Pier 62

A Breath of Fresh Air on Seattle's Waterfront

Reopened in 2020 after a major facelift, Pier 62 is the first taste of the ambitious Waterfront Park project to come. This one-acre hangout juts out over Elliott Bay on Seattle's central waterfront, where you can soak in sweeping views of the water, the majestic Olympic Mountains, and Seattle's distinctive skyline.

There's something poetic about Pier 62's evolution - once a bustling maritime commerce hub in the 1900s, it's now a contemporary urban retreat. The renovation wasn't just cosmetic; wooden pilings gave way to steel ones, and a new concrete deck created nearly 40,000 square feet of public space that's both safer and more environmentally mindful.

Where Seattle Comes Together

What makes Pier 62 interesting is how it adapts to different community activities. One day you might find yoga or Zumba classes stretching out under the open sky; another day could bring cultural celebrations, live concerts, or thought-provoking art installations. Summer evenings often pulse with impromptu dance parties and special events that capture Seattle's creative spirit.

The brilliance is in the simplicity - an open, flexible layout that works just as well for major gatherings as it does for those quiet moments when you just want to crack open a book, enjoy some takeout, or simply sit and watch the ferries cross the sound.

The Salish Steps cascade down toward Elliott Bay at dusk

Photo: Navin75 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Play, Relax, Repeat

No matter if you're eight or eighty, Pier 62 has something to offer. Kids (and let's be honest, plenty of adults too) gravitate toward the mini soccer pitch with its forgiving artificial turf. For those seeking less active entertainment, oversized chess and checkers boards, cornhole, and Connect Four games are free for anyone to enjoy.

Need to rest your feet? The pier is dotted with tables and chairs, with some thoughtfully placed under canopies for those rare sunny Seattle days. On certain evenings, you might be lucky enough to find the fire pit glowing, tended by friendly volunteers. Clean restroom facilities are maintained throughout the day, including accessible options.

Pier 62 with downtown's skyline and the Seattle Great Wheel rising behind

Photo: Sam Churchill (CC BY 2.0)

Where Design Meets Nature

Don't miss the floating dock - it's not just a way to get closer to the water, but also home to a fascinating sound installation by artist Stephen Vitiello. As the tides shift, the installation creates different sounds, offering a subtle reminder of nature's rhythms.

The designers didn't just think about human visitors, either. Special grating along the seawall allows more light to reach the water below, creating a better environment for salmon migrating through the area. At night, energy-efficient LED lighting embedded in the railings casts a gentle glow without overwhelming the natural beauty of the waterfront.

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Plan Your Visit

You can explore Pier 62 daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, and the best part? It won't cost you a penny. Its location is ideal if you're already checking out nearby Seattle landmarks like Pike Place Market or the Seattle Aquarium.

For a truly magical experience, time your visit for sunset when the light paints Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains in gold and pink hues. You'll find a water station for refilling bottles, and yes - your leashed four-legged friends are welcome too, making this a genuinely family-friendly destination.

Pier 62 reflects Seattle's maritime heritage while providing a modern public space where people can enjoy nature, art, and community in the city center.