Named the top place to live in Washington State, Seattle is arguably also one of the prettiest. Surrounded by water like the Puget Sound and Lake Union as well as gorgeous nature such as Golden Gardens Park, Mount Rainier, and several hiking trails, Seattle attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
Unsure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful places in Seattle in this Rent. blog – and Pike Place and the Space Needle aren’t even on here. So, whether you’re moving into a rental home to fulfill your backpacking dreams, apartment hunting, visiting the Evergreen state, or have lived in your Seattle, WA home for years, you’re sure to find someplace for your next Instagram post.
1. Vashon Ferry
Our first recommendation for photo spots in Seattle is the ferry to Vashon Island which you can take from West Seattle. “Taking the ferry provides a unique setting, with opportunities for photos on the ferry itself, documenting the journey, adventure and beautiful water views,” says Ali Vrbas of Sound Roots Photography. Although Seattle is notably rainy and gray, Ali says the ferry is “great in all weather and at all times of day.”
2. Discovery Park
Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is one of photographer Tida Svy’s favorite places to take pictures. “The park is massive with diverse scenery, including a beach, forest, and open fields,” describes Tida. She especially recommends visiting during golden hour to take family or engagement pictures. May we even suggest ordering some prints to decorate your new home?
3. Fritz Hedges Waterway Park
“My favorite place to unwind after a long day is Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, also known as Portage Bay Park,” says Sydney Loves Fashion’s Sydney Mintle. Located on the north shore of Portage Bay, Sydney especially recommends watching and documenting the boats go by. Want to make it even more picturesque? Grab your significant other and have a romantic picnic.
4. Gallery B612
Bet you didn’t expect to see a gallery on this list! Well, we had to include Gallery B612 on our compilation of photo spots in Seattle! Located near Pioneer Square, this gallery has “new exhibitions rotating through every few months [so] you’re always bound to run into something new,” says art curator Kelly Cook. The beautiful space and stunning work is guaranteed to inspire you!
photo courtesy of Gallery B612
5. Gasworks Park
Whether you’re passing through on a run, there for an outdoor concert, or paddle boarding nearby, Gasworks Park is a beloved Seattle spot for a reason. Located on the north shore of Lake Union is one of the best spots to take photos in Seattle. This park features a former gasification plant, hence its name, but this location also offers stunning views of the city across the lake. Whether you’re a professional or just want an updated LinkedIn cover photo, we recommended heading to Gasworks Park during sunset for the most magical scene.
6. The Little Store
One of the cutest spots in Seattle has to be The Little Store. With stores in Queen Anne and Capitol Hill, this shop is a must for “pick[ing] out a unique outfit [and taking] the perfect selfies with our floor to ceiling mirror or in front of our fun mushroom wallpaper,” says salesperson Casey Klaus. This store is particularly special as “each item is handpicked by the owner guaranteeing you will be in a one of a kind outfit,” adds Casey. With styles ranging from K-Pop to elegant evening wear, you may just find the perfect piece for your next photoshoot.
photo courtesy of The Little Store
7. Fremont Peak Park
Located in the Fremont neighborhood, Fremont Peak Park is smaller and almost secret park in Seattle. With its great views, it makes sense this is Tireman Studio’s Shogo Ota favorite spots in all of Seattle. “You can see The Olympics and sunset from here so [it’s a] great location for not only for taking photos, but also relaxing and having a chill time,” notes Shogo.
8. Altitude Sky Lounge
You don’t have to be in NYC for a rooftop photo! Astra Hotel Seattle’s rooftop bar, Altitude Sky Lounge “offers stunning panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, including the iconic Space Needle and the majestic Olympic Mountains in the distance,” says Astra Hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Alleah Pac.
Not only can you snap a great photo here, but you can also enjoy “live DJ spin sets while you sip delicious craft cocktails and snack on charcuterie or small plates at this solarium-inspired rooftop bar.” With stunning views of Seattle’s soaring towers and urban architecture coupled with the chic fire pit tables, you’re sure to “enjoy the happening vibes that attract both visitors and locals.”
photo courtesy of Astra Hotel Seattle
9. Washington Park Arboretum
“The Washington Park Arboretum near the University of Washington is a gorgeous space to take a nice, easy walk, and enjoy the variety of trees and plants that inhabit the park,” says Brightspot Design’s Emily Chan. Here there are endless photo opportunities like the large trees, flowers, and stunning greenery that makes the perfect backdrop. Emily especially suggests checking out the Japanese Garden inside the Arboretum for the stunning gravel paths and stone benches.
10. Seattle Center
Okay, maybe the Space Needle is on this list, but the Seattle Center has more to offer than just the 1962 World’s Fair structure. Photographer Alec Mills recommends “starting at KEXP and walking to the fountain and then bouncing over to the playground and the MoPop building for an extra pop of color and fun.” He especially loves photographing families at this location due to the fun vive, “endless areas to explore, iconic landmarks to include, great treats, people watching, and plenty of open space for the kids to get the wiggles out.”
