The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, a renowned tourist attraction in Seattle, Washington, acts as a gateway between freshwater Lake Union and the saltwater Puget Sound. This impressive system of locks, completed in 1917, facilitates the movement of boats between different water levels, showcasing a unique engineering marvel against the backdrop of lush greenery. Visitors can witness vessels of all sizes passing through the locks, providing a fascinating glimpse into maritime transportation. Additionally, the grounds surrounding the locks feature impeccably manicured gardens that bloom with colorful flora throughout the seasons, offering a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls. The Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden within the premises further enchants visitors with a diverse collection of plants and trees, creating a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. A museum on-site educates guests on the history and significance of the locks, making it a must-visit destination for both nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Nature, Parks, & Gardens •
Seattle,
Washington
$599
Seattle City Tour 3-Hours (Private Tour)
We specialized in private experiences for small groups. During the tour, we will make three stops in places of tourist importance. The first stop will be the Pioneer Square neighborhood located in the historic district of the old metropolis where we will visit the origins of Seattle on a walk suitable for the whole family and full of history, architecture, and photography. We will continue to the Ballard Locks for our second stop. We will see the boats enter and leave the Pacific Ocean to the lakes surrounding the city. Finally, we will end with one of the most impressive panoramic views before ending the tour where we can take some of the best photos of the city center. The tour ends at the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, or returned to your hotel. It is generally a 3-hour tour but it can be extended if the group wishes. This tour is highly recommended for children and adults of all ages. IMPORTANT: The tour is in English but it can be arranged in Spanish.
$145
Seattle City Highlights and Snoqualmie Falls Small Group
This small group or private tour combines Seattle’s most iconic city highlights with the natural beauty of Snoqualmie Falls in one comfortable day trip. Travelers enjoy a flexible itinerary, hotel pickup, private transportation, and a local driver-guide who shares stories about Seattle’s history, neighborhoods, viewpoints, and culture. The tour can be adjusted based on traffic, weather, and guest interests, making it a more personal and relaxed experience than a standard group tour.
$1287
Seattle Cruise Excursion with Private Grand City Tour
Make the most of your time before, after, or while in port in Seattle with this private tour of the city's must-see highlights including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the Ballard Locks and Queen Anne Hill. Visit local art galleries, sip coffee at the original Starbucks, and whiz up to the top of the Space Needle if you wish for incredible 360-degree views of Puget Sound, Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. You'll learn all about the history of Seattle from your guide as you travel by van, making stops along the way to explore by foot and discover the best in food, shopping and entertainment. By the end of this private shore excursion, you’ll know Seattle like a local!
$300
Seattle Shore Excursion and City Tour with Airport Drop-Off
Make the most of your last hours in Seattle with a private shore excursion that ends at Sea-Tac Airport. A lifelong local guide picks you up at Pier 66 or Pier 91, your bags ride with you, and the tour ends at the airport or your hotel. Walk the Ballard Locks, meet the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge and see the skyline from Kerry Park. Stop at the Space Needle, then drive the waterfront, Pioneer Square and the Chinatown-International District, with a quick stop at Pike Place Market before your flight. How pricing works: this is a private tour priced for your whole group, up to 13 guests. The total is the same for 1 to 4 guests, and each guest after that adds less, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Viator shows a price per person; choose your group size to see your total. The 3 hours 15 minutes includes pickup, driving and drop-off, so your guide fits the route around your ship, your flight and traffic.
$300
Seattle City Tour Private and Flexible
See Seattle on a private, fully narrated city tour with a lifelong local guide. It's just your group, in a private minivan or our white Ford shuttle, with pickup at your hotel, Airbnb, cruise terminal or Sea-Tac Airport. Walk the Ballard Locks, meet the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge and take in the skyline from Kerry Park. Along the way you'll pass Fishermen's Terminal, the Ballard Bridge and the National Nordic Museum, stop for photos at the Space Needle, and drive through downtown, Pioneer Square and the Chinatown-International District. Finish near Pike Place Market or get dropped off at your hotel, the airport or a cruise terminal. How pricing works: this is a private tour priced for your whole group, up to 13 guests. The total is the same for 1 to 4 guests, and each guest after that adds less, so the price per person drops as your group grows. Viator shows a price per person; choose your group size to see your total.
$199
Boeing Factory Tour & Seattle City Tours Combo
We are excited to announce the return of our Boeing Factory Tour beginning January 2026. We paused this tour during the global pandemic, but we’re back, better than ever. The Seattle City Tour portion of this experience was ranked “Top 20” experience in the United States by TripAdvisor/Viator, selected from thousands of activities (read some of the reviews!). After more than 10 years of developing and refining this route, we’ve designed a tour that truly maximizes everything you get to see. This is the only tour in Seattle that combines the Boeing Factory Tour with a comprehensive Seattle City Tour. You’ll visit the launch site of Boeing’s very first airplane and see the largest building in the world. The Boeing experience also includes a gallery of innovative aircraft and a flight simulator. Enjoy iconic sights such as floating homes, the Fremont Troll, under the bridge, the busiest lock system in the U.S., the Amazon campus, and what may be the longest floating bridges in the world.
$94
Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour
With two activities in one 4-hour tour, see the top sights of the Seattle area, both natural and manmade. First visit Snoqualmie Falls, a waterfall in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Then experience Seattle on a city tour that introduces you to the attractions and history that make Seattle one of the most livable cities in America. Listen to fun facts and engaging stories about Seattle from a guide, and learn how the city got its name and what the real story is about how much it rains. The itinerary ensures adequate time spent at each location, allowing individual feedback and suggestions from the guide.
$89
Seattle City Tour
As a military veteran, we honor veterans by allowing you to use the Seniors discount 62. Now this tour is like binge watching three episodes of your favorite program, minus the zombies & dragons. I do have a troll, a Space Needle, waterfall, giant Amazon spheres and Pixar UP House just like the movie floating houses (Sleepless in Seattle) We will even show you where Boeing 1st airplane took flight. If you have never seen Jurasick Park Pterodactyls come March - July to see them, I ain’t lying. This tour is both structured & spontaneous, guaranteed to learn and laugh. Yes, you will see the famous sights, and unique neighborhoods as well. Thank you Viator for awarding Seattle's Best Tours as a TOP 20 Experience in the USA in 2022 - 2023
$115
Seattle Sightseeing City Tour with Hotel Pick-up
Sit back and relax while our professional guides showcase the best of Seattle. Enjoy a door-to-door experience with hotel pickup and drop off included. Learn about everything from Seattle's history to the current shape of Seattle.
$63
Seattle Locks Cruise
Discover the best of Seattle on a scenic cruise through the heart of the city and experience the iconic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks, a ‘boat elevator’ connecting Puget Sound and Lake Washington Ship Canal. On the saltwater of Puget Sound, take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and majestic mountain ranges. Then, glide through the freshwater canal for a closer look at historic neighborhoods, commercial fishing vessels, floating homes, seaplanes, and more. Along the way, enjoy captivating stories of Seattle’s past and present from a live, local guide.
Interesting Places Nearby
Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
Seattle Waterfront
Space Needle
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle Aquarium
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Fremont District
Lake Union
Kerry Park (Franklin Place)
Seattle Center
