Locks Cruise Highlights & Sights
If you take an Argosy Locks Cruise, get ready for loads of fun facts and historical information from our talented local guides. Coast past the iconic Seattle skyline, Discovery Park, and go through the boat elevator into Lake Union or Elliott Bay. Get ready to learn about and see all of the many highlights and sights of this tour!
The Ballard Locks
On an Argosy boat, you can experience the boat elevator firsthand when you cruise from the sea water of Puget Sound, up 20 to 22 feet, and into the freshwater of lakes Washington and Union - or vice versa! The highlight of this tour is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks named after an Army engineer of the project finished in 1917. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still runs the locking system today, over 100 years later. It is locally known as the Ballard Locks named after the Seattle neighborhood to the north. These locks are the busiest in the United States and one of the top 3 attractions in Seattle, next to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Visitors can see this in action and walk across the locks, watching ships pass and salmon go up the fish ladder. Rising through the historical locks is an incredible experience you won’t forget!
Film & T.V.
Although most productions commonly take place in Hollywood, these have set the stage for how people who haven't visited view Seattle. For film and T.V. lovers, there are many exciting movie and T.V. landmarks along this cruise route!
Sleepless in Seattle
Unsurprisingly, Sleepless in Seattle is the film that most people identify with the city. While there are many popular filming destinations, on this cruise, you can see Sam Baldwin’s iconic floating home from the water. Although movie magic means the inside isn't the same, someone still bought it in 2014 for over $2 million. Reminisce on this romantic comedy by seeing it up close on our tour!
10 Things I Hate About You
Another popular film set in Seattle is 10 Things I Hate About You and fans can find sights from the movie all over the city. Your guide will point out Gas Works Park, a popular place for residents to hang out and enjoy the view of Lake Union. You may recognize the rusty towers from this movie, where Patrick and Kat have a paintball fight. While you can’t do this in the historic park in real life, you can cruise by and see the former industrial plant and kites flying high over the hill. This facility was created as a coal gasification plant to convert coal into gas for lighting; however, lightbulbs were beginning to take off and by 1973, it was officially a public park. Great to enjoy from land or water!
Grey's Anatomy
Up on the hillside of the Queen Anne neighborhood, medical drama fans might recognize the iconic house Merdith Grey (and many of her friends) lived in on the show Grey’s Anatomy. Remember, real people live here so if you decide to make a trip up to this beautiful house, make sure to be respectful of the owners.
Fraiser
TV show Fraiser was set in Seattle, but like most productions, was primarily filmed on sound stages in LA. However, the 100th episode of the sitcom was filmed in downtown Seattle where characters Niles and Fraiser are going through the city on a mission. Some of their stops include the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, which you can see from both the Locks and Harbor cruises.
iCarly
For all the Gen-Zers, you may remember the popular kids T.V. show set in Seattle, iCarly. While there is occasionally imagery of the Space Needle, filming took place in Los Angeles at Nickelodeon on Sunset Studios. Still, this funny show makes references to popular Seattle destinations like going to “Skybucks Coffee Bar” a play on the iconic Seattle-based coffee chain, Starbucks.
Floating Homes and Houseboats
Aside from the most recognizable houseboat on the water from the film Sleepless in Seattle, there are hundreds of others along the waters of Lake Union. They have been around Seattle since the 1920s and many are constructed on the original logs placed a century ago. Homeowners are not allowed to move or replace this waterlogged timber acting as a buoy because it has become an integral part of the ecosystem, signaling to spawning salmon that they are headed in the right direction. Another houseboat you will pass while cruising under the Fremont bridge is Aurora, the largest on Lake Union at 4,800 square feet. Keep your eye out for these impressive floating homes and learn more about their history with our guides!
Seattle Sky & Coastline
Not only do you get to see the iconic waterfront on the Harbor cruise, but your Locks cruise also sails the coastline to see some of Seattle’s most famous spots. Since this is a 2-hour, one-way trip, you can see much more of Seattle and its neighborhoods all from different angles. Visitors can enjoy skyline views from the open top deck of an Argosy boat in Elliott Bay.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is Seattle’s most popular attraction and makes its skyline easily recognizable. It began with a doodle from the chief organizer of the 1962 World’s Fair which was held in Seattle. This unique structure was built and opened on the first day of the World’s Fair just three years later in 1962. During the expo, the tower hosted an estimated 2.65 million visitors from around the world including celebrities like John Wayne, Prince Philip of Great Britian, Walt Disney and many others. It stands at 605 feet tall, so if you put the Space Needle in Elliot Bay, only 5 feet would remain uncovered in the naturally deep harbor.
If you want to brave the heights and see a 360° view of the city, check out Seattle’s CityPASS to save up to 49% on admission to Seattle’s top 5 attractions, including the Space Needle and an Argosy Cruise Harbor Tour.
The Great Wheel
A 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel dubbed the “Seattle Great Wheel” added an extra attraction to the city in summer of 2012. Located on Pier 57, this is one of the first sights you see when you are leaving the Argosy docks, or the last as you head in from your Locks Cruise departing from Lake Union. Because of the massive ride, the end of the pier had to be torn down and rebuilt using galvanized steel pilings, three feet in diameter. Now, there are 42 climate-controlled gondolas so guests can enjoy all year even with Seattle's rainy weather. Standing boldly on the water, it makes for a beautiful picture of the Seattle skyline as you cruise by.
The Edgewater Hotel
Close to the Great Wheel, cruise past the iconic Edgewater Hotel and learn the fun stories and history of this waterfront stay. Like the Space Needle, the Edgewater was built for the World’s Fair hosted in Seattle. Unfortunately for the developers, they finished shortly after the fair concluded. To bring new attention to this huge “floating” hotel, they advertised the ability to fish from your window.
The Beatles visited in 1964 during the height of their fame, bringing hordes of fans and attention to the hotel. They participated in the popular activity resulting in an iconic picture of the band hanging fishing poles out of their window into Elliot Bay. Other notable guests include Led Zeplin, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and many more. After furniture was thrown into the bay and fish left swimming in bathtubs, the hotel had to put an end to finishing from the windows. An interesting part of Seattle history to see firsthand!
Cruise Through the Locks with Argosy Today
Ready to see these sights and highlights for yourself? Book your Locks Cruise with Argosy Cruises today and enjoy a guided journey through Seattle’s most fascinating waterways.
Reserve your spot now and make the most of your trip to the Emerald City!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Cruise and Where Does It Depart?
The Locks Cruise offers two scenic one-way routes: from Elliott Bay to Lake Union and from Lake Union to Elliott Bay. Each cruise lasts about two hours and departs from convenient locations on Seattle’s downtown waterfront or Lake Union.
How Can I Get Back to My Departure Point?
There are many options to get back to either Eliott Bay or Lake Union. Both areas are filled with amazing restaurants, activities, and landmarks to visit once you are done with your tour. Guests can bike, scooter, Uber, or even walk between locations. There is also a seasonal option to add a return bus that will take you back to your departure point. Add the return bus option to your cart at check out and ride a double decker bus through the city, operated by City Sightseeing. Check out our Transportation page for more information and detailed maps.
What Should I Bring or Wear on the Cruise?
Dress in layers and bring a light jacket, as the weather near the water can be cool and breezy. Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days.