Waterfront

Explore

Dazzling Elliott Bay is the center of the action on the 17-block promenade along the colorful piers of Alaskan Way. At Seattle Aquarium (1483 Alaskan Way), get an up-close look at sea otters, harbor seals, and a giant Pacific octopus. Meander through Waterfront Park (1401 Alaskan Way) to The Seattle Great Wheel (1301 Alaskan Way) for unbeatable views of the skyline, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. Then get out on the water—and, if you’re fortunate, glimpse some resident orcas—on a narrated excursion with Argosy Cruises (1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55).

Eat and Drink

Grab a drink and a bowl of truffle fries in the cushy lounge at Six Seven Restaurant (2411 Alaskan Way, Pier 67). The floor-to-ceiling windows are perfect for watching the ferry traffic. Or have dinner with a view at AQUA by El Gaucho (2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70), a swank spot where tuxedoed waiters mix yellowfin poke tableside. On the casual side, linger over steaming bowls of clam chowder at recently renovated Ivar’s Acres of Clams (1001 Alaskan Way), a Seattle staple since 1901. Finish with ice cream at Seattle Bay Creamery (2 University St).

Shop

Swing into Pike Street Press (1510 Alaskan Way) for gorgeous Seattle-themed letterpress cards, posters, and stickers. Just a few steps away is the Seattle Antiques Market (1400 Alaskan Way), home to everything from midcentury modern furniture and vintage typewriters to antique radios and kitchen accessories. Along with The Seattle Great Wheel, Pier 57 is home to Miner’s Landing (1301 Alaskan Way), with its historic carousel and colorful souvenir and gift shops, including wonderfully wacky Pirates Plunder (1301 Alaskan Way).