Creating a list of the best places to take pictures in Seattle was easy because this city is so photogenic. Since it sits right on the water, you can get a ton of photos with mountains and ferries in the background. There are a ton of public parks too, so in general Seattle is a great spot for nature photography.
Gritty cityscapes more your thing? We have that too. From historic architecture to quirky sculptures dotting the city, Seattle has photo opportunities for everyone.
If you’re curious where you should go to capture the spirit of the city, here’s my list of the best places for photos in Seattle. It’s a mix of iconic shots and secret treasures most tourists wrongly skip.
22 Best Places to Take Pictures in Seattle
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more places as I discover them!
Pike Place Market
85 Pike St | neighborhood: Downtown | best for: shots of the iconic market sign, gum wall, and Puget Sound
Pike Place Market is one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions, making its famous sign one of the best photo opportunities in the city. For a bit of context, this farmers market is surrounded by vendor stalls selling vibrant fruits and vegetables, flower bouquets, and local fish. It’s one of the largest open-air farmers markets in the US, servicing both tourists and locals alike.
As this place is typically rammed with tourists, I suggest getting here at sunrise (or at least before the market opens) or leaving your shot until nightfall. This way, you can get a decent shot with a clear background. If you’re here at night, you’ll also benefit from vibrant-colored lights and reflective surfaces if it’s been raining earlier in the day.
If you want to explore the market during the day and have limited time to visit Seattle, try getting a tight shot on portrait mode to minimize the number of people in your picture.
There are two iconic shots in the market.
The first are the signs. The most famous is the one on Pike Street at the larger entrance. But there’s also a smaller one on Pine Street that has the benefit of being photographable from atop a hill, meaning you can crop out people more easily.
The other iconic shot is the gum wall located in Post Alley, which weaves underneath the ground level of the market. Get there by taking the alley that goes down a ramp right along Pike Street near the main entrance.
As its name implies, the Pike Place gum wall is covered in colorful wads of gum. It’s touristy, but it’s one of the really cool photo spots in Seattle that’s unique but still relatively easy to find. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but this incredible backdrop makes for a seriously artsy photograph.
While you’re in the market, take a self-guided walking tour to discover the best vendors and restaurants in Pike Place.
Matt’s in the Market
94 Pike St | neighborhood: Downtown | best for: a wide shot of Pike Place Market and the waterfront
If you don’t feel like battling with tourists on the ground for a great snap of the Pike Place Market sign, try Matt’s in the Market. It’s a restaurant on the second floor of the building right across from the iconic sign with huge windows. If you’re able to snag a table along the wall, you’ll get amazing views of the sign and bustling market below!
Interested in more great views? Check out my article on Seattle restaurants with the best views.
The Nest at Thompson Hotel
110 Stewart St | neighborhood: Downtown | best for: iconic shots of the waterfront
If you’re looking for excellent locations in Seattle that overlook Pike Place Market, downtown, and Elliott Bay, you can’t beat The Nest at the top of Thompson Hotel. The Nest is one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle. The birds-eye view you get from up here is truly unbeatable (make sure you keep an eye out for the Great Wheel!).
While you’re sipping cocktails on the enormous patio, you can perch your camera on the glass ledge and get a few clear shots across the Bay. You’ll get excellent shots during the day. But I adore settling in here at sunset to get cotton candy skies and watch the city lights start twinkling.
Pro tip: The Thompson Hotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Seattle because most of the rooms have gorgeous views as well.
Central Library
1000 4th Ave | neighborhood: Queen Anne | best for: fascinating architecture shots
Oh man, the Central Library’s downtown branch will always be one of my favorite Seattle photo spots. Not only does it boast an incredible steel and glass construction, but you’ll get seriously impressive pictures from its unique grid windows.
You can focus your photography both indoors and outdoors. The giant diamond-shaped building is worth capturing on a sunny day as the light hits the steel and glass. But I recommend getting a few artistic shots inside the library as the sun streams through the windows and onto the bookshelves.
