Waterfront News
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Seattle Waterfront: Live View
WATERFRONT BRIEFS: August 2024
High season is in full swing along Seattle’s waterfront! Conditions in August are excellent to walk along the waterfront and to hop a ride on the water (sail or power – you have options). FRS Clipper is running whale-watching trips straight from Seattle (Pier 69). Argosy has a new Summer Views Cruise. The Great Wheel is open daily. You can also find happy hours every day this month along the waterfront. The FREE Waterfront Shuttle runs daily this month from 10AM to 8PM with stops every 15 minutes – see shuttle route map and stops.
The piers are open and boats are sailing! Start your day on the waterfront with a walk, run, or coffee. Starbucks opens at 6AM on Pier 55 (don’t miss Burgandy Viscosi’s gallery next door or Ye Olde Curiosity Shop on Pier 54).
Spend time exploring, walking, whale watching, shopping, taking pictures, and eating. Catch the last ride of the day on the Seattle Great Wheel at 10PM (11PM on Fridays and Saturdays).
Seattle Aquarium hours are 9:30AM to 6:00PM daily (last entry at 5:00PM). Advance ticket purchase online secures your time window and avoids the queue. For the best deal and unlimited visits year-round ($99), become a Seattle Aquarium member.
Tides will be active this month with daily tidal swings greater than 12 feet several times and extreme daytime low tides August 1-6 and August 16-21.
Be sure to look over the rails to spot salmon smolt, crabs, starfish, and seals along the piers. Maybe a giant sea lion will take over the floating dock at Pier 62 again and give you a chance for a closer look.
Seattle day length in August provides tons of sunlight with 15 hours per day at the start of the month and 13 hours per day at the end of the month. Carpe Diem!
Seattle is for seafood. What’s fresh and local from Washington State on the menu? Summer is Peak Harvest for:
- Salmon
- Clams
- Halibut
- Rockfish
- Mackerel
- Sea snails (aka whelks and periwinkles)
- Dungeness crab, oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops are consistently fresh and local too in August.
- Cruise ship season is in full swing this month with a ship in port nearly every day except Fridays!
- Expect congestion, intermittently closed streets, and detours the length of Alaskan Way with bottlenecks around Pioneer Square and Overlook Walk. Pedestrian access is assured all along the waterfront between Piers 50 and 70.
- The FREE Waterfront Shuttle will operate daily between 10AM and 8PM in August.
- Alaskan Way along the waterfront has shifted to new pavement, liberating space for the development of the new waterfront promenade park, the new Overlook Walk, and Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavillion. You must see it to fully appreciate the magnitude of these major projects coming together. To see the transformation of Seattle’s entire downtown waterfront into a park is amazing. Don’t miss it!
- The brand-new Alaskan Way Connector opened in June to re-connect the southern (Piers 50-59) and northern (Piers 62-70) ends of Alaskan Way.
- Major construction on Colman ferry dock (pier 52) and the new terminal is complete. The new Marion Street Pedestrian Bridge is open! This bridge is expected to become one of the busiest pedestrian bridges on the West Coast. The new promenade and plaza in front of the ferry terminal are being completed.
- Peak season schedule is in effect for WSF Bremerton and Bainbridge routes from Seattle this month. Plan, give yourself time, and be prepared for the possibility of delayed or canceled sailings. Remember, youth ride free on WA State Ferries. Water taxis between Pier 50, West Seattle and Kitsap County are operating.
- Use the SR99 tunnel instead of Alaskan Way to get from one end of the city to the other. Expect surface road congestion on Alaskan Way during peak hours.
- Please drive slowly in construction zones!
- For detailed waterfront construction info, go to: https://waterfrontconstruction.org/ and sign up for their newsletter.
- Orcas and porpoises were spotted swimming offshore from Seattle’s waterfront in July. With more daylight hours, continued sightings are expected this month.
- FRS Clipper’s whale-watching trips run daily in July, straight from Pier 69 (guaranteed sightings of next trip is free).
- If an orca or humpback swims by while you are on the Seattle Great Wheel, then you will definitely see it! Other great spots to look for whales along Seattle’s waterfront are Pier 54, Pier 62, and the observation deck at Pier 66.
