Nora Ephron’s 1993 romantic comedy, Sleepless in Seattle, stars Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and a great supporting cast that includes Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, Rosie O’Donnell, and Rita Wilson. The story centers around Sam (Hanks), a widower raising his son alone. The son calls into a radio show, hoping to find another mother figure.
On the other side of the country, Annie (Ryan) hears Sam’s call and immediately falls in love with him, even though they have never met. She believes fate has brought them together, so she travels to Seattle, where Sam lives. She arrives just as many women are sending letters to him, moved by his message.
Sleepless in Seattle is a story about fate and true love, even against all odds. With its funny dialogue, lovable characters, and touching performances, the movie quickly became a hit with audiences.
This was confirmed at the 1994 Academy Awards, where it received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song (“A Wink and A Smile”). It also received a Best Screenplay BAFTA Film Award nomination and several other honors from critics worldwide.
Not only did Sleepless in Seattle become a beloved classic for rom-com fans, but it also inspired many references in pop culture, including parodies on shows like Saturday Night Live and an episode of The Mindy Project.
Sleepless in Seattle Locations
The making of Sleepless in Seattle included several filming locations across the United States, such as Baltimore, Maryland, Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington. Baltimore was used for early scenes, like the Baldwin residence and the baseball game the characters attend together.
The city’s historic streets contrasted with the more modern settings in other parts of the film.
Seattle was featured in many of the iconic scenes in Sleepless in Seattle, including the amazing view from the Space Needle, the surrounding parks, and scenes along the busy Puget Sound. The Cascade Mountain range made for a beautiful backdrop in several of these shots, contributing to the film’s memorable mood and feel.
Famous landmarks like Westlake Center and Pike Place Market also appear in the movie. Visiting these filming locations would be a great experience for any movie lover. Not only can you relive some of the film’s romantic moments, but you can also check out places like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center or visit nearby state parks, such as Discovery Park and Carkeek Park.
2640 Westlake Avenue North, Lake Union, Seattle, WA, USA
Sam and Jonah’s houseboat floats peacefully on Lake Union, with a beautiful view of Seattle’s skyline behind them. The scene features tall buildings next to rolling hills and lush evergreen forests, creating an iconic image in modern film. This charming setting was beautifully shown in the movie, making it one of the most memorable moments for viewers.
A Walk to Remember Filming Locations: Where was the Romantic Drama Filmed?The houseboat seen in the movie was filmed at 2640 Westlake Avenue North, in the Queen Anne Hill area of Lake Union. Seattle is home to many houseboats, and this urban area offers a peaceful escape with its parks, trails, and art displays.
To visit Lake Union, you can take a ferry from downtown Seattle or drive north on Interstate 5. Once there, several boat tours are available, where you can enjoy narrated histories and amazing views of both the city and nature around the lake. Visitors can also rent kayaks or paddle boards nearby for a relaxing day on the lake or join group sailing trips.
Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar, 1516 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
In the movie, Sam and Jay (Rob Reiner) meet at the famous Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar, located in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. This restaurant is known for delicious dishes like fried cod Fishwich sandwiches and tasty clams, paired with regional beers to complement any meal.
The two friends talk about dating, sex, and tiramisu while sitting at the counter, where there is now a red plaque marking Sam’s seat in the movie. Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar is housed in a historic building on Western Avenue, near Elliott Bay.
The building, which was first opened in the early 1900s as the Hotel Athenian Inn, became a seafood restaurant in 1913. When visitors walk in, they are greeted by a large glass wall offering views of Puget Sound. The restaurant’s location is perfect for catching beautiful sunsets, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
To reach Athenian Seafood Restaurant & Bar, you can drive or take a taxi from outside Seattle, or use public transportation if you’re already in the city. A bus from downtown Seattle will take you to Pike Place Market, and from there, you can walk up Western Avenue to 1516 Western Ave, where the restaurant is located, surrounded by shops and other attractions.
