The Seattle summer is in full swing. Sports, outdoor events, parades, and lots of visitors and locals taking advantage of the sunny weather. Combine a sunny day with art, culture, and history with a day in Seattle’s Pioneer Square.

On a weekday Pioneer Square is full of people in suits, the King County Courthouse and numerous office buildings are close by. On weekends, you’ll find a mix of workers, shoppers, tourists, and a few men and women who, unfortunately, call the park benches home.  

The Pioneer Square historic neighborhood is a great place to discover Seattle’s early history, wander through the shops and art galleries, or grab a table at a restaurant or café.  For sports fans, T-Mobile Park (Mariners MLB baseball) and Lumen Field (Seahawks NFL football and Seattle Sounders FC soccer/football) stadiums are a short walk away. 

There’s not much free parking in Pioneer Square, so take advantage of the light rail station, and other public transit on Metro, for an easy and inexpensive way to visit.

Things to Do in Pioneer Square

Here are 12 suggestions of things to do in Pioneer Square to get you started.

Meet at the Pergola in Pioneer Square  

Located at the triangular corner of Yesler Way and First Avenue, the Pergola (in top photo) was built in 1909 as a shelter for passengers waiting for the neighborhood cable car. It quickly became a popular meeting place for neighbors.  

Built out of iron and glass, the Victorian-styled pergola is about 60 feet long and 16 feet high and was designated a historic landmark in 1977.  After a truck crashed into it in 2001, it was painstakingly reconstructed to its original design and continue to serves as a popular meeting stop in Pioneer Square. 

Due to the necessary restructuring of the area, this location has changed over the years. The restoration, however, held on to all of the brilliance of the old piece, with a few minor upgrades. It is one of the premier stops in Pioneer Square, and a gateway into the world of activities found in this location.

Tell friends to meet you at the Pergola, it’s an easy to find spot, and is a great starting point for all the things to do in Pioneer Square!

Look up at the Tlingit Indian Totem Pole

Located near the Pergola, the totem pole – named the Chief-of-all-Women totem – was stolen by the local Chamber of Commerce from the Tlingit Indians in Alaska. And by stolen, I mean chopped down, cut in half, and loaded on a ship to return to Seattle. The Seattle thieves gave the totem pole to the city as a gift in 1889.  The Tlingit tribe sued for the totem’s return, the men were convicted of theft and fined $500, but the court allowed Seattle to keep the totem pole.  Questionable justice. 

In 1938, after the totem pole was nearly destroyed by an arsonist, the city sent its pieces back to Alaska.  Gracious Tlingit craftsmen carved a reproduction of the original, blessed it, and it was returned to Seattle where it was dedicated at a potlatch ceremony.

Alongside its complicated history, the Tlingit Totem Pole is a beacon of color and creativity in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. It attracts visitors that enjoy its culture and craftsmanship and is surrounded by benches that provide a place to sit back and relax under the shade of the park trees.

Note that Totem poles are read from top to bottom, so be sure to dive into the complex story interwoven in the woodworking. This is one stop that art and history buffs alike aren’t going to want to miss! 

Take in a view of Pioneer Square (and more) from the Smith Tower

For nearly 50 years the Smith Tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi, and while today it isn’t even the tallest in Seattle, the views from its 35th-floor observation deck are still impressive. On a clear day, you can see the  and Cascade mountain ranges, Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.

Take the original 1914 elevators up to the Prohibition-themed Observatory Bar and outdoor observation deck. The observation deck wraps around the building, giving you a view of the waterfront (in photo above), the downtown area, the mountains, and the sports district.

Smith Tower is located at 506 Second Avenue, between James and Yesler. There are two ways to visit, the Legends of Smith Tower tour and independently, by visiting the Observatory and bar. 

Go Underground in Pioneer Square

The Pioneer Square area of the city may look and feel old, but it was rebuilt after the devastating Great Seattle Fire in 1889.  That fire led to the neighborhood design you see today, with brick buildings and wide streets, but much of the old Seattle remains underground. If you look down at the sidewalk as you’re walking around, you’ll see clear glass prisms. These prisms were the ceiling of the underground storage, tunnels, and workspaces, and allowed light into the darkness underground. 

