Exploring Seattle & South Lake Union
Welcome to Summer@Cornish! Alongside four weeks of making art and meeting new friends, you’ll have opportunities to discover Seattle. Cornish’s South Lake Union campus puts cafés, food trucks, parks and public art close by, with museums, markets and beaches a little farther afield.
Here are some neighborhood favorites and destinations to explore during your time here.
Food, Coffee & Sweet Treats
A nearby stop for a morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up or a hot chocolate between creative projects. It’s an easy introduction to Seattle’s coffee culture, just a short walk from campus.
Keep lunch interesting with South Lake Union’s rotating food trucks. Use the map and daily schedule to see what’s nearby—you might discover a new favorite each week.
Burgers, fries and shakes make this a familiar option for a quick lunch or a bite after class.
Explore a collection of Asian street-food restaurants in one indoor destination. It’s a good option when everyone wants something different—or you’re ready to try something new.
South Lake Union Saturday Market
Browse local makers, food vendors and neighborhood finds at this seasonal market. Check the market’s website for current dates, location and participating vendors.
Part ice cream stop, part flavor adventure. Explore creative combinations and seasonal offerings, whether you’re drawn to a familiar favorite or something unexpected.
Close to campus, District H combines groceries, snacks and prepared food in one convenient stop. Browse the food court, pick up lunch or discover something new to try.
Parks, Beaches & Waterfront Views
Watch ferries cross Elliott Bay, explore public art and enjoy views of Puget Sound. The waterfront and Overlook Walk offer plenty of places to pause, take photographs and see the city from a different perspective.
For a beach outing farther from campus, Golden Gardens offers sand, open water and views toward the Olympic Mountains. Bring a picnic, spend time with friends or settle in for a Seattle sunset.
Take a break beside the water, sketch the boats or watch floatplanes come and go. Lake Union Park is also home to MOHAI and the Center for Wooden Boats, making it a useful starting point for an afternoon of exploring.
Seattle’s oldest park offers tree-lined paths and green space near campus. It’s a pleasant place for a lunch break, a sketchbook session or a change of scenery.
Tucked into Pioneer Square, this small park features a waterfall and a quieter setting within the city. Include it as a stop when exploring the neighborhood, and check opening hours before visiting.
Art, Museums & Creative Inspiration
Explore historical painting alongside contemporary exhibitions in a museum known for free admission. Bring your curiosity—and perhaps a sketchbook—to see how different artists approach materials, storytelling and ideas.
Museum of History & Industry — MOHAI
Located in Lake Union Park, MOHAI explores the people, industries and ideas that have shaped Seattle. It’s a place to connect the city you’re visiting with its maritime, cultural and technological history.
Discover traditional wooden boats and the craft behind them. Check the center’s current offerings for exhibits, waterfront activities and opportunities to learn more about boating on Lake Union.
Explore Dale Chihuly’s colorful glass installations near Seattle Center. The forms, scale and use of light offer inspiration for students working in any creative discipline.
Look for murals, sculptures and public art throughout South Lake Union. Use the guide to discover work you might otherwise walk past and consider how art changes the experience of a neighborhood.
Markets, Landmarks & Neighborhood Exploring
Explore food stalls, crafts, flowers and independent shops at one of Seattle’s best-known destinations. Watch the fishmongers at work, find the Gum Wall and leave time to wander beyond the main arcade.
Home to the Space Needle, MoPOP and the International Fountain, Seattle Center brings together arts, attractions and outdoor gathering spaces. Check its calendar for performances, festivals and other events during your visit.
Getting Around
The South Lake Union streetcar connects the neighborhood with downtown’s Westlake area. Seattle’s First Hill streetcar is a separate line serving other neighborhoods; it is not a direct ride from South Lake Union to Capitol Hill.
Allow time for travel when visiting destinations beyond the neighborhood, and check current routes and service before heading out.
Make the Most of Your Summer
Try a new lunch spot, bring your sketchbook to the waterfront or find inspiration in a museum exhibition. Some destinations are close to campus, while others are better suited to a planned afternoon or weekend outing.
Check current hours, admission costs and event schedules before visiting. Residential students should follow program outing arrangements and guidance from their Program Assistants.
