Waterfall Garden

After lunch in Little Saigon/CID, the College Friend and I decided to wander through Pioneer Square cutting through Occidental (6/11/23). We were too early for a gallery closing show and stumbled upon a cake pop up at a nearby pastry school. The line seemed manageable, so I wanted to introduce the College Friend to Waterfall Garden, the birthplace of UPS. Yes, the brown delivery trucks not the university.

I had visited, sat awhile and enjoyed takeout at this neighborhood gem many times well before I was a Yelper. It is a refreshing respite away from the urban surroundings. Seating is interspersed with native plantings, dappled natural light. The waterfall spray and sounds are very soothing. Just know it is popular during peak lunch times and its on the route of the various walking and van tours.

Something unique and unexpected - check it out!

My family and I ran across this little oasis of calm while walking to attend a game. It's a space that truly encompasses tranquility. There is a security guard on duty to ensure the space stays clean, and visitors are safe. This was a great way UPS memorialized its first corporate location, the Waterfall Garden Park is a gem I hope you stumble across too!

We ran across this park near our hotel more or less by accident. We visited it several times during our brief stay because it is utterly magnificent. A great place to sit, meditate and just watch the beautiful show.

You could walk by this spot in seconds and never know. Go look for this spot. In the middle of traffic noise and high rise buildings this small water garden is an oasis.

The park is open during the day. A few metal tables and chairs dot the two terraces. Lush plants all around give it a tropical feel, and the sound of water rushing over the stones block out the noise of the city. A temporary retreat. A place to read, to have your lunch, to contemplate. A space you didn't know you needed, until you go.

A lovely little garden at the birthplace of the UPS to honor founder James Casey and all UPS workers (people working in the mail carrier business in general really are unsung heroes especially during the holidays). Nice place to relax (if the chairs/tables aren't soaked from rain). It's kept in pristine condition and is gated at night to keep out the local homeless (there's also a security guard watching the garden during open hours). Probably much prettier in the spring but the white noise from the waterfall is still soothing in the winter. Worth taking a peek if you're already in the area (quick walk from Chinatown/International District).

Note: hours listed here apply to the summer season; winter season hours are shorter (8 am - 3:45 pm).

Talk about hidden. Google maps will direct you to a parking lot. Right across the lot is a fire department. Cross the street toward the fire department and then cross the street again. In other words, cross the street diagonally from the parking lot.

Also take note of the hours. I assume mid May falls under winter hours as the gates were closed at 4pm.

Rating this park 4 stars even when we didn't get to experience it because it was fun trying to find it.

I did not expect to see something so tranquil tucked away in such a bustling city like Seattle. "Waterfall Garden," the name itself invokes peace, harmony, and calmness that you would maybe find driving outside of the city. Why drive far out when you can have it right here?

This little person-made garden is surrounded by tall buildings and commemorates the 100th year anniversary of UPS. Totally random but I appreciate the bestowment nonetheless.

The garden has a beautiful mini waterfall with lots of greenery and small tables where you can unwind to read, catch up on news, chat with a friend, and enjoy a meal. There are areas of shade when it gets sunny and you can really find yourself spending some time here just escaping from the city.

If you're around the area, definitely come swing by even if it's to just see the waterfall. It's completely worth the trip.

Imagine taking your lunch break in an oasis tucked away in the city. There's abundant greenery-trees, plants, shrubs and some flowers. You hear the trickle of water from the gorgeous waterfalls all around. There are tables throughout, along with benches and seating to sit back and enjoy the scenery. It's like you've stepped out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is the small garden area tucked away between the brick buildings. It seems that plenty of people know about it, as there were several folks out enjoying the day when I stopped by. If I lived nearby, I'd be one of the frequent visitors, too.

This may not be a destination, but if you're around the area, it's worth a visit. It will be good for your mental health.

My mom was thrilled that I found this place. She said that if she lived in Seattle, she would want to live somewhere close to this garden so that she can come every day and relax here.

It's a tiny little park, a beautiful calming oasis in the midst of the urban surroundings. There are chairs and tables for anyone who wants to come here to sit, relax, read, or even work on their laptops. We sat here after walking around in downtown Seattle, grateful for the soothing sounds of the waterfall. It's also a short walk away from Chinatown, so if you wanted to head off and eat something delicious, it's totally an option.

Apparently this spot was the birthplace of UPS 100 years ago. I had no idea that UPS was from Seattle, but you learn something knew every day if you take time to explore the city by foot!

This little courtyard park is a nice hidden gem, great for stepping away from the hustle and bustle on the street.

There are tables and chairs to use if you want to take your food to go and eat it here while enjoying the waterfall.