Seattle Pike Place Market
Driving and Parking Information
Getting There
The best way to get to the Market from
the downtown hotels is to walk. The market covers nearly nine acres, stretching
from North to South between Union St. and Virginia St, and East to West between
First Ave and Western. The main entrance is at the West end of Pike St, under
the sign that says “Public Market” – you won’t miss it. If you must come by car,
the metered parking along Western Ave, just a few blocks North is the best bet.
Another option is to use one of the parking lots on First Ave, or the one under
the viaduct at the Western end of Blanchard St. These are a lot easier to get in
and out of the than the official market parking, which is on Western Ave, just
down the hill from the intersection of Pike Pl. and Lenora.
Lay of the Land
As you enter the Market stop at First
and Pike News on the corner of Pike St. and First Ave. This landmark stand
features newspapers and magazines from all over the world. Pick up your
breakfast reading material here. Follow Pike St. down the hill and into the
Market. Seattle’s famous fish throwing vendors are at Pike Place Fish, just as
you enter the Main Arcade. This early in the day you won’t see fish in the air,
but you can stop by later to watch the show. Don’t miss the Waterfront Public
Viewing area just behind Pike Place Fish. From here you can look out over
Elliott Bay and see both Mt. Rainer and the Olympic mountains. These public
counters and tables make a great sheltered picnic spot. To the North in the Main
Arcade building you will find most of the farmers, more of the fish vendors and
in the summer, many booths run by local artists and crafts people. This building
is actually set up against a hill; walking in off Pike St. you are on the top,
with two more floors of shops below you. Walk around a bit and see the market
waking up. Don’t hesitate to ask the vendors about anything that catches your
interest, from lychees to locally made honey.
Via I-5 North:
- Take the Madison Street exit, #165.
- Turn left onto Madison Street.
- Follow Madison Street to Western Avenue.
- Turn right onto Western Avenue.
- Follow Western Avenue for five blocks. The entrance to the Market Parking
Garage is on the left side of the street.
Via I-5 South:
- Take the Denny Way/Stewart Street exit, #166.
- Follow Stewart Street to First Avenue.
- Turn right onto First Avenue.
- Two blocks north, turn left onto Lenora Street.
- Turn left onto Western Avenue.
- Follow Western Avenue for three blocks (passing Victor Steinbrueck Park on
your right). The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the right side of
the street.
Via 99 North:
- Take the Seneca Street exit.
- Turn right onto First Avenue.
- Follow First Avenue for two blocks.
- Turn right onto Madison Street.
- Turn right onto Western Avenue.
- Follow Western Avenue for five blocks. The entrance to the Market Parking
Garage is on the left side of the street.
Via 99 South:
- Take the Western Avenue exit (upon exiting the tunnel).
- Turn left onto Elliott Avenue.
- Elliott Avenue becomes Western Avenue (at the base of Lenora Street).
- Follow Western Avenue for three blocks (passing Victor Steinbrueck Park on
your right). The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the right side of
the street.
The market was established in 1907 for farmers and
fisherman to sell direct to consumers. In the 1930's, over six hundred sellers
worked in the market. The market declined until 1974 when it was preserved as
a historical district. There are NO sleazy fast food places here-- only fisherman,
farmers, and craftspeople. The market is large and covers almost nine acres.
Keep in mind that the market closes in the late afternoon-- so go early. One note--
the world's FIRST Starbuck's coffee is located right next to the market. You'll see
the true original (racy!) Starbuck's mermaid there.
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