- Cetaceans you may spot include orcas (killer whales), gray whales, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoises, harbor porpoises, and Pacific white-sided dolphins. Identify common porpoise and dolphin species in Puget Sound.
- Other animals you may see while on the waterfront include blue herons, seagulls, seals, sea lions, cormorants, bald eagles, geese, peregrine falcons, ospreys, sea otters, and Kraken. For a close-up look at the Salish Sea ecosystem, head to the Seattle Aquarium.
- Whales can also be spotted from any ferry or private vessel plying local waters; keep your eyes open and scan the surface, especially on those calm days with glassy smooth water!
- See a whale? Be sure to report it! Read the most recent whale sighting reports here.
Pier 62 activation is at full strength in August. Check out Waterfront Spotlight between 6-8PM Thursdays. Don’t miss the 2024 Waterfront Block Party on Augut 30th – free and open to all starting at 12 noon.
The new public Pier 62 is bringing the people of Seattle together in one of the city’s most Instagrammable settings. Take in the 360 degree views of Seattle, the ferries, and the Olympics! Cultural performances, classes, concerts, and community activities take place daily on Pier 62 during the summer months.
When there are no scheduled activities, the pier is perfect for people watching, wildlife watching, playing outdoor chess, checkers, or soccer. Tables and chairs are available to sit, chat, sip coffee, and watch the maritime traffic pass by.
Check out activities and events happening in this amazing space on the water!
Construction is proceeding at a brisk pace on Overlook Walk, a new, direct pedestrian connection between the Pike Place Market and Pier 62. Overlook Walk will be part of the new Waterfront Park.
Seattle professional sports teams playing in town (home games) in August:
- Mariners (baseball) – YES
- Seattle Reign FC (soccer) – YES
- Storm (basketball) – YES
- Seahawks (football) – YES
- Sounders FC (soccer) – NO
- Seawolves (rugby) – NO
- Kraken (hockey) – NO
- Orcas (cricket) – NO
- Sea Dragons (football) – NO, team terminated in USFL/XFL merger
- Supersonics (basketball) – NO
- Boating operations between Piers 50-70 are OPEN and running on peak season schedule.
- Argosy on Pier 55 is running 1 hour Harbor Cruises, Ballard Locks Cruises, and their new Summer Views Cruise daily in August.
- Salish Sea Tours is running harbor tours daily from Pier 57.
- Sailing Seattle are running two ocean sailing yachts with frequent departures daily from Pier 56.
- Seattle’s Tall Ship has returned to Bell Harbor Marina (Pier 66) for this season with multiple trips daily. Don’t miss it!
- The high speed passenger catamaran, FRS Clipper, runs to Victoria daily. Book ahead to reach downtown Victoria in 2 hours and 45 minutes. FRS Clipper also runs Seattle’s only whale watching tours from Seattle (guaranteed sightings) daily in August from Pier 69. Trips are selling out, so book early!
- WSF Ferries from Seattle’s Pier 52 to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton are running on normal schedule this month. Water Taxis between Seattle’s Pier 50 and destinations like West Seattle, Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth are running M-F with some weekend operations. Check our Boat Rides page for more information.
- Is your party arriving by boat to have lunch on the waterfront or to visit the Pike Place Market? Short-term moorage is available at Bell Harbor Marina located next to Anthony’s Pier 66 in the heart of the city.
- Alaska cruise ships are running this month.
- August is a great month for anglers in Seattle! If you see someone fishing, feel free to ask them for a peek in their bucket. Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) is open daily for nonselective coho now through Sept. 30. August 4 will be one extra and final day for Chinook in Elliott Bay.
- Expect days with very low tides and dramatic tidal swings – water level heights can differ by more than 12 feet in August. The variance is dramatic year-round, but in summer the changes can be better observed because they happen during daylight hours.
- Dungeness crab season is scheduled to be open through Aug. 26, Sundays and Mondays only. All gear must be out of the water on the other days of each week.
