Waterfront

Explore

Meander through the redesigned 20-acre Waterfront Park (1401 Alaskan Way) to The Seattle Great Wheel (1301 Alaskan Way) for eye-popping views of the skyline, Mount Rainier, and the neighborhood’s latest major addition: the stunning Ocean Pavilion, which is the newest addition of the Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way). Then get out on the water—and, if you’re lucky, glimpse some resident orcas—on a narrated excursion with Argosy Cruises (1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55). At the interactive theater inside Wings Over Washington (1301 Alaskan Way), you’ll be virtually transported to some of the state’s iconic natural wonders, including Snoqualmie Falls and Olympic National Park.

Eat and Drink

This picturesque district on Elliott Bay is home to some of the city’s top spots for fresh shellfish and fin fish. Notable options include refined AQUA by El Gaucho (2801 Alaskan Way), known for its over-the-top “seafood bacchanalia for two” feast, and casual Ivar’s Acres of Clams (1001 Alaskan Way), a Seattle staple since 1901. Elliott’s Oyster House (1201 Alaskan Way) has been a favorite spot for chowder and fresh-shucked bivalves since the 1970s. Drop by Six Seven Restaurant (2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67), a handsome spot inside the Edgewater Hotel with grand Elliott Bay views, for drinks—there’s a popular happy hour Sunday through Thursday. Other good bets for a bite to eat include Hook & Plow (2100 Alaskan Way), the festive gastropub inside the Seattle Marriott Waterfront, and the Crab Pot (1301 Alaskan Way, Pier 57), a family-friendly seafood shack at lively Miner’s Landing.

Shop

You can score Seattle souvenirs at the colorful shops along the piers, including Pirate’s Plunder (1301 Alaskan Way, Pier 57), at Miner’s Landing, and Seattle Shop at 56 (1201 Alaskan Way). Pike Street Press (1510 Alaskan Way) produces unique and whimsical cards, posters, and post cards, and Seattle Antiques Market (1400 Alaskan Way) offers a trove of vintage treasures.