Okay Sweets, so I went on a pretty cute date by the Seattle waterfront recently that inspired me to share more ideas for embracing our beautiful “City of Lakes”. This post is lovingly dedicated to all the fellow water signs in Seattle. Almost every neighborhood in the city includes a fool-proof combo for a successful date!

[water/views] + [food and drink] +
[supporting queer businesses] = [winning!]

1#: Richmond Beach

Alright, let’s start up north and work our way slowly down south, ha. Meet at Richmond Beach with a beach blanket, BYOB, and some pizza from Streetzeria (LGBTQ+ and female-owned).

2#: Ballard

Grab some sushi to-go from Moshi Moshi Sushi (QTPOC-owned) and head to Golden Gardens for a classic portrait of the Pacific Northwest sunset. Might have to battle for parking, but there’s a convenient lot right next to the beach and one up the hill. Also a dog park for those with fur babies! (For a little slower pace, try Carkeek Park further north.) After sundown, head to Rough & Tumble Pub for some women’s sports and a pint or two.

3#: Wallingford & South Lake Union

Gasworks Park has some iconic Seattle views of the Space Needle and the cityscape beyond, and lots of cute nooks and hills for lower stim hangouts. Walk to nearby Gasworks Brewing for some waterfront drinks and snacks, or grab a pizza and salad to-go from Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria (queer-owned). Catch Tres Lecheria before close for some QTPOC-owned sweet treats.

4#: University District

There’s never a wrong day for a stop at Agua Verde, where kayaks and tacos abound. Grab a couple of each and enjoy the tranquility of the Arboretum. If the date’s going well, add a stop at nearby Nook & Cranny Books (queer woman owned) afterwards, for a new book to read… to each other? Or at silent book club.

5#: Pike Place Market

I’m always happy for an excuse to stop at Pike Place Market! I’m a sucker for the BBQ pork buns @ Mee Sum Pastry (BIPOC-owned), and the market is a classic and worthy date spot. Bonus points if you can avoid peak tourist hours. Check out Crystallography Gems (queer, woman, asian, and disability-owned) for some new crystals and stones, a great date keepsake. Grab a bottle or two at WeRise Wine Bar (QTPOC-owned). Round out at Cupcake Royale (queer-owned) for some cute cupcakes.

6#: Seattle Waterfront

Meet at Pub 70 (woman-owned) for more beautiful waterfront views and pub fare. The bar’s open til midnight every night, and kitchen til 10pm. Optional add-on: Sunset walk on the waterfront through Olympic Sculpture Park to Centennial Park.

Or, walk south along the waterfront to Pioneer Square and book a Seattle underground tour with Beneath the Streets (queer-owned). Stop in Seattle Antiques Market along the way, for a vintage date night keepsake.

7#: Water Taxi to West Seattle

Catch a Seattle Water Taxi to West Seattle, just don’t kick off your date too late in the evening! Last sail at 6:30pm. Walk off those first date nerves along the gorgeous beachfront at Alki Beach, and then share some tacos and cocktails at Marination Ma Kai (queer-owned). Keep an eye on the clock though, the latest return ferry leaves at 7pm.

8#: Central District

Denny Blaine Park — If you know, you know. This iconic Seattle destination for the queer water lovers is clothing-optional and boasts some beautiful lakefront views with mountain peaks. Keep it simple, pack a picnic and some sunscreen, and get vulnerable in more ways than one. Great spot for paddleboarding, floaties, swimming.

Catch Fats Chicken & Waffles (QTPOC-owned) on the way home for some fantastic fried chicken and mouthwatering honey butter biscuits.

9#: Renton Landing

In Renton? Catch the best views from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park with dinner at Anchovies & Salt (QTPOC-owned).

10#: Washington State Ferry to Bremerton

Just incase you need a good reason to hop a ferry, plan a date and catch a ferry to Bremerton! This little day trip is full of queer-owned destinations along the Bremerton Ferry Terminal — so you don’t need a car. Fantastic views along the way. When you land, be sure to check out:

Cups Espresso & Cafe or Harborside Market & Cafe for a caffeine boost
Ashley’s Pub for food and drink
Scoops & Bites for ice cream

Don’t forget to take a photo together on the ferry deck — the views of the Seattle pier at the very end are lovely!

What other waterfront gems need to be on this list? Spill the tea at sapphietaffyxo@gmail.com.

10 Seattle Waterfront Date Ideas for the Queer Scorpios, Cancers & Pisces in Your Life