Seattle offers gorgeous views from the ocean to the mountains. From the twinkling night lights to the stunning sunrises, there is no shortage of amazing viewpoints in Seattle. With so much to see, it can be hard to decide where to go for the best view. Whether you are in Seattle for a day or doing a 4-day itinerary of Seattle, one thing the itinerary cannot miss is checking out some of Seattle scenic spots. Here are seven places to gain a unique viewpoint in Seattle.
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The Best View 0f Seattle Skyline
We have covered where to get the best lunch in Seattle, stunning waterfalls and the best hikes in Seattle, which by the way are some of the most scenic places in Seattle with amazing views, below we are staying in the city but with the coolest places to experience the city’s skyline.
During my visit, I stayed at Marriott Courtyard which was only a few meters from the Smith Tower offering not only amazing views of the Seattle skyline but, the seafront as well as views of the majestic Mt Rainier.
Space Needle
Seattle Center, 400 Broad St.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle offers 360-degree views from 520 feet in the air. The lower floor offers a rotating all-glass floor while the upper level has floor-to-ceiling glass. You can also view the PanoCam, which provides photos from some of the older, beautiful views that were once seen from the Space Needle, from the twinkling night sky to the beautiful sunrise.
For a more unique experience, take Seattle’s commercial monorail which links downtown Seattle to the Space Needle. There is also a restaurant where you will slowly rotate around to get amazing, constantly changing views of Seattle as you eat dinner. To go to the observation deck, admission tickets are $22 for adults and $14 for children ages 5 to 12. You can get a discount to attractions with this pass.
Smith Tower
Pioneer Square, 506 2nd Ave.
From on the 35th floor, Smith Tower offers a beautiful view of the Seattle skyline. As Seattle’s first skyscraper and was built in 1914. The observation deck is out in the open, and there is also the Temperance Café and Bar on the top, so you can grab a bite to eat.
The restaurant used to be furnished with gifts from Empress Dowager Cixi, but you can still find some of the Eastern-Asian accents throughout the café. Smith Tower is rich in Seattle history and offers amazing views of the Seattle skyline. Admission to the open-air observation deck is $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 – 12. You can check out more pictures from my visit to the Smith Tower here.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park, 39000 State Route 706 E
There are many amazing trails on and around Mount Rainier that provide incredible views of both Seattle and the natural world around you. Although Seattle will appear much smaller from the mountainside, the beauty of your view cannot be replicated. At Mount Rainer National Park, where the 14,411-foot Mount Rainier sits.
Some of the trails with the best-rated views include Skyline Trail, which is an easier 5.5-mile hike where you can see Mount St. Helens on a clear day, Spray Park Trail, a moderate 6-mile hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end, and Naches Peak Loop, a family-friendly 3.5-mile loop with many wildflower meadows. Whatever trail you choose, there will be no shortage of stunning and picturesque views. The admission fee for a single vehicle (good for 7 days) is $30 and an annual pass for a car is $55. You can also visit Mt Rainier via a tour.
Waterfront Park
Pier 57- Pier 59, 1401 Alaskan Way
Right along the water, Waterfront Park is located between Pier 57 to Pier 59. You will find several benches and two viewing platforms that provide amazing views of Seattle skyline, the waterfront, Blake Island, and maybe even the Olympic Mountains.
If you would like, there are also some coin-operated telescopes to see even further! On the Waterfront Park, you will also find the Great Wheel, a beautiful fountain, and the Seattle Aquarium. While looking over the railings, you may even spot a wild seal! Admission is free in the park, although some of the attractions do have a fee.
The Great Wheel
Pier 57, 1301 Alaskan Way
The Great Wheel is the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast at 175 feet tall. It is located on Pier 57 and offers amazing views of both Seattle and the waterfront. The 42 enclosed gondolas seat up to 6 as you take the three revolutions around the wheel. From stunning views of Pike Place Market to a fun nighttime light show, the Great Wheel offers some of the best viewpoints in Seattle.
You can even purchase a seat in the VIP cabin, which has a glass-bottom floor with leather seats, and a stereo system. If everyone in the cabin is over 21, you can also bring alcoholic beverages into the VIP cabin. Admission in the Great Wheel is $15 for adults over 12 years old, $10 for youth between 3 to 11 years old, $13 for seniors 65 and older, and the VIP cabin is $50 per person. Babies 0 to 2 are free.
Columbia Center
Downtown, 701 5th Ave.
As the tallest building in the Seattle skyline, Columbia Center towers at 993 feet. To reach the observation deck on the 73rd floor, you will need to ride two elevators. Once you reach the top, however, you will be greeted with 360-degree views of the beautiful Seattle skyline, the waterfront, and Mount Rainier. Columbia Center also embeds history and information into its walls.
For example, you can read about regional notable figures as well as how to prevent glare in your photos through the windows. These insights are both interesting and informative and are a unique touch to your amazing experience. There is also a small café if you would like a snack or drink. Admission to the observation room is $14.75 for adults and $9 for children ages 6 to 12. See my pictures of city views from Columbia Center here.
Volunteer Park Water Tower
Capitol Hill, 1247 25th Ave.
Although it is a bit of a hike, the view from the top of the Volunteer Park Water Tower is stunning. The tower, built in 1906, sits 75 feet above Capitol Hill, at a total of 520 feet above sea level. You will have to climb 107 stairs to reach the top, but once you do, you will have 360-degree views of Seattle, including the Space Needle, the skyline, Puget Sound, and the Cascade Mountains. Additionally, climbing up the Volunteer Park Water Tower is free.
Views from Volunteer Park
From hundreds of feet in the air to right on the water, there are many places to view amazing Seattle from. From picturesque views of the skyline to stunning waterfront pictures, these seven viewpoints offer the best views in Seattle, including Columbia Center, the Space Needle, and the Great Wheel.
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