Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Seattle
Seattle is Accessibility Verified through Wheel the World.
That means trained accessibility mappers have been on the ground here, measuring and documenting over 60 places — including hotels, attractions, restaurants, venues, and transportation.
Because accessibility isn’t one size fits all, these assessments focus on real details to give you the information you actually need to decide what will work for you.
Many of the places featured in this guide have been Accessibility Verified. If you want to learn more about what that means, you can read more you can read more here.
Seattle is a classic Pacific Northwest city settled between mountains and ocean. That means you have it all at your disposal: parks, culture, nature, views, and a diverse set of mouthwatering food options.
And now, as an Accessibility Verified destination, Seattle has more options than ever for people with disabilities. In this article, we will delve into the top wheelchair accessible things to do during your visit.
What’s Ahead
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Seattle
1. Pike Place Market
Opened over a century ago in 1907, Pike Place Market is a must-visit if you go to Seattle. It sits right above Elliott Bay and is one of the city’s most iconic spots, filled with local vendors, fresh seafood, flower stalls, and small shops that have been around for decades.
You’ll likely catch the famous fish toss at the fish market, a long-standing tradition that started as a way for vendors to work more efficiently and has since become part of the market’s identity.
Pike Place is lively and can get quite busy throughout the day, but it’s still doable for wheelchair users. The main entrance with the big red sign does have some cobblestone, which can be bumpy, but it’s a short stretch and avoidable. Throughout the market, there are smoother sidewalks, ramps, and elevator access at multiple locations. The elevators are especially helpful if you want to explore the lower levels without dealing with steep ramps. You can find their locations on this map of the market.
If crowds are tough for you, going earlier in the morning can make a noticeable difference. Grab some chowder or fish n’ chips (or both), wander around, and enjoy a market that’s been a core part of the Emerald City for generations.
Also worth noting, just steps away you’ll find the original Starbucks location. It's nothing fancy really, but it's a cool little tidbit. Nearby, the Seattle Waterfront offers views of the bay and access to boat tours, which we’ll mention later.
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2. Argosy Cruises
Argosy Cruises is one of the easiest ways to see Seattle from a completely different angle. Departing right from the waterfront, their harbor cruises loop you out onto Elliott Bay and give you views of the skyline, the port, and surrounding neighborhoods that you just don’t get from land. The cruise itself is short and relaxed and along the way there’s live narration that covers Seattle’s history, the working waterfront, and some of the city’s quirks.
Argosy regularly accommodates wheelchair users. Staff assist with boarding and secure chairs once onboard. The ramp down to the boat can feel a bit tight at the bottom depending on conditions, but overall the process is well-managed and staff are attentive.
View more accessibility info and photos.
3. Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre outdoor park operated by the Seattle Art Museum, located right along Elliott Bay just north of downtown. It connects the city to the waterfront and runs between Belltown and the Seattle Center area, making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring the city.
The park is mainly outdoors and features large-scale sculptures installed throughout the grounds. You’ll see works by well-known artists like Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois as you move through the park. One of the most recognizable pieces is Eagle by Calder, which you’ll likely spot early on.
What makes the park unique is how it’s built. The paths zigzag down toward the water in a series of wide, paved ramps rather than stairs. This design was intentional as it was created to reconnect the city to the waterfront while staying accessible. The grades are gradual, and you can choose how far you want to go without committing to the full loop. They have an accessible bathroom, parking, and information in print and large print for people with hearing or visual disabilities.
Because it’s open-air and free to visit, you can spend 15 minutes here or an hour, depending on your energy. You’ll get views of Puget Sound, passing ferries, the Olympic Mountains on clear days, and the city skyline all in one place.
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4. Museum of Pop Culture
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) sits right next to the Space Needle and is one of Seattle’s most recognizable buildings. The exterior alone is worth seeing. It’s a massive, colorful structure designed by Frank Gehry that looks nothing like a traditional museum.
Inside, the museum covers music, movies, TV, video games, and pop culture history. You’ll find everything from guitars and costumes to movie props and immersive exhibits. One of the standout features is the central guitar sculpture, where dozens of guitars are stacked vertically and visible from multiple levels.
The museum is entirely indoors and spread across multiple floors connected by six elevators. All exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair and accessible restrooms are available. They also have sensory friendly programs, along with large and translation guides.
View more accessibility info and photos.
5. Seattle Waterfront
Seattle’s Waterfront stretches for about a mile along Elliott Bay, running roughly from Pier 62 near Pike Place Market to Pier 66. It’s one of the most concentrated areas in the city for views, food, and attractions, all in one place.
