How long does it take to walk through Georgetown?

A thorough exploration of the main historic district takes about 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to stop at the Trailer Park Mall and take photos at Oxbow Park.

Is Georgetown Seattle worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth visiting for those who enjoy industrial aesthetics, vintage shopping, and local breweries. It offers a grit and character that is distinct from the more polished parts of Seattle.

Where are the giant cowboy boots in Seattle?

The giant 'Hat 'n' Boots' are located in Oxbow Park in the Georgetown neighborhood. They were originally part of a 1950s gas station.

Can I go inside the Georgetown Steam Plant?

Interior access is limited to specific open house days, typically the second Saturday of each month. However, the impressive exterior can be viewed any time from the street.

Is the Georgetown walking route accessible?

The route is mostly flat and follows city sidewalks, making it generally accessible. Visitors should be aware of occasional uneven pavement in this industrial area.

What is the best time to visit Georgetown?

Saturdays are the best time to visit, as the Trailer Park Mall is open and the neighborhood is most vibrant with local shoppers and gallery-goers.

How do I get to Georgetown from Downtown Seattle?

The easiest way is by taking the 124 bus, which runs directly from Downtown to Airport Way in about 20 minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Georgetown is where Seattle keeps its secrets. Often overshadowed by the tech hubs of South Lake Union or the nightlife of Capitol Hill, this neighborhood is the city’s oldest and arguably its most resilient. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a landscape where rusted steel meets neon lights, and where the echoes of rail cars provide the soundtrack for a thriving arts community. As you navigate the industrial corridors of South Seattle, you will discover why this area has become a sanctuary for artists, makers, and those who prefer their city with a bit of grit. This neighborhood stroll captures the 'industrial soul' of the region, focusing on the intersection of early 20th-century infrastructure and modern creative expression. The route begins at the massive Old Rainier Brewery, a landmark that once defined the city’s skyline before the Space Needle existed. From there, you will move into the heart of Georgetown’s business district along Airport Way, where vintage trailers serve as retail spaces and historic horse stables have been repurposed into event venues. A walking tour Seattle experience is rarely as visually diverse as it is here. You will encounter the legendary 'Hat ‘n’ Boots'—gigantic remnants of a 1950s cowboy-themed gas station—and conclude at the Georgetown Steam Plant, a 'Cathedral of Power' that represents the pinnacle of early electric architecture. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of weathered brick or a history buff interested in the maritime and rail history of the Duwamish Valley, this walking route offers a unique perspective on the city’s evolution. Unlike a typical guided tour Seattle might offer elsewhere, this self-guided adventure allows you to linger at the independent coffee shops and hidden galleries that give Georgetown its unique, independent character. Prepare for a journey through the heart of Seattle's industrial heritage, where every corner reveals a story of reinvention.

Highlights

The iconic 'R' sign at the Old Rainier Brewery

Georgetown Trailer Park Mall’s vintage retail spaces

The historic Stables building, once home to racehorses

Oxbow Park’s legendary Hat ‘n’ Boots landmarks

The monumental architecture of the Georgetown Steam Plant

Street art and industrial murals along Airport Way

Tour Stops (6)

The Old Rainier Brewery

Start your journey at the massive brick complex that once produced the Pacific Northwest's most famous beer. The Old Rainier Brewery is more than just a factory; it is a symbol of Seattle’s early industrial prowess. The brewery's history dates back to the late 19th century, though most of the current structures were built after the end of Prohibition. Look up to see the glowing red 'R'—though the original is now in the Museum of History and Industry, this replica keeps the spirit alive. Today, the building has been reimagined as a hub for artists and small businesses, embodying the neighborhood's transition from manufacturing to a creative economy. The sheer scale of the masonry here reflects the ambitions of the early Seattle brewers who built an empire on the banks of the Duwamish.

Georgetown Trailer Park Mall

Walking south into the heart of the neighborhood, you will find the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall. This is perhaps the most concentrated example of Georgetown’s quirky, DIY spirit. This open-air market features a collection of vintage Spartan and Airstream trailers, each functioning as an independent shop or gallery. From handmade jewelry and vintage clothing to local art, the mall is a vibrant community space that thrives on the unusual. It sits on a lot that perfectly captures the aesthetic of the area—half-industrial, half-whimsical. Take a moment to appreciate how these mid-century icons have been salvaged and turned into a sustainable retail environment, proving that in Georgetown, nothing is ever truly discarded; it is just waiting for its next act.

The Stables

Tucked away just off the main drag is a building with a truly unique history. The Stables was originally built in the early 1900s to house racehorses that competed at the nearby Meadows Racetrack. In those days, Georgetown was a separate city from Seattle, known for its lax laws regarding gambling and saloons. When the racetrack closed and Georgetown was annexed by Seattle, the building served various industrial purposes before being meticulously restored. Today, it serves as an event space and film location, but it retains its original wooden beams and historic character. It stands as a reminder of the era when Georgetown was the 'wild west' of the Puget Sound, filled with entertainment and high-stakes racing.

All City Coffee

As you continue along Airport Way, stop by All City Coffee, a neighborhood institution. This isn't just a place for a caffeine fix; it is the unofficial living room of Georgetown. The building itself is a classic example of the neighborhood’s commercial architecture, with high ceilings and large windows that offer a front-row seat to the passing trains and airplanes. Inside, the walls often feature works by local artists, and the vibe is decidedly un-corporate. It is the perfect spot to observe the local culture—a mix of industrial workers, resident artists, and curious explorers. Notice the attention to detail in the industrial-chic interior, which mirrors the aesthetic of the surrounding streets.

Oxbow Park

A short walk further south brings you to Oxbow Park, home to the most iconic roadside attractions in Seattle: the Hat ‘n’ Boots. These giant structures—a 44-foot wide cowboy hat and 22-foot tall boots—were originally part of a 1954 gas station called Premium Tex. In its heyday, the hat served as the station's roof and the boots housed the restrooms. After the gas station closed, the structures fell into disrepair until the Georgetown community rallied to save them, moving them to this park in 2003. They are a beloved example of 'Duck Architecture' and serve as a testament to the neighborhood's dedication to preserving its weird and wonderful history. The park itself provides a rare green space in this heavily paved corridor.

Georgetown Steam Plant

The route concludes at the Georgetown Steam Plant, an architectural and engineering marvel. Built in 1906 to power Seattle’s streetcar system, it is one of the earliest examples of reinforced concrete construction in the United States. The interior houses massive vertical steam turbines that look like something out of a steampunk fantasy. While the plant only opens for public tours on specific days, the exterior alone is worth the visit. Its towering smokestacks and neoclassical industrial design earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Standing here, you can feel the literal power that helped build modern Seattle, marking the end of our journey through the industrial soul of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to see Georgetown is via a self-guided walk focused on its industrial history and art scene. This route covers iconic spots like the Rainier Brewery and the Hat 'n' Boots.