Pioneer Square

Explore

Make your way to the bustling waterfront on Elliott Bay to unwind or enjoy a picnic at beautiful and newly developed Pioneer Square Habitat Beach (Washington Street Public Boat Landing, 199 Alaskan Way). Walk a couple of blocks inland to immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s rich heritage at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (319 Second Ave S), which chronicles the nearly overnight transformation the city underwent in 1897, when thousands of hopefuls passed through on their way to seeking fortunes in the Yukon. Then take the gilded elevator to the 35th-floor Observatory Bar at Smith Tower (506 Second Ave); it was the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi when it opened in 1914. For a moment of respite, stop by tucked-away Waterfall Garden Park (219 Second Ave S), where a 22-foot cascade commemorates the birthplace of UPS, founded in Seattle in 1907.

Eat and Drink

Appealing spots for fueling up early in the day include high-ceilinged Zeitgeist Coffee (171 S Jackson St), with its premium espressos and teas as well as tasty breakfast sandwiches, and 13 Coins (255 S King St), which serves stick-to-your-ribs fare like chicken-fried steaks and eggs and mixed-berry Belgian waffles. Later in the day, belly up to the underground bar at Underbelly (119 First Ave S) for a Sazerac cocktail before crossing the street to dine on creative gastropub fare at Damn the Weather (116 First Ave S), inside the historic Delmar Building. The wine bar at Browne Family Vineyards (413 First Ave S) is a sophisticated spot for sampling the Walla Walla–based vintner’s exceptional malbecs and syrahs. Notable dinner options include Il Terrazzo Carmine (411 First Ave S), with its extensive menu of traditional pastas and Italian-style steak and seafood; elegant Nirmal’s (106 Occidental Ave S) for sublime, Mumbai-style Indian cuisine; and bustling SuperKim Crab House (166 S King St), which specializes in Asian-Cajun-style seafood boils and chicken wings with a variety of sauces.

Shop

Scour the colorful racks in search of old-school fashion treasures and unique accessories at The Lemon Grove (165 S Jackson St) and Bon Voyage Vintage (110 S Washington St). You’ll find newer threads, from revered labels like Leur Logette and Extreme Cashmere, at Flora and Henri (401 First Ave S), whose in-house line also has a devoted following. The artisanal truffles and hot cocoa produced by Intrigue Chocolate (157 S Jackson St) make truly intriguing gifts.