Capitol Hill Seattle Map Travel Guide

Introduction

Capitol Hill Seattle is a vibrant neighborhood that has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, art lover, or adventure seeker, Capitol Hill has it all. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Capitol Hill Seattle has to offer.

Top Attractions

Seattle Asian Art Museum

Located in Volunteer Park, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is a must-visit attraction for art lovers. The museum features a collection of over 19,000 objects from various Asian cultures, including China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

Volunteer Park Conservatory

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse that houses a collection of exotic plants from around the world. The conservatory has five display houses, each with a different theme, including tropical plants, cacti and succulents, and seasonal displays. The conservatory also offers workshops and events throughout the year.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a stunning museum that showcases the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The museum features a collection of Chihuly’s large-scale glass sculptures, as well as a beautiful garden with glass flowers, trees, and other installations. The museum also has a café and offers private events and tours.

Hidden Gems

Cal Anderson Park

Cal Anderson Park is a popular spot for locals, but it is often overlooked by visitors. The park has a large open field, a fountain, a playground, and a wading pool in the summer. The park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including outdoor movies, concerts, and food trucks.

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream is a local favorite that serves up delicious, handmade ice cream in unique flavors like salted caramel, honey lavender, and balsamic strawberry. The shop also has vegan and dairy-free options, as well as homemade ice cream sandwiches and sundaes.

Ada’s Technical Books and Café

Ada’s Technical Books and Café is a cozy bookstore and café that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) books. The café serves coffee, tea, and light bites, and the bookstore hosts events and workshops on topics like coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Food Scene

Pike Place Market

While not technically in Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market is a must-visit destination for foodies. The market is home to over 200 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. Some of the must-try foods include the famous Pike Place Chowder, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, and the original Starbucks.

Tallulah’s

Tallulah’s is a popular brunch spot that serves up delicious, seasonal dishes like brioche French toast, avocado toast, and shakshuka. The restaurant also has a full bar and a cozy outdoor patio with fire pits.

Café Presse

Café Presse is a classic French café that serves up traditional dishes like croque-monsieur, steak frites, and escargots. The café also has an extensive wine list and a cozy outdoor patio.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Walking Tours

Seattle Free Walking Tours offers daily tours of Capitol Hill that are completely free (although tips are appreciated). The tours cover the history, architecture, and culture of the neighborhood and are led by knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Happy Hour Deals

Many restaurants and bars in Capitol Hill offer happy hour deals on food and drinks. Some of the best deals include the $1 oysters at Bar Melusine, the $7 cocktails at Montana, and the $5 pizzas at Big Mario’s Pizza.

Seattle Public Library

The Seattle Public Library’s Capitol Hill Branch is a beautiful, modern building that offers free Wi-Fi, computers, and a wide selection of books and media. The library also hosts events and workshops throughout the year.

Outdoor Adventures

Volunteer Park

Volunteer Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Capitol Hill. The park has walking trails, a playground, a wading pool in the summer, and stunning views of the city skyline. The park also has a water tower that you can climb for even better views.

Lake View Cemetery

Lake View Cemetery is a peaceful and scenic cemetery that is home to the graves of many famous Seattleites, including Bruce Lee and Princess Angeline (a.k.a. Kikisoblu). The cemetery also has beautiful gardens and sculptures, as well as a stunning view of Lake Washington.

Kayaking on Lake Union

You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore Lake Union, which is just a short drive from Capitol Hill. The lake offers stunning views of the city skyline and is home to many floating homes and houseboats.

Historical Landmarks

Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College is a historic college that was founded in 1966. The campus is home to several buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Broadway Performance Hall and the Mitchell Activity Center.

Capitol Hill Station

The Capitol Hill Station is a new light rail station that was built in 2016. The station features beautiful, modern architecture and public art installations, and it connects Capitol Hill to downtown Seattle and the airport.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral that was built in 1928. The cathedral has stunning stained-glass windows and a beautiful pipe organ, and it hosts concerts and events throughout the year.

Family-Friendly Activities

Seattle Children’s PlayGarden

The Seattle Children’s PlayGarden is a park that is designed for children of all abilities. The park has a playground, a sensory garden, a vegetable garden, and a chicken coop. The park also hosts events and workshops throughout the year.

Seattle Children’s Museum

The Seattle Children’s Museum is a fun and educational museum that is designed for children ages 10 and under. The museum has interactive exhibits and workshops on topics like science, art, and culture.

East Precinct Community Picnic

The East Precinct Community Picnic is an annual event that is hosted by the Seattle Police Department. The event features free food, games, and activities for kids, as well as a chance to meet and interact with local police officers.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Seattle Underground Tour

The Seattle Underground Tour takes you beneath the streets of Pioneer Square to explore the hidden tunnels and storefronts that were once at street level. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share the history and stories of the area.

Seattle Pinball Museum

The Seattle Pinball Museum is a fun and unique museum that features over 50 vintage pinball machines from the 1960s to the 1990s. The museum also has a full bar and hosts tournaments and events throughout the year.

The Elliott Bay Book Company

The Elliott Bay Book Company is a beloved independent bookstore that has been a fixture in Seattle since 1973. The store has a wide selection of books, as well as events and readings by local and national authors.

Natural Wonders

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning natural wonder that is just a short drive from Seattle. The park has hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of Mount Rainier, which is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The park also has a visitor center and a museum.

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a large park that is located on the shores of Puget Sound. The park has walking trails, a beach, a lighthouse, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The park also has a visitor center and hosts events and workshops throughout the year.

Washington Park Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum is a beautiful park that is home to over 20,000 plants from around the world. The park has walking trails, gardens, and a Japanese garden. The park also hosts events and workshops throughout the year.