Enjoy quieter waterways, colorful fall scenery, waterfront dining, and memorable ways to explore Seattle by boat this season with friends and family.
Fall boating around Seattle offers some of the best days on the water. The crowds start to thin, the scenery changes, and you can enjoy Lake Washington and Lake Union at a more relaxed pace.
If you're looking for fall boating ideas around Seattle, one of the easiest ways to make a day memorable is to combine a cruise with a waterfront restaurant. Pull up to a dock, grab a meal, and enjoy the views without ever getting in the car.
Here are 17 ways to enjoy fall boating around Seattle, including some of our favorite waterfront dining destinations.
1. Plan a Sunset Cruise
As the days get shorter, sunset arrives earlier, making fall an ideal season for an evening cruise.
Check the weather before heading out, bring an extra layer, and enjoy the changing colors over the water as the sun goes down.
2. Make It a Coffee Cruise
Not every boating adventure needs to last all day. Pick up coffee and breakfast, then spend an hour or two cruising before heading back to the dock.
It's an easy way to get on the water without planning an entire afternoon.
3. Explore a New Part of Lake Washington
Use fall as an excuse to explore somewhere you don't normally visit. Cruise a different section of the lake, discover a new shoreline, or try a restaurant you've never visited.
Sometimes the best boating days don't require a detailed itinerary.
4. Plan a Friends-and-Family Cruise
Invite friends or family aboard and make the boat the destination. Pack snacks, put on a playlist, and spend a few hours cruising Lake Washington or Lake Union.
With fewer crowds than peak summer days, fall can be a great time for a more relaxed group outing.
5. Finish the Day With One Last Waterfront Dinner
Turn your fall boating day into a full experience by ending with dinner on the water.
There are so many great restaurants in our area to choose from, here are some of our favorites!
6. Bowriders Grill in Lake Union
Our Favorite Stop
Located at Seattle Boat Company's Lake Union Shores location, Bowriders Grill is one of the easiest waterfront restaurants to visit by boat on Lake Washington. The protected marina makes docking simple, making it a great choice for a relaxed fall lunch, dinner, or meet-up with friends.
Docking: ★★★★★ Easy
Great For: Lunch, dinner, drinks, fuel stops, and meeting friends
For an easygoing fall boating day, start with a cruise around Lake Washington before pulling in for a meal.
7. Grab Fish & Chips at Ivar's Seafood Bar
Head to Renton Landing for a casual waterfront meal at Ivar's Seafood Bar. Located on the south end of Lake Washington, it's a convenient stop when you're exploring the lake. One important tip: follow the marked buoys carefully when entering Renton Landing. Staying within the marked channel helps ensure a safe approach to the marina.
Docking: ★★★★★ Easy
Great For: Fish and chips, chowder, casual lunch
Fall can be an especially nice time to explore the south end of Lake Washington, when you can enjoy the scenery without peak summer crowds.
8. Explore Carillon Point in Kirkland
Carillon Point is one of Lake Washington's premier waterfront destinations. Cruise into Kirkland, tie up at the guest docks, and enjoy a meal overlooking the lake.
Docking: ★★★★★ Easy
Great For: Lunch, dinner, cocktails, and weekend outings
It's also a great starting point for exploring the Kirkland waterfront before heading back out for an afternoon cruise.
9. Stop at BeachHouse Bar + Grill
Located along the Kirkland waterfront, BeachHouse Bar + Grill makes a great destination for a fall happy hour or dinner.
Docking: ★★★★☆ Moderate
Great For: Happy hour, dinner, and waterfront views
On busier days, arriving earlier can make finding dock space easier.
10. Spend the Afternoon in Downtown Kirkland
Make the boat ride just one part of the adventure. Downtown Kirkland offers restaurants, shops, coffee, desserts, and waterfront walks, all within easy reach of the public docks.
