Southwest Hanford St, North Admiral

If West Seattle had an "old city", California Ave. would be at its heart. So many unique businesses line this street, from a large natural foods grocery, a farmer's market, and large grocery store chains to specialty shops and theaters. Traffic can be a bit on the busy side, and parking lots have given way to businesses making on-street parking difficult in some sections of California Ave., but the attractions are arguably worth the effort. Several blocks have single-story shops, giving the look of one of those small-community business districts, which West Seattle used to be. People that live close to the area have a plethora of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues within walking distance. Like downtown Seattle, the area has some beautiful architecture with some pretty bland buildings thrown into the mix, and deciduous trees line the street, making it a bit more welcoming. Overall, it's a great place to visit if you live there, but there are more convenient shops offering the same products in other parts of the city.

From condos to coffee shops, California Avenue South West has it all. This busy street offers great restaurants and ample public transportation. Bakery Nouveau is found at 4737 Californian Avenue SW and offers some of the most delicious croissants I have ever had. The bakery has been featured in the Seattle PI and Seattle Metropolitan and draws substantial crowds to taste its delicacies. The apple tarts and macaroons are out of this world.

Also found along California Avenue South West are a wide variety of business services, including a couple of dry cleaners and insurance companies. Just down the street from Bakery Nouveau is the Husky Deli which offers the best deli sandwich in Seattle as far as I'm concerned. Beer and wine is available in this old-fashioned deli. This place has been in business since the 1930s and is still going strong. So much better than Subway!

California Avenue stretches from one end of West Seattle to the other, and provides shops and services of every ilk along the way. Walking from one end to the other, you'll thrill to amazing coffee, cute shops, every major service you can think of (post office, dentists, salons, etc.,) a comic book shop, and one of the best independent record stores in the country. There are plenty of restaurants of every type, and a veritable buffet of Sushi places along the strip. Of note, Husky Deli makes its own ice cream, which can be a real treat in the summer months.