Kerry Park viewpoint

What to know

Kerry Park is a small public park and viewpoint located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. It sits along West Highland Drive, positioned between 2nd Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West. This vantage point is world-renowned for providing what is considered the most iconic skyline view of the city, featuring the Space Needle prominently at the center, with Elliott Bay to the west and Mount Rainier as a majestic backdrop. The park's history is rooted in community generosity. The broader Kerry Park block includes parcels of land donated in 1904 and 1927. While the playground area was donated by George Kinnear in 1904 to be "a park forever," the specific viewpoint area was given to the city by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sperry Kerry in 1927. Visitors often gather along the perimeter wall to witness the city transition from day to night. As the sunset occurs, the city lights begin to glow, transforming the skyline into what Seattle Parks describes as a fantasy scene. At night, the view includes brightly lit ferries gliding across the water and the Space Needle shining from its 500-foot pedestal. Because of these unsurpassed views of the Central City and Elliott Bay, the park is a primary draw for photographers and camera buffs. The site remains a quintessential Seattle experience, capturing the essence of the urban landscape and the natural beauty of the surrounding region in a single frame.

Visitor tips

• Visit during sunset to see the city lights begin to glow along the wall.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the iconic shot of the Space Needle and Mount Rainier.
• Allow extra time for parking on West Highland Drive, as it is a popular spot for photographers.

Nearby context

Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, Kerry Park is perched on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, offering a sweeping gaze over the downtown core and the Puget Sound.