"Kerry Park: Seattle's Must-See Iconic Viewpoint" Top 5 Page for this destination Seattle Things to Do Tip by glabah

By far the most iconic view of Seattle is that famous post-card like view with the Space Needle with downtown Seattle behind it, and towering behind that Mount Rainier. There are only a very few locations in the Seattle area with such a view, and by far the most famous of those is Kerry Park, at the south end of Queen Anne, or just north of the Space Needle / Seattle Center.

Obviously, if it isn't a clear day, you won't see Mount Rainier, but even so the view of the Space Needle with downtown in the background is certainly still an attraction here.

Most people who come here just come, jump out of their cars, take a photo or two of the view, and leave. However, I definitely suggest exploring the neighborhood around the park as you will find some unexpected treasures here that the vast majority of tourists miss. To the west of the park you will find several other viewpoints overlooking Puget Sound, and in the background on a clear day you will be able to see the Olympic Mountains from them. Also, the Queen Anne neighborhood has a number of interesting and eccentric structures, both modern and historic.

So, if you visit here, I suggest walking five blocks west to Marshall Park, which does not provide the Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle view that is so famous, but the view from there is of a much different nature. You can also walk down the hill a little ways and visit Kinnear Park. Some of the places along nearby 8th Place West also have good views on a clear day.

Along with the great view, Kerry Park also boasts a reasonably complete playground (photo 5 is from the viewpoint, looking down into the rest of the park) and a fairly good sized sculpture at the viewpoint. Most of the park is on a hillside, and the vast majority of tourists probably don't even take notice of the expanse of park below the viewpoint wall.

This park is one of the few parks in Seattle that is open 24 hours a day, rather than closing at 11 at night. So, the views from here may be enjoyed at all times.

The park land was donated to the city of Seattle in 1927 so that all may enjoy the view from this location. The sculpture in the park was donated to the park in 1971 by the children of the donors.

Several photos from my Queen Anne travelogue from 2009 feature more photos from this park, as well as nearby viewpoints. (Queen Anne is the name of the area in which Kerry Park is located).

Address: West Highland Drive between 2nd & 3rd Ave West
Directions: Many different routes to get here, and it is close to bus routes 1 and 2 from Seattle Center. I suggest arriving on 2 and leaving on 1, as that allows for an all-downhill walk. Seattle Center isn't too far, and the walk isn't very difficult.
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=342