Kerry Park is, without a doubt, the most famous viewpoint in Seattle.
It’s located on the slopes of Queen Anne, giving you a postcard view of the Space Needle, the downtown skyline, and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier framed perfectly on the horizon. It’s the view that defines Seattle, and a spot that every visitor should see at least once.
But there’s more to Kerry Park than just the overlook. Knowing when to visit, how to take the best photo, and even what other spots are nearby (there are a few) can make your experience even better.
We live just a short walk from Kerry Park and visit it often, so we put together this guide to help you plan your visit, capture the best shots, and make the most of Seattle’s iconic viewpoint.
How to get to Kerry Park
The address of Kerry Park is 211 W Highland Drive. It’s located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. You can catch the Route 1 or Route 2 bus to get to Kerry Park from downtown Seattle.
If you are driving to Kerry Park, there is ample street parking nearby. But parking can get crowded, especially during sunset. If you can’t find parking in front of Kerry Park, I recommend looking for a spot on one of the side streets.
How to get the best photos at Kerry Park
When arriving at Kerry Park, most people walk right up to the railing to snap a quick photo.
And honestly, that works just fine.
But if you want more unique photo of Seattle’s skyline, I have a few simple tricks:
1. Step back and zoom in
Instead of shooting from the railing, take a few steps back and use your camera’s zoom. This compresses the image, making the Space Needle and skyline look larger and more dramatic in the background. It’s the easiest way to make your photo stand out.
2. Visit during golden hour
Sunset is the absolute best time to take photos at Kerry Park. The sun sets behind you, lighting up the Space Needle and Mount Rainier in a warm golden glow. And if you stay a little past sunset, the twilight sky will be accompanied by city lights.
3. Go on a clear day
Mount Rainier is only visible when the skies are clear and free of haze. If the mountain’s out, it completely transforms the photo.
You can check if Mount Rainier is visible on this webcam.
4. Use the sculpture for creative shots
In the middle of the park is a metal sculpture called Changing Form. Try framing the Space Needle through it for a unique perspective.
5. Capture the vibe
Don’t just focus on Seattle’s Skyline.
Kerry Park itself is an absolute vibe, especially in summer when people go out there to play music, paint, or just lay in the grass. Some of my favorite photos of Kerry Park aren’t just of the skyline, but also include the atmosphere that makes the place feel alive.
Other spots near Kerry Park
Most people just visit Kerry Park and then head out. But there are a few other spots nearby that are absolutely worth checking out. All of them are within walking distance, so you can easily turn your visit into a little Queen Anne stroll.
1. Betty Bowen Viewpoint at Marshall Park
The first is the Betty Bowen Viewpoint at Marshall Park. It’s just a five-minute walk down the same street as Kerry Park. This small overlook faces west toward the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. It’s a spot where you can actually watch the sun set behind the mountains. It’s usually way less crowded than Kerry Park, so you can wind down your day there peacefully.
2. Parsons Gardens
Right next to Marshall Park is Parsons Gardens. It’s a small public park that feels like a secret garden tucked into the neighborhood.
It’s a popular spot for weddings, and if you visit it in spring, it’s easy to understand why. The park is full of flowers, and the tree canopy gives the place a storybook vibe. Even if you’re not into gardens, it’s a lovely place to walk through.
3. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
Okay, so this one isn’t a viewpoint, more of a snack stop. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream is just three blocks away from Kerry Park, so grabbing a scoop before or after the park is one of my favorite things to do. Because who doesn’t love ice cream with their view?
Are You Following Our Seattle Blog Series?
We’re based in Seattle and have done so many awesome things in this city. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Seattle travel guide: 27 Incredible Things to Do in Seattle
- Our Seattle hiking guide: 11 Incredible Hikes Near Seattle
- Best day trip from Seattle: Bainbridge Island
- Best national park near Seattle: Mount Rainier National Park
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Kerry Park in Seattle! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