It’s a great place to spend a rainy day in the city and is large enough to get wide shots without other tourists appearing.
Kerry Park
211 W Highland Dr | neighborhood: Queen Anne | best for: iconic shot of the Space Needle and city skyline
Kerry Park offers spectacular vantage points of the Space Needle, the downtown area, Elliott Bay, and Bainbridge Island. If you’re a Grey’s Anatomy fan, you may have even spotted this view from the opening credits.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle, as you’ll get shots of Mount Rainier in the background if the weather is on your side. If you’re looking for the best angles possible, I suggest sitting on the railing that lines the park. It allows you to shoot from above and gets some of the park’s shrubbery out of your way.
Additionally, if you have a knack for nighttime photography, you can get excellent shots of the city lights or one of Seattle’s glorious sunsets from here. It’s worth noting that prime visiting times for photographers are sunrise and sunset. But you can easily use a zoom lens to crop people out of the photo.
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St | neighborhood: Uptown | best for: shots of the Space Needle
Seattle Center is the city’s main tourist hub as it’s home to the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum.
You can get incredible views from the viewing deck at the Space Needle, but my favorite shot can be captured in the atrium of Chihuly Gardens. If you stand in the middle of the atrium, you’ll get an iconic shot of blown glass with the Space Needle in the background. Just point your camera up towards the ceiling and work your angles to capture the gorgeous glass flowers framing the Needle.
If you’re outside, you can also get a great picture of the “Summer Sun” glass sculpture, the main conservatory, and the Space Needle towering over the shot.
The Spheres
2111 7th Ave | neighborhood: South Lake Union | best for: space-like architecture pictures
The Spheres are three conservatories that make up Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle. They’re basically everything Amazon aims to be – cool, trendy, and ahead of their time.
You can’t traipse through The Spheres without being an Amazon employee, but you can access Wilmott’s Ghost restaurant and Deep Dive cocktail lounge if you want to take a closer look at the inside. Both of these spots are some of the cutest restaurants in Seattle, so they’re photo worthy in their own right!
If you’d rather stick to the outside of the buildings, aim your camera upwards from the ground across the street to capture the orbs in all their glory.
UW campus
Pierce Ln | neighborhood: University District | best for: capturing cherry blossoms
One of the quintessential ways to spend spring break in Seattle is to visit the UW campus and snap photos of the incredible cherry blossoms from the end of March through mid-April. They lend the entire area an ethereal vibe that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. It’s super popular though, so prepare to get to the quad early.
Another campus gem is the Suzallo Graduate Reading Room. Tucked inside the university, this library could easily be mistaken for a forgotten Harry Potter set. The high ceilings, wooden interior, and hanging lamps look exactly like the Great Hall and the library is rarely busy enough to impede photographers. If you want a near-empty shot, come at the weekend or later in the day when students are less likely to be inside.
Smith Tower
506 2nd Ave | neighborhood: Pioneer Square | best for: panoramas over the city
Smith Tower is an historic building in Pioneer Square that offers sweeping views of the city from its 360-degree observation deck. The 1914 building is photo worthy itself thanks to it’s famous pyramid roof and white stone facade that’s impossible to miss when enjoying the skyline.
You walk through a small museum and the lobby gift shop to access the roof. You’ll take beautiful vintage elevators to the top and be let out in a cool rooftop bar that makes some of the best cocktails in Seattle. But when it comes to photos, you’ll want to head to the deck for shots of the skyline and Mount Rainier in the distance. You’ll need to get creative with your angles as the deck is covered by a white railing, but most lenses can work around this.
Occidental Park
117 S Washington St | neighborhood: Pioneer Square | best for: historic brick buildings
Occidental Park is surrounded by cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and interesting sculptures. You’ll want to snap pictures of the carved totem poles and bronze firefighters’ memorial while you’re here. But you can also spend hours people-watching and trying to capture the stunning birdlife that calls this place home.