Docking: ★★☆☆☆ Challenging on busy days
Great For: Dining, shopping, strolling, and exploring
Because docks can fill quickly and conditions can vary, downtown Kirkland is better suited to boaters who are comfortable navigating busier waterfronts.
11. Plan a Date Night at Daniel's Broiler
Looking for a more elevated boating experience? Cruise to Leschi and make dinner at Daniel's Broiler part of your evening.
With views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline, it's a memorable destination for a date night, celebration, or special dinner.
Docking: ★★★☆☆ Moderate
Great For: Date nights, celebrations, steak, and seafood
12. Cruise to Agua Verde Café
For a more casual outing, head toward Portage Bay and stop at Agua Verde Café. The waterfront setting makes it a fun destination when you're cruising between Lake Washington and Lake Union.
Docking: ★★★☆☆ Moderate
Great For: Casual lunch, Mexican food, and a laid-back waterfront atmosphere
It's also a great place to slow down and enjoy the scenery before continuing your cruise.
13. Explore Lake Union by Boat
Lake Union is an ideal destination for a fall cruise around Seattle. Explore the shoreline, take in the city views, and stop at one of the restaurants around South Lake Union, Westlake, or Chandler's Cove.
Docking: ★★★☆☆ Moderate to difficult depending on traffic
Great For: City views, dining, sightseeing, and exploring Seattle
Keep an eye on boat traffic and available transient moorage, particularly during busy weekends and events.
14. Take a Fall Color Cruise on Lake Washington
You don't need a restaurant reservation to have a great day on the water. Pack coffee and snacks, then cruise along the shoreline to enjoy the changing colors around Lake Washington.
Fall is a great time to slow down and appreciate the scenery from the water.
15. Cruise the Seattle Skyline
Head toward Seattle and take in views of the city from Lake Union or Lake Washington. Seeing the skyline from the water gives you a completely different perspective than driving through the city.
Bring a camera and make an afternoon of it.
16. Sailgate for a Huskies Football Game
If you're a University of Washington football fan, there's no better way to arrive at a game than by boat.
Sailgating for a Huskies football game turns game day into an adventure before you even reach the stadium. Gather your friends, load up the boat, and make the cruise part of the tradition. For a truly memorable experience, head out on one of Seattle Boat Company's A36s and enjoy a fall day on the water before cheering on the Dawgs.
Whether you're cruising with friends, tailgating from the boat, or simply enjoying the energy around Lake Washington on game day, Husky sailgating is one of the most unique ways to experience UW football.
Go Huskies!
Tips for Fall Boating Around Seattle
Fall boating comes with changing weather and cooler temperatures, so a little preparation goes a long way.
- Check the weather and wind conditions before leaving the dock.
- Bring extra layers, even on sunny days.
- Keep dock lines and fenders easily accessible.
- Arrive early when visiting popular waterfront restaurants.
- Check guest moorage rules and time limits before tying up.
- Be aware that fall sunsets arrive earlier.
- Keep an eye on changing conditions as you move between Lake Washington and Lake Union.
- If you're unfamiliar with a marina or dock, approach slowly and give yourself plenty of room.
What's the Best Waterfront Restaurant to Visit by Boat in Seattle?
For an easy, boater-friendly experience, Bowriders Grill at Seattle Boat Company's Lake Union location is one of our favorite stops. Its protected marina, convenient location, and welcoming atmosphere make it an easy addition to a Lake Washington boating day.
But there's no single "best" destination. The right stop depends on what you're looking for, whether that's a casual lunch, a sunset dinner, a date night, or simply somewhere new to explore.
Make the Most of Fall on the Water
Fall doesn't mean boating season is over. In fact, some of the best days on Lake Washington and Lake Union can happen when the summer crowds start to disappear.
So grab a jacket, invite your favorite people, and get out on the water. Whether you're cruising to dinner, exploring a new shoreline, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on the lake, there's always another Seattle boating adventure waiting.
Ready to get out on the water? Seattle Boat Company is here to help you make the most of every boating season.