The Seattle Underground Tour takes you below ground for a peek at three blocks of underground streets and storefronts, giving you a glimpse of what it was like to live in Seattle at before the turn of the last century. Some of the tour stories may be a little heavy on puns and innuendo, but if you do a little research you’ll find that Seattle has a colorful and rather messy past. 

Tours leave from 614 First Avenue (between Cherry and James). 

​For a fun read, try Sons of the Profit (affiliate link) by Bill Speidel, the founder of Seattle Underground Tours.

Relax in Occidental Park

Occidental Park, or Occidental Square as it is also called, is located in the heart of Pioneer Square at Occidental Avenue South and South Main Street. This urban park has cement paths, benches, ADA compliant restrooms, along with flowers and trees. 

The square is surrounded by galleries and cafes, although I’ve seen a lot of them struggling given the post-pandemic business climatee. A relatively recent addition to the neighborhood is Locus Wines. We typically will stop at Browne Family Vineyards (loacated a little closer to the stadiums) for pre- or post- game sippers, but I’ve got Locus down for a try next time.

Some public works projects, both completed and underway, have tried to make the square a community gathering place with art installations, street fairs, street musicians and live music, and more. Time will tell if that takes off.

Pay your Respects at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial

Four bronze statues comprise this memorial to Seattle firefighters that have died in the line of duty since the Seattle Fire Department began in 1889. Surrounding the figures are slap of granite intended to depict a collapsed building. Desgined by Hai Ying Wu, from the University of Washington School of Arts, the memorial is locaateed adjacent to Seattle Fire Department headquarters in Occidental Park.

Even the most boisterous of Pioneer Square visitors seem to take on a more somber tone when visiting here.

Go for a Ride at the King Street Station

Built in the early 1900s, this station was built by the Great Northern Railway and the Northern Pacific Railway and was designed to replace the old station on Railroad Avenue. It currently serves as a hub for Amtrak (Cascades.. Coast Starlight, Empire Builder), Seattle’s light rail system (International District/Chinatown station), Sound Transit, and Metro Transit.

At the time of construction, the depot’s tower was the largest building in Seattle at 242 feet. Since then, that title has long since been surpassed, but it is still magnificent. Much of the original design has been redone for practicality and ease of use, however, there are still some hidden gems to be found in this transportation hub. Even if you’re not taking a train ride, it’s worth a stop for its historic significance, architecture, and art.

The station is loccated near the intersection of South Jackson Street and 4th Avenue South, at the south end of Pioneer Square.

Discover Gold at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Part of this national park is in Seattle, the other in Skagway, Alaska, and both pay tribute to the rush of people looking for gold and the role Seattle played in it. 1897 was a turning point in Seattle’s history, as the sleepy little watgerfront community became a launch point for those headed north to Alaska gold fields.

The visitor center is located on the corner of Jackson and Second Avenue. It’s easy to miss it as it’s housed in the rather anonymous-looking Cadillac Hotel. The hotel was an outfitter for departing minors, and one of the museum displays shows what that provisions were sold for the trip.Unfortunately with the exception of merchants and suppliers, very few people found fame and fortune in the gold fields.

The National Historic Park is free to visit. While you’re there, why not pick up a National Parks Passport ($10); you can get it stamped at every National Park Site you visit.

Find Peace in the Waterfall Garden

In the middle of the crowded city, this Zen-like urban park provides a respite in a heavy traffic area.  It’s a peaceful creation of concrete, wood, and water that includes a 22-foot man-made waterfall that nearly drowns out all of the Pioneer Square traffic and crowd noise.  

Take a book, read the paper, sit and meditate. The spirit in the Waterfall Garden is as calming as the rushing water, and makes for a great break from a busy work or touring day. 

There are plenty of tables, chairs, and benches here and since it’s overlooked by so many people, it rarely feels overcrowded. If your Zen-like spirit needs to connect to the outside world, though, you’ll find power outlets. 

The Waterfall Garden is located at 219 Second Avenue South (Main & Second), on the footprint of of the original UPS headquarters site (then called American Messenger Company). This pocket park is free to visit, and open pen daily, 8 am-4 pm. 

Eat and Drink at the Oldest Restaurant in Seattle

Merchants Cafe has staked its claim as the oldest Seattle restaurant, in continuous operation since it was built in 1890.  It has withstood prohibition, ownership changes, modernization, and plenty more, and remains an icon of Seattle’s past.

