A couple squares of green along the northern edge of Pike Place Market, this small park recently reopened in March 2025 after some renovations to improve the structural integrity of the park grounds and the underground parking below it. This park provides a little bit of open air respite from the crowds within the market, on July 4th weekend it was pretty packed with loungers, picnickers, tourists taking a break or snapping the waterfront views. Some benches and picnic tables are available. The site of the park is south of what was once the Washington State National Guard Armory built around 1909, was partially destroyed in a 1962 fire, then almost turned into high rise developments and offices during a period when Pike Place Market was proposed to be demolished, but ultimately saved by protests by "Friends of the Market". The city purchased the land on which the armory used to stand and then transferred jurisdiction of a parcel to the parks department, which designated this as "Market Park" in 1982, then renamed in honor of Victor Steinbrueck, an architect, faculty at the University of Washington, and historical preservationist of buildings in Seattle. He was known for his work in helping to design the Space Needle and his advocacy for the restoration and preservation of Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. read more

Great view close to Pike Place Market. Want to get away from all the hustle and bustle? This is a great place to sit and look at the ferries go by and eat your Piroshki. read more

Location, location, location. Nice little park next to Pike Place Market, the Original Starbucks, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Pike Place Fish Market and more. Harbor views are spectacular. Grab a bite to eat and sit on the grassy lawn while you eat and relax. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Great views of the port - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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These are the two totem poles where you can pick up a FREE walking tour. Very informative. The totems were made by local artists, not historical in nature. Today is the Harvest Festival and the pigs are on parade in the Public Market Center. read more

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It's a really pretty waterfront park with totem poles and sculptures. Lots of grass to enjoy and benches to sit on. The reason for four stars and not five is that there are a lot of homeless people that hang out here. It gives it a dirty and scary feel. Overall I enjoyed it, but be aware of your surroundings. read more

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Been here multiple times and I never knew that this was actually a park. I always thought that this place being a part of the Pike Place market. That is probably because it is beside Pike Place. There are vendors selling stuff here in the summer time. This park is super small. Great water view. But again... at night lots of homeless people hang out here. read more

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This is a great little park right next to Pike Place Market. I visited it last time I was in Seattle and this time it was a must as it has wonderful views of the water and mountains. Also they have a large carved Totem pole which to me is very indigenous to the Northwest. There is park benches to sit and have your coffee from one of the many Starbucks in the area. As this is Seattle it is usually rainy so it will be too wet to sit down so this will definitely cut down on how long you stay here. The park is free but definitely great to people watch as so many tourists come here me being one of them. A definite stop on your visit to Seattle. read more

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It's a shame Victor Steinbrueck Park is always dirty because the location is prime and the views of the waterfront are awesome. But every time I come by this park there's always litter. Located at the end of the stone driveway of Pike Place Market, this park is usually busy. It's not a park you'd come by if you're looking for a quiet place to sit on the grass though. It's near where stands are set up, so a lot of food traffic around and tour groups meet up here as their starting point. Yet, there's also a lot of homeless people that congregate around here, so the park more often than not has litter everywhere on the grass. If you're looking for a park around Pike Place Market, then this isn't really where you'd want to go and hang out in. It's more of a meeting spot where you'd circle back with someone since it's so easy to find in the Market area. But I wouldn't recommend it for green or outdoor space, which again, is a shame since the location is popular. read more

Is this where the bums hang out? We saw so many bums here mixed with tourist, even an "international rapper"... Views are nice when it's a clear day, located at the end of the market. It's a small park, nothing special except the view of the water, the islands and the snow capped mountains. Other than that, look at the mountains, water and islands then leave because if you sit long enough you'll definitely be bothered by anyone who's looking for something. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - View - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The way I see it, Victor Steinbrueck Park is the park at Pike Place. It is a 0.8 acre square to the south of Pike Place Market. The last couple of days when my family and I visited both Pike Place Market and the Very First Starbucks, we would spend a few minutes at Victor Steinbrueck Park. It is an enjoyable park to unwind for a bit while enjoying the Seattle scenery. This scenery is the equivalent of a Seattle postcard. When I looked north, I took in the view of modern skyscrapers towering over historic Pikes Place Market. When I looked to the northeast I saw State Route 99 reaching to Safeco Field in the horizon with the ferris wheel, aquarium, and waterfront landmarks to the right of it. When I looked straight I saw Pungent Sound with Bainbridge Island in the background and the ferry between. When I looked to the east, I saw the Very First Starbuck's. And when I looked up, I saw two totem poles. When I looked immediately around me I saw all types people. There were teens hanging out. The homeless using the park as their living room. Families spending time together. And tourists taking in the scenery. With its location adjacent to Pike Place Market and near the Waterfront, it is one crowded park. Taking into consideration that the Very First Starbuck's features zero seats, this is the place to drink Starbuck's. When I brought a cup of coffee from the Very First Starbucks, I would cross Pike Place and drink it in Victor Steinbrueck Park. Regardless that Victor Steinbrueck Park is no bigger than a Barnes & Noble for example, I recommend spending a few minutes there for its postcard views of Seattle. The views of the Waterfront, Very First Starbucks, and skyscrapers towering over Pikes Place Market with close proximity to Pikes Place Market get my Yelp stamp of 4 star approval. The 2013 Yelp 200 Challenge Review #121. read more

