Seattle Waterfront
Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington
When a city has an enviable location on a large body of water, like Puget Sound, the waterfront becomes a top attraction. This is definitely true in Seattle, where the nearly 20-block stretch along the water is home to restaurants, hotels, markets, shops, and more than a dozen piers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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