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The Newest Seattle Tour Bus is FREE

The Newest Seattle Tour Bus is FREE

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Seattle Waterfront Shuttle

Have you heard about the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle? It’s the newest Seattle tour bus (it just launched 3 weeks ago) and it’s completely free!
This post about the Seattle Waterfront shuttle was written by Seattle family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

It’s available 7 days a week from 10am-8pm this summer/fall and stops at 9 attractions near downtown Seattle and along Seattle’s waterfront.

This free Seattle Waterfront Shuttle is provided by the Downtown Seattle Association in an effort to get more people to the Seattle Waterfront.

My family rode this Seattle tour bus last Sunday to check it out and see how kid-friendly the whole experience was. Since it’s still pretty new, they are still working out a few kinks.

The biggest issue we had was trying to find it when we got off the Seattle water taxi from West Seattle. There was supposed to be a stop right at the Seattle ferry/water taxi terminal, but we ended up having to walk several blocks. But, that was the only tricky stop.

Photo of the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle, a free Seattle tour bus sponsored by the Downtown Seattle Association which runs from Pioneer Square to the Space Needle and other top Seattle attractions. This is a free thing to do in Seattle with kids. #pioneersquare #spaceneedle #seattlecenter #seattletour #seattletourbus #seattlewaterfrontshuttle #seattlewaterfront #visitseattle #seattletourism
This free Seattle tour bus was the perfect size for the amount of people at each stop. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

Something else you should know is that the main hub of the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle is right outside Seattle Aquarium and Pier 57. The Seattle Waterfront Shuttle has 2 loops and this is the stop where you can transfer shuttles. They have a staff member posted at this stop who can radio the driver to make sure they know to pick you up.

Photo of the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle, a Seattle tour bus that provides free transporation for tourists wanting to explore the Space Needle, Seattle Center, Pioneer Square, the Seattle Waterfront and more but don't want to pay for parking. #seattlewaterfront #downtownseattleassociation #downtownseattle #seattlecenter #seattlewa #pnw #pacificnorthwest #washingtonstate #freeshuttle
This is the map that’s available on board the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle. Photo courtesy of the Downtown Seattle Association

Because there are 2 shuttles, we had 2 different drivers. The first one was a bit jaded and complained a bit about Seattle, which we thought was odd for a tour bus driver.

However, our second driver was fabulous and pointed out fun things to do at each stop and helpful tips about Seattle. She was a bit hard to hear from time to time, but we were sitting near the back.

We found the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle to be a comfortable ride. The air conditioning was on and we had enough space to sit. It definitely felt like a luxury chartered bus versus public transit.

There’s a lot of times that I’m at Seattle Center with the kids and think about heading to the waterfront, but don’t want to deal with bucking the kids back into the car and trying to find parking down there. This is a much easier way to explore Seattle with kids!

Photo of a Dad and son riding the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle, a free thing to do in Seattle, WA #seattle #seattlewa #pnw #seattletourism #downtownseattle #seattlewithkids #familytravel
My husband and son relax a bit in the back of the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

The Seattle Waterfront Shuttle runs approximately every 25 minutes. A lot depends on Seattle traffic, which can be unpredictable. We went on a Sunday morning and there was hardly any traffic.

I think the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle is a smart move and I’m looking forward to seeing how they grow in the future!

So, Where Does This Seattle Tour Bus Go?

North Loop

If you’re heading to Seattle Center, the Olympic Sculpture Park, or the cruise ship terminal, make sure you let the staff member or bus driver at Stop F (the main hub) know you’d like the NORTH LOOP.

SEATTLE CENTER/SPACE NEEDLE

What to do at Seattle Center

THE SPACE NEEDLE

This may be the most iconic Seattle attraction. But, even if you have already done it on a past trip, it’s worth going up again. They just finished completely renovating the Space Needle a few weeks ago and it’s like a whole different place!

There’s an open-air observation deck with glass benches and the world’s first rotating glass floor!

Photo of the newly renovated Seattle Space Needle, a top Seattle attraction for families. #spaceneedle #seattlecenter #visitseattle #seattlewithkids #seattleattractions
The Space Needle is definitely worth a stop! Photo credit: Space Needle
SEATTLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE

If you are visiting Seattle with kids, you might want to get tickets for a show at Seattle Children’s Theatre. We’ve seen some amazing performances here the past 2 years.

