Pier 55, Seattle

Pier 55 is a public dock on Seattle's central waterfront where visitors book boat tours, eat at restaurants, and enjoy views of Elliott Bay. The pier connects popular spots like Pike Place Market to the water's edge and offers shops, food vendors, and access to nearby attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium.

The first Pier 4, built in 1900, collapsed in September 1901, spilling at least 1,700 tons of freight; Northern Pacific Railroad rebuilt it the next year with stronger bracing. Its first tenant, Arlington Dock Company, booked passenger steamships to Alaska, Asia and Europe. Renumbered Pier 55 during World War II, it was remodeled in 1945 and served as Fisheries Supply Company's home from at least 1938 into the 1980s.

The pier's name changed from Pier 4 to Pier 55 during World War II, when Pier 3 was renumbered. Its long-time tenant, Fisheries Supply Company, occupied the pier from at least 1938 to the 1980s. Today it serves as the Seattle terminal for Argosy Cruises, whose boats depart from the foot of Seneca Street.

The pier is easy to reach and sits about 20 minutes on foot from Pike Place Market. It is helpful to wear layers since weather near the water can change quickly and may turn windy or rainy.

The pier's first tenant, the Arlington Dock Company, sold passenger steamship tickets to Alaska, Asia and Europe. The original Pier 4 collapsed in September 1901, dumping at least 1,700 tons of freight into the water; nobody was killed, and the rebuilt pier, finished the next year with stronger bracing, still stands as Pier 55.