Seattle Guidebook

Transportation

Seattle is a vibrant and lively city, with a variety of transportation options to help you get around. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, there is a mode of transportation that will suit your needs. Here is a guide to some of the most popular transportation options in Seattle:

Bus: Seattle has an extensive public bus system operated by King County Metro Transit. The bus network serves most areas of the city, with routes that run throughout the day and night. You can pay for your bus fare with cash, a prepaid ORCA card, or the Transit Go mobile app. There are two route 20 bus stops nearby that can take you either to the University District Station to get on another route or the light rail or to Northgate.
Light rail: The Link Light Rail is a rapid transit system that serves the greater Seattle area. The light rail has two lines: the Central Link, which runs from downtown Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport, and the North Link, which runs from the University District to Northgate Mall. You can pay for your light rail fare with cash, a prepaid ORCA card, or the Transit Go mobile app.
Streetcar: Seattle has two streetcar lines: the South Lake Union Streetcar and the First Hill Streetcar. The South Lake Union Streetcar runs from downtown Seattle to South Lake Union, and the First Hill Streetcar runs from Capitol Hill to the International District. You can pay for your streetcar fare with cash, a prepaid ORCA card, or the Transit Go mobile app.
Ferry: If you want to explore the beautiful Puget Sound region, the Washington State Ferries are a great option. The ferries serve a number of destinations, including Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and Vashon Island. You can pay for your ferry fare with cash or a prepaid ORCA card.
Rideshare: Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available in Seattle. These services allow you to request a ride using a smartphone app, and you can pay for your ride with a credit card or through the app.
Bicycle: Seattle is a bike-friendly city, with a network of dedicated bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike-sharing apps (i.e. SuperPedestrian, Lime, Veo)

Local Recommendations

Visit the Wallingford Center, a local shopping and dining destination with a variety of stores and restaurants.
Take a walk through the Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular path for biking and walking that stretches through the city.
Check out the Woodland Park Zoo, a popular attraction with over 1,000 animals and several exhibits.
Visit the Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge.
Head to the University of Washington campus, a beautiful and historic area with plenty of things to see and do.

We hope you enjoy your stay and make the most of your time in Wallingford!

Wallingford

Located just north of downtown Seattle, Wallingford is a charming neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and vibrant business district. With its central location and easy access to major transportation corridors, Wallingford is a popular destination for those looking to experience all that the Emerald City has to offer.

One of the standout features of Wallingford is its bustling business district, centered around 45th Street. Here, you’ll find a variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants, including popular spots like the Wallingford Center and the Gas Works Park. The neighborhood is also home to a number of popular events and festivals, such as the annual Wallingford Wurst Festival and the Wallingford Artwalk.

In addition to its business district, Wallingford is home to a number of historic landmarks, including the Wallingford Masonic Temple and the Wallingford Playfield. The neighborhood is also home to a number of beautiful parks and green spaces, including Gas Works Park, which offers stunning views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.

For those looking to live in Wallingford, the neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. The neighborhood is known for its charming Craftsman-style homes, which are a popular choice for those looking to purchase a home in the area.

Greenlake

Greenlake is a popular neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, known for its beautiful park, recreational activities, and charming local businesses. Located just north of Wallingford, Greenlake is a prime destination for those looking to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

One of the standout features of Greenlake is its beautiful park, which features a 2.8-mile walking and jogging path that loops around the lake. The park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, including swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also home to a number of sports fields, playgrounds, and a popular beach area.

In addition to its beautiful park, Greenlake is home to a number of charming local businesses. The neighborhood’s bustling business district, located along Greenlake Drive, is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, including popular spots like the Greenlake Bar & Grill and the Greenlake Ale House. The neighborhood is also home to a number of popular events and festivals, such as the annual Greenlake Gobble, a Thanksgiving Day run and walk, and the Greenlake Craft Fair, which features handmade goods from local artists and artisans. The neighborhood is known for its charming, tree-lined streets and close-knit community.

University District

The University District, or “U District,” is a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington that is home to the University of Washington. Located just east of the 5, the U District is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its lively business district, cultural attractions, and student population.

One of the standout features of the U District is the University of Washington, which is the largest public university in the state of Washington. The university is home to a number of top-ranked programs, including business, engineering, and computer science. The U District is also home to a number of other educational institutions, including the Seattle Central College and the City University of Seattle.

In addition to its educational institutions, the U District is home to a lively business district, centered around University Way, also known as “The Ave.” The Ave is home to a variety of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including popular spots like The College Inn Pub and the Neptune Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Henry Art Gallery and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

Burke-Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular recreational trail located in Seattle, Washington. Stretching for over 27 miles, the trail runs from Ballard to the Sammamish River Trail in King County, passing through a number of neighborhoods along the way.

One of the standout features of the Burke-Gilman Trail is its accessibility. The trail is open to a variety of users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers, and is relatively flat, making it suitable for users of all skill levels. The trail is also well-maintained and well-marked, with multiple access points and amenities, such as restrooms and water fountains, located along the way.

In addition to its accessibility, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a beautiful and scenic route, passing through a number of parks and green spaces, including the University of Washington Arboretum, Lake Washington, and the Sammamish River Trail. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.

The Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy, including walking, cycling, rollerblading, and birdwatching. The trail is also a popular commuting route for those looking to get around the city without a car.

Overall, the Burke-Gilman Trail is a beautiful and accessible recreational trail that offers something for everyone. With its scenic route, diverse recreational activities, and convenient access points, it’s no wonder that the Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular destination in Seattle.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is a popular destination in Seattle, Washington, known for its unique history and beautiful views of the surrounding area. The park is located on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company, which operated a gasification plant in the area from 1910 to 1958. The plant was responsible for providing gas to homes and businesses in the city, and the site was later converted into a public park in 1975.

One of the standout features of Gas Works Park is its beautiful views of the surrounding area. The park features a number of trails and pathways that offer stunning views of the lake and the city skyline. The park also features a number of recreational activities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a number of sports fields.

In addition to its recreational activities, Gas Works Park is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Gas Works Park Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the gasification plant and the surrounding area. The park is also home to a number of events and festivals, including the annual Gas Works Park Festival, which celebrates the park’s history and culture.

Overall, Gas Works Park is a unique and beautiful destination in Seattle, with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the views, a place to enjoy a picnic or a day of recreation, or a place to learn about the history of the area, Gas Works Park is a great destination.