The 2018-2019 season includes The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, And In This Corner: Cassius Clay, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Balloonacy, and The Diary of Anne Frank.

PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER

One of my favorite places to visit with kids of all ages is Pacific Science Center. They usually have some amazing IMAX films playing, plus they have a little planetarium with toddler-friendly shows. And the entire museum is pretty hands-on.

Make sure to see what the traveling exhibit is. In the past, we’ve done Pompeii, King Tut, and Terra Cotta Warriors!

MoPOP (MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE)

This is a fun stop for families with older kids and teens. It used to be called the Experience Music Project, but has recently rebranded. We love the science fiction area and the indie video games exhibit. They usually have a cool traveling exhibit, too!

CHIHULY GARDEN & GLASS

Dale Chihuly is an incredible Seattle glass artist. His work can be found all over Seattle, but my favorite spot is the Chihuly Garden & Glass at Seattle Center. We’ve taken little kids here, but I wouldn’t say it’s geared for kids.

It’s absolutely beautiful and it will knock your socks off!

ARTISTS AT PLAY PLAYGROUND

If you are looking for a park that is geared for older kids, the Artists at Play Playground near MoPOP is lots of fun! They have some of the tallest slides I’ve ever seen and they can only be accessed by climbing up rope. They do have a small area for little kids, but the park as a whole is for older children.

Photo of the Artists at Play playground at Seattle Center, near MoPOP, and is a kid-friendly Seattle attractions #mopop #artistsatplay #seattleplayground #seattlewithkids #seattlecenter #seattlepark
The Artists at Play playground at Seattle Center is worth a stop on the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
SEATTLE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

While this isn’t my favorite children’s museum in the Seattle-area, my kids enjoy playing here every once in awhile. They have a cool area featuring homes from around the world where kids can pretend to drive a tuk tuk, make sushi, and play African drums.

They also have a Seattle bus kids can climb inside, a miniature grocery store, and a huge train area.

RIDE THE MONORAIL

One of our favorite things to do at Seattle Center is ride the Seattle Monorail. It’s a 2 minute ride to Westlake Center, in the heart of Downtown Seattle.

You can do a round trip back to Seattle Center, or you can get out and walk around Westlake Center, Pacific Place, and walk to Pike Place Market. This is especially fun during the Holidays!

Hotels Near Seattle Center

MARQUEEN HOTEL

This unique, boutique hotel is walking distance from Seattle Center and is near quirky stores, yummy restaurants and more!

HYATT HOUSE

This is an awesome option if you are visiting Seattle with kids and need a kid-friendly hotel. It’s right across the street from the Space Needle and Seattle Center, so it’s in an ideal location.

[irp posts=”1782″ name=”6 Tips for Enjoying the Pacific Science Center with Toddlers”]

VICTORIA CLIPPER/SCULPTURE PARK

What to do at this Seattle Attraction

VICTORIA CLIPPER

The Victoria Clipper is the premier way to get to Victoria, B.C. from Seattle. The most popular thing to do is head up for a night or two and then come back to Seattle. That gives you enough time to explore The Butchart Gardens, have tea at the Fairmont Empress, and enjoy this little city.

Photo of the Victoria Clipper, a Seattle tour boat that transports visitors to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada #victoriaclipper #clippervacations #seattlewa #victoriabc #pnw #pacificnorthwet #seattletourism
Whether it’s just for the day or for a mini vacation, the Victoria Clipper has you covered. Photo credit: Victoria Clipper

If you don’t want to spend the night, they have a Victoria Day Trip cruise. There are so many fun things to do up there!

OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK

Are you looking for an open space for your kids to burn off some energy? Try the Olympic Sculpture Park! It’s also an awesome place to take photos with the Olympic mountains and Elliott Bay in the background.

And there’s an cool indoor space with activities for kids. This is a great option for when it’s raining.