As a western saloon, in its early days it offered room for rent by the hours and entertainment that went beyond the bar. The ladies were housed on the upper floor of the hotel, and referred to as seamstresses. The women’s portraits were hung on the back wall, where gentlemen could select their seamstress.

After its turn as a borther, it was a bank serving miners returning from the gold rush and seeking to turn gold dust into cash. During Prohibition, the saloon was relegated to the basement and became a speakeasy and gambling hall.

Today, Merchants Cafe has embraced its racy history, turning the seamstress rooms into private apartments and keeping much of the original decor in the restaurant and bar. It’s a favorite stop on Seattle’s “Spooked in Seattle” Ghost Tour as it is rumored to be the site of some paranormal activity. That could just be the history talking though, so stop by and see for yourself!

Merchants Cafe is located at 109 Yesler Way.

Get Inspired by Art

Pioneer Square was once considered the artistic hub of Seattle, and still remains a prominent site for numerous public galleries and art centers. Most are independent and many feature regional artists. You’ll find various medium, from print and drawing to contemporary painting, from sculpture to fiber arts.

Art appreciation is in thee eye of the beholder, so no specific recommendations. If you’re in town on the first Thursday of the month, check out the art walk. Claiming to be the longest established art walk in the country, this is a fun way to see art and meet new people. You’ll find locals and tourists at this event as art fans walk from gallery to gallery for an evening filled with culture and inspiration!

The Pioneer Square Art Walk is the first Thursday of the month.

Cheer at Lumen Field

Home to the NFL Seattle Seahawks and MLS Seattle Sounders, Lumen Field (formerly known as CenturyLink Field) is a the very south end of Pioneer Square neighborhood. There’s an ongoing debate as to its neighborhood location, and you may find it referred to as located in Pioneer Square, the Stadium Disrict, or SODO (South of Dome). 

On game days, the venue draws tens of thousands of sports fans. On non-game days, tours of the facility are available, and the team store is open for shopping. It’s also a venue for outdoor concerts, trade shows, consumer exhibitions, and other events.

Reognizable by it roof and signage, Lumen Field is located at 800 Occidental Avenue South. It stands on the footprint of the former Kingdome. 

Where to Stay in Pioneer Square Seattle

There are three value luxury hotels in Pioneer Square that I recommend. These hotels book up quickly on game days and when there are special events at CenturyLink Field. Plan well in advance.

Embassy Suites Pioneer Square

The 23-story Embassy Suites Pioneer Square is bright and modern, with an eight-story atrium that makes a winning first impression. It is convenient to all the attractions in Pioneer Square, as well as the stadiums, and has rooms with views of the city in all directions. Rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, dining, and workspace. The complimentary breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order menu items and the complimentary happy hour helps stretch the budget.

Location: 255 South King Street. For travel into the city from SeaTac Airport, take the light rail from the airport to the International District station. It’s a short walk to the hotel across the Union Station (Amtrak) sky bridge.

Check rates and availability at the Embassy Suites Pioneer Square here (affiliate link). See map below.

The Marriott Courtyard Downtown/Pioneer Square

Located in the historic Alaska Building which dates back to the early 1900s, the Courtyard offers rooms with kitchenettes, free wifi, and larger studio apartments for visitors planning a longer stay in Seattle.

Location: 612 Second Avenue.

Check rates and availability at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown/Pioneer Square here (affiliate link). See map below.

Silver Cloud Seattle-Stadium

The Silver Cloud Hotel Seattle – Stadium is located directly across the street from T-Mobile Field, home of the Seattle Mariners, and next to Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders. This is the edge of the Pioneer Square neighborhood and the Stadium District. Regardless of where you want to categorize it, it’s easily within walking distance of all the attractions in Pioneer Square.

Location:1046 1st Avenue South.

Check rates and availability at the Silver Cloud – Stadium here (affiliate link). See map below. 

More Places to Stay Near Pioneer Square

Looking for more places to stay in downtown Seattle? The map below will help.

For Pinterest

You know you’re going to want to keep this handy for your next visit to downtown Seattle and Pioneer Square. Make it easy and save it to your favorite Seattle or Washington State Pinterest Board.