Top 5: Viewpoints in Seattle

Seattle benefits from a stunning location, with two mountain ranges in sight, Puget Sound just beyond downtown and two large lakes within city limits. The city’s hills offer many vantage points from which to take it all in, including these five postcard-perfect spots.

Kerry Park © Oliver Perez | Dreamstime 32878633

Kerry Park

Perched on the downtown-facing slope of Queen Anne — Seattle’s tallest hill — this is where postcard photographers capture the city’s iconic postcard view of the downtown skyline and the Space Needle, which dominates the foreground. At sunset on a clear day, Mount Rainier’s volcanic dome basks in the alpenglow.

Observation Deck on the Volunteer Park Water Tower, Seattle, Washington © Oliver Perez | Flickr

Volunteer Park Water Tower

The centerpiece of this lush park, with its towering trees, is the water tower. Though no longer in service, the top offers a 360-degree view for those willing to climb the stairs.

A Concrete Structure at Gas Works Park © Ryan Young | Dreamstime 43972159

Gas Works Park

This thumb of land juts into Lake Union, at the far side of which runs the downtown skyline. Most days, sailboats glide along the lake, which is rimmed with houseboats — including the one from Sleepless in Seattle. In summer, park-goers unfurl colorful kites from the park’s Kite Hill.

Seattle from Alki Beach, Washington © Nilanjan Bhattacharya | Dreamstime

Alki Beach

Across Elliott Bay from downtown is the West Seattle peninsula. Walk along Alki Beach for panoramic views of Seattle’s skyline reflected in the dark, cold water. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot an otter or two, especially if you go around dusk. This spot is particularly lovely at sunset.

The Space Needle © Spotmatik | Dreamstime

Space Needle

Seattle’s most famous landmark holds an observation deck high above the surrounding cityscape. A speedy elevator ride to the top is part of the fun.