Seattle

Travel

Public Transit -- The Seattle metro area is connected by trains, light rail system, and buses. The University of Washington is easily accessible via the Link Lightrail as well as several bus lines. Map services (i.e. Google Maps) are one of the best ways to determine the best route to take from your destination. The One Bus Away app will also give you information on buses and routes nearby.

To/From the Airport -- SeaTac is the most convenient and inexpensive airport in the region. From baggage claim, follow signs to the Link Lightrail which will take you directly to campus. You can buy a one-way or round-trip ticket at a kiosk at the station. If you plan to use the Lightrail frequently during your stay you can purchase an ORCA card. To return to the airport you can board at the University of Washington station on the southeast corner of campus. Tickets are available for purchase at this station as well. Alternatively, rideshares (i.e. Uber and Lyft) operate from the SeaTac parking structure to and from campus. Follow signs from baggage claim to the central rideshare pickup. Taxis are also available from the SeaTac parking structure. Rental cars are available from SeaTac; follow signs to the offsite rental car facility.

Driving -- Parking on campus is available in several garages and surface lots, including the Central Plaza Garage and lot N01 next to the Burke Museum. Note that parking fees vary depending on the day and time. Rideshares (i.e. Uber and Lyft) are available in Seattle as well.

Biking -- Seattle is a hilly but very bike friendly city. UW is located along the Burke Gilman trail which can take you for a scenic bikeride or walk along the water, or transport you towards neighborhoods to the east or west. The campus also has a variety of bikeshare options (i.e. Limebike, Jump bikes).

Walking -- All our events on the UW campus are within walking distance. Several of the hotels we have blocked rooms at are in the University District and within walking distance of campus. Visit the UW website for a campus map (https://www.washington.edu/maps/).

Feel free to check out the University of Washington's website (https://transportation.uw.edu/getting-here) for more information.

Seattle Attractions

There's plenty to do in Seattle! Read below for some recommendations on trips near and far, free and for pay!

Things To See

Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Garden

($$-$$$) Famous tower in Belltown and excellent museum of glass art

Pike Place Market

($) Historic farmers market with local food, arts, and entertainment

Gasworks Park

($) Park ca. 1mi from campus with views of the Seattle skyline and downtown

Ballard Locks

($) Park with the Hirram M. Chittenden Locks which connect the Puget Sound to the freshwater ship canal

MoPop

($$) Museum of Pop Culture with exhibits on superheroes, The Lord of the Rings, and much more

Seattle Art Museum

($-$$) Art museum in downtown featuring rotating exhibits and various artists

MOHAI

($$) Museum of History and Industry with exhibits on Seattle history and many tech-themed displays; next door is the Center for Wooden Boats and a view of scenic Lake Union

WA Park Arboretum

($) Located a few miles from campus, with many paths, themed gardens, and some waterfront walks

Seattle Asian Art Museum

($) Museum located in Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood; recently renovated re-opening in Feb 2020

Museum of Flight

($$) Located in south Seattle displaying air and spacecraft

Sky View Observatory

($$) Located in Columbia Center, offers 360 views of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound

Woodland Park Zoo

($$) Zoo located east of campus with over 300 species

Volunteer Park Conservatory

($) Beautiful greenhouse with a huge assortment of plants located in Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood

Food and Drink

Cafe Solstice

($) Great coffee and baked goods just adjacent to UW campus

Cafe Mox

($-$$$) Restaurant and game store in Ballard where you can take out any game to sample while you eat!

Cedars

($$) Great Indian food in Seattle (across the street from Safeway in the U District)

Paseo

($) Great Cuban sandwich place in Fremont

Fremont Brewing

($) Popular local brewery in Fremont--we'll be here for Friday dinner!

Floating Bridge Brewery

($) New(er) brewery located close to campus

Reuben's Brews

($) Excellent brewery in Ballard

Hot Cakes

($-$$) Multiple locations around Seattle serving delicious and decadent desserts

Molly Moons

($) local ice cream chain with many locations around the city

Chuck's Hop Shop

($-$$) Great spot with dozens of beers on tap; locations in the Ravenna and Central District neighborhoods

Starbuck's

($) You know it and love it! Starbuck's is technically local, although that hardly counts anymore. Stop by one of their Roasteries or the original location near Pike Place Merket for a truly unique experience!

Frankie and Jo's

($) Delicious vegan ice cream spot with locations in Ballard and Capitol Hill--best ice cream in the city!

Header image: R. Dillhoff. Florissantia, Republic floras, Washington.