Top Neighborhoods Near Ballard, WA In 2024

The Ballard neighborhood in Seattle is a hidden gem by Puget Sound. It mixes local culture, history, and outdoor fun. This area has a rich Nordic heritage, great food, and beautiful water views. It gives you a real look into Seattle’s past and life today.

Ballard is independent, even though it’s part of Seattle. It used to center around fishing and canning. Now, it shows its Scandinavian background through cultural sites. These honor the fishermen from Sweden, Norway, and more who came here.

Every year, Ballard celebrates with the Syttende Mai parade on May 17th. There’s also the Ballard Seafood Fest in July, which is quite loved. Ballard is full of local breweries, like Balebreaker Brewing and Kings Bar. People here love trying different foods. You can find everything from Danish pastries to Italian and Indian food.

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Introduction to Ballard

In the northwestern corner of Seattle, you’ll find the lively neighborhood of Ballard. It has a long history and a strong cultural vibe. Even though it became part of Seattle in 1907, Ballard keeps its unique spirit alive.

History of Ballard

Ballard began to grow in the late 19th century because of its great spot by the Puget Sound. Immigrants from Scandinavia, mainly Norway and Sweden, settled here. They built successful fisheries and canneries that became the heart of the neighborhood’s economy.

Ballard’s Scandinavian Heritage

Ballard’s heart is full of Scandinavian culture, as seen in its events, buildings, and heritage. The Syttende Mai parade, for Norwegian Constitution Day, is a must-see event. This celebration marks the strong ties between Ballard and its Nordic background.

Don’t miss the Nordic Museum, where you can learn more about this heritage. And be sure to try the local Scandinavian food. Everywhere you look in Ballard, you’ll see the beautiful Nordic design that fills the area.

The famous Ballard Locks are key to understanding the neighborhood’s maritime roots. They link the city’s lakes to Puget Sound, showing how important the sea is to the area and the history of Scandinavian settlers.

Today, Ballard is a mix of old and new, with its Scandinavian history blending in with a modern feel. The place is known for good food and a growing art scene. Ballard is a special part of Seattle, loved by its residents and visitors.

Ballard Seafood Fest

The Ballard Seafood Fest is a big deal in Ballard. It happens every July. This festival concerns the area’s love for the sea and its seafood. You can enjoy live music, shop at local stores, and try many seafood dishes. Don’t forget the tasty salmon BBQ. The fest also has a main stage, a beer garden, and many local food spots. It’s a great place for everyone to have fun.

The fest takes over Ballard from Friday, July 12, to Sunday, July 14. If you’re 21 or older with an ID, you can buy alcohol. The area from NW Market to Vernon Place and 22nd Avenue NW to Shilshole is for people to walk safely. This means you can look around without worrying about cars.

You can use cash, a credit card, or Venmo when buying stuff. Cool posters, made by artist Shogo Ota, are $30 each. They’re a neat way to remember the festival. You can bring pets, but not in the Beer Garden.

If you’re in Seattle, don’t miss the Ballard Seafood Fest. It’s a great way to dive into the local scene and celebrate the sea.

Best Restaurants in Ballard

Ballard is now a top spot for food lovers in Seattle. It has many kinds of restaurants with food for everyone. You can find wood-fired pizza, Italian dishes, and tasty plant-based Thai food here. It’s a great place for locals and tourists to enjoy good food.

Delancey

Delancey is famous for its wood-fired pizzas in Ballard. It uses fresh, local ingredients in its classic pizzas. There’s usually a long wait, but coming early helps you get a table. Don’t forget to ask the server for the best wine to go with your pizza.

Bizzarro Italian Cafe

At Bizzarro Italian Cafe, you’ll find cozy Italian meals in a fun setting. It’s known for its lively decor and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy pasta, salad, and more here. The food is tasty and true to its Italian roots.

Kati Vegan Thai

Kati Vegan Thai is great for those who love plant-based Thai food. Their menu is simple yet full of flavor. You can try Kathi rolls and other special treats like unusual ice cream. It’s worth a visit to Ballard.

Gracia

Gracia is a cheerful place famous for its Mexican tacos and drinks. The guava margarita and churros are a hit, but many love the tacos, too. It’s smart to reserve a table, especially during busy times.

Portage Bay Cafe

Portage Bay Cafe is known for its hearty breakfast and brunch in Seattle. They serve big meals, and there are daily specials. You can choose from breakfast burritos to fluffy pancakes. People love it for the fresh, local foods.

Bars and Breweries in Ballard

Ballard is a cool spot in Seattle known for bars and breweries. You can find everything from craft cocktails to local beers. It’s perfect for those who love a fun place to grab a drink.

Stumble Guys Distillery

Stumble Guys is famous for its many types of gin and tasty small dishes. Their fresh and local food makes it a hit for eating and drinking. They always have something new to try, making your visit special.