Maybe for locals this park is whatever or nothing special, but as a tourist, this was a great spot for scenery and pictures. It was hard finding this spot when we were below it on the pier and Alaskan way, not knowing that we had to take an elevator up to get to Western Ave. *laughs TOURIST* yea yea I know haha. We were so lost, but when we finally found it (very close to pike place), it was sunset! So maybe it was good that we got last after all :) Picture at sunset! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/victor-steinbrueck-park-seattle?select=4bvEWMhS4_mC7jAMB-TJ4g#4bvEWMhS4_mC7jAMB-TJ4g read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - sunset :) - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Everything located here.. local flavor and tourist talented well mixed, with a dollop of police presence to ward off the potheads and pickpockets. Loved. Couldn't think of a better way to experience the jaunt we took from SEA-TAC than to chill here after a great lunch in Post Alley. Wonderful, lazy warm sun, admiring Puget Sound and the Bainbridge ferry, interspersed with people watching galore! PS Tully's about 100 yards away: ba code:1005 read more

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Kind of a lame park. Seattle stands out for having great city parks and this one is low tier. Not worth checking out unless you're in the area and need somewhere for your dog to poop maybe read more

My friends and I took a trip to Seattle early January, so we expected a lot of tourists. We ran into Victor Steinbrueck Park by accident, but we were glad nonetheless. Smaller than a usual park, but there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy the nice view of Bob Ross mountains. Located at the end of Pike Place Market, this is the perfect location to meet with your friends, figure out what's next on your agenda or enjoy a cup of coffee. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

There was this guy in the park with a pair of titey whitey underwear on his head, his boxers on the outside of his pants, dancing around like a lunatic singing Pink's "Get This Party Started." The tourists stopped and gaped, 'they don't got nothing like this back home!' A crowd of locals watched, some cheered. One dude even video taped. A dog barked. Someone waved a sign that said, "Points At Crotch." A guy was yelling about Islam. Some homeless girls were fighting each other. It was an interesting day. Oh, by the way, that weird guy dancing around with underwear on his head? That was me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcH24Ge5tSI read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - I can finally say that I'm one of those "weird guys at the park." - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This tiny park is attached like an appendage adjacent to Pike Place Market. There is a plot of grass, some tables and some seats available for sitting. The pros: on a clear day, truly breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the mountains over on the Olympic peninsula. Its right next to the Market so after getting your slab of smoked salmon, piroshki and cup of mac and cheese, you can wander over to sit and enjoy the views. There are usually some interesting street buskers doing some type of routine like juggling or magic tricks to wow and amaze. The cons: Its right next to Pike Market so on most days it is literally teaming with tourists. I guess that is to be expected, you are at the market afterall. This makes finding a place to sit dicey sometmes. The Alaskan way viaduct (route 99) runs adjacent to the park so your pristine views of the sound is accompanied by the roar of traffic. Aside from the tourists, it is usually a congregation place for Seattle's transients that you can usually find passed out on the plot of grass. We all need a nice plot of grass to snooze on right? My advice would be to check this place out earlier in the day when the crowds are smaller and you have a higher likely hood to actually enjoy the view. read more

I've been going to this park since before I moved to Seattle. I used to drive up from Portland, wander through the market, and click my touristy ass taking pictures. Till today, I have a way of ending up at this little park. Over the years, I've grabbed a piroshky, gyro, sandwich or whatever I have handy, and made my way to the park. During peak times, finding a bench seat is challenging. There is a grassy area and more often than not, I end up sitting there. Just watch out for the typical hazards you find with grass. The views are varied. You can face the Market or the water. I used to like to look down at Highway 99 but that just got too depressing. Look straight ahead at the snow capped mountain range, the ferry floating by, or the awesome totem pole that sits in the park. People watching is amusing as you get a mixed bag of tourists and locals. Some of the locals are eclectic to say the least. On this particular day, my friend spotted what appeared to be a topless woman. Don't worry she wasn't naked or anything. She had electrical tape arranged on her nipples as pasties - classy, functional, and completely awesome. I'm used to seeing buskers there as well. However, on this day, there were a group of people arranged to watch an individual up on a pedestal of some sort. They all took turns and clapped and appreciated each other. I'm not sure what was being said but they looked like they were having a good time. There's also some panhandling and what appear to be unsavory types in the area. I'm used to all of that so it doesn't bother me. I keep returning here so it can't be all bad - it's a-okay in my book. read more

