West Seattle is one of Seattle's best-kept secrets — a mostly residential, laid-back neighborhood tucked southwest of downtown. It's perfectly positioned between the city center and the airport, making it easy to get to both in under 20 minutes when traffic's cooperating. Here, life moves a little slower. You'll find quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and pockets of activity around The Junction, Admiral Junction, and the lively Alki Beach area.
✈️Getting Here
🚘 By Car
Google Maps your way to the property and park in the dedicated space just off the alley in front of the cottage.
🚕 Taxi / Uber / Lyft from SEA-TAC
Taxis and rideshares share the same pickup area — cross the sky-bridge into the airport parking lot and take the elevator or escalator one level down.
Tip: The taxi line moves fast even when it looks long. Cost with tip is around ~$40. There are two taxi types: metered (single color, typically a couple dollars cheaper) and flat-rate (two-tone). If Lyft or Uber is pricing higher than ~$40, take the taxi.
🚌 Bus from SEA-TAC
Exit the airport and turn right, walking south almost to the end of the terminal to the public bus stop (Google Maps shows it well). Routes 560 (fastest, no transfer) and 161 transferring at Burien Transit Center to the H-Line are both good options. From the nearest bus stop it's about a 12-minute walk.
🚗Getting Around
Taxi, Uber & Lyft
All three work well, but check the Seattle Yellow Cab app — it's often cheaper than rideshare (especially to the airport) and lets you schedule rides in advance at no extra charge.
For reliable early airport runs, our go-to is Jessi Taxi at (206) 773-8484 — Seattle Yellow Cab driver, great for scheduling ahead.
Bus
Seattle buses can be hit-or-miss for speed, but dedicated bus lanes make them excellent for sporting events. You'll need an ORCA card — iPhone users get the app, Android users can add it to Google Wallet. Physical cards can be picked up at QFC or Safeway. Cash fare is $3/ride.
Download OneBusAway for real-time arrival info down to the minute.
Getting to the Stadiums
T-Mobile Park / Lumen Field: Buses 21, H Line, and C Line all work. The 21 is typically fastest from the cottage. For a pre-game meal, take the H Line to California Ave (see The Bridge below), then hop back on.
Climate Pledge Arena: Bus 21 goes direct (longer ride). For faster options, take the H Line plus a transfer — Google Maps works well for mapping the transfer options.
🛒Shopping
You're well covered for groceries and supplies — everything is within easy walking distance.
Westwood Village
6-min walkTarget, QFC (Kroger), Ross, Marshall's, Big 5, Starbucks, MOD Pizza, Fitness19, and more.
Safeway + Bowling Alley
8-min walk southFull-service grocery store for all the basics. Bowling alley next door.
🍽️Local West Seattle Eats + Drinks
A few of our go-to spots — we've barely scratched the surface. Check Google Maps or Yelp to discover even more local gems.
Taqueria Los Potrillos 7
Short walkDelicious street tacos and Mexican staples. Don't miss $1.50 Taco Tuesday (check current pricing).
The Bridge
Bus (H Line)Classic American pub food and good drinks at reasonable prices. Great pre-game stop on California Ave.
Corner Pocket
BusBasement bar with pool, darts, skee-ball, and pinball. Laid-back and fun for a casual night out.
Can Bar
Walk / DriveSmall, cozy, hidden-gem vibe. Good pub food, fair drink prices, and a relaxed crowd.
Maranation Ma Kai
Drive (near Alki Beach)Hawaiian-inspired eats with a killer view of downtown Seattle across Elliott Bay. Right by the Water Taxi dock — check the seasonal schedule to ride into downtown.
🌲Places of Interest
Lincoln Park
A perfect mix of forest trails, rocky beach, and wide-open Puget Sound views. Walk, bike, or sit on a driftwood log and watch ferries glide by. In summer, Colman Pool (a heated saltwater pool on the shore) is a must. Parking fills on sunny weekends — try neighborhood streets near Fauntleroy Way & SW Trenton.
🚌 Bus: H Line — pull the cord after passing 45th Ave SW & SW Wildwood Pl.
Alki Beach
West Seattle's beachy heart. Summer brings volleyball, rollerbladers, and paddleboarders; winter is perfect for cozy walks with coffee. The strip has fish and chips, tacos, and on clear days the Seattle skyline puts on a show.
🚌 Driving is fastest. Parking is tricky on warm days — park a few blocks away and walk.
Seattle Chinese Garden
A hidden gem next to South Seattle College with stone paths, pavilions, and seasonal flowers. A peaceful hour-long stroll that feels worlds away from the city.
West Seattle Golf Course
Public 18-hole course with wide fairways and occasional downtown Seattle skyline views on the back 9. Relaxed vibe. Tee times open two weeks in advance and fill quickly in summer.