Find the Best Views of Seattle at Kerry Park
If you are searching for the best views of Seattle, look no further. Kerry Park sits north-west of downtown Seattle and offers some of the best views possible. Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, this park sits on top of one of the tallest hills in Seattle. This location is what allows this park to have some of the best views of Seattle.
History of Kerry Park
Kerry Park, sitting on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington, has become a number one tourist destinations in Seattle. From the park you can see the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier. Kerry Park was established in 1927, named after local resident and philanthropist Albert Kerry Sr. It was Kerry’s donation of land, along with funds from the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm, that laid the foundation for this Seattle park. Since it opened, Kerry Park has drawn visitors and locals. This has made it one of of Seattle’s most popular parks.
Over the decades, Kerry Park has evolved into a Seattle landmark thanks to its views of the Seattle skyline and the natural beauty that surrounds it. Kerry Park has also served as a popular filming location, featured in numerous movies and television shows for its quintessential Seattle backdrop. Its prominence in popular culture has further cemented Kerry Park’s status as a must-visit destination for those seeking quintessential Seattle views. I know for me, I wanted to visit Kerry Park because of its appearance in Greys Anatomy!
In recent years, Kerry Park has gone through various renovations and enhancements to improve accessibility and visitor experience while preserving its charm. Upgrades such as improved pathways, seating areas, and landscaping have made it so that visitors can come here to relax. Despite these changes, Kerry Park remains a beloved spot for locals too!
You can’t talk about Kerry Park without talking about the large sculpture that is at the center of the park. The sculpture, “Changing Form”, was created by artist Doris Totten Chase. Erected in 1971, this 14-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture has become a part of the park itself, adding a touch of artistic elegance to its views. It’s common to visit parks in Seattle and stumble upon sculpture galleries. “Changing Form” is one that blends in perfectly with Kerry park.
Getting to Kerry Park
You can find a link to Kerry Park here
Many people will make the trek from Downtown Seattle to Kerry Park. This is doable, but it is worth mentioning that the hill you will have to climb to get here is incredibly steep. If possible, I would drive or take an uber to get to Kerry Park.
If you are planning on walking here from Downtown Seattle, there are lots of sights to see along the way. You will walk by one of my favorite book stores, Mercer Street Books. You will also walk by lots of local cafes or coffee shops. I highly recommend making the most out of your walk, and slowly making your way to Kerry Park.
There is also a bus line that will bring you to Kerry Park. You can purchase an Orca card (City of Seattle bus pass) to easily get to Kerry Park. The walk from the bus stop to the park is less than a mile.
When to Visit Kerry Park
I like to visit the park around sunset or sunrise. If you can make it for sunrise, the city of Seattle will be backlit by the rising sun. Another pro of visiting early in the morning is that you might beat the crowd. It’s hard to find solitude at Kerry Park, but you’ll increase your chances the earlier you visit.
This is also a popular spot to visit on New Years Eve and the Fourth of July. Anytime the city of Seattle sets off fireworks from the Space Needle or downtown Seattle, Kerry Park gets busy. This is easy to imagine with its expansive views of the Puget Sound and the city. You can see for miles and it makes for a great vantage point to enjoy a firework show.
It’s worth mentioning that this park is ALWAYS crowded. I have never been to this park and found myself alone. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, and try to arrive at times when people might be eating or still asleep if you don’t want to deal with having people in all of your photos.
Food Nearby
If you’re looking for food near Kerry Park you are in luck! Queen Anne is home to some of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle, and they are all a short 10-15 minute walk from Kerry Park.
- Koku Cafe: I worked at a cafe less than a mile from Kerry Park when I first moved to Seattle, so I was able to spend my lunch breaks visiting the par.! The cafe that I worked at is on Queen Anne Avenue and is called Koku Cafe. You can get both food and drinks here. I recommend grabbing a beer and a rice bowl before or after you head to the park. Also, Koku Cafe has the BEST matcha lates that I have ever had, so don’t forget to grab one of those.
- Moonrise Bakery: I have also stopped at Moonrise Bakery too many times to count. They have some of my favorite pastries in Queen Anne, and maybe in all of Seattle. I love their savory croissants! They have outdoor seating that is a great spot to relax at for a bit. Moonrise Bakery also has really good espresso so if you are in need of a coffee this is a good spot to stop at.
- Zeeks Pizza: Zeeks is a popular pizza chain in Seattle that I really enjoy. If you have kids or picky eaters with you, this is a great option for food near Kerry Park. Getting to Zeeks entails a walk down Queen Anne Ave. This street is filled with local coffee shops, stores, and a fun local vibe.
- Homegrown: This is one of my favorite lunch spots in Queen Anne. They have sandwiches and salads that are classic with small unique twists. You will also find coffee and a few homemade drinks here.
An Alternative View Nearby
For a less crowded view of the Puget Sound, walk west on Highland Drive until you reach Marshall Park. While you cannot see the Seattle skyline here, you can see expansive views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. There are a few benches available for you to sit and take in the view. Every time I have visited Marshall Park to sit and relax I have not seen many other people around. This seems to be the hidden local park that people visiting Kerry Park don’t know about!
Other Parks in Seattle
Seattle is full of parks ready to be explored. Anytime I am asked about what to do in Seattle, visiting one of the local parks comes to mind immediately. Whether you’re looking to explore tide pools on the Puget Sound at Discovery park or kayak in the middle of a Seattle neighborhood on Green Lake – there’s something out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Discovery Park: This massive park spans over 800 acres along the Puget Sound. It’s a 15 minute drive from Kerry Park to Discovery Park. For details on the lighthouse, hiking trails, and tide pools at Discovery Park, view my post here.
- Gas Works Park: Gas Works is one of the most unique parks i’ve visited while living in Washington. This area is a retired coal gasification plant turned public park! You’ll see fascinating buildings in the park along with views of Seattle that are hard to beat. You can see the Space Needle sitting in the Seattle skyline just over lake Union. Plus, it’s common to see planes landing on the lake here on a nice day. Read about Gas Works Park here.
- Magnuson Park: If you’re traveling with a dog I highly recommend visiting Warren G Magnuson park along Lake Washington. It’s one of the larger parks in Seattle with my personal favorite dog park. You can soak up views of Mount Rainier and the East Side over the lake. There are beaches for swimming, blackberry bushes to harvest from in the summer, and sport fields to explore. Learn everything you need to know about Magnuson Park here.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best views of Seattle, Kerry Park is where you need to go. Make a day out of visiting and explore Queen Anne, one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle. Plan on grabbing coffee and food near the park, and soaking up the fun local vibe. I tell anyone visiting Seattle to check out Kerry Park, so pack your bags, grab your camera, and let me know what you think of Kerry Park in Seattle Washington!