Things to Do Nearby

There are many options for a bite to eat within walking distance or a short drive. Our staff likes to pop down to the Ave (what locals call University Avenue) for a coffee and pastries at Cafe Solstice or Morsel. You can order a pitcher of beer and play a round or two of darts at the College Inn Pub, a U-District staple for many generations of students and faculty. Agua Verde Café, Araya’s Place (Vegan), Byrek & Baguette, Portage Bay Café, and U:Don all offer tasty, reasonably priced meals. Finish with ice cream at Sweet Alchemy.

If you are looking for a cocktail and nice dinner, head down the hill to check out one of the many restaurants in University Village or the nearby Mountaineering Club. Looking towards Wallingford, you will find Westward, The Whale Wins, and Bizzarro Italian Cafe within two miles.

You’re in luck—a campus tour of University of Washington is a great way to spend the day! Visit the other cultural institutions on campus, like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Jacob Lawrence Gallery, or UW Libraries Special Collections. On the Ave, you can browse the extensive collection of magazines at Bulldog News, get lost and find treasures at Magus Books, or visit the University Book Store for all your UW swag.

You can also tour the art on campus at your leisure with this campus art walk map.

Whether it's sunny or rainy, the Arboretum and UW Botanical Gardens are always beautiful. If it's cherry blossom season (usually March), stroll through the UW quad and marvel at the blooms.

Feeling like a turn on the water? Rent a canoe from the Waterfront Activities Center and go boating in Union Bay. If it's hot out, bring a swimsuit. Every Saturday, the University District Farmers' Market merits a wander through the fresh produce and other offerings.