Gas Works Park provides awesome views of downtown Seattle and easily accessible hangout spot near UW with great photo opportunities.
Everyone knows Gasworks Park for its awesome views of downtown Seattle. A great spot during anytime of the year, the park is even beautiful at night, when you can see reflections of the city lights in Lake Union. Make sure you bring a tripod to capture some awesome long exposure images!
During the day, you will see lots of people chilling on blankets and having picnics, and in the evening, a lot of UW students walk down the park, as it is only one or two miles from campus.
Looking for more great viewpoints and sunset spots?
Seattle's Most Iconic View: Kerry Park
For the ultimate Seattle viewpoint experience, don't miss Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill. This compact park delivers the most photographed view in the Pacific Northwest—the Space Needle perfectly framed with downtown skyline, Elliott Bay, and Mt. Rainier (on clear days). Unlike other viewpoints, Kerry Park is free, always accessible, and requires just a short walk from street parking. The sunset views are spectacular, though parking can be tough on nice evenings—arrive early or park a few blocks north near Molly Moon's Ice Cream on Galer Street. When locals text "the mountain is out," Kerry Park is where they head. It's the quintessential Seattle experience in one elevated perch.