Now that the big and ugly Alaskan Way Viaduct no longer obstructs Seattle’s world-class waterfront, we can view these local staples from a whole new perspective.
The best way to see the iconic Seattle waterfront is to visit the historic Pike Place Market, check out marine life at the Seattle Aquarium, and then soak up views from the top of the Great Wheel. But these well-known spots are just the start of what the waterfront offers.
This first-timer’s guide includes hidden holes and unique experiences highlighting Elliott Bay’s artistic and adventurous side. Whether you want to try some free activities or dive deep into local culture, it’s time to explore the shore.
🐟 Throw Fish @ Pike Place Market
📸: DM Baker
📍 Pike Place Market: 85 Pike Street, Seattle
🕓 Hours depend on businesses
📱 (206) 682-7453
Start the day by heading to Pike Place Market. Established in 1907, Pike Place is one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the country. With over 500 small businesses to visit, use the market trip planner tool to plan your visit. Shop for produce, take a snapshot at the Gum Wall, or see a show at The Rabbit Box. And don’t forget to explore the lower levels to take in the towers of books at BLMF (“Books Like a Motherf—er”) Literary Saloon. Of course, any visit to the market isn’t complete without spotting the infamous fishmongers hurling halibut through the air. Stop by one of the many fish stalls to buy some fresh seafood and catch your catch.
🛍️ MORE THINGS TO DO @ PIKE PLACE MARKET:
🛒 Shop like a Seattleite with this Local’s Guide to Pike Place Market
🌙 Visit late with this Local’s Guide to Pike Place Market After Dark
🍫 Taste treats in downtown Seattle with this Seattle Chocolate Tour
🪼 See Sea Life @ Seattle Aquarium
📸: BS Pollard
📍 Seattle Aquarium: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle
🕓 Open daily: 9:30 am – 6 pm
📱 (206) 386-4300
First stop on the waterfront: the aquarium! The Seattle Aquarium is the ninth busiest in the United States when it comes to visitors. Its daily presentations and activities include talks on sea life, sea otter visits, and even a puppet show. Don’t forget to get hands-on time by touching sea stars, anemones, and more in the open system tide pools. For a high-tech experience, check out the VR Undersea Explorer. And, new to the aquarium: see spotted eagle rays, leopard sharks, and visit the jellyfish nursery in the aquarium’s recently opened Ocean Pavillion.
@theticketsea 🐟 The @Seattle Aquarium 🪼’s new Ocean Pavilion expansion is now open! Even before you get inside make sure you look up — a portal provides the public a view into the expansion’s largest habitat. You might even see a Spotted Eagle Ray swim by. Stay tuned for October when Overlook Walk, which connects @Pike Place Market to the Seattle waterfront via the Ocean Pavilion is set to open! #TheTicket #seattleaquarium #seattlewaterfront ♬ Pretty (Sped Up) – MEYY
🐳 Go Whale Watching!
Enjoy the unforgettable sight of whales in their natural habitat by embarking on a whale-watching tour. Clipper Vacations is the only spot that departs directly from the waterfront, but also check out Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures, Island Adventures Whale Watching, and Puget Sound Express, among many options.
The Puget Sound and Salish Sea convergence makes Seattle a prime location for spotting orcas, humpback, and gray whales. While whale watching is a year-round excursion, the best time to see these majestic sea creatures is between May and October. However, many tours will guarantee a sighting by offering a trip at a later date. But even if there are no whales on the horizon, spot seals, eagles, porpoises, sea lions, and other wildlife!
🎡 Explore New Heights @ Seattle Great Wheel
📸: Richard Clark
📍 Seattle Great Wheel: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle
🕓 Open Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm
🕓 Open Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm
🕓 Open Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm
📱 (206) 623-8607
Take your time at the waterfront to new heights with a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, a beloved attraction offering unparalleled views of the city skyline, Puget Sound, and Olympic Mountains. The attraction, opened in 2012, stands 175 feet tall, making it one of the most giant Ferris wheels on the West Coast. The wheel, weighing over 280,000 pounds, contains 42 enclosed gondolas that provide a smooth and comfortable ride, fit for all weather conditions. Tickets are $20, with discounts available for seniors and kids. And if you are interested in something extra special, reserve a spot on the wheel for NYE or book a custom light show for an extra special event like an engagement.
🎣 Fishing @ Pier 62
📸: Black Box Guild
📍 Pier 62: 1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle
🕓 Open daily: 7 am – 8 pm
📱 (206) 684-4075
End your waterfront adventure by casting a line at Pier 62, one of Seattle’s most accessible spots for urban fishing. The pier, known for its picturesque views, is great for catching salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab. Fishing here is popular in the early morning and late evening, with night fishing being a peaceful way to wrap up the day—and the perfect mix of city life and outdoor recreation. Be sure to check with the Department of Fish & Wildlife for regulations and get any required licensing.
🔔 More Activities for Another Day
Once you’ve explored some must-see spots, there’s still plenty to do on the waterfront. Consider spending another day trying these activities:
🚢 Float on a boat in the bay: See Seattle from the sea with Argosy Cruises or Salish Sea Tours.
👣 Host your own art walk: Go on a self-guided tour of the public art along the waterfront, which includes sculptures, fountains, murals, and more.
🏛️ Visit a lesser-known museum: Check out the exhibits at the Coast Guard Museum or the Klondike Gold Museum.
🍟 Fill up on fish and chips: Visit one of the many fish bars and street food vendors on the waterfront for a meal overlooking the bay.
💃 Free outdoor fitness at Waterfront Park: Join one of the many free fitness classes, such as Zumba by the bay.