You can also take the underground light rail train from anywhere in the city, just follow the signs to Westlake Station, which is close to the restaurant.
Where was Sleepless in Seattle Filmed? Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan Starrer Filming LocationsAlki Beach, Seattle, WA 98116, United States
The scene at Alki Beach shows the amazing wide views of the Seattle skyline and the waters of Puget Sound. It’s here that Annie secretly watches Sam play with his son, Jonah, on the beach. Afterward, the two hurry away in their small motorboat.
Alki Beach is a two-mile-long sandy beach located in West Seattle, along Puget Sound and Elliott Bay. It offers a beautiful view of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains across Elliott Bay, and on clear days, you can also see Mount Rainier to the south.
The beach is known for many activities like swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several restaurants and cafes near Alki Beach, including Duke’s Seafood & Chowder, where Annie watched Sam and Jonah from across the street in the film. Many locals come to this area for its seafood.
To get to Alki Beach from downtown Seattle, you can take public transportation or even walk if you’re up for it! For something different, you can also take the water taxi from Pier 50 to Pier 56. The water taxi operates year-round and offers beautiful views of Elliott Bay along the way.
Gas Works Park, 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
Sam stands on his floating home, gazing at the amazing view of Gas Works Park in Seattle. The night sky lights up with a vibrant mix of colors, each reflecting off the water and creating a magical glow over the park and the nearby city skyline. It’s a truly breathtaking sight.
Gas Works Park was once owned by the Seattle Gas Light Company but is now a public park enjoyed by both locals and tourists. The park has a large hill perfect for flying kites, a play barn for children, walking trails, picnic areas, lawns, and much more.
Where was Sleepless in Seattle Filmed? Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan Starrer Filming LocationsYou can reach Gas Works Park by Northlake Way N, or you can use nearby bus stops and Interstate 5 for convenience. If you’re arriving by boat, there is mooring available at the nearby Fishermen’s Terminal, with slips managed by Ballard Yacht Club Dockmasters.
Baltimore Sun Building, 501 North Calvert Street, MD, USA
In the movie, Annie works as a reporter at the Baltimore Sun Building. This historic building, located at 501 North Calvert Street in downtown Baltimore, is known for its impressive architecture and white marble exterior. In one scene, Annie is researching a story about a man from Seattle who recently shared his grief over his late wife on the radio. After hearing his emotional story, Annie is deeply moved and decides to go to Seattle to meet him and write an article about it.
The Baltimore Sun Building was used as one of the filming locations for Sleepless in Seattle. However, the scenes showing the building’s outside were filmed at 1211 North Calvert Street, which is just a block away from the real Baltimore Sun Building. The area around the building has changed over the years and now looks more modern and lively than it did in 1993 when the movie was made.
To visit this spot, you can take public transportation to Penn Station, which is about a mile from 1211 North Calvert Street. From there, you can either walk or take a taxi to the corner of East Preston Street and North Calvert Street. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to reach 1211 North Calvert Street, where the film scene was shot.
Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, USA
Jonah, determined and brave, travels to New York City to meet Annie at the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. His father, following him without Jonah knowing, finds him alone on top of the building.
Where was Sleepless in Seattle Filmed? Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan Starrer Filming LocationsAt the same time, Annie breaks up with her fiancé and rushes up to the observation deck, where she meets Sam, and they connect instantly. The beautiful scenes were filmed at the famous Empire State Building, with its entrance shown at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.
The 350 Fifth Avenue building is authentic, with its outer design and lobby accurately shown in the movie. To make the observation deck scenes look real, a large replica was built in a hangar near Seattle’s Sand Point Naval Base. This location was essential for the scene to feel genuine.
If you’re using public transportation, take the 4/5/6 subway line to Grand Central Station, then transfer to the S shuttle train, which stops at 34th Street-Herald Square station. From there, it’s a short walk to 5th Avenue and 32nd Street, right outside the Empire State Building. If you’re driving, there are several parking garages nearby where you can park and walk to the building.