Hotels Near the Victoria Clipper and Olympic Sculpture Park

EDGEWATER HOTEL

This is where The Beatles stayed. Is there anything else you need to know? How about that’s it has an AMAZING waterfront view, especially during sunrise. It’s one of the most swanky spots to stay in Seattle

INN AT EL GAUCHO

If you love a good steak, why not stay at a boutique hotel right above a famous Seattle steakhouse (El Gaucho!) Plus, it’s an easy walk to most Seattle attractions.

PIER 66

What to do at Pier 66

TAKE A CRUISE

The biggest thing at Pier 66 is that it’s the cruise ship terminal for Norwegian and Celebrity cruise lines. So, if you are exploring Seattle on a cruise ship excursion, you might consider using the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle to get you to and from your ship. What an easy way to get you to the top Seattle attractions!

WHALE WATCHING TOUR

If you’d like to see some whales on your Seattle vacation, walk down to Pier 69 and hop aboard a Whale Watching Boat Tour to Friday Harbor.

Hotels Near Pier 66

SEATTLE MARRIOTT WATERFRONT

This is the closest you can stay to Pier 66. It’s easy to walk to a lot of attractions, or just hop on the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle to give your feet a rest!

HISTORIC PIERS/SEATTLE AQUARIUM/PIKE PLACE MARKET

What to do at the Seattle Waterfront

PIER 57/MINER’S LANDING

You know that big Seattle ferris wheel? This is where it’s located! The Seattle Great Wheel is fun to do during the day to see the mountains and water, or at night to see Seattle all lit up! We also like the Wings Over Washington ride nearby.

Photo of a Mom and son riding the Seattle Great Wheel, a top Seattle attraction on the Seattle Waterfront and a fun thing to do in Seattle with kids #seattlegreatwheel #seattle #seattlewa #pnw #pier57 #minerslanding #visitseattle #seattlewaterfront #seattletourism
My son and I LOVE riding the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57. Photo credit: Zoe Burchard

Plus, you can head inside Miner’s Landing to ride their historic carousel, play arcade games, or eat at The Crab Pot. And they have the cutest souvenir shops!

SEATTLE AQUARIUM

The Seattle Aquarium is always a cute place in Seattle for kids. They have an area where kids can touch sea life and ask questions from knowledgeable staff. They are just starting a huge renovation project and it will be completely transformed in the next few years.

ARGOSY CRUISES

Our family LOVES Argosy Cruises. We just did the Tillicum Excursion last month and it was perfect for kids! They also offer a one-hour harbor cruise that’s family-friendly and offers some of the best views of Seattle.

PIKE PLACE MARKET

This is a must-see attraction in Seattle. From the flying fish to Rachel the Pig, there’s a lot to see, hear and smell at Pike Place Market.

Photo of a mom and baby at Pike Place Market, a top Seattle attraction for families and a fun thing to do in Seattle #pikeplacemarket #seattlewa #seattlewaterfront #seattle #pnw #washingtonstate #visitseattle
Pike Place Market has amazing restaurants, yummy treats, and so much people watching! Photo credit: Darren Cheung

If you’d like a formal tour, join this food and cultural Pike Place Market walking tour. And if you’re hoping for less crowds, opt for this early access Pike Place Market food tour. One of the coolest sounding tours is this Chef Guided Happy Hour tour of Pike Place Market.

SEATTLE BY SEGWAY

If you’d like a unique tour of Seattle, try this 2 hour Seattle by Segway tour. It starts just a few blocks from this shuttle stop. You’ll experience most of the shuttle stop attractions, just on a segway.

But, this Seattle Waterfront Shuttle makes it easy to get to the start of this tour, especially if you are staying near Seattle Center.

Hotels Near Pike Place Market

THOMPSON HOTEL SEATTLE

This is a modern luxury hotel that’s super close to Pike Place Market, so you can walk over early in the morning to get those perfect Instagram shots.

[irp posts=”7155″ name=”Spend the Day at Pier 57 in Seattle with Kids”]

South Loop

HISTORIC PIERS/SEATTLE AQUARIUM/PIKE PLACE MARKET

 Since this is Stop F (the hub), I just wanted to make sure to include this again.

FERRIES/WATER TAXIS

Where to go on the Seattle Ferry

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

This is one of our favorite Seattle Ferry excursions with kids! Just walk on as a pedestrian. The ride is about 25-30 minutes.

