Waterfall Garden
Serenity Awaits at Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfall Garden: An Urban Oasis in Seattle's Pioneer Square
Discover a hidden oasis in Seattle's Pioneer Square: a 22-foot waterfall, tranquil gardens, and a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
The Waterfall Garden, also known as UPS Park, is a hidden gem in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square. This privately-owned pocket park features a stunning 22-foot man-made waterfall, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle [6, 10].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Waterfall Garden
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
8 am-5:45 pm
Tuesday
8 am-5:45 pm
Wednesday
8 am-5:45 pm
Thursday
8 am-5:45 pm
Friday
8 am-5:45 pm
Saturday
8 am-5:45 pm
Sunday
8 am-5:45 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Waterfall Garden
Getting There
Walking
From Pioneer Square Station, walk south on 3rd Avenue South. Turn left onto Main Street and then turn left again onto 2nd Avenue South. The Waterfall Garden will be on your right [6, 14]. The walk is approximately 2 blocks and should take about 5 minutes. There is no cost for walking.
Public Transport
The Pioneer Square neighborhood is easily accessible via public transportation [2, 14]. Take the Link Light Rail to the Pioneer Square Station [2, 14]. From there, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, several bus routes serve Pioneer Square [2, 4]. Check King County Metro, Sound Transit Express, or Community Transit for specific routes and schedules [2, 4, 14]. A one-way adult fare on Sound Transit is $3 [22]. An ORCA card, which costs $3, can be loaded with a regional day pass for $6, offering unlimited rides on participating agencies [11, 20, 21, 22].
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle [2, 11]. A short ride from downtown Seattle to the Waterfall Garden in Pioneer Square will typically cost between $5 and $15, depending on the service and demand [4, 11]. Be aware that prices may be higher during peak hours or special events [11].
Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in Pioneer Square can be limited and expensive [2, 23]. Several parking garages are available in the area [2, 5, 9]. Stadium Place Garage (530 Occidental Ave S) is a 3-minute walk and offers parking for $6 for 2 hours [5]. On-street parking is also an option, but rates vary and are enforced Monday through Saturday [2, 25]. Parking is free on Sundays [25].
Local tips
✓
Visit during late morning or after lunchtime to avoid the peak lunch hour when tables may be occupied by local workers [23].
✓
Consider packing a lunch to enjoy in the park, as there are many cafes and bistros nearby [23].
✓
Check for events at the nearby stadiums (Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders) to avoid crowded conditions and parking difficulties [23].
✓
Photography and filming are allowed during park hours without special permission, as the park is a private space with public access [10].
Discover more about Waterfall Garden
Nestled in the heart of Seattle's Pioneer Square, the Waterfall Garden provides a unique and serene experience [6, 10]. Created in 1978 on the original site of the United Parcel Service (UPS) headquarters, this privately-owned park commemorates the company's humble beginnings [6, 8, 10]. The park was designed by Masao Kinoshita with Sasaki Associates and funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, established by UPS founder James Casey to honor his mother [6, 8, 10, 13].
The garden's centerpiece is a dramatic 22-foot waterfall cascading over natural granite boulders, with 5,000 gallons of water pumped over it per minute [6]. The sound of the cascading water creates a soothing ambiance, helping visitors forget they are in the middle of a bustling city [6, 23]. The park also features a Japanese garden with botanicals native to Japan and a pool designed by Yoshikuni Araki [6].
Open to the public during the day, the Waterfall Garden offers a tranquil retreat with tables and chairs for relaxation [6, 10]. It's a popular spot for locals to enjoy lunch and take a break [23]. The park's design has won awards, including the Environmental Award of the American Nurserymens Association in 1981 [6]. The Annie E. Casey Foundation continues to maintain the park, ensuring its beauty and tranquility for years to come [8, 10].
A brief summary to Waterfall Garden
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Auburn
Discover Auburn, Alabama: A vibrant city with rich history, beautiful parks, and Southern hospitality, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and sports enthusiasts.
Tell me more about Auburn