Seattle’s reputation for rain often overshadows one of its greatest strengths: the sheer visual drama of its landscape. Nestled between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lake Washington, the city is a dense urban playground surrounded by mountains, evergreens, and water. You do not need to drive for hours to find a postcard-worthy view; in fact, many of the most breathtaking sights are located right within the city limits or just a short ferry ride away.
For locals and visitors alike, finding a scenic spot is less about escaping the city and more about finding the perfect vantage point to appreciate it. The unique topography of the Pacific Northwest creates a dynamic interplay of light, fog, and greenery that changes the view hourly. Whether you are looking for a panoramic skyline shot, a quiet beach to watch the sunset, or a lush garden path, Seattle delivers a variety of visual experiences that cater to every type of explorer.
However, navigating a city built on seven hills can be tricky if you do not know where to go. Many of the best viewpoints are hidden in residential neighborhoods or require a bit of a walk, which is exactly what keeps them feeling like local secrets. Knowing which parks offer the best angles of the Space Needle, or where to catch the ferries crossing the Sound, can make the difference between a standard trip and an unforgettable one.
This guide focuses on the intersection of accessibility and beauty. We have prioritized locations that are easy to reach by public transit, car, or foot, ensuring you spend less time in traffic and more time breathing in the crisp marine air. From engineered parks that repurposed old gas plants to wild, forested trails that feel miles away from the urban core, these spots highlight the diverse geography that defines Seattle.
Photography enthusiasts will find that the city offers a unique challenge: the light here is soft and diffused, often filtering through clouds to create a natural studio effect. Even if you are only armed with a smartphone, the natural saturation of the evergreens and the deep blues of the water ensure your images will pop. The key is knowing when to go—sunrise often brings mist, while sunset brings alpenglow on the Olympic Mountains.
We have curated a list of the twelve most scenic places that define the Emerald City’s visual identity. These are not just photo opportunities; they are places to linger, have a picnic, and understand why Seattle consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the United States. Prepare to add a few new stops to your itinerary.
Olympic Sculpture Park
| Address | 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (206) 654-3100 |
Olympic Sculpture Park has an interesting architectural layout and features several outdoor sculptures in a waterfront setting. However, I found the design a bit confusing. It wasn’t easy to locate the main entrance or find the best way to exit the park, especially on a first visit.
I also visited hoping to watch the sunset, but in my opinion, this isn’t the best location for that. The park’s layout and surrounding structures limit the sunset views compared to other nearby waterfront spots.
Overall, it’s worth visiting if you’re interested in public art and modern landscape design, but I’d recommend checking a map beforehand to navigate the park more easily and choosing a different location if your main goal is to watch the sunset.
Olympic Sculpture Park is an absolute gem in Seattle 🌿✨🌸🌸
Stunning open-air art right by the water with incredible views of the skyline and Puget Sound 🌊🏙️. Every turn has something interesting — bold sculptures, creative installations, and plenty of space to just wander and breathe. It’s one of those places where art, nature, and city vibes all blend perfectly.
Perfect for a peaceful walk, sunset photos 📸, or just sitting by the waterfront and soaking in the atmosphere. Clean, well-maintained, and totally free — honestly feels like a must-visit every time you’re in the city.
Left feeling inspired and refreshed 💫🎨
Free with a great view of Puget Sound. I think of it more as a unique walk with views than the art. The sculptures are a nice touch. They often have special events going on that require reservations (mini golf when we were there) so keep that in mind before you arrive.
It’s free, and a good location near the waterfront, close walk to Space Needle or Pike Place Market, and many restaurants and bars nearby too. There’s a cafe & bathroom open during certain hours… You can rent out the building for events too! The art rotates, and I always love the Jaume Plensa giant head sculpture.
Park is small but incredible to take your dogs or just walk aroubd to enjoy the views, take a seat and enjoy the sun. Best part of our days. Hours change, its open as long as its daylight.
