Galleries to Seek Out
Stonington Gallery
Start at Stonington Gallery, which highlights contemporary Indigenous art and makes a rewarding stop if you are drawn to Native artists of the Northwest Coast and beyond. Collectors and curious visitors will both feel at home here. Afterward, stroll over to the Tlingit totem pole in Pioneer Square Park for more context on the region's Indigenous art traditions.
J. Rinehart Gallery
Head to J. Rinehart Gallery, at 319 3rd Ave S, to see what painters and makers from the Puget Sound region are working on right now. Its regional focus makes it a natural place to find art with a clear sense of place, the kind of piece that keeps reminding you of the Northwest.
Gray Sky Gallery
At Gray Sky Gallery, artists work across a wide range of materials, from acrylic paint to resin to wire. Seeing such unexpected techniques side by side makes for a fun stop, and it slots neatly into a gallery crawl around the neighborhood.
Local Shops for Gifts, Books and Style
Glasshouse Studio
Glasshouse Studio, at 311 Occidental Ave S, is known as the oldest glassblowing studio in the Northwest. Browse shelves of decorative pieces from votives to water vessels, and you may catch a glassblower at work. It is an easy place to pick up a handmade souvenir that clearly comes from Seattle, and Occidental Square is just a short walk away.
Beguiled Books
Romance readers, make your way to Beguiled Books at 109 1st Ave S, a bookstore given over entirely to the genre. Fans praise both its carefully chosen selection and its striking interior design. It is a welcoming stop for devoted readers and a great spot to find a fun gift.
Frida
Right next door to Beguiled Books, Frida sells rare vintage clothing, so the two pair up beautifully. Spend some time here if you love hunting for one-of-a-kind pieces rather than flipping through new-season racks.
Marigold and Mint Botanicals
Marigold and Mint Botanicals is admired for its artful flower arrangements. Stop in for a host gift or something beautiful for your own table, or simply linger over the thoughtful floral design.
Hometeam Seattle
Hometeam Seattle is the neighborhood's sneaker shop, stocking timeless classics alongside limited editions. Collectors come chasing hard-to-find pairs, while others drop by for a dependable everyday shoe. Its spot near the stadiums makes it handy before or after a game.
Check each business's own website for current hours and details before you go.
Time Your Visit for First Thursday
First Thursday Art Walk is the neighborhood's signature monthly event, and organizers call it the longest running art walk in the nation. Galleries open their doors to crowds, making it one of the liveliest times to browse. Look up the current gallery list and any updates on the Pioneer Square neighborhood website.
Between stops, take in the area's landmarks. Look up at Smith Tower, the white terra cotta skyscraper that has risen over the neighborhood since it opened in 1914. When you need a break, rest on the restored lawn at City Hall Park beside the King County Courthouse.
Getting There and Parking
Pioneer Square sits minutes from the waterfront, Pike Place Market, downtown, SoDo, the Chinatown-International District and the stadiums. According to the neighborhood organization, more transportation options serve it than anywhere else in Seattle, so transit is often the simplest way to arrive.
- Transit: Visit the getting here page on the Pioneer Square neighborhood website for current options.
- Garages: Several parking garages and lots operate in the neighborhood.
- Street parking: On-street rates vary, so review the Seattle Department of Transportation website before you park.
Ready to keep exploring? Browse our guide to Seattle neighborhoods.
