Home » Blog » Seaplanes, Kayaks and More: Activities on South Lake Union
South Lake Union is one of Seattle’s most invigorating hubs of activity. You’ll often find people sunbathing at Lake Union Park, or renting kayaks and paddleboards, and exploring the quirky houseboat neighborhoods on the lake’s shores. We recommend taking a day to soak up all it has to offer, including sticking around to catch a sunset with Space Needle views.
Take your pick! Whichever vehicle you choose—kayak, paddleboard, or sailboat—you’ll love the freedom of being out on the water, especially if you go on a rare, clear Seattle day. Rates range from $18-$24 per hour, which gives you flexibility to explore the southern shores, or round the lake in full, if you’re looking for a little more aerobic activity.
Forget that lazy Sunday. Set an early alarm, and get to The Center For Wooden Boats around 9AM to sign up for a free tour of Lake Union via rowboat. You may need to wait a couple hours before getting out onto the water, so stop by the center’s main exhibit. There, you can learn to tie intricate knots, read about the history of the region’s maritime industry, and check out an impressive array of old, handcrafted sailboats. The Center for Wooden Boats: 1010 Valley St.; 206-382-2628
Grab a full-day whale watching tour package with Kenmore Air. The $369 package includes a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Lake Union to Friday Harbor Marina on San Juan Island. Flights run March through October, leaving Seattle in the morning and returning in the early evening.
Nestled in the South Lake Union neighborhood, at the southern tip of Lake Union itself, lies the Museum of History and Industry. MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, with nearly 4 million artifacts, photos, and historical objects collected from around the greater Puget Sound area. Highlights of the museum include Boeing’s first commercial plane, an 1865 American flag sewn by women during the Battle of Seattle, and Rainier Brewing Company’s giant, iconic neon sign.
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