Kerry Park
| Address | 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
Kerry Park is a very small park, but it offers one of the biggest and most spectacular views of Seattle. From this single viewpoint, you can see the Space Needle, Puget Sound, the cruise terminals, Columbia Center, the beautiful tree-covered hills of Queen Anne, and much of the downtown skyline—all in one frame. And on a clear day, Mount Rainier rises majestically in the background. It’s truly Seattle in one frame.
At the end of our Seattle City Tour & Snoqualmie Falls experience, VanTrips takes guests up to Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill for one final memorable stop. Around sunset, it’s the perfect place to take in the panoramic view, capture some beautiful photos, and finish the day with one of Seattle’s most iconic views as the grand finale of the tour.
One of the best viewpoints in Seattle—small park, unforgettable views.
If you're visiting Seattle, Kerry Park is a place you shouldn't skip. Even though it's a relatively small park, it offers one of the most iconic panoramic views of the city.
From here you get a stunning view of the Seattle skyline, the Space Needle, Elliott Bay, and on a clear day you can even spot Mount Rainier, the crown jewel of Washington's landscape. It's one of those places where pictures hardly do the view justice.
The park itself is clean, well maintained, and has a peaceful atmosphere. There are a few benches where you can sit and simply enjoy the scenery. It's a great spot for families, tourists, photographers, or anyone wanting to watch the sunset or the city lights after dark.
A couple of tips:
- Parking is limited, so you may have to park a little farther away and walk.
- It can get quite crowded, especially around sunset and on weekends, so visiting earlier in the day can make for a more relaxed experience.
Overall, this is one of Seattle's iconic viewpoints for a reason. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, the view is always worth it.
Kerry Park is absolutely breathtaking! The view of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in the background is truly iconic. The scenery is stunning, especially during sunset when the city is bathed in golden light and the mountains are beautifully illuminated.
It’s a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Seattle. Perfect for photos, a relaxing walk, or simply taking in the incredible view. One thing to keep in mind is that parking is quite limited, and if you visit around sunset, you may need to spend some extra time looking for a parking spot since it can get very busy.
Definitely one of the best viewpoints in Seattle and well worth the visit! 🌆⛰️✨📸
Highly recommended! ❤️☀️
Kerry Park is one of the best spots in Seattle for that classic skyline photo. You get an incredible view of downtown with the Space Needle front and center, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll also see Mt. Rainier towering in the background. It’s definitely worth the stop, whether you’re a visitor or a local.
Parking right at the park can be challenging, especially on sunny days when it’s quite busy. I usually drive up a block or two, where it’s much easier to find street parking, and it’s only a short walk back.
Expect crowds on nice days, but the view is absolutely worth it!
Visit: June 27.2026
Nice small park , and it is a little adventure to reach it if you don’t know the area. I think it’s a must to see while visiting Seattle. It provides excellent skyline views for downtown Seattle and the space needle. We were not lucky as it wasn’t sunny but the view deserves the visit. You can take many amazing pictures there. Parking is street parking and looks busy but you will find a spot for sure.
Gas Works Park
| Address | 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
Gas Works Park was a really nice scenic stop during our Seattle trip. We visited around midday on a Tuesday, and the park was very quiet, which made it easy and comfortable to walk around with our 3-year-old.
We spent about 15 to 30 minutes in the main park area, mostly walking up the big hill, taking pictures, and enjoying the view. The Seattle skyline and Lake Union views are really beautiful, and the old gas works structures make the park feel unique compared to a normal city park. Parking was easy when we went, and the area felt safe and relaxed.
The park is a bit hilly, and it was hot the day we visited, so we probably would have stayed longer on a cooler day. Our daughter mostly wanted to get to the playground, so this part of the visit was more of a scenic/photo stop for us. We didn’t use the bathrooms, so I can’t comment on those.
Overall, Gas Works Park is definitely worth visiting for the views and the unique setting, especially if you’re already exploring Seattle with family.