This park kind of reminds me of a big Seattle omellete. It's a whole bunch of the ingredients that make up seattle whisked together to make up an unusual and tasty dish. You've got giddy tourists, munching on tasty treats while staring at the view. You've got various street people drinking strange beverages and staring at the tourists. You've got us locals pretty much staring at nothing but our book, our cup of coffee, and maybe on a nice day, the view. And you've got police and various evangelists staring at everyone else. There really aren't too many other "omelette" spots like this in Seattle where the view, the people, the location and the history all bump into each other at the same time. read more

This park has several positives and negatives. What I really enjoy about Victor Steinbrueck Park is the people watching and the waterfront view. There's a full range of demographics here for people watching purposes and everyone's just chillin'. Some people are chillin' a little too much and they have their crack pipes out in the open. ugh! Police walk through, but it appears their primary function is to keep the peace and they don't actually do anything about the open drug/alcohol use. Not exactly a destination, but if you're already at Pike Place... read more

Cool park. Pretty much a patch of grass on the waterfront, but after finding out way through the crowds of pikes place it's a nice change. A good place for a midday nap, people watching, and boat spotting. There's a totem pole and you can see the Ferris wheel. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Lovely day in the park! - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The park would be more enjoyable if it weren't for the numerous shady vagrants perched all over the place. It sits at the west entrance to Pike Street so its a place where a lot of people stop at to take pictures. There's a great view of the skyline and Sound, and is surrounded by numerous businesses & restaurants. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - The park - VN - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Victor Steinbrueck Park has one of the views of the city of Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound and the scenery around. Expect lots of interesting and weird characters at Victor Steinbrueck Park. Now that the Alaska Viaduct is torn down, the views have gotten better and less traffic notice. read more

Two words: People-watching. Level: Intermediate. I am one of those seattleites who enjoy the sport of people-watching and if you come to this park, there is quite a variety of people around. You will see and definitely hear all that is happening since the park is on the smaller side. As a side note, it's not the type of people-watching from behind a glass window at a restaurant or a coffee shop where you are in some way "protected" from people approaching you, etc because depending on the time and day, anything can happen. People asking for money, people blasting their music too loud or shouting profanities (and then police or other enforcement telling them to move along), people selling refreshments, tourists asking you to take pictures of them jumping, or even a quiet PETA protest. Overall, the view is amazing and the totem poles are a nice touch as well. I usually buy a panini from Michou and possibly an apple juice/cider from one of the stands (if I forgot to bring water) in the market and bask in the sun/overcast. A definitely recommend for tourists and people who are a people-person. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This can be a great park, it can also be a bad one. On the top of the positives are the views, Whatever else you think of the park you have to give it that. it has an unobstructed view across the Sound (check out the ferries) There are always lots of people here, all kinds of people (lots of homeless, some tourists, often a police officer or two. That CAN be a good thing, good people watching. All kinds of people. I have seen people get very stressed by this though. Sometimes I've been by here when people aren't respecting the people around them that is bad (openly using drugs and playing music to loud is the worst I have seen.) I like the totem poles to and that there are lots of places to sit and take it all in. Its a small park so if it gets to be to much for you, your escape is close by. Speaking of close by...the Pikes Place Market is right by it. read more

