Sunset Hill
There’s something instantly calming about this part of town. Tucked just above the water, it offers sweeping views and a quiet pace, with charming streets that feel like they belong to locals and longtime regulars. Sunsets here stretch out forever—and somehow, the coffee always tastes better with a breeze off the Sound.
Ray’s Boathouse
Dinner comes with a front-row seat to the Sound and mountains beyond, where sailboats drift by as the light fades just right. Seafood is the star—each dish pristine, perfectly prepared, and paired with a wine list that knows how to elevate the moment. It’s elegant but easygoing, and you’ll leave already planning the next visit.
Top Restaurants in Sunset Hill
Sunny Hill
This place has an effortless cool—part cozy neighborhood hangout, part pizza-and-burger heaven. The crust is thick, blistered, and wildly addictive, and the menu has a cheeky sense of fun without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of joint you wander into for lunch and accidentally stay through happy hour.
Un Bien
The smell alone will stop you in your tracks—slow-roasted pork, caramelized onions, and toasted bread that gives just the right crunch. Each sandwich drips with flavor and feels like a little escape to the tropics. It’s messy in the best way, packed in a pink to-go box, and completely unforgettable.
Coffee Shops in Sunset Hill
Jibe Espresso Bar
Bright, welcoming, and walking-distance from the beach, this little café hits all the right notes. The espresso’s smooth, the pastry selection is on point, and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to linger. Whether you’re fueling up pre-paddle or just need a quiet corner, it’s a total gem.
Cafe Fiore
This place feels like a hug in a mug. Warm lighting, wood-paneled walls, and the smell of fresh coffee make it the ultimate neighborhood nook. Locals trickle in with books, laptops, or just time to kill, and the baristas know how to make every drink feel special. Comfort lives here.
The Shorehouse Coffee
Clean lines, great light, and perfectly executed drinks—this café is all about calm and quality. The beans are local, the pastries are flaky, and everything from the ceramics to the playlist feels curated but never forced. It’s a great stop before a beach walk or after a surf session.
Hidden Gems in Sunset Hill
Golden Gardens
Golden hour here feels like a postcard come to life. Sand underfoot, fire pits glowing, and the Olympic Mountains painted across the sky. People gather for beach volleyball, cold dips, and cookouts, but there’s also space to just sit, listen to the waves, and watch the sun melt into the water.
Point Shilshole Beach
Just around the bend from the crowds is this quiet stretch of shoreline where tide pools glisten and driftwood makes the perfect seat. It's peaceful, understated, and often uncrowded—ideal for a slow stroll, a midday pause, or simply collecting your thoughts next to the sound of the surf.
Surf Ballard
This shop has serious West Coast soul. Whether you’re here for a wetsuit, a rental, or just to chat about tide charts, the staff makes it approachable and fun. You’ll leave with everything you need—and maybe a little more confidence to hit the water.