Such a beautiful spot to spend a summer afternoon or evening in Seattle. Bring a blanket, relax on the grass, and enjoy the waterfront views with the city skyline in the background.
It can get pretty sunny, so I’d recommend bringing an umbrella or some shade if you’re visiting during the day. The sunset here is especially beautiful as the skyline lights up, making it a perfect place for a walk or a laid-back weekend picnic. Definitely worth a visit!
I think this place is really nice. It was a beautiful day with beautiful views. The park was peaceful but also lively with families enjoying it. The park was pretty clean. Could use some more maintenance but it wasn't bad. Certainly a nice place to go for a peaceful break from the city.
Fun park to visit.
I visited pipes a few times, like the fireworks (where I streamed most of the 4th show) and yesterday there was a paddle board get together at Lake Union. Pretty cool!
There is park amenities that I haven't explored. There is a playground and I think restrooms.
Anyways a huge park with a huge hill that has switch back trails to the top. At the top there is a giant sundial looking structure in the ground. It's a unique and beautiful piece of art.
Next time you're looking for something to do, that you haven't already, check out Gas Works Park. Gilman Trail goes right to it btw.
The 4th 250 clip was from outside of the park. They had it all fenced off with Free tickets I'll only. You had to go online and register for a digital ticket.
I was to late to the celebration and it was "sold out."
Honestly, I don't see how that was possible. From the amount of people I saw going in then out, which was overwhelming at times, still didn't seem like enough celebrators to sell the whole park out ... I digress ... 😉
See you there, and normally there isn't any perimeter barrier fencing.
Good park, great views but shady stuff going on just next to the kids play area, uncomfortable. No need to expose non consenting people to your bedroom bussiness! Keep your children close if you wanna take them here
Alice in chains had a photoshoot here and you can recreate it if ur a fan
Discovery Park
| Address | Seattle, WA 98199 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
A beautiful park and a great place to spend a sunny day! So nice to be in nature so close to the city. We attempted the main loop with a stroller which did fairly well until the Bird Nest area and then we went back on the paved path. So not sure if a stroller could do the whole thing but I won’t be attempting again. It wasn’t terrible but a hiking carrier would’ve been easier.
This ended up being my favorite place in Seattle. Walking through the forest and down to the beach felt like leaving the city behind completely. The combination of tall trees, quiet trails, Puget Sound, and the lighthouse makes it a truly special place. The walk back uphill is a bit of a workout, but it’s absolutely worth it. If you enjoy nature, this park is a must-visit.
Discovery Park: Seattle’s Urban Oasis
Spanning 534 acres, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest city park, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling downtown area. Built on the grounds of the former Fort Lawton military base, it features a diverse landscape of coastal bluffs, open meadows, dense forest trails, and sand dunes.
The park’s main highlight is the loop trail that leads visitors down to a scenic beach on Puget Sound, complete with views of the Olympic Mountains and the iconic West Point Lighthouse. It is a prime spot for hiking, bird watching, and catching stunning sunsets. Facilities include a visitor center, children's play areas, and paved paths suitable for walking or running.
While parking at the beach is limited to pass holders (such as families with young children or seniors), anyone can enjoy the scenic walk down from the main parking lots. Discovery Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers looking to experience the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty without leaving the city.
The trail leading up to the lighthouse had beautiful views and pristine flora and fauna, was dog-friendly, felt easy on the legs and refreshing overall. There’s quite a lot of history to this park highlighted by the information plaques about WW2 and old buildings. Went there on a weekend evening and there were plenty parking spots. The only catch is some paths can be quite muddy after the rain and there’s sand walkways so better to wear suitable shoes. There’s a sewage treatment plant which can make some spots smell a tad funny.
Get there early for ease of parking, it can get difficult especially on a sunny weekend. Well marked trails that are beautiful and relatively easy (except for maybe the south beach trail which is steeper). Excellent place to hike, jog, enjoy the scenery. Went for birding and was not disappointed.