- Public fishing piers are open in Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton). Although there are no public fishing piers directly on Seattle’s waterfront, anglers can normally find a quiet place to cast a line.
- Species you are most likely to see: Salmon, schools of salmon smolt (babies), sea-run cutthroat, steelhead trout, shiner perch, piling perch, sculpin, greenlings, flounders, rock fish, and occasional ling cod.
- The Port of Seattle closed the fishing pier at Centennial Park (pier 86). The Port is working with WA Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the fishing pier’s future. In the meantime, the public is welcome to fish at the facilities at Pier 69 where the Port of Seattle is headquartered. Try also Pier 62.
- No fishing license is required for children and youth under 15 years old in Washington state.
- Know the rules; check current regulations here.
August is summer vacation for most students in Washington’s public schools. There are no US federal holidays this month. The next federal holiday will be Labor Day in September. Here is a list of noteworthy August holidays:
August 1 – Swiss National Day
August 1 – National IPA Day
August 4 – US Coast Guard Birthday
August 5 – British Columbia Day
August 6 – National Night Out Day
August 7 – Purple Heart Day
August 8 – National Pickle Ball Day
August 9 – Singapore National Day
August 15 – Indian Independence Day
August 15 – Feast of the Assumption
August 17 – Indonesian Independence Day
August 18 – Hawaii Statehood Day
August 19 – National Aviation Day
August 19 – Raksha Bandhan
August 21 – National Senior Citizen Day
August 24 – Ukraine Independence Day
August 25 – National Park Service Founders Day
August 26 – National Women’s Equality Day
August 26 – National Dog Day
August 27 – Crab S0up Day
August 30 – National Beach Day
August 31 – Kyrgyztan Independence Day
Find more August holidays and celebrations here and here and here.
The sun is passing through a particularly active phase, which is expected to last until 2025. Northern Lights could happen anytime. Normally, the forecast for the Aurora Borealis provides very little advance notice (12-36 hours), but the news of a predicted aurora spreads quickly online. Northern lights this month in Seattle are possible.
August is an excellent month to watch for shooting stars. August 4 will be a new moon, which means the night sky will be particularly dark. The Perseid Meteor Showers will be visible nearly all month – they will peak August 12-13. August 19 will be a full moon.
Great Seattle companies and public entities are hiring along the waterfront. Job and career opportunities are available with the following:
Marriott Waterfront Seattle Hotel
Summer jobs in the cruise industry for local students may still be available. There was a Summer Cruise Job Fair in March – see https://www.portseattle.org/events/2024-cruise-summer-job-fair
Should we add a link to your company’s job page? Let us know
WATERFRONT BLOG
|Who is #1? We are!|
According to the travel website, Kayak, Seattle was the #1 searched summer destination between May and September this year. Word is out about the Emerald City. Moderate weather, a vibrant food scene, and ample outdoor activities are just some of the attractions driving the interest of travelers. The average cost for summer tickets to Seattle was $455, making it the second most expensive destination on the list behind Honolulu. Read more at www.travelandleisure.com/most-popular-summer-2024-destination-in-us-seattle-kayak-report-8646673?... ... See MoreSee Less
![Link thumbnail](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
Kayak Just Named This 'Surprising' U.S. City the Most Popular Destination for Summer Travel
www.travelandleisure.com
All the major cities are represented, including Miami, NYC, and LA — but No. 1 on the list might surprise you. |New! Artistic Longhouse|
In many cultures, the longhouse was the earliest form of permanent, communal-dwelling structure. If you have not been to Seattle's waterfront in the past 10 weeks, past 10 months, or past 10 years, then prepare for a most delightful surprise. The viaduct is gone and the new waterfront promenade is beginning to receive its final touches, including this artistic version of a longhouse by Pier 54 and the new ferry terminal, and also 200,000 new plants and trees! ... See MoreSee Less
![|New! Artistic Longhouse|
In many cultures, the longhouse was the earliest form of permanent, communal-dwelling structure. If you have not been to Seattles waterfront in the past 10 weeks, past 10 months, or past 10 years, then prepare for a most delightful surprise. The viaduct is gone and the new waterfront promenade is beginning to receive its final touches, including this artistic version of a longhouse by Pier 54 and the new ferry terminal, and also 200,000 new plants and trees!](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
|Creativity Reigns Here|
Here is a fun look into the new painting ‘Stream of Consciousness’ by Seattle's own Burgandy Viscosi. Drop by Pier 55 next to Starbucks to watch the waterfront's Queen of Creativity at work. Using an exclusive mix of science and colors, Burgandy's paintings literally jump off the canvas. You have to see it to believe it! www.instagram.com/reel/C-Nz_R7PWlQ/ ... See MoreSee Less
![|Creativity Reigns Here|
Here is a fun look into the new painting ‘Stream of Consciousness’ by Seattles own Burgandy Viscosi. Drop by Pier 55 next to Starbucks to watch the waterfronts Queen of Creativity at work. Using an exclusive mix of science and colors, Burgandys paintings literally jump off the canvas. You have to see it to believe it! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-Nz_R7PWlQ/](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
|Seattle International Gateway|
Is there any doubt? Seattle and the surrounding region enjoys a vibrant representation of nationalities and heritages from around the world. With support from the Port of Seattle, we have launched a new website celebrating international communities, cultures, and cuisines in the Emerald City.
