Unless you recently won the lottery, committed grand theft, or married Paul Allen, chances are you’re among the majority of Seattleites who don’t have a boat. And when we say boat, we mean one with an engine (that requires a key), seats, and the ability to tow something behind it. For the ambitious, hopeful, boat-owning minority, this article will still prove useful for those days you choose to come slum it with the rest of us. Owning a boat in the Northwest makes sense for about three weeks of the year, unless you also own a vacation home somewhere else (in which case, we’re now taking applications for potential new friends and/or husbands). Regardless, the ever-innovative natives of Seattle are always finding new ways to embrace the ice-cold waters of Puget Sound. Here we’ve rounded up the top five ways to enjoy the water without a boat that won’t leave you crying in your beer as you watch the wake boarders whiz past.5. Bainbridge to Seattle Ferry (270 Olympic Dr. S.E., Bainbridge Island)Shadwell’s Jacket BlogSpend an afternoon checking out Winslow and all the shoreline that Bainbridge Island has to offer, and don’t forget to let your shoulders burn to a crispy, blistery pink–after all, it’s the only proof you’ll have that you actually saw the sun. Catch brunch at the Streamliner Diner or a nearby pub while you’re at it. A warm breeze from the upper deck of the ferry, salt-water-dried hair from splashing around on the beach, and a sunset to bring you back to Seattle is a fine way to spend the day. Who needs a boat of your own when you can borrow one from the city for $6?! 4. Green Lake Pedal Boats
(7351 E. Green Lake Dr. N.)Green Lake Boat RentalsIf you’re not up for the risk of completely falling into the water, then a super-relaxing pedal boat with a friend and an ice-cold latte (or whatever fancy-pants, mocha-frappa-coffee drink you like) is a perfect way to people-watch and escape to the water. Just don’t get into any drag races–those boats are harder to move than you think . . .3. Lake Union kayak rentals
(1303 N.E. Boat St.)Why just rent a kayak when you can rent one where dinner is waiting for you upon return?! Head over to the shoreside Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club for a guided tour (or just strike out on your own if you’re feeling ambitious), and work up an appetite. When you get your land legs back, head upstairs to survey your day’s work on the patio while you enjoy one of their daily specials (everything at this place is good ’til the last bite). 2. Canoeing at the UW Waterfront Activities Center
(3900 Montlake Blvd. N.E.)UW Activities CenterThis is good for an afternoon full of laughs, pranks, and cheap entertainment–just don’t tell the kids who run the place of your intentions. Grab a handful of friends, a backpack picnic including champagne, and pony up the $10 for a day of boat-rocking, overboard, Cut-crossing shenanigans.1. Stand-up paddle-boarding
(any lake near you)Northwest Outdoor Center–SeattleWe know, it’s all the rage right now, and if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Paddle-boarding shacks are popping up all over the lakes of Seattle these days, so just take your pick! If you’re too cool for school, find one that offers paddle-boarding yoga class–’cause that sounds like a way to keep dry, right?! After class, hit up any local food truck or open-air restaurant to reload–we hear this is the best workout ever!Honorable mention: floating down the Wenatchee river; the Lake Union Wooden Boat Center; rafting at the Arboretum; the Coleman Pool in West Seattle; sailing lessons.Follow Voracious on Facebook and Twitter.Follow me @SiiriSampson.
