This guide to the Seattle Aquarium gives you up-to-date details: opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there by public transit or car, parking arrangements, accessibility, and best times to visit so your visit is smooth and enjoyable.
History and overview of the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium opened in 1977 on the city’s downtown waterfront and operates across multiple buildings: Pier 59, Pier 60, and more recently, the Ocean Pavilion. It has grown from its original focus on local marine life into a campus that presents habitat exhibits, touch pools, conservation programs, and marine research, engaging both locals and tourists. Visitors can view otters, octopus, salmon, sea stars and many Pacific Northwest species alongside tropical exhibits in the Ocean Pavilion.
The design of the Aquarium reflects both education and conservation. Exhibits emphasize the ecosystems of Puget Sound and nearby waters—kelp forests, rocky tidepools—so you not only see the animals but learn about the environments sustaining them. The Aquarium also plays a role in rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals, public outreach, and citizen science, which adds depth to the visitor experience beyond just looking at tanks.
Because it sits on Seattle’s central waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is both accessible and scenic. Its location near Pike Place Market, the ferry terminals, and Alaskan Way means you can combine your aquarium visit with strolling the waterfront, visiting nearby piers, or exploring downtown Seattle. The campus includes both indoor and outdoor components, so weather can affect the experience. Some walkways and viewing areas involve open air or exposure to waterfront winds.
Opening hours and ticket pricing
Opening hours: Every day, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Last entry is at 5:00 pm.
Ticket prices:
| Category | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (13-64) | $39.95 (weekday/standard) to $45.95 (weekend/peak) |
| Youth (ages 4-12) | $29.95 to $36.70 |
| Children 3 and under | Free |
Discounts & passes: Washington State residents may qualify for reduced pricing via programs such as Gold or FLASH card holders. The Seattle CityPASS includes Aquarium admission alongside other Seattle attractions, including the Space Needle, the Museum of Popular Culture, the Pacific Science Center and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Tickets should be reserved online in advance to lock in the lowest price and preferred entry time.
How to get there: public transit, walking, car
- Address: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101. Pier 59 campus includes Pier 60 and Ocean Pavilion.
- Public transit: Multiple bus and Light Rail routes serve the downtown waterfront; the Aquarium is within about a 15-minute walk from nearby transit stops. Use the King County transit planner.
- By car / parking: The Aquarium has no dedicated parking lot. Nearest accessible parking includes Platinum Parking Hillclimb Garage (1422 Alaskan Way) across the street; Pike Place Market Garage (multiple entrances) is also close. SpotHero can be used to book parking in nearby garages in advance, often with discounts. Meters are available along Alaskan Way (rates vary).
Facilities and accessibility
- Wheelchair access: Exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs are available free at both the Pier 59 and Ocean Pavilion guest service desks (first-come, first-served).
- Restrooms and food: Seattle Aquarium Café (2nd floor Pier 59) open daily 10:00 am–4:00 pm; Barney’s Snack Shack near Underwater Dome at Pier 60 open Friday-Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm.
- Gift shop: On-site at Pier 59 and the Ocean Pavilion.
- Admission includes all buildings: One ticket gives access to Pier 59, Pier 60, and the Ocean Pavilion.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best times of day: Mornings at opening (9:30 am) and late afternoons (after 3:30-4:00 pm) tend to be less busy. Midday and weekends, especially in summer or during events downtown, can be crowded.
Best days: Weekdays are generally quieter. Holidays and weekends often bring large visitor volumes.
How long to allow: For most visitors, about 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient to see key exhibits, the Underwater Dome, touch pools, and the Ocean Pavilion. If dining, browsing the gift shop, or attending special events, plan for closer to 2.5 hours.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions
- Begin at Pier 59 soon after opening to avoid queues, then move through Pier 60.
- Visit the Ocean Pavilion next for tropical reefs and more diverse habitats.
- Take a break for lunch nearby. Waterfront restaurants or cafés near Pike Place Market are convenient.
- Afterwards, stroll the waterfront: Olympic Sculpture Park, Pike Place Market, the Great Wheel.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to book tickets in advance? | Yes. Buying tickets online with a reserved entry time helps avoid wait times and ensures you can get in when capacity is limited. |
| What are the ticket prices? | Adults typically pay $39.95 on weekdays; youth (ages 4-12) $29.95; children under 3 free. Prices rise during holidays/weekends. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes. The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and provides wheelchairs at guest services. Restrooms are accessible. |
| How do I get free or reduced parking? | Use SpotHero or nearby garages; get a parking voucher at Guest Services if parking at Pike Place Market Garage (for limited hours) to reduce cost. |
| Are there food options inside? | Yes. The Café in Pier 59 (10:00-4:00 pm) and Barney’s Snack Shack (10:00-4:00 pm Fri-Sun) offer meals and snacks. |
| How long do most visits take? | About 1.5-2 hours for a typical visit including main exhibits; longer if spending more time in the Ocean Pavilion or combining with dining or sightseeing. |
Planning tip: Dress in layers (waterfront can be breezy or chilly), reserve tickets online, arrive early, and allow extra time if visiting during busy seasons or public events downtown.
