TOURS
The Original Seattle THIS IS PIONEER SQUARE
We acknowledge that this Indigenous land now called Pioneer Square is the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people. We recognize, honor, and respect the Indigenous peoples connected to this land - past, present, and future.
Ancestors of today’s Duwamish and Suquamish people, also known as the Coast Salish people, were living here about 10,000 years ago. The Denny Party arrived at Alki Point in West Seattle in 1851 and moved across to the eastern shore of Elliott Bay at Little Crossing-Over Place in the spring of 1852. Chief Si’ahl, or Chief Seattle, leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish, sought prosperity for his people and worked to form alliances with the settlers. Though the Native peoples in the area helped the early settlers build their city, by 1865 Seattle’s first city council had banned Native Americans from entering the city.
Seattle was incorporated in 1869 with more than 2,000 residents, and the first neighborhood was Pioneer Square.
After the devastation of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, Pioneer Square was rebuilt to shine. It showcases that living history in the beautiful Romanesque Revival buildings and fascinating underground spaces that are found throughout the neighborhood.
Today, the history of Pioneer Square’s Coast Salish people is honored through storytelling and Native-made Indigenous art in the neighborhood.
POINTS OF INTEREST
From beautiful parks to a scenic beach, and even a hidden waterfall, come experience the unique sights and sounds of Pioneer Square that make the neighborhood a must-visit in Seattle – perfect for out-of-town visitors or locals alike.
GETTING TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Transit Tunnel Entrances
Sound Transit Link Light Rail services the Downtown Transit Tunnel, accessible through multiple points in the neighborhood.
King Street Station
Amtrak services this historic rail station. The renovated grand waiting room is worth a visit!
Sound Transit Sounder trains can be accessed at points adjacent to the station.
Washington State Ferries & King County Water Taxi
Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton dock at Colman Dock, Pier 52.
The King County Water Taxi from West Seattle and Vashon Island docks at Pier 50.
First Hill Seattle Streetcar
Pioneer Square, Chinatown-International District and Capitol Hill are connected via the First Hill Streetcar bringing you directly to the Pioneer Square Streetcar Station on S Jackson St between 1st Ave S & Occidental Ave S.
Parking
Check out DowntownSeattleParking.com for more information on parking in the neighborhood.
Buses
King County Metro and Sound Transit service a broad network of bus stops above ground.
Contact Metro Rider Information at 206.553.3000 (metro.kingcounty.gov) or Sound Transit at 888.889.6368 (soundtransit.org).
Visit King Street Center at 201 S Jackson St second floor for a “one-stop shop” of the most requested county services including records and licensing.
Bike Lanes
IN PIONEER SQUARE SHOP EAT Play
Nowhere else in Seattle has more to offer in such a walkable footprint. Spend time exploring this unique neighborhood, and you will be richly rewarded with exceptional historic architecture, a scenic waterfront, a thriving arts community, vibrant shops and restaurants, an exciting nightlife and music scene, and an energetic game-day atmosphere.
Seattle’s history is an important part of the Pioneer Square experience.
Pick up a Trail to Treasure Walking
Map at the Occidental Square information booth or Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to start exploring. You can also scan the QR code for a digital version of the map!
DID YOU KNOW?
Pioneer Square is home to a diverse range of retail businesses, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and venues – 230+ and counting!
SHOPPING
Explore places to eat and drink in Pioneer Square – home to the best restaurants and bars in the city. Whether you’re looking to take the family out to lunch or have a night on the town with friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
SPORTS
THE CENTER OF SEATTLE SPORTS
Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, has evolved far beyond its roots as a historic shopping and dining district. On game days, it transforms into the beating heart of the city’s sports scene, where passion, pride, and pregame rituals collide. Just steps from the stadiums, this iconic neighborhood has become a must-stop destination for fans of the Seahawks, Mariners, Reign FC, and Sounders alike.
Steps from Lumen Field, home to the NFL’s Seahawks, MLS’s Sounders, and NWSL’s Reign FC, and a short walk from T-Mobile Park, where the Mariners take the field, Pioneer Square serves as a natural extension of the stadium experience. Alongside the Chinatown/International District and the SODO Business District, it forms the backbone of Seattle’s stadium zone – drawing crowds before kickoff and buzzing long after the final whistle.
Bars and restaurants overflow with watch parties, wall-towall screens, and the roar of fans chasing that game-winning moment. Retail shops stock official team gear, giving fans one last chance to suit up before heading inside. Local businesses lean into the game-day energy, hosting exclusive fan events and creating an electric atmosphere that peaks during playoffs and major tournaments.
Pioneer Square is at the center of the action. It’s where fans gather, traditions are born, and game day in Seattle truly begins and ends.
SPORTS BARS + DINING
Epicenter of the PNW Arts Community
Since the early 1960s, Pioneer Square has provided a haven for Seattle artists, housing esteemed art galleries, innovative exhibition spaces, and working artist studios alike. Pioneer Square continues to be the center of Seattle’s art community, exhibiting the depth and range of the vibrant Pacific Northwest art and culture.
The district’s historic venues trace the history of jazz and grunge through live music. Today, you’ll find unique music venues and performance spaces buzzing with talent, welcoming you to experience our lively music community.
First Thursday Art Walk takes place each month in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, when leading art galleries welcome the public to introduce their newest exhibitions and artists. Learn more about art in Pioneer Square:
THE ARTS
Pioneer Square is the center of Seattle’s art scene, exhibiting the depth and range of the vibrant Pacific Northwest arts community, all within one square mile. Explore the extensive list of art galleries and venues in the neighborhood.
