Seattle/South

By car

Rainier Ave S. and Martin Luther King Jr. Way are the two main thoroughfares that run north and south through the district. Interstates 5 and 90 is the major highway through Seattle and offers several convenient exits into South Seattle.

By rail

• The Central Link light rail is a clean and timely way to travel to South Seattle, with trains running every 10 minutes for most of the day. The line runs from the University of Washington through Downtown to Seatac Airport with several stops in the South Seattle area, including Beacon Hill, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Othello and Rainier Beach.

By bus

• King County Metro bus routes #7 and #42 travel along Rainier and MLK, respectively, with frequent service seven days a week; the 7 is also one of the few routes to operate between 1 and 5AM. The #36 travels the length of Beacon Hill with connections at the Beacon Hill light rail station. East-west bus service is limited to local routes.

By bike

Like most of Seattle, attitudes towards bikers are fairly generous and there is a fair amount of built in bike lanes but some of the hills can be intimidating to unaccustomed cyclists. There are several popular bike trails through south Seattle including Lake Washington Boulevard which is a scenic, approximately 8-mile (13 km), route through Seattle, Washington, that hugs Lake Washington. There are views of the lake, small sections of rainforest, meadows, and views of the Cascade mountains. From the north end at Coleman Park (just south of Interstate 90)the trail runs all the way to Seward Park in the south. Bike maps can be obtained from the city here.

By boat

• Lakewood Moorage

  phone: +1 206 722-3887
  address: 4400 Lake Washington Blvd S, 98118
  limited guest moorage is available on this Lake Washington marina north of Seward Park which includes a small craft boat launch. Not near any facilities except parks so other transport should be arranged.
• Seward Park creates a small protected harbor on the north shore that is popular for overnight moorage, especially in the summers.

By seaplane

• Northwest Seaplanes

  address: 860 W. Perimeter Road – Renton, WA 98057
  provides scheduled and charter seaplane flights to destinations from South Lake Washington, near South Seattle to the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and British Columbia’s Inside Passage. They operate 4 planes each offering six seats.

• Northwest African American Museum

  phone: +1 206 518-6000
  address: 2300 S Massachusetts St
  Short but powerful museum on the history of Blacks in the Northwest.

Parks

Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in Seattle's early days, park planners across the country recognize Seattle's park system as one of the best preserved and best designed in the United States. More importantly, while many eastern cities have only one or two Olmsted-designed parks, Seattle has an extensive multi-park plan linked by boulevards. It is this legacy that makes Seattle one of the most livable spots in the country including Jefferson and Seward parks in South Seattle.

Olmsted parks

• Jefferson Park

  address: 3801 Beacon Ave S, 98108
  Seattle's sixth largest park at 45.2 acres and offers unparalleled views of the Duwamish River, downtown and the Olympic Mountains. It is the home to the Jefferson Park Golf Course, Jefferson Park driving range, Jefferson Skatepark, tennis courts (lighted), basketball courts, the Jefferson Community Center, Jefferson Lawn Bowling, and Beacon Mountain an ecologically oriented playscape with a water park in the summer.

• Seward ParkThe entire park is a large peninsula that is surrounded by Lake Washington. Kids activities in the summer, great scenery, and a 2 and half mile paved level path that circles the whole peninsula, are a few of the attractions.

Other parks

• Kubota Gardens

  phone: +1 206 684-4075
  address: 9817 55th Ave S
  In 1927 Fujitaro Kubota bought of logged-off swampland in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle and began his garden. Kubota Garden has since grown into a stunning landscape that blends Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. Kubota was a horticultural pioneer when he began merging Japanese design techniques with North American materials in his display garden in 1927. The Gardens are a spectacular setting of hills and valleys, interlaced with streams, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, and rock outcroppings with a rich array of plant material.

• Ark Lodge Cinemas

  phone: +1 206 721-3156
  address: 4816 Rainier Ave S
  Amazing historical movie theater in Columbia City.