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
| Address | 1120 California Way SW, Seattle, WA 98116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
Saw the 4th of July, nice place with beautiful view of Seattle, cops were there, nice and secure
Beautiful green space at the North tip of West Seattle with a fantastic view of the downtown skyline. It's not an easy breezy hike up to the view point but along the way the views are pretty good too! Trees line along the road from the foot of the hill and from time to time there are gaps where you can get a preview of what you'll see at the top.
Beautiful park. It was quiet and the views are spectacular.
Awesome view of the skyline! Come at night and love it!
Small park with a magnificent view of downtown Seattle skyline. The park is very simple; there aren't a lot of amenities except for a row of parking spaces. The foliage does obscure the view somewhat as well. Nevertheless, the scenery is very much worth the effort of coming here.
Volunteer Park
| Address | 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
The dahlias are in bloom late august early September and they’re worth seeing given the variety. It’s a pretty small garden patch so the rest of the park is a nice walk in my opinion.
Amazing park! Outdoor yoga class going on, folks doing qigong, wedding couple talking photos by the beautiful gardens and when I left I realized I had parked by an empty wading pool that was now filled with water and little ones. Really nice spot to “kill time” for a lady from Olympia, I felt like I was close to home and very safe
there 🙏🏻
A local Gem of historical park. A water tower observatory deck for distance view. An outdoor stage for public performing. A reservoir adding water view in front of the museum of Asia art. Playground for kids, tennis courts seems open to public.
Saw at least two millionaire mansion at surrounding Neighbourhood.
The park is next to the cemetery where Bruce Lee rested.
Love it! this historic place is very accessible from bus stop. The museum is not free but the tower is free and you can sit or walk.
It’s my favorite park. It’s peaceful and very pet-friendly. 🐶🌿
Washington Park Arboretum
| Address | 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 543-8800 |
Arboretum my love!
Drop everything and just go see her now, if you are in Seattle area.
İt is an enchanted giant garden of wonders.
Whenever I go for a walk in the Arboretum, It is possible to see something new or I have not noticed before.
Arboretum is that one place I am up for going all the time. I love celebrating my birthday, Mother s Day and Christmas walking through the miracle that she offers.
The scenery keeps changing so dramatically through seasons.
Cherries, camellias and magnolias are gorgeous these days during March.
Azelias’ will put on a show in May, and of course Rhododendrons of all colors.
During the winter time mid January, , there’s a little corner, where the smell Witchhazels fills up the air. In the meantime dozens of hummingbirds are having a feast right behind them on vanilla chocolate smelling fresh yellow flowers.
I can tell so much more about it, just please go see it.
One recommendation don’t stay on the big road take the small trails and paths through the trees.
I love it, and we always meet others with dogs each time we take our client's dogs there. Fun trails, amazing plants from around the world and soccer abd baseball fields are fun for all. Easy parking, easy to navigate, easy to love and it will be fun to duscover more each time as it is huge.
Located in Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum is much more than just a botanical garden. It feels like a living collection of rare plants, old trees, and quiet natural beauty gathered from around the world. Every walk here brings a different view with the changing seasons.
I always enjoy coming back for another stroll.
It’s perfect for walking dogs, having a picnic, or simply slowing down for a peaceful afternoon.
Spring is especially beautiful with cherry blossoms and blooming azaleas, while autumn transforms the park into a stunning landscape of red, orange, and golden leaves.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, this place offers a calm and timeless kind of beauty.
Spotted cherry blossoms while most other plants just or merely sprouting. Quiet, short level trail network providing relaxing walking experiences. Got coyotes warning sign in places. Only encountered a cute bunny when we walk there yesterday. We didn’t visit Japanese garden.
The Tea Garden - Well maintained and has a nice variety of flowering plants, but a little on the small side.
The rest of the Arboretum was beautiful. Well maintained paths, flowers, and trees. I found it to be a wonderful park to walk around or sit in the tranquility of a small forest. For a bit, I forgot I was in the city of Seattle.
