Tours

For more than 30 years, SAF’s architecture walking tours have served to entertain and educate locals and visitors about Seattle’s rich architectural and cultural history.

All of our guided tours are led by talented volunteers who serve as ambassadors for our beautiful metropolis. Our expert guides are excited to share their knowledge with the public to advance a better understanding of architecture, landscapes, and urban design practices that shape our city. All tour ticket purchases directly support our educational programs for youth and families.

Tours are approximately two hours in length and run Saturdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. See our FAQs page for more information.

Please note: A minimum of three people must be registered for tours to take place. Tours with fewer than three registered attendees on the Thursday before the tour will be cancelled.

See what people are saying

The Foundation runs really great walking tours where they cover various neighborhoods/areas around Seattle. You needn't have a background in architecture to enjoy it (though it can help), but really it's a great way to see some unexpected details around town with a great mix of people and led by a knowledgeable guide.

The Greatest Hits tour of Downtown Seattle offers a really comprehensive history of Seattle's rapid development from a pioneer town, to an earnest fledgling city, to a nascent metropolitan area. The neighborhood tours offer fantastic conversation-starters about the residents of the city, and how each place got its character.

The stone to steel tour by Nancy Day is a fabulous way to get to know Seattle architecture. It’s apparent from the gut-go that Nancy knows her stuff. The two hours passed quickly. The pace was perfect not too fast but not slow. I would highly recommend this tour.

Great introduction to houses and history in the Harvard Belmont neighborhood. So much to see and learn about pockets of the city that I have been in many times. Now I will know so much more about what I am seeing as I pass by. Very enriching. Thank you!

Nancy is an incredible guide — her knowledge, insight, and enthusiasm made the tour fantastic. It was helpful how she placed the architectural information into the context of other historical events — also really enjoyed the unique connection with fashion. Thanks Nancy!

Tour design, tour leader were excellent and the contributions of fellow tour members were very beneficial

Can't wait do another tour

I absolutely loved Nancy - she was a wonderful guide. I am sold on SAF tours and will definitely be signing up for more from you!

Our Tours

Modern building with a sweeping wooden roof and large glass panels, lit warmly against a twilight sky. A highlight of the Ballard Landmark District Tour, it seamlessly blends contemporary design with historical charm, creating an unforgettable sight.

Ballard Landmark District

Nestled amidst the trees, this red brick building features large arched windows and white trim, creating a picturesque stop on the Columbia City Tour in Seattle.

Columbia City: Expect Random Encounters

Red brick building with white accents, viewed from below against a blue sky. Green trees partially obscure the lower part of the Art Deco structure.

Diamonds & Gold: The Art Deco Skyscraper Northwest Style

This two-story gray house on Federal Avenue, part of the Seattle Tour, boasts a symmetrical design with a charming porch, elegant columns, and a welcoming wreath on the door. Steps lead up to the entrance, framed by neatly trimmed hedges and a towering tree out front.

Federal Avenue: Understated Elegance on the Park

Red brick building corner with arched doorways and large windows. A sign reads "Antiques." Lamp posts line the cobblestone street, part of the From Stone to Steel Tour in Seattle. Nearby, trees partially cover the facade.

From Stone to Steel: Seattle Style from Then ‘til Now

Explore a Tudor-style house with brown and white timber framing, brick accents, and multiple gables nestled among trees and shrubs on the Capitol Hill Tour.

Harvard Belmont District: The Rich Life on Capitol Hill

Explore the hidden spaces of Seattle with a charming outdoor seating area featuring a round wooden table and chairs, a serene stone waterfall, and lush trees. A staircase leads you to more wonders, while the "World Fresh" store stands visibly in the background.

Hidden Spaces/Public Places

The Skyscraper, part of the High Ambitions Tour in Seattle, features a reflective glass facade and geometric design. It is nestled among other tall buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

High Ambitions: Concrete, Steel, Glass & Egos

Nestled in the charming Madrona neighborhood, this Victorian-style house with a turret is surrounded by trees and a well-kept lawn. It offers a scenic view of water and mountains under a clear blue sky, making it a highlight on any neighborhood tour.

Madrona Neighborhood: Streetcar Suburb; Model for Neighborhood Involvement

Urban street scene in the heart of Denny Triangle, with people walking and a cyclist on a pathway. Modern buildings and green trees line the street under Seattle's clear blue sky, offering a perfect backdrop for your tour.

Modern Beauty and the Pedestrian Experience

Explore the Mt. Baker Neighborhood Tour, where a stunning city skyline rises in the distance, framed by lush green trees and foliage in the foreground. This charming view offers a glimpse into the harmonious blend of urban and natural beauty.

Mt. Baker: More Than A View

Experience the enchanting Gothic-style stone building with its pointed arches and spires standing majestically under a clear blue sky, a highlight of the UW architectural tour offered by SAF.

Purple and Gold: From Gothic to Modern at the UW Core

A Tudor-style house with a steep roof, charming front steps, and a lush garden boasting hedges and flowering plants invites visitors to experience what feels like a Queen Anne tour in elegance.

Queen Anne: Evolution of an Urban Neighborhood

Seattle Center: The World’s Fair & Beyond

Skyline view of a city with modern skyscrapers, including a prominent glass tower with a triangular peak, surrounded by other tall buildings under a clear blue sky—experience this breathtaking scene on a Seattle Skyline Tour.

Seattle Skyline: History, Context & Culture

Cityscape with vintage brick and stone buildings under a cloudy sky. From Skid Row to Skyscrapers, prominent structures include the Hartford Building and other early 20th-century architectural styles.

Skid Row to Skyscrapers | Youth Tour

Explore the modern urban art installation featuring large circular reflective panels set against a backdrop of glass buildings and greenery, a must-see highlight on any South Lake Union Tours itinerary.

South Lake Union: Then & Now

The Seattle waterfront on a sunny day. There are people on the pier and the Seattle ferris wheel and several skyscrapers are visible in the background.

The City & the Sound: Seattle’s Waterfront

Through The Looking Glass

SAF also offers private tours for up to 10 guests at a starting rate of $200. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request and cost an additional $20 per person. Please schedule 2–4 weeks in advance to ensure availability and note we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Request a Private Tour Today!