New Waterfront Gateway to Seattle

In February of 2019 my wife and I went downtown to share a unique experience. A new tunnel had been built under Seattle near the waterfront, and the old two storied elevated viaduct was about to be torn down. On this day we walked through the new tunnel and then the old tunnel. Later we walked on the old highway with its amazing views over Puget Sound. Within a few months the destruction of the viaduct was complete. While the viaduct had offered drivers wonderful views of the water when they drove on it, most people considered the structure an eyesore. Seattle was ready for something new.

Now, over six years later the city has redesigned the waterfront. With the viaduct gone, views have opened up, and the city is celebrating what has been created in its place. We went downtown on the Thursday after the official dedication of the new waterfront to check it out. It has certainly changed.

We took the light rail downtown. After getting off at Westlake, we walked over to one of Seattle’s iconic locations, Pike Place Market. We have walked through the market at various times over the years. There is a lot to see at the market, but many come for the fish throwers. My favorite part is the flowers which always brighten the market.

There are a number of small shops at the lower levels so it’s important to not just stay on the main level. The market has added new spaces at the northern end of the market which is particularly focused on artists. This is the place to buy something unique if you are looking for a souvenir from Seattle.

It is from this northern end of the market that one of the most remarkable changes has taken place. There used to be some rather steep and narrow stairs that one had to climb to get from the waterfront to the market. However, now there is a wide area with paths, overlooks, and even an elevator for those who need it which transports one from the waterfront to the market. This area features flowers, benches, and even has some areas for kids to play along the way. It is a really a transformative spot that connects these two major attractions together easily.

After we had wandered down to the sidewalk along the waterfront, we chose to walk north initially. At the base of the stairs is a large flat pier area with seemingly little on it. This is actually an important space as it is the location for events that take place. For example regular yoga classes are offered here. This was the location for the recent opening celebration. In front of the area, a sign announces the upcoming events on the pier.

The walk north is nice, but there is not a lot to participate in. We passed a small dock area where one can see a few smaller boats. Pier 66 has a conference center. Shortly after that is the iconic Edgewater Inn that has been around for a long time. The Beattles stayed there when they visited Seattle many years ago. The last pier, Pier 70, has some businesses in it and a restaurant or two.

After that comes the Olympic Sculpture Park which is an extension of the Seattle Art Museum. The museum has placed various sculpture throughout the park. We followed a path along the waterfront first and then back through the center of the park where we saw more of the sculptures.

After walking back to the base of the stairs coming down from Pike Place Market, we entered the heart of the Waterfront. The first major part is the Seattle Aquarium. I have to admit I haven’t been to the aquarium since I went as a chaperone with my kids in grade school on a field trip. The aquarium has expanded since then with three buildings which includes the new Ocean Pavilion. We didn’t go in on this day, but we may need to return in the future.

Beyond the aquarium is a play area for children. The central play feature is supposed to be an octopus inspired structure. Since Seattle acquired a hockey team, and they named it the Kraken, the octopus symbol has become more of a Seattle thing. There are some other play areas nearby, and then there is the big play thing, the Seattle Great Wheel. It has been around for a number of years now. During our visit it looked like it was definitely busy.

One of the impressive things about the waterfront is how it is all designed. There is still a multi-lane road that goes along the waterfront. A completely separate bike lane parallels the road. Then the city built large wooden flower boxes that separate the wide walkway along the waterfront from the street. The flower boxes, filled with a variety of colorful flowers, really creates the impression that one is away from the busyness of the city. In front of many of the beds were benches. It was nice to have places to sit and relax.

There are some small pop-up type shops on the side of the flower boxes as well. It’s always encouraging to see small business offering some unique elements which one can buy only in that particular city.

The next pier has traditionally been one of the center areas of the waterfront. Ivar’s seafood restaurant is one of the iconic food places in Seattle and has been around for a very long time. It has a chowder bar out front. Don’t miss the statue of its founder feeding seagulls. The pier has some other restaurants and shops as well. Nearby are the location of some of the cruises that take visitors out on Puget Sound.

There are some art pieces as one walks along the waterfront. Native American art and design are featured in a number of places. Farther south the flower beds have a frame over them with native art on some of the upright posts. In one area the frames also hold swings which seemed pretty popular with visitors along the waterfront.

At the south end of the waterfront one finds the ferries. Ferries are a vital form of transportation in Washington. They are also a great way to see Puget Sound. While the idea of a ferry is to transport cars, people don’t need a car to ride a ferry, and it’s much cheaper than taking one of the cruises offered nearby. I always think taking Seattle visitors on a ferry ride is an important part of visiting Seattle. From this terminal in Seattle, ferries travel to either Bremerton or Bainbridge Island. Passenger only ferries are also available.

Just past the ferry dock is a small park that looks out over the water with a sandy beach. A number of people were sitting on the logs here and just enjoying the view and the water. Some unusual artwork sits on the pathway nearby.

With that we ended our tour of the Seattle Waterfront and headed back into town through the area known as Pioneer Square and over to the light rail station there. It had been a good day. Some people are calling the waterfront area Seattle’s front porch. It certainly offers a nice place to relax and enjoy the views. What are your thoughts on Seattle’s new waterfront?