This business has earned a Highly Trusted designation — 4.7★ across 10,289 reviews signals an exceptional and consistent track record.
Strong long-term review history with 10,289 reviews and a 4.7★ average signals reliable, consistent service.
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Customers consistently cite quality service, professional conduct, and reliable results.
Scheduling availability may vary — confirming in advance is always recommended.
Anyone seeking a reliable local business with a proven track record.
Review Rank Score (0–100) blends a Bayesian-adjusted rating, review volume, recent sentiment, and rating consistency. It's a predictive reputation estimate — not a replica of Google or Yelp's ranking.
A fun and family-friendly activity to do in Seattle, WA…The Ballard Locks!! And, it’s FREE! It’s a popular spot to watch boats pass between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of the Lake Union/Lake Washington, using a system of chambers to raise or lower them. The locks help boats move between the higher freshwater lakes and the lower Puget Sound, adjusting the water levels to let them pass smoothly. Watching the water levels rise and fall to guide boats through is very cool to watch! There’s a Fish Ladder with a subterranean viewing area that allows you to watch salmon and sometimes seals and sea lions as they migrate upstream. Best viewing times mid-June to September. Unfortunately, we were there too early but I saw a sea lion. Lots of green trees and beautiful botanical gardens. There’s a small marina. There’s paid self parking. I would definitely want to come back!
It is a fun place to visit, but beware the parking lot is a HIGH crime area! The park is lovely to walk through. If you are fortunate enough to catch boats going the locks, it is fascinating to watch the process. We were so surprised to watch 4 boats at a time utilize the locks. On the opposite side of the park, you can explore the fish ladder. At the right time of the year you can watch the fish navigate the ladder through the large windows. Beware when you park in the lot on the north side. BE SURE TO HIDE EVERYTHING IN THE TRUNK! DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN SIGHT! Unfortunately, we parked between two signs that warned about the high crime area. We accidently left a backpack in the backseat. After less than one hour at the park we returned to a shattered rear window and stolen backpack. It happens so often police won't respond and will have you file the report online.
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Beautiful! Go see an intricate part of Seattle's commerce, industrial history, and recreational use of the Ballard locks. Fish ladder botanical gardens historic buildings visitor center with exhibits and a small gift shop. Wonderful way to spend your afternoon. I lucked out the day I went. Kirkland Civic Orchestra was performing popular l music in the gardens.
Its a beautiful park with a high variaties of plants and flowers where they taken great care of. You can also find the locks over here that are used for the transportation of boats to an upper or lower level. During the breeding season of the salmon you're able to seem them swim through the water.
Watching the boats and the people work, the lock is absolutely mesmerizing. On a busy weekend you won’t be watching alone. There are excellent plaques with information for visitors. Parking can be tricky here so be patient. We parked across the street two blocks away and had a nice walk to the locks.