
The City of Seattle has been undertaking major improvements for the Seattle waterfront. After removal of the Alaskan Way viaduct, the multi-year Seattle Waterfront project could begin. You can now visit one of the most exciting elements of the waterfront improvement project: the Overlook Walk.
The Seattle Waterfront’s Overlook Walk was projected to be completed by 2025, for a total cost of $70 million. It ultimately opened at the beginning of October 2024.
A cool aspect of the Overlook Walk project is its physical connection to the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion which was another big piece of the waterfront transformation. The first part of the waterfront to be completed, it opened to the public on August 29, 2024.
This new arm of the aquarium has a publicly-accessible rooftop park that will connect to the Overlook Walk. Now the Seattle waterfront, aquarium, and Pike Place Market are seamlessly connected and easily accessible to all.
Read on for all the exciting details about the upcoming waterfront walkway!
Below you can see a bird’s-eye view of what the Seattle waterfront was projected to look like with the new pedestrian walkway that is elevated above the street:
The Overlook Walk has a winding ramp that connects it to Pike Place Market. Native vegetation lines the ramp and the entire walkway, adding lush greenery to the waterfront.
Pedestrians are now able to go from Pike Place Market to the waterfront (and vice versa) without having to navigate crossing the busy street of Alaskan Way. The elevated walkway of Overlook Walk makes the waterfront and downtown area of Seattle much more pedestrian-friendly, particularly for families and those with disabilities. Gradual slopes and a new elevator make the waterfront more accessible than ever.
Speaking of families, Overlook Walk will also eventually feature a recreation area with slides for young children. In tandem with the playground planned for the new and improved Pier 58, the Seattle waterfront will become a fun-filled destination for families with children.
As you can see in the image above, steps lead to the waterfront park promenade. There is plenty of seating, and there will be food and beverages available for purchase on the Overlook Walk later on. In a press release from the Mayor, Seattleites are told to expect the addition of “a new concessionaire space featuring local small businesses, anticipated to open in 2025.”
It’s best to see the Overlook Walk in person if you’re able to make the time to visit. But in the rendering below, you can get a glimpse at the panoramic view that visitors to the waterfront will have of Elliott Bay and the Olympics from the top of the walkway.
For more information, you can visit the Seattle Waterfront website. And be sure to go check out the new Overlook Walk yourself now that it’s finally here!