• Columbia City Farmer’s Market

  address: South Edmunds Street between 37th Ave S and the alley at 36th
  Founded in 1998, the Columbia City Farmers Market was voted Seattle's Best Farmers Market in the Seattle Weekly's annual "Best of Seattle" contest for 2012. Over 40 Washington State farmers and small food vendors make this market a popular weekly destination; market days are full of the colors and sounds of shoppers from around the world who live and work in this historic neighborhood.

• Columbia City Theater

  phone: +1 206 722-3009
  address: 4916 Rainier Ave S
  Great place to see a band play.

• Mountains to Sound GreenwayDedicated walking and bicycle path running from Beacon Hill across Rainier Ave to Mount Baker district, Mercer Island and Bellevue.

• Andaluz

  phone: +1 206 760-1900
  address: 4908 Rainier Ave S
  Women's clothing, jewelry and accessories.

• Bike Works

  phone: +1 206 322-4368
  address: 3709 S Ferdinand St
  Bike Works is an innovative organization centered around bicycles that combines youth development, community engagement, bicycle recycling and a social enterprise bike shop to help build a sustainable and healthy community.

• Columbia City Gallery

  phone: +1 206 760-9843
  address: 4864 Rainier Ave S
  The Columbia City Gallery is an artists’ cooperative that brings together emerging and professional artists working in diverse media. The gallery provides an exhibition space for local artists, additional space for exhibits by guest artists & a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.

• Mutual Fish Co

  phone: +1 206 322-4368
  address: 2335 Rainier Ave S
  top notch seafood store with sushi grade fish, amazing selection and friendly helpful service

• Viet Wah Super Foods

  phone: +1 206 725-9408
  address: 6040 Martin Luther King Jr Way S
  A South Seattle institution with an amazing selection of Asian and even Mexican groceries

Many diverse ethnic restaurants can be found throughout South Seattle with many gems tucked away in residential areas. However most tend to be centered around three neighborhoods, each with their own nearby light rail stations, Beacon Hill, Columbia City and Othello.

• Bar del Corso

  phone: +1 206 395-2069
  address: 3057 Beacon Ave S
  Wood-fired pizzas, Italian dishes (salumi, cheeses and desserts), Italian wines/cocktails, and local beers on tap.

• Columbia City Bakery

  phone: +1 206 723-6023
  address: 4865 Rainier Ave S
  Excellent bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Mostly a dessert or snack place, though the ham and Gruyère croissant makes for a nice light lunch.

• Delite Bakery

  phone: +1 206 325-2114
  address: 2701 15th Ave S
  A Beacon Hill gem located just steps from the light rail station, great Pan de sal rolls and excellent for little sandwiches

• El Sabroso Bocados Latinos

  phone: +1 206 551-1432
  address: 2524 16th Ave S
  great Mexican food, try their tortas

• El Sombrero

  phone: +1 206 725-1418
  address: 4868 Rainier Ave S
  Family-friendly, authentic Tex-Mex restaurant with full bar.

• El Quetzal

  phone: +1 206 329-2970
  address: 3209 Beacon Ave S
  Family-friendly, but not your standard Tex-Mex, lots of amazing specials and good for large groups.

• Geraldine's Counter

  phone: +1 206 723-2080
  address: 4872 Rainier Ave S
  Classic American comfort food with fresh, local ingredients and a sophisticated touch.

• Island Soul

  phone: +1 206-329-1202
  address: 4869 Rainier Avenue S
  Authentic Caribbean cuisine from chef Bobby Laing.

• Jones Barbeque

  phone: +1 206 722-4414
  address: 3810 S Ferdinand St.
  The Columbia City outpost of the acclaimed, small local barbecue chain.

• Kusina Filipina

  phone: +1 206 322-9433
  address: 3201 Beacon Ave S
  family owned Filipino restaurant

• La Medusa

  phone: +1 206-723-2192
  address: 4857 Rainer Avenue S
  Italian restaurant billed as "Sicilian soul food" from chef Julie Andres.

