5 epic reasons to explore Queen Anne, SPU’s own Seattle neighborhood

One of Seattle’s oldest and most walkable neighborhoods, Queen Anne is home to Seattle Pacific University as well as many hot spots to explore.

It’s named for its 19th-century architectural style and includes the highest named hill in the city. A quick bus ride from campus up the hill takes you straight to the heart of Queen Anne, making it both accessible and filled with fun, cheap options for a day trip or off-campus study spot.

 

1. Ice cream with a view

Downtown Seattle, as seen from Kerry ParkKerry Park (211 W Highland Dr) is internationally famous for its fantastic view of Seattle. Pair your view with a unique flavored ice cream like honey lavender or Yeti (vanilla bean caramel with local chocolate) from nearby famed Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream (321 W Galer St), suggested freshman Lauren McMurray.

The iconic Molly Moon's ice cream sign

“It’s a great place to hang out and grab ice cream with friends, and Kerry Park is two blocks away so you can enjoy a cold treat while looking at an amazing view,” she said.

 

2. Caffeination

Nearly every corner hosts a coffee shop in Queen Anne, from Storyville on top of the hill (2128 Queen Anne Ave N) to La Marzocco Café (472 1st Ave N) in lower Queen Anne.

Three SPU students enjoy coffee at La Marzocco in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle

McMurray also pointed to Cafe Diablo (1825 Queen Anne Ave N). “It’s a cute little coffee shop built inside of a house. Its environment is aesthetically pleasing and is a great spot to study with friends while enjoying a drink or pastry,” she said.

 

3. Make some crumbs

A number of neighborhood bakeries offer frosted and flakey treats, along with delicious drinks, such as Top Pot Donuts (325 W Galer St).

SPU students clink glasses of iced tea and coffee

Freshman Emily Nguyen also suggested Le Reve Bakery (1805 Queen Anne Ave N #100). “It is a cute cozy place, with some French pastries and coffee. I usually get iced tea — it’s my favorite location to get it in Queen Anne,” she said.

 

4. Have a pho-filling lunch

The food court at Seattle Center (305 Harrison St) includes multiple choices from bubble tea to stir fry. A popular choice is Mod Pizza. The center is near a number of iconic Seattle draws, such as the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass.

An array of pizzas from Mod Pizza

To escape the crowds, students and Yelp reviewers both pointed to the nearby Pho Viet Anh (372 Roy St) for good pho  —  perfect on that occasional rainy Seattle day!

 

5. Culture up!

Many museums, including the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) (325 5th Ave N), offer free access with a Seattle or King County library card. Enter the colorful and wild building to discover exciting exhibits on music legends, Harry Potter, Marvel, sci fi, and more.

SPU students take a stroll near MoPop

New museum passes become available online starting at 2 p.m. up to two weeks in advance. Free access is sometimes restricted to specific days and passes can sell out quickly, so check the museum or library website for more information.

Nguyen also recommended students under 20 years old sign up for the free Seattle program Teen Tix. “I often used to go see the opera for $5,” she said. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St), where opera performances are staged, is near Seattle Center.

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[voices_slide]SPU students get coffee at La Marzocco[/voices_slide]

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A La Marzocco espresso machine at their flagship location at Seattle Center

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SPU students enjoy coffee at La Marzocco in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle

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Mod Pizza at Seattle Center

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An SPU student selects toppings at Mod Pizza

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Three SPU students walk down the sidewalk in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle

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Three SPU students walk under the monorail track by MoPop in Seattle

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An SPU student walks under a large red sculpture by Seattle Center

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Three SPU students take a selfie by the Space Needle

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