8th Avenue South Street End provides hand-carry beach access along the Duwamish Waterway as it approaches Elliott Bay in Seattle. The site was formerly known as 8th Ave. South Park and is now called t̓ałt̓ałucid Park and Shoreline Habitat. From 1915 until 1931, a wooden swing bridge operated here connecting South Park and Georgetown communities along 8th Avenue, providing Italian and Japanese farmers a route to transport produce to Pike Place Market by horse-carriage and later by streetcar trolley before demolition in 1938. The Port completed the park and habitat area in 2007 to offset the effects of marine industrial development in southeast Elliott Bay.
Kayaking launches into the waterway for urban paddling exploration with opportunities to observe Seattle's working waterfront, industrial operations, and maritime activity along the Duwamish corridor. Paddleboarders navigate calm waters near the shoreline while hand-carry designation accommodates kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft launching from the terraced access areas. Beachcombing along the rehabilitated shoreline reveals evidence of habitat restoration efforts including native plantings, intertidal zones, and improved water quality. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals hunting for fish, great blue herons stalking shallows, cormorants diving for prey, and diverse waterfowl utilizing the restored habitat. Terraced seating and benches provide waterside viewing areas, while public art installations enhance the park experience. Views capture the industrial character of the Duwamish Waterway with maritime vessels, cargo operations, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle's South Lake Union and Pioneer Square areas offer diverse waterfront dining options. Duke's Seafood South Lake Union serves sustainably caught halibut and salmon prepared seven ways, chowder samplers, fish tacos, fish and chips, and oysters with views overlooking South Lake Union. Westward features sustainable seafood, Pacific Coast marine fare, fresh local oysters, outdoor fire pit, and beachside seating with spectacular Lake Union vistas. Elliott's on Pier 56 specializes in sustainably sourced Dungeness crab from local waters, wild Pacific salmon, and sustainably caught finfish with Elliott Bay waterfront location. AQUA by El Gaucho offers fresh-caught fish and locally sourced pasta from a waterfront deck overlooking Elliott Bay. Place Pigalle in Pike Place Market creates Pacific Northwest bouillabaisse and outstanding oysters in a seafood-focused menu.