• Sunset Cafe

  phone: +1 206 733-0342
  address: 8115 Rainier Ave S
  Central and South Seattle are by no means short of good Ethiopian restaurants, but this one is definitely a standout for its food. Service is friendly, if not the most efficient.

• Travelers Thali House

  phone: +1 206 329-6260
  address: 2524 Beacon Ave S
  Serving fresh, amazing, healthy Vegetarian Indian dishes on seasonal rotation, with creativity, love and flair.

• Tutta Bella Pizzeria

  phone: +1 206-721-3501
  address: 4918 Rainier Avenue S
  Award-winning Neapolitan pizza, certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Recognized as Independent Pizzeria Of The Year by Pizza Today magazine in 2010. More laid-back than their several other Seattle locations.

• Wabi Sabi

  phone: +1 206 721-0212
  address: 4909 Rainier Avenue South
  Contemporary-themed sushi bar and Japanese restaurant.

Coffee

Like the rest of Seattle, South Seattle takes its coffee very seriously. Although there are several chain coffee shops like Starbucks, for the genuine experience visit one of these shops to rub elbows with the locals. Many of the establishments listed above (e.g. Tutta Bella, Columbia City Bakery) are also excellent for coffee.

• Empire Espresso

  phone: +1 206 659-0588
  address: 3829-A South Edmunds St
  Columbia City Coffee.

• The Station

  address: 2533 16th Ave S
  cozy neighborhood coffee shop with friendly owners and nice revolving art shows.

• Victrola Coffee Roasters

  address: 3215 Beacon Ave S
  neighborhood coffee shop limited food and cool map of Beacon Hill on the wall.

Bars

Seattle is well known for its local craft beers and most pubs carry a variety of local breweries so don't be afraid to ask your server when you want to try something new. Georgetown Brewery is a south Seattle based brewer so look for their varieties such as Manny's and Lucille.

• Amorcito Lounge

  address: 2410 Beacon Ave South
  small dive bar with strong drinks and food from Java Love.

• Columbia City Ale House

  phone: +1 206 723-5123
  address: 4914 Rainier Ave S
  Many local beers on tap and food specials that change out weekly. All their food is made in house, fresh, no microwaves, no heat lamps and no deep-friers.

• El Quetzal Bar

  phone: +1 206 329-2970
  address: 3209 Beacon Ave S
  Full bar connected to El Quetzal Restaurant but with its own menu and unique drink specials.

• Lottie's LoungeA neighborhood-centric lounge with full food menu and inspired original cocktail specials.

• The BourbonLocated in the same building as the Columbia City Theatre, with a full bar menu, occasional DJ's and karaoke night.

• The OakLocated on Beacon Hill this bar boasts a wide selection of local craft beers, mixed drinks and a well developed menu.

• Tippe and Drague AlehouseLocated on Beacon Hill this bar boasts an amazing selection of local craft beers and cider in a cozy old world feeling bar.

Generally a residential area South Seattle does not have a wide variety of places to stay. Visitors not staying with friends tend to find hotels downtown.

• Casa de Esperanza

  phone: +1 206 734-1994
  address: 3317 S Hanford St
  Bed and breakfast near Mount Baker Park and Lake Washington.

Most coffee shops offer free wifi and all branches of the Seattle Public Library have open wireless, using the SSID spl-public. Public computers with Internet access and basic office software are available for up to an hour at a time, but require either a SPL library card or a temporary pass available from the circulation desk. All services are free.

• Beacon Hill Branch

  phone: +1 206 684-4711
  address: 2821 Beacon Ave S

• Columbia Branch

  phone: +1 206 386-1908
  address: 4721 Rainier Ave S

• NewHolly Branch

  phone: +1 206 386-1905
  address: 7058 32nd Ave S

• Rainier Beach Branch

  phone: +1 206 386-1906
  address: 9125 Rainier Ave S