Space Needle
| Address | 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Phone | (206) 905-2100 |
Visiting the Space Needle was the perfect highlight of my time in downtown Seattle before heading out on my Alaskan cruise. The 360-degree views from the 520-foot observation deck are simply breathtaking and give an unmatched perspective of the Pacific Northwest. I absolutely loved stepping out onto The Loupe, the world’s first revolving glass floor—it was thrilling to see the city rotating right beneath my feet. Looking out over Puget Sound and catching glimpses of the surrounding mountains provided some of the most incredible photo opportunities of my entire vacation. The whole experience was seamlessly organized and the views were well worth the price of admission. If you have any time to spare in the city, taking the 41-second elevator ride up to the top is an absolute must!
"Iconic Seattle views you can’t miss! 5/5 stars"
The Space Needle is absolutely worth it. The 360° views from 520 ft up of downtown, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains are breathtaking. The Loupe revolving glass floor is a thrill and the Skyriser glass benches make for amazing photos.
Staff were friendly and the timed entry system keeps things moving smoothly. Best time to go is around sunset so you get both daylight and the city lights at night in one visit.
Tickets are $35-$55 for General Admission. Book on the official Space Needle website to get timed slots and skip the line. Allow about 60-90 minutes for the observation deck.
Highly recommend this Seattle landmark!
The Space Needle is an absolute must if you’re visiting Seattle. It’s the city’s most iconic landmark, and the views from the top are incredible. On a clear day, you can see the skyline, Mount Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a fantastic place for photography and for getting a completely different perspective of the city.
I’m also uploading a video of the elevator ride, which is surprisingly fast and gives you a great sense of just how tall the tower is. I also included a photo of the ticket prices because many people ask about them before visiting. At the time of my visit, the cheapest ticket started at around $55 USD, so it’s definitely worth checking prices in advance and booking online if you can.
Once you’re at the top, I recommend taking your time instead of rushing through the visit. Walk around the observation deck, enjoy the different viewpoints, and don’t miss the rotating glass floor, which is a unique experience. The staff were friendly, everything was well organized, and despite being a popular attraction, the flow of visitors was managed efficiently.
Yes, it’s expensive, but for a first visit to Seattle I think it’s one of those experiences that is absolutely worth doing at least once. It’s an unforgettable part of the city’s skyline and one of the best viewpoints you’ll find anywhere in Seattle.
As someone who is very afraid of heights, I almost skipped visiting the Space Needle and I’m so glad we decided to go after hearing so many locals recommend it. The views were absolutely incredible and gave a unique perspective of Seattle, the water, and the surrounding mountains. The experience felt very well organized, and I never felt rushed while taking everything in.
If you’re nervous about heights like I am, I still think it’s worth considering. I ended up leaving feeling proud that I did it and would have regretted missing such an iconic part of the city. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Seattle.
We had a great time at the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden. Walking on the glass floor definitely tested my nerves, but the 360° views at sunset made it totally worth it. The glass art was beautiful and the whole experience was unforgettable. Highly recommend visiting around sunset!
East Portal Viewpoint
| Address | 1400 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98144 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
It has some views with a fence of Lake, Washington, downtown Bellevue and the interstate 90 floating bridge although the better ones are above the viewpoint itself on Lake Washington Boulevard. There’s a bicycle tunnel under the ridge that is full of graffiti but well lit. A good place for bicycling.
Good view point of the I-90 bridge, but don’t expect to catch the sunset. Loads of people come here to do drugs, so no it’s not a safe place for kids. Not even you as an adult. Be here only when their is still light, can’t tell what the night brings with. Overall, the view is great. Another thing, the roads are narrow and always have cars parked either, so on busy days parking is a problem.
wow, what a gem! 🏞️ It's got some seriously cool views, perfect for a quick escape from the city bustle. I loved how it felt so close to home but still offered that mountain vibe. It’s a great spot to just chill and enjoy nature, maybe even catch a sunset. Definitely adding this to my list of favorite local spots for a peaceful afternoon. Highly recommend if you're looking for a breath of fresh air! #EastPortalPark #MountainViews #LocalGems
Great place to watch bridge over water, Bellevue downtown at sunrise and take light trails with long exposures at night.