The views look straight out over Elliott Bay, and on clear days you can see the Olympic Mountains across the water. As you move along the Waterfront, you’ll pass several piers with different purposes. Pier 57 is home to the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington. Pier 59 houses the Seattle Aquarium. Piers 55 and 56 are where many harbor cruises and boat tours depart, including Argosy Cruises.
The main thing to plan for is the elevation change between downtown/Pike Place Market and the Waterfront. Step-free access is available via:
- Pike Place Market elevators, including the Western Avenue elevator near the Pike Place Market Garage
- Hillclimb elevators inside the market
- The Overlook Walk, a newer, fully accessible ramped connection linking the market area to Pier 62 and the central Waterfront
Once you’re down at the Waterfront level, the promenade itself is flat and easy to move through.
6. Seattle Aquarium
Speaking of the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium sits right at Pier 59. It focuses on Pacific Northwest marine life, so instead of huge tropical tanks, you’ll see things like otters, seals, sea lions, jellyfish, and tide pool species that actually live in the waters just outside.
The aquarium is fully indoors and spread across a few connected buildings. Elevators connect all levels, and exhibits are set up so you can get close to the tanks without awkward angles or blocked views. The underwater dome is a highlight. It puts you eye level with fish swimming overhead and is easy to take in from a wheelchair.
The entrances are step-free, restrooms are accessible and all exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair. They also offer sensory services and assistive listening to accommodate a great experience for as many people as possible.
View more accessibility info and photos.
7. Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is located right next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center and focuses entirely on the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly, who’s based in the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve ever seen blown glass before and thought “that’s cool,” this takes it several levels further.
The experience is split into indoor galleries and an outdoor garden. Inside, you’ll move through a series of rooms showcasing large-scale glass installations—ceilings covered in colorful pieces, massive chandeliers, and themed exhibits that show how Chihuly’s style evolved over time.
Outside, the glass sculptures are set directly into a landscaped garden, with plants chosen to complement the colors and shapes of the artwork. The contrast between the glass, greenery, and the Space Needle overhead is what makes this stop memorable.
Accessibility-wise, the entire attraction is wheelchair accessible, including smooth paths through the garden and step-free access indoors. There are accessible restrooms on site as well.
View more accessibility info and photos.
8. Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel is located on Pier 57 along the Waterfront and has been part of the skyline since 2012. At 175 feet tall, it’s one of the largest Ferris wheels in the country and gives you a slow, elevated look over Elliott Bay, the piers, and downtown Seattle. The full ride lasts about 15 minutes, so it doesn't take too much time out of your day, but gives plenty of time to take in the views.
The gondolas are wheelchair accessible with ramps allowing you to roll directly inside without transferring. Staff can provide assistance with boarding if needed and make sure chairs are positioned securely before the ride starts.
View more accessibility info and photos.
9. Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum sits downtown, about a five-minute roll from Pike Place Market, which makes it easy to pair with time at the market or the Waterfront. It’s the city’s main art museum and focuses on a mix of modern, contemporary, and global art rather than one specific style or era.
What makes SAM worth a stop is the variety. You might see large-scale modern installations, rotating traveling exhibitions, and permanent works from Africa, Asia, Indigenous cultures, and Europe all in one visit.
The building is fully indoors with electronically assisted door entrances, elevators that connect to all levels, and all exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair. They have accessible restrooms all sorts of accommodations for people with visual or hearing disabilities, including ASL interpretation upon request, visual aids, and verbal descriptions.
View more accessibility info and photos.
10. Eat Your Way Through the City
Being right next to the ocean means Seattle has some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. And the options are plentiful. Fresh clam chowder and fish n' chips are hard to beat. If you're a little more adventurous with your palate, try some osyters. Seattle is known for them. You’ll see different varieties depending on where they’re harvested, like Kumamoto oysters, which are small and sweet, or briny Pacific oysters that taste like the ocean. Some places serve them raw on the half shell, others grill or bake them with butter, garlic, or herbs. They are also known for wild salmon, sweet Dungeness crab, and many more things.
Beyond seafood, Seattle has no shortage of great restaurants, coffee spots, and bars. And because you're in the city, you'll be able to come across some hole-in-the-wall or cool looking places with a view where you can stop in and relax for a while.
Bottom line: taste your way through the city.
View the full list of verified food and drink spots in Seattle.
Plan Your Visit With Peace of Mind
Travel should not come with fears and concerns every step of the way. That is why we have over 60 verified spots in Seattle, so you can find the hotels, activities, and more that will actually work for you. Start planning your visit with additional resources below:
🏨 Verified accessible hotels in Seattle
📝 Full accessible guide to Seattle
♿ Plan your Seattle visit with verified and accurate accessibility details
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