This blog post was updated on July 27, 2021.
One of Seattle’s most interesting and visitor-friendly neighborhoods, Capitol Hill boasts many unique sights and activities, including two impressive urban parks. Located near downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill is a particularly vibrant part of the city. Here are my suggestions for five things to see and do in this historic, culturally rich area.
Volunteer Park
1247 15th Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98112
This fantastic urban green space is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Olmsted Exhibit (a historical overview of the area), a children’s playground, and impressive views of Puget Sound, the mountains, and downtown (especially if you climb to the top of the water tower).
Seattle Asian Art Museum
1400 East Prospect St., Seattle, WA 98112
Located in the former Seattle Art Museum building inside Volunteer Park, this impressive cultural center houses Asian art from multiple centuries. Current exhibitions include Chiho Aoshima: Rebirth of the World (contemporary Japanese art) and Calligraphic Abstraction. The Seattle Asian Art Museum hosts a variety of artist lectures and classes/camps for both kids and adults. For a full schedule of events, check out their website.
Jimi Hendrix Statue
1604 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Pay tribute to guitar master Jimi Hendrix (originally from Seattle) by visiting the famous bronze sculpture by local artist Daryl Smith. Since it was erected in 1997, fans have frequently left offerings of flowers and candles around the base of this iconic statue. You may even find a lit cigarette hanging from Jimi’s lips.
Cal Anderson Park
1635 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
The Capitol Hill neighborhood boasts two great parks, the second of which is Cal Anderson Park. This urban oasis includes an inverted fountain, a unique texture pool, a reflecting pool, a children’s wading pool, various walking and jogging paths, an open plaza, a children’s play area, a sports field, and even oversized chess boards. This tastefully landscaped park is the perfect place to go for a stroll, play a pick-up game of soccer, or relax on a blanket with a good book.
Lake View Cemetery
1554 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
Located just to the north of Volunteer Park, the historic and beautiful Lake View Cemetery is as fascinating as it is macabre. Many of Seattle’s pioneers have been laid to rest here, as well as the famous martial arts film stars Bruce and Brandon Lee.
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