Seattle Waterfront Tours

Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, sailing and city views
Seattle Waterfront which includes central business district and a city
Seattle Waterfront which includes a city and a bay or harbor
Seattle Waterfront showing food
Seattle Waterfront featuring 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.

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Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino
1 Hotel Seattle
Hotel 116, A Coast Hotel Bellevue

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Best Lodging Options Near Seattle Waterfront

Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
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
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
Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

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

Hotel Sorrento

4 out of 5
900 Madison St, Seattle, WA
Hotel Sorrento
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel

4 out of 5
405 Olive Way, Seattle, WA
Mayflower Park Hotel
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 offers a variety of activities, including shopping at unique boutiques and local stores. Don't miss the chance to explore the Seattle Aquarium, where you can discover fascinating marine life. For a memorable experience, embark on one of the scenic ship tours that provide stunning views of the city and its surroundings. As you stroll along the waterfront, be sure to catch the breathtaking sunsets that make this destination truly special.

Food and drinks

Visit the Original Starbucks, located 0.4 miles from the Seattle Waterfront, for a classic coffee experience. For a local craft beer, check out Fremont Brewing, 3 miles away, known for its vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss Goldfinch Tavern for upscale dining with stunning waterfront views.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant Pike Place Market, a public market only 0.4 miles from Seattle Waterfront, bustling with local vendors. Nearby, Nordstrom offers a great shopping selection just 0.5 miles away. If you're up for a drive, visit Bellevue Square, located 6 miles away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

At Lumen Field, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events. Enjoy a round of golf at Broadmoor Golf Club, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery. For a serene escape, visit Seward Park, where you can relax amidst nature and rejuvenate your spirit.

Adventure

The UW Waterfront Activities Center offers thrilling water sports just 4 miles from Seattle Waterfront, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Experience the excitement of indoor skydiving at iFly Seattle, located 11 miles away. For go-kart racing, K1 Speed Seattle, 10 miles away, guarantees an adrenaline-pumping experience.

Nightlife

The Seattle Waterfront comes alive at night with diverse options like the Paramount Theatre, showcasing cultural performances just 0.7 miles away. For adventure, hop on the Seattle Great Wheel, a thrilling 0.2 miles away. Don't miss The Crocodile, a vibrant nightclub 0.8 miles from the waterfront, perfect for a romantic evening.

Find the best attractions near Seattle Waterfront

Seattle Waterfront offers a blend of urban parks, modern attractions, and beautiful beaches, perfect for outdoor lovers and families. Visitors can explore the scenic waterfront park, enjoy the vibrant Seattle Central Waterfront, and discover notable landmarks. For a well-rounded experience, be sure to check out local hotels and various attractions that highlight Seattle's rich culture and stunning views.

  • Space Needle: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle from this iconic tower, standing at 605 feet tall. Its futuristic design and observation deck offer a unique perspective of the city skyline and surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit for any traveler.
  • Seattle Center: This vibrant urban park is perfect for families, featuring lush green spaces, playgrounds, and cultural attractions. Enjoy outdoor activities, art installations, and events, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city.
  • University of Washington: Explore the stunning campus of this prestigious university, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and impressive architecture. Engage with the vibrant student life and discover the rich history of this modern college institution.

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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Seattle Waterfront

To save money during your visit to Seattle Waterfront, take advantage of the free entry to the area and nearby attractions like Pike Place Market and Seattle Center. Consider traveling during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Use Expedia’s tools to filter hotels by budget and eco-certifications, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional discounts. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and cash back on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Seattle Waterfront are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Seattle Waterfront about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Seattle Waterfront hotel stay with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.