Seattle, Washington
Best Views
of Seattle
Seven viewpoints for the Seattle skyline — from hilltop parks to elevated platforms and the water.
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Overview
The best views of Seattle put the downtown skyline above water — usually Puget Sound, sometimes Lake Union or Elliott Bay. Several parks and platforms around the city deliver that framing in different ways, from the iconic Kerry Park Space Needle shot to the elevated waterfront view at Jack Block Park.
The seven locations below range from free hilltop parks to paid observatories. Most are scattered across different neighborhoods, so the best pick depends on where you're staying and what you're trying to photograph.
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Best Views at a Glance
Most iconic (Space Needle framing)
Kerry Park
Best overall view of Seattle
Jack Block Park
Best 360° panorama
Columbia Tower Sky View Observatory
Best view from the water
Washington State Ferry
Best if already in Magnolia
Ella Bailey Park
Most iconic Seattle experience
Space Needle
Queen Anne
Kerry Park
Best For
Why It's Great
Kerry Park is by far the most popular spot to photograph Seattle. Located in Queen Anne, a short distance from downtown, it puts the Space Needle front and center with the skyline rising behind it. While it's difficult to capture the Puget Sound and skyline together in one frame, the convenience and iconic framing make it the go-to for most visitors. Expect crowds of fellow photographers at golden hour.
What to Know
- Free to visit — no fee or pass required.
- Most crowded at sunset and golden hour.
- Street parking in the Queen Anne neighborhood nearby.
- Very popular with tourists — expect company.
West Seattle — Alki
Jack Block Park
Best For
Why It's Great
Jack Block Park in the Alki neighborhood delivers what many consider the best view of Seattle. A viewing platform at the water's edge provides an elevated perspective over Puget Sound with the full skyline ahead. Reaching the platform requires a short walk and some stairs. If the timing is right, you can catch a Washington State Ferry coming into port.
What to Know
- Free to visit — no admission or parking fee.
- Short walk from the parking area to the viewing platform.
- Elevated platform requires a few flights of stairs.
- Look for ferry traffic — Pier 50 is visible across the water.
Downtown
Columbia Tower Sky View Observatory
Best For
Why It's Great
The Columbia Tower is taller than the Space Needle and sees far fewer crowds. The Sky View Observatory on the 73rd floor provides a full 360° view over the city, out to the Cascades and Olympics, and down the length of Puget Sound. A great option for a clearer panoramic perspective, especially for those who find the Space Needle too crowded.
What to Know
- Paid admission — check website for current pricing (~$17–22).
- Open select days and hours — confirm ahead of your visit.
- Far less crowded than the Space Needle for equivalent altitude.
- Indoor observatory — good option in poor weather.
Downtown Waterfront
Washington State Ferry
Best For
Why It's Great
Boarding a Washington State Ferry from Pier 50 gives you a unique moving view of the Seattle skyline receding over Puget Sound. All ferries have large outdoor deck spaces on multiple levels, so you'll have unobstructed views from any vantage point. Combine the ferry ride with a trip to Bainbridge Island or onward to the Olympic Peninsula.
What to Know
- Board at Pier 50 — walkable from downtown Seattle.
- Round trip on foot is the most affordable option.
- Views are best on the open outdoor decks — bring a layer.
- Combine with a Bainbridge Island visit to make the most of the fare.
Magnolia
Ella Bailey Park
Best For
Why It's Great
Ella Bailey Park isn't the city's top viewpoint, but if you're in Magnolia and want a view of the Seattle skyline, it's a good casual option. The hilltop grassy area looks out across Elliott Bay toward downtown. The playground and permanent picnic tables make it a comfortable place to spend an afternoon.
What to Know
- Best as a stop if you're already in Magnolia — not worth a trip from downtown solely for the view.
- Playground adjacent makes it good for families.
- Picnic tables well-positioned for skyline views.
West Seattle
Ursula Judkins Viewpoint
Best For
Why It's Great
Ursula Judkins Viewpoint used to offer one of the better views of the Seattle skyline, but vegetation and a large fence now obstruct most of the sightlines. When cruise ships are docked at the nearby port, they further block the view. It's possible to frame a shot of the skyline, but unless you happen to be in the area, it's not worth a dedicated trip.
What to Know
- Views are largely obstructed by vegetation and a large fence.
- Docked cruise ships can block a significant portion of the view.
- Better used as a quick stop if already in West Seattle.
Seattle Center
Space Needle
Best For
Why It's Great
The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognizable structure, built for the 1962 World's Fair and renovated in 2018 to add the world's first rotating glass floor. The observation deck at 520 feet gives a full 360° view of the city, Puget Sound, and on clear days, Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and the Cascades. Less practical as a pure viewpoint than the Columbia Tower or Kerry Park, but the experience and the architecture make it worth the visit for first-timers.
What to Know
- Paid admission — tickets are best purchased online in advance.
- The rotating glass floor is a distinctive feature not found anywhere else.
- Columbia Tower is taller and far less crowded for a comparable 360° view.
- Located at Seattle Center — combine with MoPOP, Chihuly Garden, or the Armory.
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Planning Tips
Kerry Park is best at sunset or golden hour for the classic Seattle skyline shot. Arrive 30 minutes early on clear evenings — it gets crowded fast.
Mountain views (Rainier, Olympics, Cascades) are only visible on clear days. The Columbia Tower is the best bet for maximizing mountain sightlines.
Kerry Park, Jack Block, Ella Bailey, and Ursula Judkins are all free. Columbia Tower, the Space Needle, and the ferry all charge admission or a fare.
For the ferry view, stand on the outdoor deck at the stern as you leave Pier 50 — the skyline receding over the water is the best frame.
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More Seattle Guides
More ways to explore Seattle's neighborhoods and outdoors.
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