La Isla

La Isla is a Mexican place with a happy hour every day from 4-6 pm and late at night. They have great cocktails and food, like fish tacos. It’s known for being lively and sits by the water, drawing in many people.

Balebreaker Brewing

Balebreaker is loved for its beers, cider slushies, and hot ciders. They have a nice outdoor area for enjoying drinks on sunny days. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy good beer in Ballard.

Percy’s

Percy’s is a fun bar on Ballard Avenue with creative cocktails. Though drinks might be a tad pricey, its fun patio and great look are perfect for a night out. People love coming here for Ballard’s nightlife vibes.

Ballard Neighborhood: Seattle’s Hidden Gem

Ballard is a real treasure in Seattle, with its quaint streets and strong food spots. It’s not as popular as Pike Place Market or the Space Needle, but it offers a real Seattle vibe. The area’s Scandinavian roots, fun by the water, and yearly events all add to its charm.

Sonic Boom is a must-visit for music fans. It is known as the best place for vinyl in Seattle. Mighty-O’s, located in Ballard, makes tasty, eco-friendly cake doughnuts. They have cool flavors, like maple and French Toast.

The Ballard Locks have linked the area to Puget Sound since 1917, drawing many to see them work. The Walrus and the Carpenter are celebrated for their fresh local oysters and other offerings.

The Sunset is a favorite hangout that hosts new music acts and offers a cozy concert spot. Hot Cakes in Ballard and Capitol Hill sells delicious chocolate lava cakes and creative boozy milkshakes. They bring in a big mix of folks.

The Ballard Locks, or the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, wow both kids and grown-ups. The Nordic Museum showcases Northwest’s Nordic past with thousands of artifacts. Lil’ Woody’s on Market Street serves various burgers, including veggies, salmon, and chicken.

Full Tilt Ice Cream in Ballard offers four vegan flavors and other tasty ice creams. It caters to everyone’s dessert tastes.

Outdoor Activities in Ballard

Ballard is a lively part of Seattle with many outdoor activities. Golden Gardens Park is a favorite. It offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park in Ballard is a special place with a large beach. It’s great for swimming, hiking, and finding neat things on the beach. People love coming here to relax and enjoy nature.

Ballard Locks

The Ballard Locks are a key place to see. They help boats move between the lakes and the Puget Sound. You can see salmon go through the locks and enjoy the waterfront.

Activity	Location	Description
Swimming	Golden Gardens Park	Enjoy the big sandy beach and swim in Puget Sound.
Hiking	Golden Gardens Park	Take a walk on the park’s trails and see the mountains.
Beachcombing	Golden Gardens Park	Find neat shells and driftwood on the beach.
Observing Salmon	Ballard Locks	See the salmon swim up the ladder at the locks.
Scenic Cruising	Ballard Locks	Enjoy the beautiful water views from the locks.

Ballard has something for everyone. You can hike or see unique wildlife in the water. There’s a lot to do outdoors in Ballard.

Shopping in Ballard

Ballard has lovely streets with unique shops. You will find special items here. Whether you want a souvenir or something special, you’ll love shopping in Ballard.

Ascent Outdoors has been selling used outdoor gear since 1996. Baleen has beautiful accessories. Ballard Consignment has unique items, including old games and furniture.

Ballard Reuse has vintage items and quirky things for your home. Begin and Blumenkinder offer beautiful, handmade items. Clover Toys has classic toys for children.

Shop	Specialty
Fair Trade Winds	Sustainable and fair trade items like tees and chocolate
Filson	An outdoor store with a nautical theme
Gold Dogs	Vintage boots, band tees, and bohemian clothes
Good and Well Supply Co.	Candles inspired by places and beautifully made
Horseshoe	Local clothes and chic pieces

KAVU makes outdoor gear fun with unique prints. Lucca Great Finds has unique cards. Lucky Dry Goods sells fancy vintage clothing.

Market Street Shoes has practical shoes. Monster sells niche items. Mox Boarding House is great for board game fans.

Prism Boutique sells colorful fashion. Re-Soul is more than a shoe store. Secret Garden Books and September offer different but appealing items.

Sonic Boom Records has a wide music selection. Space Oddity has bright vintage furniture. Sparklebarn, near the Nordic Museum, is full of special finds.

Standard Goods is good for Seattle gifts. Studio RA has modern fashion. In Ballard, you’ll find a mix of shops for everyone.

Annual Events in Ballard

Syttende Mai Parade

Ballard has a fun parade every May 17th to celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day, called Syttende Mai. The streets are filled with music and dancing, and people hold Norwegian flags. This shows how deeply Ballard’s culture is tied to Norway, making it a great place to visit.

The Syttende Mai parade is cherished by many and draws huge crowds. There are bands, dancers, and folks in traditional clothes. This event ends with a grand party at Ballard Commons Park, offering music, food, and fun for all ages.

