At long last, Seattle’s new Waterfront Park is set to open. The Waterfront Park has been in the making since 2009. Made up of multiple piers, pathways, and even a beach, the 20-acre park has been finalizing and unveiling multiple areas throughout the summer. Now the entire park is ready for Seattleites to enjoy, starting with a grand opening celebration on September 6.
Read on for all the details!
The Waterfront Park encompasses 20 acres along the downtown Seattle waterfront, reaching from Pioneer Square to Belltown. The park boasts new bike lanes, public bathrooms, playgrounds, ongoing free events, and public piers. It also features thousands of native plantings and tree shade.
Here are all the distinct areas that make up Seattle’s new Waterfront Park:
The Park Promenade
Described as “the backbone of Waterfront Park,” the Park Promenade has protected two-way bike lanes and pedestrian boardwalks between Pioneer Square and Pier 62. This pathway makes it easier and safer to access waterfront activities and businesses. You can relax on wooden benches and swings while enjoying public art installations and the bustle of the waterfront. New public restrooms near Pier 58 are open now from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.
Pioneer Square Habitat Beach
This man-made beach was added to the Waterfront Park to benefit people as well as local marine life. The beach “supports the waterfront ecosystem, including enhancing the salmon corridor by adding rocks and nearshore vegetation.” While you’re there, you can enjoy a treat from Molly Moon’s Ice Cream that just opened in the historic pergola adjacent to the beach.
Pier 58
The recently-opened Pier 58 has a marine-inspired playground with an 18-foot-tall Jellyfish tower. It also has a grassy lawn and a tree grove that will provide shade on sunny days. The rest of the pier’s open space will be used for free community events.
Pier 62
Pier 62 is a lively park on a floating dock that offers live concerts, markets, cultural events, fitness classes, and more. It also has plenty of seating, including accessible options. Programming and events are provided by Friends of Waterfront Park.
Overlook Walk
The jewel of the Seattle waterfront, the new Overlook Walk offers pedestrians a convenient connection from Pike Place Market to the waterfront and the aquarium. It has a playground, plenty of seating, and a beautiful view of Elliott Bay. Soon it will also have a cafe with covered seating. The Overlook Walk has an elevator plus ramps that are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Railway Road South
Pedestrians heading to the stadiums to catch a game can now take Railway Road South. Part of the Waterfront Park, this connection to the stadiums was made with pedestrian safety in mind. It also features art installations that will be rotated every year.
The Waterfront Park’s grand opening celebration on Sunday, September 6 will include a ribbon cutting, food trucks, pop-up street performances, and an Accessibility Welcome Tour. There will also be live music all day on Pier 58 and 62, as well as along the Park Promenade. Two community parades are planned between Pier 62 and Railroad Way South. There will be plenty of family-friendly fun, but if you’re 21 or older you can enjoy a beer garden on Pier 62. If you plan to attend you can RSVP here for free.
After the opening on September 6, the Waterfront Park’s operating hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Waterfront Park Grand Opening Celebration
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Across the full 20-acres of Waterfront Park
Cost: Free!