Seattle Waterfront
The Basics
Seattle’s central waterfront area stretches from Pier 50 to Pier 70, bookended by Olympic Sculpture Park, to the north, and Pioneer Square, to the south. Visit the Seattle Waterfront to see Pike Place Market, which sits in the middle of the waterfront, and attractions like the Seattle Aquarium, Waterfront Park, and the Seattle Great Wheel.
Many Seattle city tours include stops at waterfront destinations. You can also head to one of the area’s many piers to hop on a whale-watching cruise or to take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or a boat to Victoria or the San Juan Islands.
Recent reviews from experiences in Seattle
Things to Know Before You Go
Alaskan Way and part of the Elliott Bay Trail run parallel to the waterfront.
When visiting Seattle, always be prepared for changeable weather.
There are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants along the waterfront.
Many waterfront restaurants are particularly well known for their seafood.
How to Get There
The Pioneer Square and Westlake light rail stations put you within a few blocks of the waterfront, and several city buses have stops on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd avenues, which are a few minutes’ walk away.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Morning is a great time for a walk along the waterfront, and many cruises from local piers depart in the morning. Evening offers sunset views and a lively atmosphere for cocktails and dinner.
Pioneer Square
Located at the southern end of the Seattle Waterfront, Pioneer Square is a historic neighborhood that dates back to 1852 and is considered the city’s birthplace. After enjoying the other waterfront sights (like Pike Place Market), come here to visit the popular district’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants and to admire its Romanesque Revival architecture.
- Seattle Great Wheel
- Tillicum Village
- Seattle Aquarium
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
- Pike Place Market
- Original Starbucks
- Hard Rock Cafe Seattle
- Washington State Ferries
- Sky View Observatory
- Capitol Hill
- Seattle Cruise Port
- Waterfall Garden Park
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Seattle Unit
- Seattle Chinatown-International District
- Pioneer Square