Good place to lumber about while sipping our iced coffee and taking a break from all the walking around we'd been doing. While there on a Tuesday in the late afternoon, it was filled with hundreds of people, just hanging out. All benches, chairs, planter edges, and all other manner of seats more than simply settling one's self on the ground (many sat or lay on the lawn) were taken up by people from all walks of life, be they tourist, homeless, business suited, loud drunkard, artist, joggers, or anyone else just taking in the view. Being on the edge of the Pike Place Market, it gets loads of foot traffic, as you can imagine. The park is perched right above a fast-moving highway and the railing is lined with people having their pictures taken. You get views of the sound, the ferris wheel, the tall buildings, the totem poles within the park, and, yes, lots and lots of speeding cars. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park is a mixed bag--very likely literally, as I'm pretty sure you can score a bag of pot of dubious origin. In its current state, I waffle between two and three stars, but I can't bring myself to award only two stars to a park with as magnificent setting and view. The view is stellar. There's no disagreement about this. You can take in the bay, cargo ships, ferries making their crossings, the port, Bainbridge, West Seattle, the Olympics (provided it's clear enough), and a whole lotta sky, which, even if not sunny, can still be a rewarding sight. However, the latent sketchiness really draws down the enjoyment factor. If you are here for any length of time, something _will_ happen that probably unsettles you at least slightly. Today, it was the man murmuring to himself who came near, walked in a ~20' diameter circle in front of me (while murmuring), then walked off. Recently a lunch companion and I were approached by a man carrying an open bottle of wine who had no reservations about approaching, interrupting our lunch and conversation, SITTING DOWN at the the table, and talking rapidly and intensely to, well, I'd say "us," but he was clearly focused on my much-more-attractive-than-me companion. When he reached for her arm, it was quickly decided that it was time to go--hardly leaving under one's own natural volition. That's the kind of experience that makes you wonder why you even bother trying to deal with this park. Then there are the days where the weather is nice and you encounter some genuinely nice folks, like Al, who grinned broadly as I passed with my dog, and asked about her, and talked about his own dogs, shook my hand and "God blessed" me prior to us parting ways. Pretty much the polar opposite of leaving hastily because of discomfort. Like I said, a mixed bag. read more

Yo, Vick! Can you spare a dime bag? Yo, Vick! Can I get a swig of that Forty you just scored? Yo, Vick, what's the dilly-o wid all these tourist in da hood? Some of the sweetest views Seattle has to offer, sadly the bums usually ruin it for the rest of us, you've been warned... And for God's sake don't sit or lay on the grass!! read more

This is a great place to eat a meal you got in the market and people watch. Stay 15-30 minutes tops. No more. Beware sitting down on the grass. Sit on the benches or anywhere that isn't the grass. Do not make eye contact with the homeless unless you want them to harass you for booze/substance money. The views are excellent. On a sunny day, you can get great pictures of Mt. Rainier, the Sound, the stadiums, and whatever else strikes your fancy. Finally, do not come here at night. Never. Ever. I beg you. Don't. You'll be a much happier person if you stick to coming here during the day. read more

This park gives a beautiful view of the water and is right next to Pike's Place. It's a good place to come so that you can relax after eating the yummy food at Pike's. read more

The only reason this park gets any stars is because it was named after Victor Steinbrueck, the person responsible for saving the Pike Place Market when the city wanted to tear it down. It's a shame that the park is so dirty and a haven for crime, both day and night. Being part of the historical district and an extension of the market, for many people visiting Seattle for the first time this is their "park" experience. Drug deals, crazy people, needles, fights, drunks passed out. Perhaps it is just my perception, but it almost seems tolerated by the SPD, at least during the day. At the park there is one of the million dollar porta-potty things, which has become nothing more than a 15 minute motel. Yes you can stay in there for 15 whole minutes! Long enough to shoot up, make a deal, smoke a bowl, or earn enough money for your next fix. Last night I attended a meeting hosted by The Friends of Victor Steinbrueck Park, I left with a little glimmer of hope that perhaps something will be done to clean up the park. Seems like there is a lot of bureaucracy, even when it comes to cleaning a park. read more

I don't think this park gets credit for how CHILL of a place it is. I know it isn't Kerry Park or anything (it's because we didn't have time to find it, but I really wanted to go there! Lol), but it has to be the second best thing! This park is located right next to the Pike Place market, so there is a great view of the Waterfront and Seattle's Great Wheel (ferris wheel). My boyfriend and I just wanted to sit and take a breather. The breather ended up becoming an hour long, but all we did was sit on the bench, look at the view in front of us, talked, even made new friends, and just breathed in and out, and LIVED. This was a great place to just sit down and sip on a cup of coffee DURING THE DAY that is. I heard it isn't as "great" come sunset, but what parks are?! So if you are in the Pike Place area, walk toward Victoria St and hang out in the daylight, getting that Vitamin D or getting wet in the rain! Up to you! =) read more

The view is stunning! The idea- a park by the market to eat lunch in, to relax in to appreciate the sky an dwater.. super ideas. However, the transients and openly inebriated folks make it scary and lonely for normal not drunk people to feel safe. read more

While this park offers a gorgeous view of Puget Sound, it also offers the view to watch the heavy traffic on the viaduct noisly crawl by. There are also chances to watch drug deals of all sorts occur without any attempt at being sublte and people passed out on the benches or the few grassy gnolls. Due to the proximty of the Pike Place Market and the other really nice stores and restuarants, this park feels like an ugly patch of land that time forgot. I hope this little park will one day be saved. Until then, just keep walking! Nothing to see here! read more