Great view during the day but an awesome view at night. Took kids out for a wide view of how many vehicles do travel the I-90 bridge. Had fun trying to get passengers to wave back. p.s also a great spot for the romantical couples.
Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center
| Address | 700 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (206) 386-5564 |
A must-visit attraction in Seattle. The observatory offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier (weather permitting), and the Space Needle from above. Since it is located in the Columbia Center, the tallest building in Seattle, the views are truly spectacular.
We purchased 3 admission tickets online through a third-party provider for about $55 total, which made the experience excellent value for money compared to many other Seattle attractions.
I particularly enjoyed the informative exhibits explaining the Salish Sea, Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and Seattle's iconic landmarks. The displays help visitors better understand the geography and history of the region before enjoying the panoramic views.
Visited on a weekend and there was no wait to enter. The observatory was clean, well maintained, and not overcrowded, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting Seattle. In my opinion, this offers the best overall view of Seattle, and seeing the Space Needle from above is a unique experience that should not be missed.
By accident I came across this place because of its shear scale. Whilst reading the sign outside a lady came out and said that the building was still open and the sunset would be great to see. Well, on the 72nd floor 'not even the top' the views were amazing over city to distant mountains and sunset didn't disappoint. The café bar was a surprise and I enjoyed every minute.
We got there for just after 7pm. No queue and went straight up! They have a cafe up there which was nice. It is all inside, no outside parts. A beautiful 360 view of Seattle! They also had loads of fun facts and guides to what you were looking at. We went for the sunset which was quite late but still enjoyed seeing the colour of the sky change even if we didn’t see the city at night.
The observatory was great: gorgeous 360° views on a surprisingly clear and sunny day. We went around 11am, had a couple glasses of bubbly at the bar at the top, and learned several new things about the mountains and history of the building etc. from the infographic murals at the top. Pretty interesting, and obviously beautiful views of the city. I definitely recommend this experience over the Space Needle, which is a full 300 feet shorter than this one, yet more expensive!
Everyone knows about the space needle but I'm happy I stumbled on this instead! There was absolutely no crowd on a Saturday afternoon so I didn't feel rushed at all. Theres a bar and you can enjoy your drink with a stunning 360° view of Seattle and its surroundings. If you look closely you can even see the top of the space needle from up here.
Alki Beach Park
| Address | 2665 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
Beautiful park! This is the perfect place for whatever activity you want to participate in. They have walking/ bike trails, green space and benches throughout. On our visit we walked a bit and enjoyed the beautiful views.
Alki is a very beautiful beach. Great views including the Cascades, the Space Needle, the ferrys, Etc. Great places to eat across the street. Bonfires are allowed in the fire pits in the summertime. Very busy....
Very beautiful sunset beach; a bit too many people (seeing police petrol kind of mix feeling about safety). There are different restaurants variety along the road.
Lovely place to walk, ride or play on the beach. The water is cool but refreshing and the views (especially sunsets) are amazing. Plenty of food options.
This beach is a 6 out of 10 for SCUBA diving.
But it is a wonderful place to take a really casual and peaceful stroll.
There are really quaint and relaxing restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses to frequent as you casually stroll, the shoreline on the walkway.
Golden Gardens Park
| Address | 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 4:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (206) 684-4075 |
My sweet home away from home. I love this beach so much. It’s got something special about it. Take a dip, wave to the sea lions, pow wow with the seals, have a bon fire with your friends, play a game of volleyball, run the beach at low tide with your dog, start the Burke trail, sauna with Bywater. Winter, summer, and every season in between, this beach is too good to pass up.
