Seattle Waterfront Tours and Activities

Seattle Waterfront featuring sailing, boating and city views
Seattle Waterfront showing cbd and a city
Seattle Waterfront featuring a city and a bay or harbour
Seattle Waterfront which includes food
Seattle Waterfront showing a fountain and a city


A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Seattle’s western border ends at the waterfront where the views across Puget Sound to islands and mountains are enhanced by elegant yachts, ships, cruise boats and ferries. Walk along the 2-mile (3-kilometer) stretch and browse quaint shops, explore the public spaces and piers, and enjoy the smells of the ocean air and freshly cooked seafood from the dozens of restaurants along the piers.

The waterfront runs for about 2 miles (3 kilometers) beneath the elevated Alaskan Way from Pioneer Square in the south to Centennial Park and Smith Cove docks to the north. The area has more than a century of history in 1896, the Klondike Gold Rush catapulted Seattle’s waterfront into being the “Gateway to Alaska.” A few years later, the city became a major trading port and the huge port complex, just to the south of downtown, remains a fascinating feature. Grab some food at one of the seafood restaurants — from fast food to elegant — and enjoy superb waterfront views. Everything from oysters and mussels, to crisply battered fish and chips is available along this entertaining stretch of boardwalk. Don't miss the fresh Northwest Copper River salmon when it’s in season.

You can walk the waterfront from end-to-end in about 40 minutes, but allow another couple of hours at least for all the distractions. Browse exclusive stores for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, nautical knick-knacks and atmospheric artworks. Explore the fascinating Seattle Aquarium with its marine exhibits and touch pools on Pier 59. Meander through Myrtle Edwards Park with its peaceful bike and pedestrian trails. The adjacent Olympic Sculpture Park combines the natural beauty of Puget Sound with modern art along a trail that takes about an hour to walk at a brisk pace.

Hop aboard a ferry to Bainbridge Island and enjoy the journey as much as the final destination. The return trip offers some of the best views of Seattle’s skyline.  The Seattle Waterfront is directly adjacent to downtown Seattle, and easy to find: just walk to the west, which is generally also downhill.

Plan a trip to see Seattle Waterfront

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Waterfront

Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

5 out of 5
411 University St, Seattle, WA
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Hotel Theodore

Hotel Theodore

4 out of 5
1531 7th Ave, Seattle, WA
Hotel Theodore
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
Palihotel Seattle

Palihotel Seattle

4 out of 5
107 Pine St., Seattle, WA
Palihotel Seattle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront is a vibrant destination offering a range of activities including shopping, scenic walks, and breathtaking sunsets. It's an ideal first stop for tourists, featuring interactive experiences and popular sightseeing spots. Visitors can enjoy sightseeing tours and embark on sailing trips to fully appreciate the stunning views of the waterfront and surrounding areas, making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

Pike Place Market, 644m from Seattle Waterfront, offers a vibrant atmosphere with unique gifts and fresh produce. Westlake Center, 805m away, combines family fun with shopping. Nordstrom, also 805m from the waterfront, is perfect for quality clothing and accessories.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at T-Mobile Park, where you can catch a game and soak in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For a musical escape, visit Showbox SoDo, offering live shows in a lively setting. If you enjoy golf, head to West Seattle Golf Course for a relaxing day outdoors.

Adventure

At the UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 6.4km from Seattle Waterfront, dive into thrilling water sports surrounded by a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Camp Long, also 6.4km away, offers fantastic outdoor adventures amidst nature. For a family ski day, Mini Mountain, 12.9km away, features indoor slopes perfect for all ages.

Nightlife

The Seattle Waterfront buzzes with nightlife options! Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre, just 1.1km away, for a cultural experience. For thrills, ride the Seattle Great Wheel, located 322m away. Don’t miss the Crocodile nightclub, 0.12.9km away, for an entertaining night out.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every type of traveller, including urban parks, art museums, and cultural museums. Whether you're seeking family-friendly experiences or a taste of local culture, the waterfront has something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to explore the scenic beauty and activities along the Seattle Central Waterfront, making it a must-visit destination during your trip.

  • Space Needle: An iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from its observation deck. This modern tower, standing 605 feet tall, captures the essence of urban life and is a must-visit for any tourist seeking a unique perspective of the city.
  • Seattle Center: A vibrant urban park, Seattle Center is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Enjoy lush green spaces, cultural attractions, and various events, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Seattle.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: This striking event venue showcases the architectural beauty of Seattle while catering to business needs. With its impressive design and convenient location, it serves as a hub for conferences and gatherings, reflecting the city's professional vibe.

Best time to go to Seattle Waterfront

Visitor numbers around Seattle Waterfront is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Seattle Waterfront can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Seattle Waterfront falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Seattle Waterfront falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seattle Waterfront

Visiting Seattle Waterfront can be budget-friendly with a few smart choices. Enjoy free attractions like Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, and Pioneer Square. Travel during the off-peak months from December to February for lower accommodation prices, with Mondays often being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and bundle your flight and hotel for better deals. Sorting prices from lowest to highest can uncover great offers, ensuring you enjoy your trip without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seattle Waterfront are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Seattle Waterfront is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Seattle Waterfront is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Seattle Waterfront hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.