Golden Gardens Park
From beaches and trails to restaurants and great schools — it’s all here
In what other neighborhood are you minutes away from a sandy beach with views of the Olympic mountains? Divided into five smaller pockets, Ballard is home to some of Seattle’s best outdoor spaces, a vibrant downtown and community, and a rich Scandinavian heritage.
In the Adams area, or more commonly known as ‘Downtown Ballard’, discover restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars. The streets are filled with local and international brands, vintage and secondhand, and coffee an
- The Walrus & The Carpenter: known for local oysters and other fresh seafood, small bites and cocktails
- Ray’s Boathouse: located in west Ballard, sunset hill area, enjoy views of the Puget Sound, PNW seafood and drinks
- San Fermo: a quaint, cozy Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta
- Hattie’s Hat: a true Ballard classic. The long loved restaurant offers 3 meals a day, often hosting events at night
- Secret Savory: expansive menu of region Thai dishes with a more causal, relaxed vibe
- Homage Coffee: for our coffee nerds, find a selection of roasts for both espresso and pour over
- This list could seriously be miles long, just know there’s plenty of exploring to be done in Ballard’s food scene.
While it’s true – Ballard is a great location for someone seeking community filled with retail and dinning, Ballard is also home to A rated schools including:
- West Woodland Elementary School
- Whittier Elementary School
- Loyal Heights Elementary School
- Licton Springs K-8
- Adams Elementary School
- Salmon Bay K-8
- Whitman Middle School
- Ballard High School
making it perfectly feasible for family life. Ballard also has plenty of activities to offer beyond the bustling downtown area. Find many ways to get outside, including:
- Ballard Locks: watch the boat traffic on the busiest lock in the US, take a walk along the park trails and botanical garden.
- Golden Gardens: enjoy breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, hanging out on the sand or grassy field, walks along the beach, wetlands and/or along the neighboring marina.
- National Nordic Museum: dedicated to Nordic art, history, and culture, this museum highlights the collections of Danish, Finish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish Americans.
With easy access to the Burke-Gilman Trail, biking is convenient to many of Seattle’s outdoor amenities. Ballard really does have it all: breathtaking nature, a bustling downtown, A rated schools, and historic roots. See what we have going on in Ballard:
