What is Capitol Hill, Seattle known for?
Capitol Hill is one of the most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods in Seattle, featuring a huge mix of arts, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. This tightly packed community lies to the northeast of the city center and never sleeps, day or night. Here's what makes Capitol Hill such a popular destination for locals and visitors alike:
The Flourishing Arts and Music Scene
Capitol Hill is the epicenter of Seattle's arts community. There are plenty of live music venues around that feature local and on-the-road acts, including the historic Neumos Crystal Ball Reading Room and the notably popular Comet Tavern. Capitol Hill also hosts numerous music and arts festivals throughout the year, like the annual Capitol Hill Block Party, which gathers tens of thousands of people.
Added to this music, there are a lot of art galleries, theater companies, and performance spaces. In this neighborhood, one can catch a performance at the Seattle Asian American Theatre or see the rotating exhibits at Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar. Colorful street art and murals further express the artistic soul that permeates this community.
Diverse and Inclusive Community
Capitol Hill has always been called the center of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community. It is an area filled with businesses owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community and hosts the Seattle Pride Festival and Parade every June. It is also dotted with rainbow crosswalks and pride flags everywhere, which make a rather clear line as to its accepting culture.
This is further reflected in the community's diverse ethnic restaurants and shops. Capitol Hill is a foodie paradise, where one can sample cuisines from around the world, ranging from Vietnamese pho and Thai curries to Mexican tacos and Italian pasta. Trendy cafes, craft cocktail bars, and a few unique independent storefronts are noted as defining features of the area.
Green Space and Views
Though compactly urban, Capitol Hill has an amazing amount of green space. One such place is Volunteer Park, a crown jewel with almost 50 acres of landscaped lawns, flower gardens, and wooded trails. Other attractions include the historic greenhouse Volunteer Park Conservatory, filled with tropical plants, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
For stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, stop by Cal Anderson Park in the center of Capitol Hill. This trendy gathering spot offers a reflecting pool, sports fields, and a hilltop viewpoint for views out over the Space Needle and Puget Sound; on clear days, Mount Rainier can be seen from there.
A Happening Nightlife Destination
The sun starts setting, but Capitol Hill is just getting up. On every street, people throng from one countless bar to the next or restaurant or nightclub. Be it a low-key pint at a dive bar, craft cocktails at some swanky lounge, or dancing until you drop, Capitol Hill has got you covered.
Among the more popular spots are Unicorn, a carnival-themed bar with fanciful decor and arcade games; Neumos, which books live music by local indie bands and national headliners; and, of course, the string of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs along Capitol Hill, including Queer/Bar and R Place.
No matter the time of day one visits, Capitol Hill holds a little something for everyone. From an artsy and cultural vibe to a varied dining scene, there is an element of nightlife within this unique neighborhood that shouldn't be missed. With its inclusivity and vibes of creativity, it is a must-visit area for anyone.