11. Olympic Sculpture Park
Located in the Belltown neighborhood near the Puget Sound is the stunning Olympic Sculpture Park. “The 9-acre park is an extension of the Seattle Art Museum and you can find numerous outdoor art installations throughout the park,” describes Traveling Tessie’s Tess Arnold. The beautiful sculptures amongst stunning PNW views like the Olympic Mountains over the water make this spot truly special. “The variety of sculptures and structural elements offer so many opportunities for interesting visuals for [you] to interact with, and as you follow the greenbelt zig-zag from the city to the water, you’re rewarded with a sweeping view of the waterfront and cityscape,” adds brand photographer Suzanne Rothmeyer.
Both love this park for the several photo opportunities. Suzanne especially recommends snapping pics “by the fountain, the sculptural chairs, and iconic vignettes like the great wheel and the space needle.” Although a visit to this park is great anytime of the year, “the best time to visit is in the spring months when the flowers are beginning to bloom,” suggests Tess.
photo courtesy of Traveling Tessie
12. The Nest
The Nest at Thompson Seattle is an iconic indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge that’s perfect for your next Instagram. This spot has “sweeping views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains [alongside] a menu of refreshing cocktails and tasty bites, spotlighting the seasonal produce highlighting the Pacific Northwest,” says Fabulous Washington’s editor in chief Melissa Larsen. Don’t forget to pose with your cocktail (and your besties) on the roof for the perfect pic!
13. University of Washington
The University of Washington Quad during cherry blossom season is crowded for a reason. Artist Suze Woolf has been visiting since childhood and still loves going to this day. The beautiful scene even inspires some of her pieces where you can see how she artfully captures the blossoms in bloom. “It’s been astonishing watching them grow to an international tourist occasion,” says Suze. So, whether you’re going to snap a picture or paint the scene like Suze, visiting the quad is a spring must!
Photo courtesy of Jason Goldfarb Photography
14. The Crocodile
Also located in Belltown, The Crocodile has “curated the soundtrack to life in downtown Seattle, hosting incredible artists from the early days, [making it] the city’s most iconic venue,” says booking assistant Rob Achin. The complex has three venues, two bars, and a seventeen-room boutique hotel, each with their own flair, and each perfect for your next pic. “Named after the infamous Seattle iconoclast, in all her elegance and spitfire, Madame Lou’s honors the gritty D.I.Y. spirit of this real life business woman and 1900’s brothel owner by hosting everything from all-ages punk shows to dance nights.
Here-After is a 100 seat comedy club and movie theater that hosts touring comics, live podcast tapings, selected films, and intimate performances by musicians. And finally, Hotel Crocodile boasts 17 unique rooms with murals from local Seattle artists, lounge areas and work spaces in every room, plush queen and king beds, newly renovated bathrooms, with towels and bedding cozy enough for rock’n’roll royalty,” describes Rob. Regardless of which part of the complex you visit, you’re sure to get your dose of Seattle’s amazing unique music and grunge scene here.
photo courtesy of The Crocodile
15. Kerry Park
If you’re looking at a beautiful photo of the Seattle skyline, it’s highly likely the picture was taken at Kerry Park. Located in the Queen Anne neighborhood, “Kerry Park is one of those special spots in Seattle where the view just blows you away every time,” says artist Angie Heinrich of Zetamari Mosaic Artworks. “As an artist, it’s the perfect place to capture the city’s essence, with the skyline, Space Needle, the water, and Mount Rainier all in one shot,” continues Angie.
Wondering the best time to go? Professional photographer Mason Joel recommends visiting “about half an hour before sunset to catch the magical glow of golden hour, a sight to behold.” “You [also] can’t go wrong on a misty morning or during a colorful sunset — the whole setting radiates Seattle and looks amazing in photos,” notes Angie.
This park is truly ideal for all photo needs like “proposals, engagements, or portrait sessions for urban elopements and weddings,” adds Mason. Offering the most iconic view of the skyline, “it’s a breathtaking backdrop that perfectly captures the city’s essence,” says Mason.
photo courtesy of Mason Joel
16. Basecamp Cafe
Looking for the perfect cafe for a quintessential photo of you sipping on a Seattle coffee? Basecamp Cafe is your place! “This cozy, living-room style café offers a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe, with large windows that flood the space with natural light,” describes Liz Fieser, head of marketing at Gearhouse. “Whether you’re fueling up for a hike or just enjoying a coffee, Basecamp offers a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the outdoors right in the heart of the city,” that’s sure to shine in your pic, adds Liz.
