From Wikitravel

South Seattle occupies a broad swath of the city between I-5 to the west and Lake Washington to the east. Though often overshadowed by flashier neighborhoods, continued development and the recent introduction of Seattle's first light rail line are raising its profile.

The area contains numerous neighborhoods with their own distinct characters, including:

• Columbia City – Once a forgotten part of the city left for decay, Columbia City has been revitalized in recent years. Known mostly only by locals, Columbia City is a quiet gem that offers great restaurants, bars, live entertainment, movies, art galleries, and shops. Also, be sure to explore the Columbia City Library, a recently updated Carnegie library.
• Rainier Valley – Home to more immigrants than any other neighborhood in Seattle. Small shops and restaurants abound, particularly African and East Asian.
• South Seattle can also refer to a small residential neighborhood west of Mt. Baker.

Get in

Rainier Ave S. and Martin Luther King Jr. Way are the two main thoroughfares that run north and south through the district. Light rail connects downtown and the stadium district to an underground station below Mt. Baker, then continues down MLK Way. Metro Transit bus routes #7 and 42 travel along Rainier and MLK, respectively, with frequent service seven days a week; the 7 is also one of the few routes to operate between 1 and 5 AM. East-west bus service is limited to local routes.

See

Seward Park [1] – The entire park is a large peninsula that is surrounded by Lake Washington. Kids activities in the summer, great scenery, and a 2 and half mile paved level path that circles the whole peninsula, are a few of the attractions.

Do

Bike, run or walk the paved path (not open for cars), that circles Seward Park, also explore the many walking trails.

See a movie at the Columbia City Cinema. This movie theater is owned and operated by locals and is a far cry from your local average “Mega Movie Plex,” in a good way.

Eat

Try many of the diverse ethnic restaurants scattered throughout the area.

• Angie's Tavern. A little local flavor (be careful!)  edit

• Columbia City Ale House. Many local beers on tap.  edit

Sleep

No accommodations in this area. Visitors not staying with friends tend to find hotels downtown.