Seattle , United States

Ballard Neighborhood Deep Dive

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(17 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Why do salmon swim upriver? Do bridge trolls make good security guards? Does that scruffy man drinking a craft beer work on the shipyard, or in tech?

Welcome to life in Seattle. For 3.5 epic hours, we pack in the greatest joys of the Northwest on foot!

This tour pays visit to 2 breweries (under 21 allowed), 2 restaurants and 1 cafe inside the National Nordic Museum, all within walking distance from natural wonders, engineering marvels and a city's proud history.

Food and Drink are included.

Watch Salmon swim upriver to their ancestral spawning grounds with your own eyes!

Raise the bridges (and the boats!) as they have for over 100 years.

Cheers (Skal!) your new friends and eat fish off a stick like the Viking you always knew you were.

Ballard is a short distance from downtown, accessible in 25 min by bus, <15 min by car, or 30 min by scooter/bike share.

The tour includes a total of 2.75 miles of walking on mostly flat ground, but there is plenty of time in-between for rest.

Available options

Ballard Neighborhood Deep Dive

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

The tour visits 1 cafe and 2 restaurants in the Ballard neighborhood. Our final stop includes dessert.

Included in the tour are beers from a local brewery and your choice of beer or mead from a Nordic tavern

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts at a small mom & pop brewery specializing in lagers. Drink Local!

Stop 2

People young and old delight in watching salmon swim upriver from the Ballard Locks fish ladder observation room. There’s a chance to spot salmon migrating year-round, but there’s no doubt the best time to visit is between July and late September.

Stop 3

Built in 1911, the Ballard Locks pass boats between sea level and the higher elevation fresh waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington.

7 waterfront acres with curated gardens & rare plants containing more than 500 species and 1,500 varieties of plants from around the world.

Locals visit these gardens especially for the fan palms, oaks, Mexican pines, rhododendrons, and a fine display of roses.

Entry into the museum is not part of the tour's activities, however, there is still much to do and see. Keep your eyes peeled for the 14 foot tall troll statue made from recycled materials outside the museum's entrance. We will enter the museum to enjoy a Scandinavian inspired treat from the museum's cafe.

Freya is a small scale, Danish-American owned bakery operating out of Pike Place Market. Their second location is inside the National Nordic Museum. Here guests will enjoy a small Scandinavian inspired snack included in the tour.

Built at the site of the old Ballard City Hall, this park marks the start of the Ballard Ave Historical District: one of the best areas in the city for bars, restaurants and shopping. A phenomenal farmers market operates here on Sundays.

Sadly, no relation to the Marvin Gardens from Monopoly.

Inspired by old Viking mead halls, this local tavern keeps Ballard rooted in its tradition. Guests will have their choice of beer or mead to accompany salmon skewers.

After the bakery and mead hall skewers, guests get their fill on Seattle's best fried chicken. Can you handle the heat?

The tour ends with dessert from the restaurant operating inside one of Seattle's premier breweries. Fair Isle specializes in rustic ales such as saisons and farmhouse ales. Their food offerings match the adventurous nature of their beers.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour will meet outside Bizarre Brewing in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. Please wait for your guide before entering into the business unless you are buying something. Location is a 25 minute bus ride from Downtown Seattle (bus no. 33).

About Seattle

Seattle, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture, is a city where innovation meets nature. Nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it offers a unique blend of tech-driven progress and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for a diverse range of travelers.

Top Attractions

Space Needle

An iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.

Architecture 1-2 hours Expensive ($35-50 for adults)

Pike Place Market

One of the oldest and most famous public markets in the U.S., Pike Place Market is a vibrant hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and street performers.

Market 2-3 hours Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining

Chihuly Garden and Glass

A stunning exhibit of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring intricate and colorful installations in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate ($24-32 for adults)

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

A museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture, featuring exhibits on music, science fiction, and video games.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($24-32 for adults)

Seattle Waterfront

A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions, offering beautiful views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Scenic 2-3 hours Free to explore, budget for attractions and dining

Discovery Park

The largest park in Seattle, offering beautiful trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Nature Half-day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Seafood

Fresh seafood is a staple in Seattle, with local specialties including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters.

Main course Contains seafood, may contain allergens

Coffee

Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops and roasters offering high-quality brews.

Drink Vegetarian/vegan options available, may contain caffeine

Marionberry Pie

A local favorite, Marionberry pie is made with Marionberries, a type of blackberry grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Philly Cheesesteak

A Seattle twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique toppings.

Main course Contains meat, may contain allergens

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Kayaking Rock climbing Spa treatments Yoga Picnicking Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The weather is generally pleasant, and there are numerous festivals and events taking place.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone (PT) (GMT-8)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Seattle is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour guides and taxis
• Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards

Getting there

By air

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from downtown

By train

King Street Station

By bus

King Street Station Bus Terminal, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Link light rail is clean, efficient, and covers many key areas of the city. It's a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Belltown Pike Place Market Capitol Hill Fremont Ballard

Day trips

Mount Rainier National Park

85 miles (137 km) from Seattle • Full day to overnight

A stunning national park featuring the iconic Mount Rainier, as well as beautiful trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Snoqualmie Falls

28 miles (45 km) from Seattle • Half day

A breathtaking waterfall and park featuring beautiful views, hiking trails, and a historic lodge.

Bainbridge Island

12 miles (19 km) from Seattle (by ferry) • Half day to full day

A charming island featuring beautiful scenery, local shops, and a variety of dining and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) • Late May to early June Bumbershoot • Labor Day weekend (late August to early September) Seattle Pride • Late June to early July

Pro tips

Visit the Space Needle at sunset for the best views of the city and surrounding landscapes
Explore Pike Place Market early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the famous fish throwing
Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic and relaxing day trip
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for a unique and interactive experience
Try the famous Seattle coffee and pastries at local cafes and bakeries