If you’ve been to the Seattle Waterfront in the last few years, you’ve surely noticed it doesn’t look the way it once did. In addition to the work that has been done below the surface to replace the aging seawall, the waterfront now has the impressive Seattle Great Wheel and plenty of other new attractions. And while there’s much more to come (the city has some pretty grand plans in store, including and Overlook Walk to the waterfront from Pike Place Market), we’ll give you plenty of reasons to check out the area this summer.

Once the hub of Seattle's maritime activity, the waterfront's century-old piers are now full of shops, attractions, and restaurants.
Tiffany Von Arnim / Flickr
The waterfront has plenty of iconic spots Washingtonians remember from childhood -- the Seattle Aquarium, for example, is now 42 years old.
Pier 57 was built in 1902 -- and when you look at it now, it's hard to believe it was once used for fish processing.
Wikipedia
Since 1989, Pier 57 has been privately owned by developer Hal Griffith and his family, who take pride in making the pier a fun place to be.
Hal Griffith dreamed of building a ferris wheel on the waterfront for almost 30 years. In 2012, it finally opened.
David Conger / Flickr
The public reaction to the wheel has been overwhelmingly positive, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
Recently, the Seattle Great Wheel added a bar, which was an excellent idea.
Berrak Sarikaya
They sell plenty of alcohol-free sips if you don't want to imbibe. And while you're not allowed to ride with alcohol if you have minors in your car, you're more than welcome to sip champagne while you're in line.

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The Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar is also on Pier 57, and it happens to be one of the waterfront's most underrated eateries.
Fisherman's Restaurant Facebook
Fisherman's has been open since 1976, and they've just updated their delicious menu.
This is the Crab Toast, housemade sourdough bread topped with crab cakes, dijon mornay sauce, green onion, and fisherman's spice.
Jessica Wick
It tastes even better than it looks.
The Seared Romesco Halibut is one of the top new additions, and it's fantastic.
Berrak Sarikaya
The new entrees and appetizers were created by Chef Nick Novello, who joined the Fisherman's team in 2018 after years in the local culinary industry.
The waterfront has changed, and it's going to keep changing -- but these stunning sunset views are always the same.
Jessica Wick
Come check out the waterfront this summer, especially Pier 57.

Address: 1301 Alaskan Way South, Seattle, WA 98101

You can find a great list of Seattle Waterfront events and activities here. And while you’re exploring all that Pier 57 has to offer, take a ride on Wings Over Washington and virtually explore the entire state.

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