Waterfront

Explore

For a dazzling view of redesigned Waterfront Park (which you can learn more about in our story on page 20) as well as Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains beyond, ride The Seattle Great Wheel 175 feet above Pier 57. Afterward, bring the family for some spirited fun at adjacent Miner’s Landing, with its amusement rides, carousel, arcade games, souvenir shop, and seafood restaurants. From the same pier, you can venture out on a narrated catamaran tour with Salish Sea Tours. Nearby Sailing Seattle offers memorable sunset and sightseeing excursions on sleek 70-foot sailing yachts.

Eat and Drink

Seafood restaurants flank Elliott Bay, including Anthony’s Pier 66 and AQUA by El Gaucho, where standouts include grilled Spanish octopus and sake-marinated black cod. Convivial Pub 70 serves deftly prepared American fare, like nachos topped with blackened salmon. Just across the train tracks, Here Today Brewery & Kitchen is a mod brewpub offering well-crafted ales and pub fare. Great State Burger is reliable for veggie and beef burgers. At Copperworks Distilling Company, sample outstanding gin, vodka, and single-malt whiskies.

Shop

Pick up fun and informative toys, puzzles, and marine life plushies as well as jewelry, art, and colorful souvenirs at the Seattle Aquarium Gift Shop. You’ll find vintage sports jerseys and Grey’s Anatomy hoodies at The Seattle Shop at 56, along with colorful magnets, stickers, and postcards. Simply Seattle carries everything from Seattle-themed sweaters and totes to mugs and sports gear. At the Edgewater Hotel, The Brim is the only “over-water” coffee shop in the city, and it’s also a cool little gift shop with smartly curated curios, like locally crafted goods, rock band T-shirts, books, and artwork depicting the hotel’s world-famous guests, The Beatles.