I love coming here to walk at sunrise! The park is peaceful, the sound of the water is soothing, and the sea lions are active and fun to watch. With a beach, volleyball courts, park space, and a marina, there is truly something for everyone. There’s also a large playground for the kids, as well as picnic tables and BBQ grills
Golden Gardens is a wonderful place to visit. The sunsets here are truly unforgettable, with breathtaking views of the water and the mountains. There’s plenty of space to walk, run, relax, or simply enjoy the scenery. Whether you're looking for some exercise or a peaceful spot to unwind, this park has something for everyone. I highly recommend visiting, especially in the evening to catch the sunset.
Fun beach, picnic spot. Parking gets filled up quickly. Family friendly. Keep pets on leash. Alot of candy spots to soak in the sun and then picnic areas have more shade.
Great place to go on a hot day. Not too crowded when I went, but parking seemed a little hard to come by even though there's a good amount of it. Luckily, I walk everywhere so it wasn't an issue. If you do walk, there are some gorgeous neighborhoods leading to the staircase you take to get there. Well maintained, pretty wide range of beach access, volleyball nets, and good sandy shores on a big chunk of the beach so you don't have to worry about scraping your bare feet on the rocks.
Tips for Visiting Seattle’s Scenic Spots
To make the most of your scenic tour of Seattle, a little local knowledge goes a long way. The city’s weather patterns, parking limitations, and tidal schedules can significantly impact your experience. By planning ahead and adopting a flexible mindset, you can ensure that the views you came for are unobstructed and enjoyable, regardless of the season.
1. Check the "Mountain Visibility" Forecast
On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier dominate the horizon; on a hazy day, they disappear entirely. Before heading to a viewpoint, check a local weather app for visibility or "mountain view" metrics. If the mountains are out, prioritize high-elevation spots immediately. If it is overcast, stick to lush, green areas like Discovery Park or the Arboretum, which look moody and atmospheric in the fog.
2. Use Public Transit for Waterfront Views
Parking at popular viewpoints like Kerry Park or Golden Gardens can be notoriously difficult, especially on sunny weekends. Instead, utilize the King County Metro or the Link Light Rail to get close, then walk the last few blocks. Alternatively, taking the Washington State Ferries as a walk-on passenger is the cheapest way to get a scenic cruise of Puget Sound without fighting for a parking spot at the terminal.
3. Time Your Visit with the Tides
If your scenic adventure includes beaches like Alki or Golden Gardens, check a tide chart first. Low tide exposes tide pools and expands the beach walking area significantly, allowing you to get closer to the water and find unique angles for photography. High tide, conversely, can make some beach access points disappear, so it is best to know before you go.
4. Layer Your Clothing
Seattle’s scenic overlooks are often windy and significantly cooler than the downtown core. The temperature can drop ten degrees when you step out onto a pier or climb to a hilltop. Always bring a waterproof shell and a warm layer, even if the sun is shining when you leave your hotel. This allows you to stay comfortable while waiting for the perfect sunset or watching ferries cross the Sound.
5. Embrace the "Blue Hour"
While sunset is popular, the thirty minutes after the sun drops below the horizon—known as the blue hour—is often more scenic in Seattle. During this time, the city lights begin to twinkle while the sky retains a deep blue hue, creating a stunning contrast against the dark water. Stay a little longer at viewpoints like Kerry Park or Gas Works Park to capture this unique Pacific Northwest lighting.
Seattle is a city that rewards patience and curiosity. While the views from the top of the Space Needle are iconic, the true beauty of the region is often found in the quiet moments between destinations—a glimpse of the water from a residential street or the sound of sea lions echoing across the bay. By exploring these scenic places, you are not just collecting photographs; you are participating in the outdoor lifestyle that defines the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you are a first-time visitor trying to see it all or a long-time resident looking to fall in love with your city again, these twelve locations offer a comprehensive visual tour. Take your time, breathe in the sea air, and remember why Seattle truly earns its nickname as the Emerald City.
