How long does it take to walk through the Amazon campus in Seattle?

Walking through the core Amazon campus, including stops at 'Day 1' and the Spheres, typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, though the full route from the lake takes about 75 minutes.

Can I go inside the Amazon Spheres?

Internal access for the general public is limited. You can visit 'The Understory,' a free visitor center at the base, or book a reservation for specific public open days, usually held on two Saturdays per month.

Is South Lake Union worth visiting for architecture fans?

Yes, it is a premier destination for modern architecture. You can see the contrast between the Art Deco Naval Reserve Armory and the innovative glass-dome design of the Spheres within a single mile.

What is the best time to visit Lake Union Park?

Afternoons are ideal for watching seaplanes take off. If you prefer a quiet walk, weekend mornings offer the best views of the lake with fewer crowds.

Is the South Lake Union walking route accessible?

Yes, the route is designed with urban accessibility in mind. All sidewalks are paved with curb ramps, and the terrain is largely flat with only a minor incline near the Amazon campus.

Where do I start a self-guided walk of Seattle's tech district?

The best starting point is Lake Union Park or MOHAI at the northern end of the district. This allows you to follow the chronological development of the city as you walk toward the modern skyscrapers.

What landmarks are near the Amazon Spheres?

The Spheres are located within the Amazon headquarters. Nearby landmarks include the 'Day 1' tower, the historic Denny Park, and the Westlake shopping district which is just a few blocks south.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

South Lake Union, once a gritty industrial district of timber mills and laundry facilities, has undergone one of the most dramatic urban transformations in the United States. This neighborhood stroll invites you to witness the collision of Seattle’s maritime past and its hyper-modern tech future. As you walk, you will see how the city's identity has evolved from the rough-and-tumble pioneers of the 19th century to the global innovators of the 21st. This self-guided walk starts at the water’s edge, where the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) and the Center for Wooden Boats preserve the legacy of a city built on wood and water. You will explore the scenic Lake Union Park, a 12-acre green space that serves as the neighborhood's front yard, before heading south into the heart of the Amazon campus. The route highlights the architectural evolution of the city, transitioning from the historic Naval Reserve Armory to the gravity-defying glass-and-steel structures of the tech giants. One of the most striking features of this walking route Seattle offers is the contrast between Denny Park—Seattle's oldest park—and the futuristic Amazon Spheres, three interconnected glass domes housing a lush botanical garden. This experience is perfect for those interested in urban planning, architecture, and the stories of the people who shaped the Pacific Northwest. While a guided tour Seattle often focuses on the downtown core, this independent route allows you to explore the nuances of South Lake Union at your own pace, observing the daily rhythms of the tech professionals and the serene beauty of the lake. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of the Spheres or a history buff eager to learn about Seattle’s industrial heritage, this walking route provides a comprehensive look at the city’s modern identity.

Highlights

The historic Naval Reserve Armory building at MOHAI

Scenic waterfront views and seaplanes at Lake Union Park

Traditional maritime craftsmanship at the Center for Wooden Boats

The lush, futuristic design of the Amazon Spheres

Seattle’s oldest green space at Denny Park

The massive 'Day 1' skyscraper, the heart of Amazon's headquarters

Tour Stops (6)

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

Begin your exploration at the Museum of History & Industry, housed in the beautifully restored Naval Reserve Armory. This building, a landmark in its own right, was once a training facility for the Navy during World War II. Today, it serves as a repository for the stories that shaped Seattle. From the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 to the rise of global giants like Boeing and Microsoft, the museum captures the city's relentless spirit of innovation. Take a moment to admire the Art Deco architecture and the 'Bezos Center for Innovation' wing, which signals the neighborhood's modern shift. The building stands as a bridge between the industrial grit of the past and the creative energy that defines the city today.

Lake Union Park

Step outside onto the 12 acres of Lake Union Park. This space was once a patchwork of industrial sites, but today it is a gateway to the water. From the park's edge, you can watch seaplanes from Kenmore Air taking off and landing, a classic Seattle sight. The park is designed to celebrate the city’s relationship with the water, featuring a model boat pond and walkways that offer panoramic views of the skyline and the Space Needle in the distance. It’s a perfect spot to observe how the city has reclaimed its waterfront for public enjoyment, turning a former shipping hub into a vibrant community gathering place.

The Center for Wooden Boats

Nestled at the south end of the park is the Center for Wooden Boats, a living museum dedicated to maritime heritage. Unlike traditional museums, this is a hands-on environment where the smell of cedar and salt air is ever-present. Founded in the 1970s, the center preserves the traditional skills of boatbuilding and sailing. Look for the historic vessels docked here; many are still in use today. This stop highlights the 'old' South Lake Union—a place of craftsmanship and manual labor that predates the digital revolution. It provides a grounding perspective on the neighborhood's roots before you head into the high-tech corridors of the city's urban core.

Denny Park

As you walk south, you’ll encounter Denny Park, the oldest public park in Seattle. Formally established in 1883, it was originally a cemetery before being converted into a park. The land was donated by David Denny, one of the city's founders. Surrounded today by soaring glass office towers, the park feels like a quiet island of history. Notice the mature trees and the classic park layout, which stands in stark contrast to the minimalist, high-tech architecture of the surrounding blocks. It is a rare piece of the 19th-century city preserved amidst the rapid redevelopment of the South Lake Union tech boom.

Amazon - Day 1

You are now standing at the base of the 'Day 1' building, the centerpiece of Amazon's massive urban campus. The name comes from Jeff Bezos's long-standing philosophy that it is always 'Day 1' for the company—a reminder to stay curious and never become complacent. This skyscraper represents the architectural shift of the neighborhood, favoring vertical density and sustainable design. Unlike many corporate campuses that are isolated in suburbs, Amazon chose to integrate into the city grid, fundamentally changing the traffic, economy, and culture of Seattle. The building's sleek facade and the bustling activity of thousands of employees around you exemplify the modern, fast-paced identity of 21st-century Seattle.

The Spheres

Finish your walk at the Spheres, perhaps the most iconic addition to the Seattle skyline in decades. These three glass orbs, designed by the architecture firm NBBJ, serve as a unique workspace for Amazon employees, but they are also a marvel of botanical engineering. Inside, there are over 40,000 plants from more than 30 countries, including a 50-foot living wall. The design was inspired by the idea that exposure to nature improves creativity and well-being. While public access to the interior is limited and usually requires an advance reservation for specific open days, the exterior view is a masterpiece of modern geometry and a testament to the neighborhood's technological and aesthetic evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to see South Lake Union, allowing you to balance the maritime history at MOHAI with the modern architecture of the Amazon Spheres at your own pace.