Pioneer Square is a waterfront neighborhood located just south of the downtown central business district of Seattle, Washington. This historic neighborhood was the former business district and is loaded with tourist attractions, nightlife and entertainments, restaurants and eateries, art galleries, museums, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
A pedestrian mall runs along Occidental Avenue and is popular with locals and tourists. This district is a highly walkable neighborhood with plenty of services within easy access.
Seattle's weather is generally cooperative for pedestrian travel, although it can be somewhat wet! An umbrella and waterproof rain jacket are advised. Winters are cool and wet and can be icy when temperatures dip. Fortunately, these conditions do not persist and snow and ice melt within a short period. Summers are warm and dry and severe storms are not common, so dog walkers and their pets can go on some lengthy hikes without fear of extreme weather.
Although this is a developed urban neighborhood, due to the cooperative Seattle climate, this urban area is well landscaped and features plenty of trees and greenery. The neighborhood is named for the triangular shaped Pioneer Square green space.
There are subterranean tunnels under streets which are now a popular tourist attraction as well as sites celebrating the area's participation in the Klondike Gold Rush. Main roads have trolley tracks and lots of traffic as well as bicycle lanes. When walking the area with your dog, keep your pup securely leashed and watch for traffic.
Several small, but pretty urban parks and greenways punctuate the Pioneer Square neighborhood. Pioneer Square itself is a triangularly shaped greenway with historic street lamps and a totem pole which makes it an interesting place to visit while walking with your dog. Other small urban parks in the area include Union Station Square and City Hall Park.
Occidental Square is square shaped, unlike the other “squares” in the area! This park has beautiful London Plane trees shading the park and pedestrian ways. There are some recreational facilities here which include bocce ball courts and ping pong tables. Totem poles and wood carvings add interest for pedestrians and pets.
For those who like a long walk with their pup, the Elliott Bay Trail is accessible on the southwest corner of Pioneer Square and runs for 10 miles along the sound. Views of the water are spectacular and this is a popular spot for dog walkers and other trail users.