Seattle Aquarium
7.4Friend Score / 10#6 of 9 Attractions in Seattle
Known foraquariumsea ottersocean pavilionunderwater dome
A solid mid-size aquarium on the downtown waterfront, now much bigger thanks to the new Ocean Pavilion showcasing Coral Triangle tropical life. Great for families and a rainy day; the sea otters and the underwater dome are the crowd favorites. Prices swing high, so buy weekday timed tickets online to save.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:30–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Waterfront near Pike Place; short walk from downtown transit tunnel and Link at Westlake |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings right at opening |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.4/10- Value6.5
- iconic6.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it a good rainy-day option?
- Yes, it's one of the better indoor picks downtown when Seattle weather turns. Just expect it to be busiest exactly when everyone else has the same rainy-day idea.
- What is the Ocean Pavilion?
- It's the aquarium's major new expansion, a showcase for tropical Coral Triangle marine life with thousands of animals and a large habitat you can view from multiple angles. It roughly doubled the experience and is the main reason to visit now.
- Is it worth it for adults without kids?
- It's enjoyable but geared toward families, so a couple of hours is plenty. If you love marine life the Ocean Pavilion and the underwater dome are worth it; otherwise the price-to-time ratio favors families.
- What are the hours?
- Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. Timed ticketing means you pick an entry window when you buy.
- How do I get there on transit?
- It's on the downtown waterfront just below Pike Place Market. Take Link light rail or buses to Westlake or the downtown core and walk down the hill; it's an easy car-free stop.
- How long does a visit take?
- Most people spend about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. With the new pavilion added, budget closer to the higher end if you like to read exhibits and catch feedings.
- How much are Seattle Aquarium tickets?
- Adult (13+) tickets run roughly $28 to $53 depending on the date, and kids 4-12 are about $17 to $32, with under-3 free. Weekdays and Washington-resident rates are cheaper, so the date you pick matters a lot.
- Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
- It's strongly recommended. Tickets are timed and popular slots sell out on weekends and in summer, plus advance online purchase usually beats the door price.
Nearby in Ask Seattle
- Seattle Great WheelAttraction0.15 km · 2 min walk
- Zig Zag CafeBar0.23 km · 3 min walk
- Pike Place MarketMarket0.24 km · 3 min walk
- Seattle Art MuseumMuseum0.37 km · 5 min walk
- Top Pot Doughnuts (Belltown Flagship)Café0.8 km · 10 min walk
Where to stay near Seattle Aquarium
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