Green Lake/Phinney Ridge/Greenwood

Explore

You can see more than 1,000 animals from around the world as you explore the shaded paths and beautifully designed habitats at Woodland Park Zoo (5500 Phinney Ave N). Don’t miss the free 2.5-acre Woodland Park Rose Garden, by the zoo’s south entrance. The famed Olmsted Brothers architectural firm is behind the gorgeous layout of historic Woodland Park (1000 N 50th St). Encircled by a 2.8-mile jogging and biking trail, Green Lake Park (7201 E Green Lake Dr N) has a sandy beach, boat rentals, and playing fields.

Eat and Drink

Layers Green Lake (7900 East Green Lake Dr N) earns raves and smiles for its amusingly named sandwiches (for example, “I’d date a Jalapeño”), and nearby newcomer Wooden City (7110 East Green Lake Dr N) serves creative pizzas and gastropub favorites. Relax on the beautiful patio at the festive Caribbean restaurant Bongos (6501 Aurora Ave N), enjoy artisan pastries and sandwiches at Ben’s Bread (216 N 70th St), and savor superb modern Italian cooking at celeb chef Renee Erickson’s new wine-focused bistro, Lioness (7009 Greenwood Ave N). North Star Diner (8580 Greenwood Ave N) serves classic breakfast fare and The Yard Cafe (8313 Greenwood Ave N) is your go-to for craft beer on tap.

Shop

Exquisite Kyoto-style sweets are the specialty of Tokara (6208 Phinney Ave N). Baraka Gems (8218 Greenwood Ave N) donates a portion of profits from its beautiful custom and estate jewelry to A Ring of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Head to Couth Buzzard Books (8310 Greenwood Ave N) to select your next read and Beats and Bohos (7200 Greenwood Ave N) for vinyl LPs and retro fashion. Pick up running shoes and gear for your adventures in Green Lake at Super Jock & Jill (7210 East Green Lake Dr N).