When you get to Bainbridge Island, you can walk to a cute children’s museum. When you are done there, you can walk through town to get lunch and ice cream.

Plus, they have boutiques and a fun toy store. It’s all easy to do with little kids!

BREMERTON

You’ll want your car to head over to Bremerton. I’ve heard their puppet museum is kind of cool. And they have a bug museum that’s sure to delight kids of all ages!

Where to go on the Seattle Water Taxi

WEST SEATTLE

The West Seattle Water Taxi lets you off right in front of Marination Ma Kai, a popular Hawaiian restaurant.

If you take this Seattle Water Taxi and want to eat there, try to be one of the first ones off the water taxi. The line tends to get long but the food is worth the wait! You can also rent bikes to ride over to Alki.

Photo of the Seattle Water Taxi, an easy way to get around Seattle without a car #seattlewatertaxi #watertaxi #westseattle #kingcounty #wsdot #westseattlewatertaxi
The Seattle Water Taxi is a fun way to explore West Seattle without driving over there. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung
VASHON ISLAND

The King County Water Taxi docks at the Vashon Ferry Terminal. I haven’t explored Vashon, but I’ve heard it’s a bit hilly. But they are some cool parks, interesting shops, and the island has an artsy vibe.

PIONEER SQUARE

What do to in Pioneer Square

UNDERGROUND SEATTLE TOUR

See what Seattle was like back in the pioneer days! This is a one-hour tour of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. You’ll go underground to see the passageways plus get to see what Pioneer Square is like today.

LAST RESORT FIRE DEPARTMENT MUSEUM

Do your kids like fire trucks as much as mine? Then head to this Seattle fire truck museum. It’s a free Seattle attraction where you can see lots of vintage fire trucks!

KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

This is another free thing to do in Seattle and it’s sure to be a hit with kids! It’s been on our bucket list for the past few years. They have a Junior Ranger program where kids can earn a badge while learned all about the gold rush!

SMITH TOWER OBSERVATORY

I’ll let you in on something only Seattle locals know: The Smith Tower is one of the best places to see the Seattle Skyline. Get an all-day ticket so you can take photos in the morning and then come back in the evening.

Photo of Smith Tower Observation area in Seattle, Washington, a top Seattle attraction #smithtower #seattle #seattlewa #visitseattle #seattlephotospots
The view from Smith Tower is amazing, especially on a clear day! Photo credit: Smith Tower

Plus, you can learn all about how this was the tallest tower west of the Mississippi back in the day (you will be shocked how tiny it looks now compared to the rest of Seattle!) Oh, and there’s a Prohibition-area SPEAKEASY here! How fun is that!

WATERFALL GARDEN PARK

This is considered one of Seattle’s “secret parks.” It’s like a little oasis and the perfect way to get a bit of nature in an urban setting.

Hotels Near Pioneer Square

EMBASSY SUITES PIONEER SQUARE

This is one of the newest hotels in Seattle. It’s super easy to walk to the Stadiums, the International District, or just spend time exploring Pioneer Square.

THE ARCTIC CLUB

So, this is my 2nd favorite hotel in Seattle (the first being the Fairmont Olympic.) Even if you don’t stay here, make sure to swing in for a drink. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see walruses carved in the exterior!

STADIUMS/KING STREET STATION

If you are heading to a Mariners, Sounders or Seahawks game, the Seattle Waterfront Shuttle is an easy way to get there from Seattle hotels. We picked up a huge crowd of Dodgers fans from Seattle Center who took the shuttle to Safeco Field.

What to do at This Stop

TOUR THE STADIUMS

My family loves the Seattle Seahawks, so we had a blast touring Century Link Field awhile ago. I’m not a huge Mariners fan, but I will say the tour of Safeco Field is pretty interesting and is definitely worth checking out!

Plus, they have several stores in this area that sells exclusive merchandise for Seattle teams.

EXPLORE SEATTLE CHINATOWN

I first explored Chinatown in Seattle during a 3rd grade field trip. I had never experienced anything like it. My teacher used to go all the time, so she toured us around confidently. Now, my family is there frequently to eat and buy food to take home.

