Ballard, WA: Things to do for the Day
Ballard is located northwest of downtown Seattle, WA and is a pleasant place to spend the day. Once it’s own town, it is now a district of Seattle and has it’s own distinct flavor making it feel like a getaway even if you are from Seattle.
The downtown itself is perfect for a stroll through its many galleries and shops. You’ll also find ample choices for lunch, coffee, or visit one of the brewpubs.
For even more palatal temptations, come on a Sunday when the farmer’s market is in full swing and enjoy a wide selection of edible options from local producers.
If you have one day to spend in Ballard, here are my recommendations.
1.National Nordic Museum
Time to Allow: About 2 hours
Ballard has strong Scandinavian roots going back to the late 19th century when immigrants settled in the area, working in the mills and fisheries. The Nordic Museum celebrates the history of the immigrants and cultures of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.
In 2018 the museum moved to a brand new 57,000 square foot space near the waterfront, housing both permanent exhibits and special collections.
Venture out into the courtyard and see an authentic early 19th century Norwegian fishing boat re-fitted to resemble a Viking ship. Also in the courtyard is a wooden Finnish sauna.
Be sure to allow a few moments to browse the gift shop filled with Scandinavian books, treats, and art.
2.Ballard Locks (Hiram H. Chittenden)
Time to Allow: 1 hour
There is something about watching these locks in action that is mesmerizing. You may find yourself spending half an afternoon here watching boat after boat pass through the chambers of the locks.
Opened in 1917 to carry ships and boats from Lake Union to Puget Sound it was necessary due to 20 foot difference in water levels between the lake and sea.
Cross to the other side of the water and try to spot salmon or other species navigating the fish ladder.
Back on the town side of the water, the visitor’s center tells the story of the lock’s construction and history.
The visitor’s center is located in Carl S. English Botanical Gardens park, which is worth a meander for any plant lover, but probably better suited for a lazy stroll, or a picnic on the grass overlooking the locks. Despite having over 500 species of plants in just 7 acres, few are labelled and a recent visit left us unimpressed.
3. Shop Along Ballard Avenue
Time to Allow: 1-2 hours (depending if you stop for lunch or not)
Get a feel for the history of downtown Ballard by strolling down Ballard Avenue from NW Market St. down a few blocks in the direction of the waterfront and back up again.
This section of town is on the National Register of Historic places but within the walls of these brick exteriors lie modern shops and restaurants. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for people watching while sipping a local brew.
4. Appreciate Local Music History
Time to Allow: All three venues are in or near the historic shopping district of Ballard Ave.
Despite its location outside of the downtown Seattle core, Ballard is home of the Tractor Tavern where many local bands have paid their dues. It has evolved into being a venue for alt-country acts, encompassing folk music as well. Established in 1994, it was never part of early wave of grunge venues like the Off Ramp or the Crocodile. Of the three venues in this list, it is the only one still in operation. Located in the heart of the Ballard historic district at 5213 Ballard Ave N.W.
The Firehouse closed as a venue in the early 2000’s and played host to many national and international acts in its 18 year history as a music venue. Originally a, well, a fire station oddly enough it is currently home to Station 18 restaurant and pub. We enjoyed a lunch here in 2022 and enjoyed the historic but unfussy vibe. Located at 5425 Russell Avenue NW.
The Backstage is another dearly departed venue who hosted a slew of local and national acts in its 12 year history: Mudhoney, Wilco, Posies, Marianne Faithful, Warren Zevon, Dave Matthews to name a few. My one and only visit was to see Neutral Milk Hotel in 1996. It closed almost exactly a year later in July of 1997. It’s location was 2208 Market Street.
5. Golden Gardens Park & Beach
Time to Allow: As long as you want!
When you hear the words “sandy beach” in the Pacific NW you know you have something special (most are rocky, fyi). Golden Gardens has a large sandy beach with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountain range across the sound.
If sand isn’t your thing, there are also spots for the kids to play or to go for a hike. Check out the historic 1930’s bath house, now used as an event venue.
The amazing thing about many of the coastal metropolitan regions in the Western U.S. is how quickly you can move back and forth between urban areas and nature. As a district adjacent to Seattle, Ballard is highly walkable making it the perfect way to spend a day with something for everyone from history lover to hiker.
Travel Guide
How to Get to Ballard
Drive: From Downtown Seattle take 1st Ave. headed north. Turn left on Broad. Turn R. on Western Ave. This will turn into Elliott Ave. W and then into 15 Ave. W. and continue a few miles. Once over the bridge, turn left in a little over 1/4 mile onto NW Market St. From here you can turn left into the shopping area, or continue a bit until you reach the Nordic Museum. Just beyond the museum is the Carl S. English Botanical Garden and Ballard Locks. Total distance is about 6.5 miles from downtown Seattle.
From I-5: Take exit 169 NE 50th St. Take NE 50th westbound ( a left turn if you were northbound on I-5, and a right turn if you were on southbound I-5). Keep right just past the Woodland Park Zoo onto Phinney Ave. Turn left on N 55th. You will take a right onto Greenwood briefly, before heading left on N 55th again. This will turn into NW Market St. From here you can turn left into the shopping area, or continue a bit until you reach the Nordic Museum. Just beyond the museum is the Carl S. English Botanical Garden and Ballard Locks.
Parking options include street parking or behind the Nordic Museum. There is also a parking lot at the locks. You will want to look at a map to access this as it is not in the botanical garden but along the water further east.
Bus: Several bus routes service Ballard and it will depend on your starting point. Check Sound Transit’s website for routes and schedules.
When to Go
Ballard can make for a great day trip any time of year. If your main objective is the Nordic Museum, this can be enjoyed year round. Check the museum’s website for any special exhibitions. As of publication of this post, the first Thursday of the month is free (verify this before you go if you are reading this later).
If you want to roam the locks, the gardens, or the beach, the most reliable weather is May through September. The lowest chance of rain is in July and August, but it can also be pretty warm these months.
November through March are the rainiest months and temperatures can range from below freezing to 60 F/15 C.
Where to Eat
There are lots of great choices in Ballard depending on what you are in the mood for.
For Thai, try Pestle Rock for soups, stir frys and currys.
Try something a little different with the Caribbean offerings at UnBien.
La Carta de Oaxaca serves authentic Mexican fare made with love by Chef Gloria.
On our most recent visit, we enjoyed lunch at Station 18, an old fire station turned gastropub. Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, tacos and more ensured something for everyone in our family in a cool historic building.
What to wear
Casual dress is just fine almost anywhere in this area. Anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, layers are your best bet. Bring a winter coat between late October through March, and a light jacket the rest of the year. Summer clothes are recommended in July and August, but be sure to pack some long pants as well.
An umbrella will brand you as a tourist in the Pacific Northwest. A hood on your coat will allow you to stay dry and inconspicuous. Want to fit in? Wear socks with your Birkenstock sandals.