Where We Are
We acknowledge that this Indigenous land now called Pioneer Square is the ancestral land of the Coast Salish people. We recognize, honor, and respect the Indigenous peoples connected to this land; past, present and future.
Pioneer Square is at the heart of Historic Seattle Downtown and surrounded by:
Retail Core to the North
Chinatown - International District to the East
SODO District to the south, home to our city's two major stadiums: Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park
Central Waterfront to the West
This neighborhood is served by more modes of transit than anywhere else in the city. It’s easily accessible from Interstate 5 and 90, as well as the Highway 99. Even the connection to Sea-Tac International Airport is direct and practical on the Sound Transit Link Light Rail. See the Getting Here page for more transportation options.
Check out our official guide to all the great places to shop, dine, be inspired, and have fun in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.
Pioneer Square is managed by two organizations- the Alliance for Pioneer Square and the Pioneer Square Business Improvement Area (BIA). The Alliance for Pioneer Square is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to help preserve what makes Pioneer Square the most authentic, engaging and dynamic neighborhood in Seattle. We do this by effectively implementing programs in the following areas: business development, communications and marketing, advocacy, public realm, and leadership. The oldest Business Improvement Area in the city, the businesses of the Pioneer Square BIA fund beautification, marketing and promotion, and the Alliance’s neighborhood advocacy and activation.
The Alliance for Pioneer Square is funded in part by the 4Culture Lodging Tax.
Who We Are
Pioneer Square has a rich history, stretching from the earliest habitation of the native Duwamish and Suquamish people to the establishment of Seattle as a world-class city. In the 1850s, the settlers who shaped the future of Seattle - entrepreneurs like Arthur Denny, "Doc" Maynard, and Henry Yesler - first landed in Pioneer Square. When early settlers arrived, the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes welcomed and helped settlers build their city, but urbanization and city policies eventually pushed these indigenous tribes from their land and the Pioneer Square area.
Pioneer Square is Seattle’s Original neighborhood established in 1852. Naturally, this historical community has experienced many changes over the course of time from natural disasters to the Gold Rush, political uprisings to urban renewals and from pioneers to a melting pot of demographics and businesses. It features the perfect balance of old coexisting with new. Imagine the history you will discover waltzing through its storied streets. Come experience the natural beauty of the neighborhood now the birthplace to thriving businesses, vibrant shops, lively arts, top rated eateries and night life ranging from manic to romantic. It's all here, waiting to be explored...