Photo of Seattle Chinatown (also called the International District) near King Street Station and Century Link Field. #chinatown #seattle #internationaldistrict #chinatownseattle #seattleID #seattleneighborhoods
Seattle Chinatown is smaller than other cities, but it’s full of hidden treasures! Photo credit: Darren Cheung

They have a lot of fun events, but parking can be crazy. This Seattle Waterfront Shuttle is a great option for those who don’t want to attempt parking there.

TAKE THE SOUNDER TRAIN OR LIGHT RAIL

If you’d like to explore other areas, this is an easy way to get to the Sounder Train. The Sounder can take you North to Everett, Mukilteo and Edmonds or South to Lakewood, Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent and Tukwila.

Or hop on Link Light Rail to take you around Seattle from SeaTac Airport to the University of Washington.

Hotels Near Seattle Stadiums

SILVER CLOUD HOTEL

If you are traveling to Seattle for a baseball, football or soccer game, this is a convenient place to stay. Plus, they have their own free shuttle to the cruise ship terminal.

[irp posts=”7345″ name=”Riding The Sounder Train to Seattle’s International District for a Play Date”]

Fun Things to do in Seattle With Kids

Seattle Ice Cream Cruise for Kids
How Kid-Friendly is the Seattle MoPOP Museum?
Take a Seattle Argosy Cruise to Kid-Friendly Tillicum Excursion
6 Reasons Your Kid Should Ride Seattle’s Monorail

Looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Seattle? Check out the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle, which is basically a hop on hop off Seattle tour bus. Click to read more or pin to save for later. www.marcieinmommyland.com #seattlewaterfrontshuttle #seattlewa #seattlewaterfront #budgetfriendlytravel #traveltips #visitseattle
Would you like to visit the Seattle Waterfront, but don't want to deal with finding parking? Hop on this free Seattle Waterfront Shuttle which stops at the Seattle Aquarium, the Space Needle, Pioneer Square, and more! Click to read more or pin to save for later. www.marcieinmommyland.com #seattlewaterfrontshuttle #downtownseattleassociation #visitseattle #spaceneedle #seattlecenter #seattletour #seattletourbus #seattleattractions
If you are visiting Seattle, make sure to take advantage of the new free Seattle tour bus which stops at 9 top Seattle attractions. Click to read more or pin to save for later. www.marcieinmommyland.com #seattletour #seattletourbus #thingstodoinseattle #seattlewithkids #familytravel #budgettravel
Seattle can be an expensive city to visit, so why not take advantage of the new Seattle Waterfront Shuttle that stops at 9 spots from the Space Needle to Pioneer Square. Click to get the full scoop and find out what to do at each stop or pin to save for later. www.marcieinmommyland.com #seattlewaterfrontshuttle #visitseattle #downtownseattleassociation #seattlewaterfront #pioneersquare #centurylinkfield #olympicsculpturegarden #seattlecenter

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Suzanne

Friday 28th of June 2019

We just returned home from 3 days in Seattle (after an Alaskan cruise). Thanks for the info about the free shuttle! We loved it. We also bought City Passes before we left home, so we could enjoy many of the spots you recommended. We fell in love with Seattle. Thanks for all the great tips that made our stay so great!

marciecheung

Friday 28th of June 2019

Oh this makes me so happy! Yes, the City Pass is a great option for people wanting to hit Seattle's top attractions!

Nicole

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

I did not know about this free shuttle but will definitely use it now that I do.Thanks for sharing!

marciecheung

Thursday 30th of August 2018

I was pretty happy with how easy it was to use (after we asked a few questions)

Sandra Negron

Monday 27th of August 2018

Wow this was such an informative and thorough post about Seattle tour bus. It is a city that is on my bucket list so I will be bookmarking this post for the future.

marciecheung

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

I hope you can come visit Seattle! It's a fabulous vacation spot!

Suzanne Melton

Monday 27th of August 2018

Seattle is on our "to-do" list as we have friends in Portland. For me, I have to visit because I can't go a single day without drinking a cup of coffee from a certain coffee chain based out of Seattle.

marciecheung

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

Haha! You can totally visit their HQ!

Autumn Murray

Sunday 26th of August 2018

I love Seattle! It has been a while since I have been. I have a trip scheduled there next month and appreciate the current tips on what to do and see!

marciecheung

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

I hope you have a fabulous trip!

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