Check globalgateway.seattlewaterfront.org/ for diverse local international events such as the recurring Happy Hour in French by the Alliance Française de Seattle, Tasveer's 19th Annual South Asian Film Festival & Market in October, or Festal's BrasilFest at Seattle Center on August 18. ... See MoreSee Less
![|Seattle International Gateway|
Is there any doubt? Seattle and the surrounding region enjoys a vibrant representation of nationalities and heritages from around the world. With support from the Port of Seattle, we have launched a new website celebrating international communities, cultures, and cuisines in the Emerald City.
Check https://globalgateway.seattlewaterfront.org/ for diverse local international events such as the recurring Happy Hour in French by the Alliance Française de Seattle, Tasveers 19th Annual South Asian Film Festival & Market in October, or Festals BrasilFest at Seattle Center on August 18.](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
|August 30: Waterfront Block Party 2024!|
Reserve August 30th in your calendar for food, fun, and community all along Seattle's central waterfroFriends of Waterfront Seattleattle are organizing a mile-long Block Party in the new park that extends from Pier 62 to Habitat Beach just south of the fast ferry terminal at Pier 50. This is a free, public event open to all. Check out their website for details at waterfrontparkseattle.org/blog/event/waterfront-block-party-2024/ ... See MoreSee Less
![Link thumbnail](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
Friends of Waterfront Park — Waterfront Block Party 2024
waterfrontparkseattle.org
Amp up your summer! Join us for the biggest Waterfront Block Party yet! |Seattle Fleet Week|
Mark your calendars for Seattle's Fleet Week and Boeing Maritime Celebration on the waterfront! There will be activities all during Seafair, including the Torchlight Parade on July 27, the Parade of Ships at 1PM on July 30, Fleet Week Night at the Mariners on August 2, and Ship Tours at Pier 46 from August 1-4. Watch the skies also for the Blue Angels as they practice for the big air show on August 2, 3, and 4. See complete schedule at www.seafair.org/fleetweek/?shwa ... See MoreSee Less
![|Seattle Fleet Week|
Mark your calendars for Seattles Fleet Week and Boeing Maritime Celebration on the waterfront! There will be activities all during Seafair, including the Torchlight Parade on July 27, the Parade of Ships at 1PM on July 30, Fleet Week Night at the Mariners on August 2, and Ship Tours at Pier 46 from August 1-4. Watch the skies also for the Blue Angels as they practice for the big air show on August 2, 3, and 4. See complete schedule at https://www.seafair.org/fleetweek/?shwa](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
TOP-PICS #SEATTLEWATERFRONT
Are you having a good time on the waterfront and snapping some cool pics? Add #seattlewaterfront to your Insta post to get featured here.
