Things to Do
We asked our savvy campus tour guides what they like to do for fun — on, near, and far away from campus. Here are their suggestions.
What You're Saying
On campus
- Check out the Sylvan Grove Theater (next to the Computer Science and Engineering Building). It's a great quiet place to relax with a book between classes! And don't forget The Columns (L.I.F.E)
- Rent a canoe from the Waterfront Activities Center (only $5 an hour for UW students). There are some really amazing views from Lake Washington.
Near the U-Dub
- Gasworks Park is a scenic public park overlooking Lake Union, and because the Burke Gilman trail leads from the UW campus to the park, getting there can be an easy and enjoyable walk or bike ride.
In the city
- Chow(der) down on clam chowder at Pike Place Market. Try to get a table with a view. On a clear day, you can't beat it.
- Go see the Rat City Rollergirls! The games are a blast, and you get to take part in one of Seattle's hundreds of quirky, unique pastimes.
- Attend games at Safeco or CenturyLink Field, especially on Husky Nights.
- Stroll through the Fremont Sunday Market -- and don't forget the Fremont Troll.
- Eat at Beth's Cafe, a 24-hour diner since 1954. Featured on "Man vs. Food Nation," it's home to the 12-egg omelet.
- Explore Seattle's local parks: Golden Gardens, the Washington Park Arboretum, Magnuson, etc. etc. Bring a frisbee!
- Walk or bike around Green Lake. Choose your course: 2.8 or 3.3 miles.
- Tractor Tavern in Ballard features small bands every night. For 21+, but it's a really cool way to see bands in an awesome venue.
Throughout Western Washington
- Drive up to La Conner for the Tulip Festival in April! This is a great day trip for families new to the region who visit in the spring.
- Hop on a ferry over to Bainbridge Island and see the rural side of Western Washington or take the ferry to Kingston and visit the Olympic Peninsula.
- Go for a hike: Mount Si (off I-90 near North Bend), Tiger Mountain (off I-90 at Highline Road), Sunrise Lodge at Mount Rainier, or Snoqualmie Pass.
