Seattle Aquarium

The Basics

Visitors to the Seattle Aquarium can view exhibits showing off animals like jellyfish, sea otters, octopus, puffins, seals, and an array of fish. You might plan your visit around a daily-occurring activity, such as octopus feeding, diver shows, children’s story time, and talks on various ocean science topics.

Visitors must purchase a ticket to enter, with discounts available for children, seniors, active military, and disabled visitors. A CityPASS card—a 5-attraction ticket that includes the aquarium, plus skip-the-lines entry—is also available. Or, see the aquarium along with other highlights in a short city tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Seattle Aquarium appeals to many types of travelers, including families with kids and ocean science buffs.

• The Seattle Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and there are ASL interpreters and sighted tour guides for deaf, blind, and visually impaired groups.

• Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your unforgettable memories here.

How to Get There

The Seattle Aquarium is located at 1483 Alaskan Way, on Pier 59, just below Pike Place Market. If you drive, there’s 4-hour metered parking along Alaskan Way, and numerous parking garages a short walk away. King County Metro bus 99 stops on Alaskan Way in front of the aquarium.

When to Get There

The best time to visit the Seattle Aquarium is weekdays and weekends after 2pm. Summers tend to be the busiest time to visit, with fewer visitors on winter weekdays.

Other Attractions Nearby

Nearby Pike Place Market’s historic collection of shops and restaurants can help fill a day in Downtown Seattle. The ferry terminals along the waterfront, a short walk from the Seattle Aquarium, whisk passengers to Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, and West Seattle.

Do you need to book tickets to the Seattle Aquarium in advance?

Booking tickets to the Seattle Aquarium in advance is a good idea. All admission to the aquarium is based on timed entry, and the most popular times sell out. Buying tickets in advance can be a money-saver, too, as the aquarium’s demand-based prices tend to rise over time.

How long does it take to go through the Seattle Aquarium?

Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2 hours at the Seattle Aquarium. You might spend longer, however, if you’re attending a scheduled activity. These have start times spread throughout the day, with options including marine mammal feeding, sea otter feeding, harbor seal encounters, and presentations on Washington State marine habitats.

What are the best times to avoid crowds at the Seattle Aquarium?

The quietest times at the Seattle Aquarium are on non-holiday weekdays and weekends after 3pm. When booking timed-entry tickets to the Seattle Aquarium online, you can see how many available slots are left for any given hour. The aquarium will likely be busy if just a handful are available.

Can you take snacks into the Seattle Aquarium?

No, you can’t bring outside food and drink into the Seattle Aquarium. Water bottles are OK, and stations for refilling them are available throughout the facility. Serving coffee, drinks, and made-to-order drinks, the Seattle Aquarium Café is open daily, and a wide range of eateries are located within walking distance.

Can I bring water into the Seattle Aquarium?

Yes, you can bring water into the Seattle Aquarium. In fact, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle along because refill stations are located throughout the aquarium. Other outside food and drink are not allowed inside, but you can find refreshments and made-to-order meals at the Seattle Aquarium Café.

Can I bring a backpack to the Seattle Aquarium?

Yes, you can bring your bag or backpack to the Seattle Aquarium. If you bring one along, however, you should be prepared to carry it around during your visit. While the aquarium does have a coat check, there are no facilities for storing bags or luggage.

Ways to explore

You’ll want to spend at least a few hours at the aquarium, which comprises three buildings and offers myriad daily activities, including virtual reality experiences, puppet shows, and presentations dedicated to marine life. Timed tickets can be booked in advance or purchased at the Pier 59 entrance. You can also visit the aquarium with a CityPASS® ticket—just be sure to make a reservation via the MY CityPASS App or at Pier 59. The aquarium is ideally located next to other Seattle highlights, including Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel.

Accessibility

The aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible (and complimentary wheelchairs are available). Sensory kits and assistive listening devices are also available on request.

Age limits

Children ages 4–12 get discounted entry, while kids 3 and under can visit for free. Visitors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Water, snacks, credit card, cash

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking, layers (for different temperatures within the aquarium)

Not allowed

Eating within certain exhibits, running, smoking or vaping, resale of tickets

Amenities

Coat check, café, gift shop, bathrooms, lactation spaces

Address

The Seattle Aquarium is next to the downtown core. You can take public transit, book a rideshare, or drive—though do note that parking can be hard to find and tends to be expensive.

Driving

The Pike Place Market garage is the nearest parking spot. From Sea–Tac, head west on SR 518, merging onto SR 509 north toward Seattle. Take the Alaskan Way S exit toward downtown. Turn right onto Marion Street, then left onto Western Avenue. The parking garage is on the left.

Public transportation

Both buses and light rail will get you to the Seattle Aquarium—SoundTransit’s 2nd Avenue & Pike Street bus stop is 2.5 blocks from the aquarium, while the Symphony light rail station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Visit later in the afternoon on weekends for a quieter experience, or during the morning on weekdays.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be the quietest time to visit, especially if you’re visiting outside of the summer months.

Best months to visit

The aquarium is a wonderful rainy-day activity—visit in September or October to avoid the summer vacation crowds.

Special events

The aquarium’s event calendar is always being updated. There are plenty of activities aimed at children, but public programs and opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts also pop up.