Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront stretches along Elliott Bay at the edge of downtown, a lively, recently transformed stretch of piers, parks, and attractions with sweeping views across the water to the Olympic Mountains. Long dominated by an elevated highway, it has been dramatically reborn as a pedestrian-friendly waterfront, with the new Overlook Walk connecting Pike Place Market down to the piers, fresh public spaces, and the existing favourites: the Seattle Great Wheel (a giant Ferris wheel out over the bay), the Seattle Aquarium, ferry terminals, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.

It's a quintessential Seattle stroll, salty air, ferries gliding across the bay, mountain and Puget Sound views, and easy links up to Pike Place Market. Free to wander (individual attractions ticket separately), it's especially lovely at sunset. Allow a couple of hours to walk the piers, ride the wheel, or visit the aquarium.

Don't miss

• Elliott Bay and Olympic Mountain views
• The Seattle Great Wheel over the water
• The Seattle Aquarium
• The new Overlook Walk to Pike Place Market
• Ferries, piers, and seafood restaurants

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Seattle Waterfront

Cheapest way inOne-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport4.6★ · 704 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →Most bookedBeneath The Streets Underground History Tour4.7★ · 8,736 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →Top ratedWelcome to Seattle Walking Tour5★ · 208 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• The new Overlook Walk connects the waterfront up to Pike Place Market.
• It's free to stroll; the Great Wheel and aquarium ticket separately.
• Clear days reward you with Olympic Mountain views across the bay.
• Lovely at sunset, with ferries crossing Elliott Bay.

A bit of history

Seattle's central waterfront grew as a working port and ferry hub. After the Alaskan Way Viaduct elevated highway was removed in 2019, a major redevelopment reconnected the waterfront to downtown, adding new parks and the Overlook Walk to Pike Place Market.