Must See Sights and Landmarks in Kirkland Area

"No first-timer’s trip to Seattle would be complete without visiting the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle is a 605ft (184m) tower with a flying-saucer-shaped observation deck at the top, complete with unparalleled views of the city and Puget Sound. On clear days, you can see Mount Rainier, Washington State’s tallest mountain, and beyond."

"Towering more than 600 feet above the city, the Space Needle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seattle. It might even be one of the most famous places in the entire state of Washington. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers and islands."

"Another view in Seattle that’s hard to top is the one from Sky City—the rotating restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. Sure, it’s got a slightly touristy twinge to it, but where else are you going to get a complete 360-degree view of the city, lakes and Puget Sound?"

"The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, are the United States' most-trafficked canal locks, located along Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal near the city's Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods. The locks, which were opened in 1917 and named in honor of United States Army Major Hiram Martin Chittenden, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. They are credited with reshaping vast areas of Seattle's waterfront coastline and changing the water level and flow direction of its lakes and rivers, allowing commercial and recreational vessels to traverse the city's harbor and warehouses."

"From full-service hair styling to aromatherapy and deep tissue massage, this Ballard establishment can meet your every beauty care and health spa need. If planning a Seattle spa day, be sure to check out Habitude’s seven care package options. Habitute at the Locks is two blocks west of AMLI Mark24."

"Also called the Ballard Locks, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks were built to move boats from sea level up to the level of Lake Union. Check out the surrounding botanical garden and the semi-enclosed viewing area of the fish ladder, where salmon and steelhead move upstream."

"We love libraries both for their architecture and the books inside, and the main branch of the Seattle Library system is a gem. Located downtown in an award-winning modern building, Seattle’s central library offers top-notch views on the 10th floor—plus you get to take a chartreuse escalator!. —loads of public art; and fun, technology-filled rooms geared toward children and teens."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user N i c o l a used under CC BY 2.0. If you are not a big fan of the library, you will change your mind after visiting the Seattle Public Library. Currently, there are 26 branches of this library across the city."

"The hub of Seattle's 27-branch library system is a stunning jewel of a building that stands out against the concrete jungle of downtown."

"Once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, Smith Tower is one of the coolest and lesser known landmarks and unique things to do in Seattle. Ride to the observatory to the top of the building in one of the only remaining man operated elevators left in the US. The operator will be wearing period attire and make you feel like you’re entering Disney’s Hollywood Tower of Terror rather than a famous Seattle building."

"Just from looking at the Smith Tower building that was constructed in the early 1900s, you might wonder why it’s a popular Seattle Instagram spot. Trust me and take the elevator up to the top to see why that completely changes. You’re greeted with a 360-degree view of Seattle as you walk around the observatory deck."

"The Fremont Troll is a huge art sculpture set (rather creepily) beneath the Aurora Bridge in Seattle's hip and trendy Fremont neighborhood. A sprawling and unique piece inspired by "Three Billy Goats Gruff," a Scandinavian tale, this strange-looking attraction has been the subject of many photographs. After some point-and-shoot beneath the bridge, stroll the nearby streets of Fremont to glimpse at its brimming coffee houses, vintage stores, antique shops, pubs and fashion boutiques."

"Another day to get moving early, head over to Fremont and take a selfie with the Fremont Troll. Then grab your favorite breakfast treat and drink from their local Starbucks."

"Designed by Charles Reed and Allen Stem and built in 1906, the station’s 250-foot clock tower was modeled after Venice, Italy’s Piazza de San Marco’s bell tower. A recent renovation uncovered ornate ceilings, wainscoting and mosaic tile work hidden after an unfortunate redesign in the 1960s. A post shared by Shane Medbery (@shane_medbery_pdx) on Nov 10, 2017 at 3:32pm PST"

"This old train station is one of the best photoshoot locations in Seattle. It has a very grandiose feel and it’s always a fun venue for photos. There are a lot of spots in the station where history simply oozes out of its nooks and crannies."

