Kerry Park

About the Location

Breathtaking Seattle Views

Perched on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park might be small in size, but it offers impressive views. This spot offers what many consider the quintessential Seattle skyline view - you know, the one with the Space Needle set against downtown's towers, with Mount Rainier visible in the background on clear days (which, let's be honest, aren't as frequent as we'd like in Seattle!). The waters of Elliott Bay complete this postcard-perfect scene.

If you're after Instagram gold, time your visit for sunrise, sunset, or after dark when the city lights create a magical urban constellation. Both professional photographers and visitors with smartphones gather here to capture this iconic Seattle view.

The park offers a perfect vantage point of Seattle's skyline and waterfront

A Gift with a View

The city owes this spectacular viewpoint to the generosity of Albert Sperry Kerry Sr. and his wife Catherine, who donated this 1.26-acre parcel to Seattle in 1927. Their vision was beautifully simple: they wanted everyone to have access to this breathtaking panorama of the city.

Seattle's iconic skyline bathed in golden sunset light from Kerry Park

Far From Just a View

While the skyline steals the show, take a moment to appreciate the park's artistic centerpiece - a 15-foot steel sculpture called "Changing Form" created by artist Doris Totten Chase in 1971. This abstract piece has become a playground favorite for local kids and adds an interesting foreground element for photographers framing their skyline shots.

The park itself is wonderfully understated - a small grassy area, a viewing wall ideal for sitting and contemplating the cityscape, and not much else. But really, with a view like this, what more do you need?

Verdant trees frame the spectacular city view from this elevated lookout

Planning Your Visit

Kerry Park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM under the care of Seattle Parks and Recreation. Given its compact size and stellar reputation, it can get pretty crowded, especially around sunset or during summer months when tourists descend.

You'll need to find street parking in the surrounding residential area, which can be challenging during peak times. Since you'll be in a neighborhood where people actually live, keeping noise levels reasonable is just good visitor etiquette.

Visitors gather in the small park to experience its impressive city views

Around the Park

While Kerry Park keeps things simple with no restrooms or picnic areas, there's a children's playground just a short walk down from the main viewpoint. The surrounding Queen Anne neighborhood is worth exploring too, with its charming streets lined with beautiful homes and lush greenery.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friend along as the park is dog-friendly. And a quick tip: the hilltop location can get surprisingly windy, so you might want to bring a jacket even on seemingly mild days.