Montlake is an affluent residential neighborhood with a tight knit community feel. While Montlake might feel like its own area entirely, it’s a quick drive to downtown Seattle and other popular neighborhoods in the city. In Montlake, you’ll have a handful of beautiful parks well within walking distance from your vacation rental. You’ll also have a small yet well-equipped downtown with restaurants, cafes, and local shops.
You’ll love the close proximity to the Seattle Yacht Club, the Washington Park Arboretum, and University of Washington, just across the Montlake Cut, or Lake Washington Ship Canal. With easy access to HWY 520, you’ll be able to get to any part of the city relatively quickly and easily, making it a great hub for your Seattle vacation.
History of Montlake
Montlake was originally home to the hah-choo-AHBSH, or “people of the lake,” a Native American tribe. Soon after the first settlers arrived in the Seattle area, it was overtaken by settlers.
Seeing the potential in the area due to the relatively small space between Lake Union and Lake Washington, early settlers set upon the task of creating the shipping canal, Montlake Cut, to connect these two bodies of water. Due to this grand idea, the property in Montlake was far more expensive than other nearby areas, deeming it an affluent area from its primitive beginnings all the way to present day.
The canal was completed in 1916 and drastically changed the landscape of the neighborhood. In 1925 the Montlake Bridge was finished to connect the neighborhood to the University of Washington.
Things to Do in Montlake
One of the biggest draws to Montlake is the neighborhood’s beautiful parks. Here, you’ll quickly forget that you’re in Seattle and will instead get lost in the fresh air and tranquility of nature. While this is a big perk, it’s certainly not the only thing in Montlake.
Here are our favorite things to do in Montlake:
- Interlaken Park: This park is the natural division between Montlake and Capitol Hill. It’s 51 acres of dense woods full of trails for walkers, runners, and bikers.
- Washington Parks Arboretum: The Arboretum is home to plants you likely won’t see elsewhere. Situated in Montlake on the west and Madison Park on the east, this is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet stroll.
- 24th Ave: 24th Avenue is Montlake’s main shopping and dining area. Take a few hours to walk this avenue and surrounding streets shopping into local shops, and grabbing a bite or two at some delicious restaurants or coffee shops.
- Seattle Yacht Club: The SYC is one of the U.S.’s oldest and most active yacht clubs. The Yacht Club is open to guests to enjoy a meal or simply walk the docks and get an up close look at the incredible yachts and lake views.
- Downtown Seattle: Only a quick drive to downtown Seattle, you’ll be able to check out the Seattle hotspots like Pike Place Market, Broadway, and the Space Needle (in Queen Anne).
- Other Nearby Neighborhoods: While in town, we recommend you also visit Bellevue, Belltown, Fremont, Wallingford, South Lake Union, and the University District.
Our Seattle Vacation Homes
By booking a rental home directly for your next vacation, you’re not only saving on third party fees from Airbnb or Vrbo, but you’re getting the personal touch of dealing with the property managers directly.
By renting your next short-term house rental from Seattle Vacation Homes, you’re certain to stay in good hands. As Seattle locals, we’re happy to point you in the right direction for whatever you’re looking for to have the best possible Seattle getaway. From the moment you check-in, you can rest assured you’ll be well taken care of while in Seattle.
All of our houses for rent come equipped with free wifi, fresh linens, and a washer/dryer. Some properties have window air conditioning units and/or gas fireplaces.
Get ready for a great vacation to Seattle when you choose to stay in Montlake.