from Kenmore Air take of and land right over you! You can even poke around some of the eclectic house boats that ring the shore or just float under some of the massive bridges that criss-cross over head. You can even park your vessel over at Ivar's Salmon house for a quick bite! Have I conviced you to check out Lake Union yet? read more

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The main feature of this lake is the water as there seems to always be plenty of it available no matter what time of year. This allows for boating, swimming, kayaking, and other aquatic activities and is especially beneficial if you are a fish or other water dwelling creature. You will also have chance to witness one of the nation's premier pyrotechnic displays featured on the day of our country's independence if you are anywhere in, on, or around this sizable body of water. On a sunny day you may get to witness the sometimes unnerving spectacle of a seaplane attempting to land on the surface of the lake which is already packed full of boats, kayaks, "Ducks", fish, birds, swimmers, and the occasional misplaced flotation device. read more

Reviewing a lake seems silly, but I'm over it. Lake Union is fantastic! On an average day, you'll see boats of all shapes and size (both motor and sail), paddle boards, kayaks, rowers, seaplanes, Ducks (tour) and ducks (animal) and people all along the shores enjoying your average gorgeous summer day in Seattle. In addition, there are several eateries with dockside boat parking so you're set even if you happen to get a hankering during your sail. If you're not lucky enough to be on the water, go grab a spot in the grass at Gasworks Park - lovely. read more

Polluted? Yes. Crowded? Yes. But oh so scenic and relaxing. I choose to live/work/ and play around this lake. Take a walk folks, it's so pretty :) read more

Places like these make me feel happy to be living in Seattle. Nothing more to say, but 5 stars all the way! read more

Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

Great place to people watch, enjoy the water, grab a great bit to eat at several walking distance options, fun water features (fountains, ect) and overall a clean and well kept environment. Cheap street parking (sometimes free based on time of day) and plenty of it. Nice place to visit after work or on weekends. read more

Lake Union is a great place to spend the day. Surrounded by a walking and bike trail anyone can enjoy themselves if staying on the go is their style and if being a little lazy fits them there is plenty of grass to bring a blanket and a picnic basket for some leisurely fun. Lake Union is served by Rapid Ride Metro Transit and the Link Light-rail. Go, have some fun. They make canoes there. read more

I love that lake. It seem each side of the lake have their own charm. All the charms together is what make it a unique lake. The northside near Aurora bridge is amazing with its little boathouses and the masjestic view of the bridge. From there, you can see the Fremont bridge draw its bridge up to allow the boats to pass. The south side, where the SLUT (see review) teminates is where the Wooden Boat Center (see review) is located at. It's like the center of Seattle, more centralized than downtown. I read the review below; The north side have so many buses following the canal, so Seattle Bus system should make a bus route for the south side of the canal. That would have made it easier... read more

I can't believe I'm reviewing a LAKE! And that lake water taste like SHIT. 0 star for the lake water. But -- seeing DUCK DODGE 2010 is coming up in just ohhh 4 hours, I will review this lake as one of the best inner-city waterways ever existed. I row on it. I race on it. I cruise on it. I sail on it. I eat by it. I enjoy a little scrimmage with the out-rigger paddlers in my single rowing scull and kicking their butts without even rowing that hard. ;-) Yes... taste like shit, but fun as heck. read more

Lake Union is a great place to see the fireworks on the fourth of July, spend the day feeding the ducks or just kayaking or paddle boarding on a warm sunny day. Even better if you have a boat. Or know someone with a boat who wants to take you for a ride. read more

Fantastic place to boat. Very friendly people on the water, respectful of each other's space.

This lake in the middle of the city houses so much health for you, me and the city. Breathtaking views! Solace in several parks. Places to moor and dock boats - ther eare plenty of them. Places to sail, kayak, row, float. Don't swim tho". The Tuesday noight Duck Dodge races, when ther eis not wind. The spectacular fireworks exhibitions each year from the middl eof the lake. Houseboats. Parks, places to run arounf the lake. Bike trails. Enough!! Go to a park and sit, watch life slide/glide y from your grass spot. Go! Rent a kayak! read more

Duck Dodge is awesome! Period! My buddies on the east coast know about Duck Dodge. I've raced Duck Dodge every season for the last 3 years (this year's season is over). But next year if your around message me and you can join our winning a crew! Seriously. I heard there is a sunken warship at the bottom of Lake Union. Just saying. read more

This is a great little park to come for a walk, sun and take a rest. There's a lot of green gras. They also have little water fountains in the middle to cool down and water your feet. Walk down the pier and you can get very very close to the water planes landing on the lake. It looks scary but somehow they manage to never hit someone. Certainly worth a visit when you're in Seattle. read more

It's a beautiful place, you can enjoy tranquility of a good read looking at the different animals that live near here, and also enjoy the boats and water airplanes. read more

Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

Love living so close to Lake Union! The park is great, the water nice... whether for boating, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, the list go on! read more

Lake Union - Lakes Near Me

I'm a huge fan. So many times I've been driving southbound from the U-District at dusk, and I'll see the beautiful blue hues of the whole city reflecting off Lake Union. I've kayaked in its cool summertime waters and taken an Argosy cruise with my Dad. read more

Good place to hang out on the water and do some kayaking on a nice day, but it will be busy. It always is.

Nature will never get less than 5 stars from me ;) Just like about any lake, it's beautiful & I have an obsession with water, mostly oceans though lol Anywhom, I'd recommend visiting it even if it's just for a good view. Boats, boats, & more boats! Ha read more

Great views and lots of things to do around Lake Union. Also, great place to eat, run and boat. Enjoy the beauty of Seattle.

A local friend took me on an introductory tour of Seattle by canoeing along Lake Union. I had so much fun! It was great having a view of Seattle from the water. There were brief panicked and hilarious moments when I had to dodge large boats, but overall, it was a blast! read more