The parade marks an important time for Ballard, reflecting its close connection with Norway. It’s a joyful mix of Norwegian traditions that always leaves a lasting impression. For those wanting to delve into Ballard’s story or just enjoy a vibrant festivity, the Syttende Mai parade is a highlight each year.

Hidden Gems in Ballard

Secret Beach

Ballard hides many gems, one of which is Secret Beach. It’s also called Point Shilshole Beach, and it’s found by the Elks Lodge. This calm spot by Puget Sound is less crowded than other beaches. It’s perfect for locals to watch the Sunset or eat a sandwich from Un Bien.

La Cabana

La Cabana in Ballard is loved for its tasty and affordable Central American food. You can eat pupusas, plantains, and molcajete. They also do great takeout, and their sampler plates let you try different Latin American tastes.

Family-Friendly Activities in Ballard

Ballard, a charming neighborhood in Seattle, is full of activities for families. From big playgrounds at Golden Gardens Park to learning about Nordic culture at the Nordic Museum, families can have fun and make memories together.

The Ballard Locks, or the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are great for those who love the outdoors. You can watch boats go through the locks and see the salmon migrate here. Plus, there are free concerts on weekends from June to September.

If you prefer indoor activities, check out the Nordic Heritage Museum. It honors the Nordic people who helped build this area, and its exhibits and programs show Ballard’s deep cultural history.

Fun places like the Mox Boarding House in the Ballard area offer games for free with your meal. Stone Gardens also offers a kids’ climbing program three days a week.

Ballard is perfect for outdoor and indoor fun for both kids and adults. It’s filled with great parks, beaches, museums, and activities. This neighborhood is a wonderful place to make special family memories.

Transportation in Ballard

Ballard has easy-to-walk streets and is close to downtown Seattle. This makes getting around easy for people living here or visiting. There are numerous bus routes and a Ballard Link light rail station for quick trips.

For people who like biking, Ballard has lots of bike lanes. You can rent bikes to see the area at your own speed. The community is working hard to ensure eco-friendly transport. For this reason, they’re conducting a study called the BIRT study.

The state government awarded this study $700,000 in 2019. It looked at what kind of transport people will need in the future, such as more buses or trains. It also considered places people work, such as the Armory and Expedia, and how many people would live in the area.

Key Findings from the BIRT Study

The Ballard-Interbay area contains three future Sound Transit light rail stations, with the Ballard Link Extension (BLE) scheduled to start service in 2039.

The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extension Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published in January 2022. The Sound Transit Board identified preferred alternatives for both the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) and the Ballard Link Extension (BLE) in 2022-2023.

The Seattle Transportation Plan includes 81 projects to improve transportation in Ballard, focusing on safety, equity, sustainability, mobility, economic vitality, livability, and maintenance.

In Ballard, there are many ways to get around. From buses and trains to bikes, there’s something for everyone. This is all part of making Ballard a great place to live and visit, with easy and earth-friendly travel methods.

Where to Stay in Ballard

Ballard has many places to stay, from cozy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. They meet the needs of all visitors. You can find a quiet, local place or something more upscale. This makes Ballard a great place to stay while visiting Seattle, with access to the water, good food, and fun things to see.

The cost for hotels in Ballard changes throughout the year. December and April have the cheapest prices, about 46% lower. February is the most expensive. But, if you book on a Saturday, you might get a good deal. Tuesdays are usually more costly.

It’s smart to book your Ballard stay early. This could save you money, as data shows booking more than 90 days ahead can get you a better price. A 3-star hotel here typically costs between $135 and $321 a night. Most guests stay for two days.

Top places in Ballard include Isla’s Sweet Suite—Micro Studio—91Walkscore, Hotel Ballard, and Ballard Inn. For a special retreat, consider Ballard Inn, perfect for couples. All have free Wi-Fi and are close to popular spots like the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Aquarium, and Pike’s Place Market.

Looking for a cozy spot or a sleek hotel in Ballard? You’ll find plenty of choices for your Seattle trip. They vary in price and what they offer, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Conclusion

Ballard is a hidden gem in Seattle. It’s known for its rich history and vibrant culture, including many food and drinks. The area’s Scandinavian roots shine through.

Imagine walking down Ballard’s charming streets and enjoying its tasty meals. This is how travelers can truly feel the neighborhood’s magic. They can visit places like the historic Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and eat at The Walrus and the Carpenter for amazing seafood. And don’t miss out on the lively music at Tractor Tavern. There’s always something interesting in Ballard.

As new homes and businesses pop up, Ballard stays unique. Its sense of community is strong. For a real Seattle adventure, Ballard is the perfect spot. It’s where you can find the city’s best-kept secrets and make unforgettable moments.Are you looking to move or store in Ballard? SecureSpace offers convenient solutions tailored to your needs. Explore our range of storage units and professional moving services at SecureSpace. Simplify your move or storage today with Ballard’s trusted partner, SecureSpace!

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