In an area surrounded by water, travel by boat makes sense. Washington State Ferry is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving nearly 18 million commuters and visitors a year. Eight routes service 20 terminals, including the downtown Seattle ferry docks at Piers 50 and 52, Fauntleroy Dock in West Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Bremerton and others. Operating 365 days a year, the ferries allow passengers to experience the magnificent Puget Sound scenery. The schedule changes seasonally and varies by day of the week, with adjusted schedules on holidays.
Whether you are a water sports enthusiast or a thrill seeker, come to Northwest Outdoor Center and check out their various kayaking options. The center offers lessons in how to handle regular kayaks, kayaks which are operated by a group as well as paddle boards on which the rider has to stand. After an orientation class in the lake, you can go for one of their trips and try your hand at whitewater rafting and sea kayaking. Kayak rentals are also available here.
Go kayaking in the blue waters of the Seattle bay with Alki Kayak tours. This tour company specializes in adventure sports, specially kayaking, skating and fishing. Some of the kayak tours which are conducted by this company include the Alki Lighthouse tour, wherein tourists paddle on kayaks from the Seacrest Boathouse to the lighthouse and then back once more, the Full Moon Sea Kayak Tour and the West Seattle Sunset Sea Kayak Tour. They also rent out and sell equipment for water sports.
This 27-mile trail runs from Golden Gardens Park to Kenmore, with a "missing link" segment around Ballard. Cyclists and hikers will find beautiful views and natural surroundings. From start to finish, the trail will take you through several of Seattle's neighborhoods as well as surrounding suburban towns.
Once a University of Washington student housing, this airy house is now a thriving Mexican restaurant and kayaking center. The chalkboard menu features traditional dishes like baja-style tacos with smoked salmon, portabella mushrooms and grilled halibut. In warm weather, vie for a patio table and enjoy the view of Portage Bay. It's also a great place to take the kids for a family lunch. If you are into water sports, be sure to take one of their kayaks for a spin before settling down for a sumptuous meal.
Enjoy water sports of the Union Bay with Waterfront Activities Center in Seattle. The center offers row boats and canoes for rentals on a daily basis. The place sees a lot of university students coming in for classes on boating since it is located right in the campus but there are plenty of outside tourists as well. They have a special locker room where you can store your important stuff and a meeting or lounge area to conduct sessions.