"A curious collection of 15 communist busts and statues, mostly Lenins – including Kazakhstan's tallest Lenin! – stands in a small park behind Hotel Semey. Spot the three Kirovs and one Karl Marx lurking among the Lenins."

"Many important architectural heirlooms are concentrated in Pioneer Sq, the district that sprang up in the wake of the 1889 Great Fire. Instantly recognizable by its handsome redbrick buildings, the neighborhood's predominant architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque, strongly influenced by America's Chicago School."

"Once you get off the boat head straight up the Ferry Walkway to 1st then turn right and go 2 blocks to Pioneer Square. This lovely little green scape is surrounded by late 1800’s Romanesque Revival style buildings, with a plaza full of quaint bistro tables & bocce ball courts."

"There are currently three locations throughout the city, but we recommend with our two day itinerary of Seattle to head to the Pioneer Square location to stay on track. Explore Pioneer Square"

"A few years back, Perfecte Rocher replaced his dining room tables with one long, curving black counter that reflects both candlelight and the desire to reimagine dinner as a one-on-one experience. Now, just 10 people assemble here at a time, in a semicircular arrangement that casts Rocher’s open kitchen as the stage, his progression of Valencian-Northwest flavors the players. Dinner as theater isn’t for everyone, but if you’re into it, these modernist Catalonian riffs make for a pretty astounding meal."

"If you've hit up any other Ethan Stowell restaurants, you know the formula: One- and two-person meals, plus some a la carte pasta and vegetable dishes."

"Ghostfish Brewing is one of the few pubs in the state that make small batch gluten-free beer in Seattle and ship globally. Try their flagship Vanishing Point Pale Ale, Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale and Peak Buster Double IPA or seasonal blends such as Gosefish Hibiscus-Cranberry Gose and Fresh Hop Release. The taproom has both indoor and open-air sweating along with comfort dishes like fish & chips and 3-cheese mac, wings and chilli cheese fries that complement their beers!"

"Yes, good gluten-free beer exists, and Ghostfish Brewish Company has certainly mastered the art of it. Using some “unusual” grains like millet, brown rice and buckwheat, this company has been able to turn out some excellent IPA’s, Stouts and ales for beer lovers to try (even if they have a gluten intolerance). Considering that this brewery is less than five years old and is already making waves, that’s pretty impressive."

"Ghostfish serves up top-notch beer that just so happens to be completely gluten-free, even die-hard beer fans can’t taste the difference. Washington’s first and only gluten-free craft brewery ditches the barley and instead crafts their small-batch beers using grains like buckwheat, brown rice, and millet . On offer they have five flagship beers and a handful of seasonal and limited-release beers."

"One of Seattle's best rooftop bars, RB features 10 taps pouring a rotating selection seriously good brews, including five IPAs, a creamsicle pale ale, and an impressive variety of other styles, all of which taste just a little better each time you catch a glimpse of Salmon Bay and the Fremont Cut between the buildings across the way.How to order: A limited number of cans and bottles are available via curbside pickup or local delivery."

"Nothing beats sipping on some brews outside in the summertime. And in Seattle, there’s no better place to do it than Rooftop. Now that this company has recently moved locations, they have a nice, big patio for lots of beer lovers to come, drink and soak up the sunshine."

"Aslan Brewing is a brewpub in Seattle making organic beers using locally sourced goods and sustainable practices. With classic bar food such as BBQs, Sandwiches and Burgers and Beers ranging from lagers, ales and ciders, Aslan Brewing also has a taproom at the heart of the Fremont neighborhood with more than ten beers on tap. The place is kid-friendly and can be the perfect family weekend lunch/dinner spot!"

"If you still have energy, return downtown to see the Seattle Symphony at Benaroya Hall or a rock band at the Showbox. To get downtown from Belltown, hop on a southbound Route 1, 2, 3, or 4 bus from the intersection of 3rd Ave. and Vine St. Exit at 3rd Ave. and Union St."