This is an update; my original review is below. I can no longer go to this park. I am working at the Market once more, and I have kicked so many of the park denizens out of my store for being drunk & disorderly, attempting to shoplift, or spare-changing customers inside, that I would probably end up at the bottom of a dog pile if I went here. The City of Seattle gets two seriously huge thumbs down for allowing this park to become so awful. They should sell it to a developer and let them build a high-rise, but the new owners will need to hire serious security guards because the people who live here are so high they probably won't notice the difference. I know this park from my days at the Pike Place Grocery & Deli. Unless you're like my co-workers who couldn't get over the stigma of hanging out with the park residents, it's a tempting spot on a sunny spring, summer or fall day. Especially if you've got a half hour lunch and one of the aforementioned paper bags to drink it out of! If it's busy there are people to watch or talk to, if it's not, just enjoy the peace and quiet -- in between the people spare changing you (or asking to partake of your lunch). At night, a different story. A bit less friendly. If you have leftovers you don't know what do do with, and a friend or two to keep you company, bring it down here with some plastic forks and napkins. The residents will appreciate it, and the next time you're here during the day you'll have a slightly different experience as a result. read more

My work buddies and I used to go down there for lunch in the summer and spit cherry pits. In retrospect that was very rude. But it sure was a stress-buster. When my in-laws were in town for a rare visit on a beautiful day, we all turned slowly to appreciate the vista, our eyes sweeping past Mt Rainier to land on a homeless guy vomiting near a picnic bench. read more

This little park is right by the Pike Place Market and has great views of the water and a bit of the city. It's small and full of interesting people, so pretty good for people-watching, although there was an altercation brewing which led us to leave. The spot itself is nice, and there are some small grassy areas to enjoy the sunshine on a nice day like today, but I wouldn't make a point of coming back here, and I definitely wouldn't bring kids here to play and wander. Cool to stop here for a breather when you're over the market crowds. read more

Awesome park to chill, take a nap, people watch, enjoy the view, etc... My bff and I stumbled across this park accidentally while we were exploring Pike Place Market, which is literally less than a 2 minute walk from this park. When we went, it was a beautiful day so there were a lot of people lazing in the grass, sitting around the benches, walking their dogs, and enjoying the fresh air and pretty view. Our second visit was during our second day in Seattle. We were suffering from food coma and just wanted to take a breather from exploring. We easily grabbed a spot on the bench and my friend took a nap while I just sat and people watched. Advice, if you are checking out all the food around Pike Place Market, you should bring it here and eat since a lot of places around the area don't really have seating areas. read more

I lived in Seattle for 10 years, and Victor Steinbrueck Park has never ceased to be my single favorite spot in town. When I lived on Capitol Hill, it was a weekly treat to walk down to the market, stop by Le Panier for a latte and pastry, and sit for hours at the park, watching tourists and ferries shuttle by. I don't there is a better spot in the city to gaze upon Mount Rainier and the glorious Olympics. It is immediately adjacent to Pike Place Market, so stop here after you gather your flowers, gift wares, and piroshki. There are a couple of sculptures and totem poles in the park, some greenery on which people and their pets lounge in the summers, and a row of bench seating, shared between homeless folks and visitors alike. Some may be put off by the homeless, but I have been less bothered by them than selfie-takers blocking the sun and the view of the sound. Stop by and judge for yourself! read more

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Mmmm...me like wi-fi. ;-) The park does have wi-fi, and so I broke out another little happy dance! So close to home to enjoy on a sunny day since my place doesn't have a deck. Throw the headphones on, surf away. The view is great standing up, sitting down it can be a people watcher's paradise. You definitely see the cross-section of humanity on display. Sit still and enjoy the warmth of the sun. The unfortunate reality of my favorite park in the epicenter of Seattle, the shady element that seems to permeate that block...could it be the police do little to prevent and eradicate known problems? Ooooh, it's that fancy toilet that always brings a "unique" group of individuals to visit wherever they're located in the city like Occidental Park? Oh, but I digress. I wish I remembered a time when the park was free of that element. Hmmm....it could be one of the best parks in the city for locals and tourists...but it seems like the City of Seattle doesn't care or doesn't want to DO the work necessary...and is why it gets only 3 from me. read more

This place reminds me of San Francisco. Great for curiosity and odd people watching. The homeless are vocal and watching tourists snap photos are always humorous. It is nice to see the waterfront docks where the ferries come in and out and to see around the sound. read more

Victor Steinbrueck Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington