The iconic skyline of Seattle never disappoints. When I least expect it I’ll come across the cityscape and my jaw will drop to the ground. With the unique Space Needle standing tall, and the high rises close by… it’s one of the most beautiful and brilliant skylines I’ve ever seen.
Whether you’re viewing the skyline from up close or far away, I’ve rounded up the best places in the city to be awestruck by the Seattle skyline. Some views allow mountains in the background, some allow for water in the foreground. All unique, but all just as wonderful. All you have to do is take your pick!
The Best Places in Seattle to View the Iconic Seattle Skyline
Smith Tower
For a more up close and personal look of the Seattle skyline, Smith Tower is the perfect viewing point. Although a ride up the elevator to the 38th-floor will set you back about $20, for a one time view you can’t beat it. Don’t fret… there’s more to do than just view the skyline. Smith Tower has a lot of history, being the oldest skyscraper in Seattle built in the early 1900s. This day, it also has a bar on the 38th-floor with floor to ceiling windows for when you’re done marveling at the views outside.
The Nest Rooftop Bar
Located at the beautiful Thompson Hotel in downtown Seattle, The Nest is a rooftop bar serving the best views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range. While you don’t see the entirety of Seattle’s skyline, you do get views offering the iconic Ferris wheel and skyscrapers. While drinks from the bar are expensive, it’s my favorite place in Seattle to lounge, and take it all in on a sunny day.
Gas Works Park
Located in Fremont, Gas Works Park allows you to take in the entire skyline from across Lake Union. Free of charge, this grassy hill is the perfect spot to lay out a blanket, unpack your picnic, and sit idly as the sailboats glide by and the sun sets behind the city. (Pst… don’t know where to grab picnic supplies? Why not try Pike Place Market).
Kerry Park
Located in Queen Anne, Kerry Park is less of a “park” and more of a viewpoint. This location is unique because not only are you viewing the entirety of Seattle’s skyline, you also have a great view of Mount Rainier behind it all. Just make sure to go on a clear and sunny day to get the full effect of the skyline with Rainier in the backdrop.
The Ferry
One of my favorite ways to view Seattle’s skyline is from the ferry! Whether you’re crossing Elliott Bay to head to West Seattle to enjoy time on Alki Beach or eat at the yummy Marination. Or if you’re heading further west to Bainbridge Island to enjoy a day in the wine tasting rooms. Grab your camera and head to the boat deck. The ferry truly offers one of the most spectacular views of Seattle’s skyline.
Westward
Located in Fremont, Westward is a charming restaurant with spectacular seafood and cocktails. And with views of the skyline? You truly can’t beat it. Arrive at Westward early to get a coveted spot outside underneath the colorfully striped umbrellas while you sip your cocktail and wait for a table to open up.
The Baseball Stadium – T-Mobile Park
Doubt you saw this one coming… but the views from T-Mobile Park are good enough to make the cut. Baseball, beer, hotdogs, AND views? Now, this is a game you can’t miss. Also, make sure you get seats on the first base side to witness the views.
I’m curious, are there any places in Seattle that I missed? Let me know in the comments below! After all, I am a sucker for the iconic Seattle skyline.
For a more comprehensive guide to Seattle read The Ultimate Guide to Seattle
Do you prefer visuals over words? Head over to my Instagram page/highlight reel to get a visual look at Seattle through my eyes! Or search for the hashtag #ppinseattle.
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Kylee is a Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) nurse passionate about making travel affordable and accessible to nurses. Inspiring nurses to travel both near and far, Kylee began Passports and Preemies in 2017 while volunteering in Skopje, North Macedonia as a way to reach nurses and advocate for the prevention of nurse burnout by traveling. Kylee is the original creator of the “8 Day Vacay” – a vacation geared towards nurses who aim to take advantage of the potentially 8 days off between work weeks with no need to use PTO.
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Im visiting Seattle soon and this post was very helpful. The Bainbridge Ferry seems like a good idea. A nice ferry ride for 35mins in each direction. I saw online that the Columbia Tower has a sky view observatory on the 73rd floor as well but its like $10 or something like that. Does the nest charge for visiting the rooftop?
Also, are there any sights or locations you would recommend for a Photography Trip in Seattle? My photography website is www squeakypicture.com . Thanks a bunch.
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Thanks for the comment! The Bainbridge Ferry is awesome! If you don’t want to ferry for as long you can take one to West Seattle which is about a 5-10 minute ferry ride and the same views. I have not been to the Columbia Tower but I heard it’s nice. It does charge you to go up the elevator and the drinks are pricey. The Nest does not charge you for visiting the rooftop! But the drinks are quite expensive once up there. However, I am a sucker for a rooftop and very much enjoyed myself. As far as photography, I am not the expert on that! However, I don’t think you can go wrong with Pikes Place Market. I can’t wait to check out your website, thanks for sharing!