Exploring Seattle's Amusement Park Past - March 25, 2015

The carousel has since been relocated to Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, where it still operates. The natatorium remained open until 1931 when it suffered damage from a fire that would lead to its demolition two years later, but the pools remained until they were filled, then eventually replaced with a pier that acts as a small park with benches to enjoy the view of Elliot Bay and Downtown Seattle. Today, I went to pay a visit to Luna Park’s old site.

For those of you who are familiar with Seattle and Amusement Parks, you know that they are not very commonly part of the same conversation. Seattle had a small carnie-like park next to the Space Needle called the Fun Forest, which was part of the remnants of the 1962 Worlds Fair. Due to its lack of popularity and financial hardships, it closed in 2010. The other park most amusement park fans many  know of in the area is Wild Waves, which is just about 20-30 minutes South of downtown in Federal Way. A decent water park and amusement park that works for the area, but no means on the same level of world renowned parks like that of the Disney Parks, Universal Studios or Sea World Parks. But back in the early part of the 1900’s there was a seaside park on a pier like many that were built in the time called Luna Park.

​Built on a Boardwalk over Elliot Bay and on the shore of Alki Point in West Seattle, Luna Park was only a ferry ride away from Downtown. Many people could see the lights of the park dance across the water, wanting to enjoy the offerings of this place of entertainment. Opened in 1907 featuring a carousel with hand-carved horses, a figure-eight roller coaster, several dark rides and a natatorium for swimming year-  round, the park was a big hit for the Seattle area, with offerings that rivaled other amusement parks of the time (Some of which, like Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, are still open to this day). There were some residents of West Seattle, however, who were not fans of the rougher side that came with the park as it hosted one of the largest bars on the bay. Several visitors also sustained injuries at the park due to falling from rides, and the park would see it’s demise in 1913 after new ownership failed to keep the park open.

Not knowing if there was anything associated with the old park, I had looked up the approximate location on the roller coaster database (rcdb.com) and it led me to the area shown above around the intersection of Harbor Ave. and Fairmont Ave. The area was not quite the location of the park, but there was a sculpture that paid tribute to the park that once called West Seattle home.

A short drive further down Harbor Ave brings you to the pier that now stands where Luna Park once stood, known as Anchor Park.

In the pavement near the main sidewalk, there is an etch that features a layout of the park, along with inscriptions that help tell the park's story.

While the park is no longer here, you still have the ability to enjoy one of the single best views of Seattle's skyline just across Elliott Bay. It is easy to see why this spot is one of the most popular stops along the path that fallows the shoreline in West Seattle. I would imagine that had the park survived beyond it's short lifespan and had changed over the years with more modern rides, it would have been great for the park to have this view in it's background!​

One of the unique features of this spot can also be seen when the tide reaches its lower levels, you can see some of the pilings that remain from Luna Park's old pier. While the tide wasn’t quite low enough today to see a lot of the remaining footers, you could still see some traces of the parks remains, including under the pier of Anchor Park.​

With that, we bid farewell to the former home of Luna Park, and drive back towards to West Seattle Bridge to visit a restaurant that pays tribute to the iconic park, the Luna Park Café.

Not having prior knowledge of this restaurant before today, I found a 50's style diner that was once a gas station, and is part of a bigger office and apartment building. It pays tribute to Luna Park with portraits and artifacts from the old Luna Park. There are other nostalgic items including signs, coin operated amusements and decorations. Some of the really cool items that they had included the mechanical band that sits above the door as you enter (It still operates, just without music)​.

Home to the self-proclaimed best milkshake in Seattle as well as gourmet burgers, this place did not disappoint! I had the French Dip which was prepared very quickly to my surprise, and it was quite tasty. Didn't try a milkshake, but perhaps I will next time.

If you happen to be looking for an item to bring home to commemorate your visit to the restaurant, they have you covered! Everything from pint glasses and mugs, to books about the park and t-shirts. I had to fight the temptation to buy the book to add to my amusement park library (although it wouldn't be long before I did add it to my personal library).

Overall, I give my approval to the Luna Park Café, and recommend it to anyone who happens to be in Seattle, especially if you are an amusement park fan who enjoys seeing old park relics and nostalgia. You are even given a sticker to show that you were there.

Thank you in joining me for a look back in Seattle’s Amusement Park Past. I hope you'll return for more here on Coasting with Culture!

Take Care and Safe Travels!