A key draw for guests and locals alike, Seattle’s Central Waterfront is within the midst of reimagining itself. Learn on for what to not miss, what to eat, and methods to navigate all of it—by foot or mobility assist.
Seattle—the Emerald Metropolis—sits on Elliott Bay, wanting throughout Puget Sound towards the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. However lately, it has turned its introspective gaze inland, away from the bay, its vibrant boat site visitors, and considerable (and scrumptious) marine wildlife.
A revolution is underway—Seattle is within the midst of a waterfront renaissance, as a long-elevated freeway has been eliminated, opening accessible areas all alongside the waterfront to guests, whether or not strolling, jogging, biking, and even driving. The overhead freeway has been changed by a silent tunnel buried deep underground. On the floor, a twenty-acre park is being constructed, with a marque promenade that may join the fish mongers, vegetable stands, outlets, and eateries of Pike Place Market to the waterfront and the Seattle Aquarium, which itself is present process an enlargement.
Having fun with a beer on the deck at Ivar’s. Bradley Bagsahw
There are many good causes to search out your self meandering alongside this very accessible shoreline, taking within the spectacular views of the bay and the recent sea air—and if that helps work up an urge for food, you’ll be in the suitable place wherever you’re. A protracted, huge concrete walkway on Alaskan Means connects a number of wonderful eating places and different waterfront sights from the ferry terminal within the south waterfront to the north waterfront pathways of Myrtle Edwards Park—two simply accessible miles of shoreline the place you possibly can benefit from the salt air and breeze coming off Puget Sound as you hunt down lunch or dinner, or only a good glass of Washington State wine.
First up from the south, on Pier 54 is Ivar’s Acres of Clams flagship location. This full-service seafood restaurant has an expansive deck and accompanying fish bar and is called after the late Seattle icon Ivar Haglund, a personality of legendary proportions. Simply to the north on the identical pier, for people who desire a non-seafood possibility, sits Nice State Burgers, the place one can get—no shock—scrumptious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Close by, lest America’s different summertime staple be ignored, is The Frankfurter, a small shack akin to an outsized New York sizzling canine stand. It options sausages of assorted varieties with all of the fixings.
In entrance of The Frankfurt, using the huge sidewalks. Bradley Bagshaw
Additionally on Pier 54 is a brand new addition, the Salt District Italian Kitchen. It contains a effective indoor area and a slender deck with a superb view of the Argosy Cruises tour vessels. Persevering with north is the Elliott’s Oyster Home on Pier 55. Elliott’s options oysters within the considerable selection out there within the Northwest and different seafood and effective eating choices, however you would possibly need to take a look at the Comfortable Hour choices right here and elsewhere for recent oysters whose value gained’t chunk again. Additional north is The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar on Pier 56, subsequent to the impossible-to-miss The Seattle Nice Wheel. Then comes Anthony’s Pier 66 restaurant and out of doors fish bar, one other effective full-service seafood restaurant. Lastly, on Pier 70 on the north finish of the waterfront, you’ll discover AQUA by El Gaucho, a high-end seafood and steakhouse, and Pub 70 serving—you guessed it—pub fare. Don’t miss the wealthy clam chowder, which is definitely filled with clams.
Efficiently navigating building on the waterfront with the Alinker mobility assist. Bradley Bagshaw
The brand new waterfront might be an accessible place with broad crosswalks, long-duration stroll lights, audible signaling, elevators, and extra. For now, it is a work in course of. Whereas some areas are readily accessible, others are nearing completion or nonetheless beneath building.
There are accessible methods to descend from the downtown heights of hilly Seattle with no automotive. Within the south, Pioneer Sq. is low, and one can navigate to the waterfront from there with out the hassle of hills.
Within the south-central waterfront, the ferry terminal sits on Piers 50 and 52, collectively known as Coleman Dock. An accessible overhead bridge from First Avenue at Marion Road takes pedestrians and others on wheels of every kind throughout Western Avenue and Alaskan Means on to the ferry terminal. From there, there’s additionally an elevator descending to Alaskan Means, turning the bridge and ramp into an accessible portal to the waterfront and ferry terminal. The terminal itself is designed with accessibility in thoughts. Passengers might board ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton throughout the Sound on broad, well-marked walkways with out encountering stairs or different vital boundaries. However a warning right here—the terminal and overhead walkway are being rebuilt and are in a state of flux. All ought to examine present situations earlier than getting down to use the ferry system.
The central waterfront additionally has an elevator from First Avenue on the south aspect of Von’s Seattle at College Road, though the decrease entrance to this elevator must be opened manually as a result of it lacks an computerized door-opener. The elevator descends to Western Avenue, and from there a left flip and a half-block stroll results in Seneca Road and proper to the waterfront via a newly constructed accessible intersection. Uphill, you can even take one other elevator from Second Avenue all the way down to the Von’s First Avenue elevator through an elevator within the Two and U Constructing between First and Second Avenue and College and Seneca Streets.
There may be an elevator on the northern part of the waterfront at Lenora Road from Western Avenue all the way down to Alaskan Means, and yet one more elevator additional north at Bell Road and Western Avenue that accesses Pier 66 through an overhead walkway. These elevators serve parking garages up the hill. Different elevators are coming with the Waterfront Challenge however are usually not but in service.
In fact, you could possibly circumvent the entry points by staying at one of many two accommodations on the north finish of the waterfront, the Seattle Marriott Waterfront or The Edgewater Lodge. Notable for a number of causes, you could recall The Edgewater because the lodge the place the well-known picture was captured of the Beatles casting a fishing pole into Elliott Bay from their room again in 1964. Whereas The Edgewater often gives fishing poles for picture ops to sure company, they don’t encourage fishing out of their home windows. Don’t fear—there’s no want, although—you possibly can order up the scrumptious black cod, oysters, and even fish and chips on the stunning Six Seven Restaurant inside The Edgewater, and the Marriott Waterfront additionally takes benefit of its location to serve up some tasty seafood.
Bradley heading to Argosy Cruises on the waterfront. Bradley Bagshaw
When you’ve over-stuffed your stomach, there’s a lot you are able to do whereas digesting. Retailers line the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is on Piers 59-60, at Pier 57, The Seattle Nice Wheel presents sky-high rides, and at Pier 56, Argosy Cruises gives harbor and lake boat excursions. At decrease tides, wheelchair customers benefit from the distinctive expertise of getting two well-toned chino-and-Izod-clad gladiators pull their wheelchair up Argosy’s entry ramp, Roman chariot type, all to the envy of extra cell, however, at the least on this case, much less lucky onlookers.
Shifting inland from the waterfront calls for a hill climb in most locations, and entry requires stairs or elevators in a lot of the central waterfront. Probably the most simple method to the waterfront for wheelchair customers is to drive there. Taxis and rideshare automobiles are available and public parking can be present in a number of locations. For a real-time view of parking that’s out there throughout your go to, go to seattlewaterfront.org/free-parking-Seattle-waterfront.
The very best is but to come back as building presses on alongside the waterfront. Observe the progress and be taught extra concerning the Waterfront Accessibility Plan right here.
In regards to the Creator
Bradley Bagshaw
Bradley Bagshaw, as soon as a trial lawyer, is a Seattle writer who has muscular dystrophy. He lives close to the waterfront and enjoys rolling down Alaskan Means in his three-wheeled Alinker.