Pioneer Square Habitat Beach #seattle #seattlewa #seattlephotographer #smithtower #pioneersquare #pnw #seattlewaterfront
![Pioneer Square Habitat Beach #seattle #seattlewa #seattlephotographer #smithtower #pioneersquare #pnw #seattlewaterfront](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Not a bad day at the office. Waterfront view, new octopus mugs, Sasquatch plates, and orca catch-alls. I’m feeling SOOO PNW right now 😌🌲
#pnw #seattlewaterfront #akuriouslife #handmade #pottery #ceramic #sasquatch #orca #seattleartist
![Not a bad day at the office. Waterfront view, new octopus mugs, Sasquatch plates, and orca catch-alls. I’m feeling SOOO PNW right now 😌🌲
#pnw #seattlewaterfront #akuriouslife #handmade #pottery #ceramic #sasquatch #orca #seattleartist](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
I’ve got some new one of a kind work at waterfrontmarketplace_seattle !
It’s a daily market across the street from the aquarium. So much awesomeness in one building! #magpiemousestudios #seattlewaterfront #henrybeyondmuseums #artistsoninstagram
![I’ve got some new one of a kind work at waterfrontmarketplace_seattle !
It’s a daily market across the street from the aquarium. So much awesomeness in one building! #magpiemousestudios #seattlewaterfront #henrybeyondmuseums #artistsoninstagram](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
In addition to the habitats where 3,500 animals and plants will live, at the Ocean Pavilion, we`re using state-of-the-art, 360-degree, digital displays to tell a story about Earth`s one ocean. 🎥
In our central atrium space, One Ocean Hall, you`ll journey to the far reaches of the ocean through video and interactive displays that spotlight marine ecosystems from around the world. See coral spawn. Explore a kelp forest. Discover bioluminescent life in the ocean’s deepest recesses. And more. ✨
Ocean Pavilion opens this Thursday, August 29. Plan your visit and be among the first to experience the Seattle Aquarium`s expanded campus as we finish welcoming animals. 🐠
![In addition to the habitats where 3,500 animals and plants will live, at the Ocean Pavilion, we're using state-of-the-art, 360-degree, digital displays to tell a story about Earth's one ocean. 🎥
In our central atrium space, One Ocean Hall, you'll journey to the far reaches of the ocean through video and interactive displays that spotlight marine ecosystems from around the world. See coral spawn. Explore a kelp forest. Discover bioluminescent life in the ocean’s deepest recesses. And more. ✨
Ocean Pavilion opens this Thursday, August 29. Plan your visit and be among the first to experience the Seattle Aquarium's expanded campus as we finish welcoming animals. 🐠](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Welcome to Seattle’s iconic waterfront spot—Miner’s Landing! 🌊🎡 This historic landmark is home to the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the West Coast, offering breathtaking views of the city and Puget Sound. 🚢✨ From the lively boardwalk to delicious seafood restaurants and exciting boat tours, this place has it all for a perfect day out in the Emerald City.
Don’t miss out on local gems like the Wings Over Washington flight ride and the waterfront arcades. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a sunset ride on the wheel, Miner’s Landing is a must-visit! 🌅🎉
📍 Location: Seattle, WA
📸 Photo by: pieceofworld89
#seattlewaterfront #minerslanding #seattlegreatwheel #seattlevibes #emeraldcity #seattlewa #pnwwonderland #visitseattle #discoverseattle #pnwadventures #pieceofworld89 #seattlewashington
![Welcome to Seattle’s iconic waterfront spot—Miner’s Landing! 🌊🎡 This historic landmark is home to the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the West Coast, offering breathtaking views of the city and Puget Sound. 🚢✨ From the lively boardwalk to delicious seafood restaurants and exciting boat tours, this place has it all for a perfect day out in the Emerald City.
Don’t miss out on local gems like the Wings Over Washington flight ride and the waterfront arcades. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a sunset ride on the wheel, Miner’s Landing is a must-visit! 🌅🎉
📍 Location: Seattle, WA
📸 Photo by: pieceofworld89
#seattlewaterfront #minerslanding #seattlegreatwheel #seattlevibes #emeraldcity #seattlewa #pnwwonderland #visitseattle #discoverseattle #pnwadventures #pieceofworld89 #seattlewashington](https://seattlewaterfront.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)