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South Lake Union was once a semiforgotten industrial area. Nowadays, cranes hover over new hotels, high-rise buildings, and Amazon's new campus, while design shops are popping up next to the enormous, trip-worthy flagship REI store. This neighborhood is just east of Seattle Center, whose Space Needle and Experience Music Project museum are on most visitors' itineraries; a walk (especially on a sunny day) from there to the REI store can be quite fun—then you can take the South Lake Union Streetcar (www.seattlestreetcar.org) back to the heart of Downtown.
With its clean white lines and reverential displays, this sneaker store could be mistaken for an art gallery. The fashion-forward inventory is vast, ranging from Converse to Nike to Mihara Yasuhiro. Even if you're not in the market for new kicks, it's a fun place to discover just how stylish an athletic shoe can be.
The enormous flagship for Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) has a vast selection of outdoor gear from polar-fleece jackets, wool socks, down vests, hiking boots, to rain gear, and much more. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to help. REI also rents gear such as tents, sleeping bags, skis, snowshoes, and backpacks.
