Location: Ballard
Top Things to do in Ballard
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Ballard, Washington (WA)
In Seattle you simply can’t skip the Central Public Library – a modern architectural marvel of glass grids, unusual shapes, and a “book spiral” that climbs four stories. Stroll over to Pike Place Market to visit the original Starbucks and play catch with a fishmonger. In the heart of the city lies Chihuly Garden and Glass, which will dazzle you with its colorful and delicate works. Glide to the top of the Space Needle for panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and Puget Sound.
Restaurants in Seattle
1. Kirke Park
2. Golden Gardens Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
You won't find gold here, nor gardens, but with all the sand, sun and surf on this lovely beach, you won't even notice.
Reviewed By teresitalovestogo - Seattle, United States
Golden Gardens remains one of the best spots in Seattle. There are playgrounds, volleyball nets, walking paths, sand, views and FREE parking. Even on a gray day, the views of Puget Sound are gorgeous, and the people watching is unparalleled.
3. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,196 reviews
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle. Completed in 1917, the locks link the Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Once boats heading towards Puget Sound are in the locks, the water level drops as much as 26 feet to bring the boats even with Puget Sound. The fresh water is exchanged with salt water. The locks are also a critical link for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn. A fish ladder with 21 steps or “weirs” allows spawning fish to climb to the freshwater side. Young fish, or “smolts” then return down through the locks out to Puget Sound.
4. Salmon Bay Park
5. Sunset Hill Park
6. Carl S. English Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
A pretty little botanical garden with over 500 species of plants.
Reviewed By ozcan1 - Bunbury, Australia
We combined our Botanical Gardens walk with the Locks and Ladders experience; then revisited the gardens to enjoy a performance of the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band. While it's true that there are more impressive public gardens in Seattle, we really enjoyed viewing the Daylilies, an Asian perennial, now hybridised to more than 80,000 cultivars. A special display encouraged visitors to identify their favourite... and we all participated... . Returning from watching powerboats and yachts queuing to access the locks... and having viewed salmon navigating the fish ladder... we settled in with picnic goodies, to enjoy the band. It was great to find concert chairs already stacked in place for our use. Aussie organisers of free concerts and local volunteers might follow this example! We're not usually great fans of big band or community band concerts, but the Sousa Band were extremely competent and _incredibly_ entertaining.* All band members were 'in concert' but two gals stole the show: the conductor/MC and a simply amazing 'sedentary majorette', whose antics kept us enthralled and entertained. A 92 yo musician who directed one of the final pieces also elicited our sustained applause... . So my '5' rating, above, was quite influenced by the band... and the whole 'Free Summer Concert' programme, which enhances community and must also encourage tourists to visit Seattle. * So smitten were we that later we googled sedentarysousa and it's even possible we'll start an Aussie Fan Club!~ ;)
7. Bergen Place Park
8. Ballard Sculpture Garden
9. Marvin's Garden
10. Ballard Corners Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
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