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake Way | neighborhood: Fremont | best for: steampunk machinery
Gas Works Park is among the best places to take pictures in Seattle as it offers views of the skyline reflecting in Lake Union. It used to provide gas and energy to the city, but it’s now a park that features the fascinating remnants of the power plant and rolling green hills that are ideal for picnics.
Although you’re much further from the skyline at Gas Works than other spots, this area allows you to get an excellent panorama of Seattle dotted with sailboats and ferryboats. Be patient and you may be able to snap one of the sea planes landing!
Fremont Troll
N 36th St | neighborhood: Fremont | best for: a taste of Seattle’s quirky art scene
The Fremont Troll is close to Gas Works Park under the Aurora Bridge. It’s a 6.5-ton sculpture that was crafted in 1990 by local artists. It’s weird, wonderful, and beloved by both Seattleites and visitors who want a taste of the city’s art scene.
Not only is the sculpture itself one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle, but you can make various poses around the troll, get behind it, or even lie down in front of it if you’re feeling adventurous.
I suggest heading down early to miss the bulk of the afternoon crowd. As it’s one of Seattle’s most popular monuments, you may be waiting a while to shoot your shot if you visit during peak hours.
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave | neighborhood: Uptown | best for: unique sculptures and shots of the Bay
The Olympic Sculpture Park is one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle because it’s home to plenty of green space, gorgeous sculptures, and undisturbed views of Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. The area around the Red Sculpture is extremely popular, and you’ll find a series of matching red chairs dotted around that you can easily pull into a shot.
When you’re done snapping photos, you can walk through the park for some of the best views in Seattle. You can also walk along the paved Elliott Bay Trail all the way to Magnolia. It’s one of the best hiking spots in Seattle!
King Street Station
303 S Jackson St | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District | best for: historic architecture
King Street Station is an iconic train station built back in 1906. Thanks to its ornate ceilings, downtown Seattle location, and 12-story clock tower, it’s an incredible spot for historic snaps.
Before you enter, be sure to grab a couple of pictures outside the incredible brick and granite façade. Although it’s been through several renovation cycles, this place is still one of Seattle’s most famous historical sites and deserves a place on anyone’s Instagram feed.
If you visit at night, you’ll get an unbeatable photograph of downtown Seattle’s lights, Lumen Field, and the station itself from across the street. You’ll need to hold your camera close to the ground to get everything in, but it’s truly breathtaking.
Hat & Boots Park
6427 Carleton Ave S | neighborhood: Georgetown | best for: quirky tourist snaps
Georgetown is a hip and trendy neighborhood about 5 miles from Seattle and is home to some of the best restaurants and breweries in the city. But it’s also known for the iconic Hat & Boots Park.
The famous Hat and Boot sculptures were part of a former cowboy-themed gas station that was built in 1954 before they were moved to Oxbow Park in 2003 to better preserve them. It’s one of the most unique spots in Georgetown and is worth snapping a few pictures of while you’re in Seattle. I mean, where else will you find a 44-foot-wide hat and a 22-foot pair of boots? Literally nowhere.
After your done, explore more of the artsy neighborhood on my self-guided Georgetown food tour.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
1400 E Galer St | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | best for: planty vibes
Volunteer Park Conservatory is one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle by a mile. It’s a beautiful botanical garden that provides plenty of light for incredible photos.
You’ll pass through several flower and plant greenhouses that display everything from basic blooms to exotic cacti which are perfect for posing in front of. You’ll also get awesome shots from the front of the conservatory which is designed in the Victorian style.
The mix of plant life and natural light at this attraction make it foolproof for beginner photographers. Just be careful of the humidity – it tends to fog up lenses, particularly if they are capped with a filter.
Discovery Park
3801 Discover Park Blvd | neighborhood: Magnolia | best for: nature and mountain shots
Discovery Park is an old military base that offers amazing views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It genuinely feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle (which I really appreciated when I lived in this neighborhood!). You can spend hours snapping photos of the forests, cliffs, and lighthouses that characterize the area.
The South Beach Trail and the West Point Lighthouse Trail are both great for picture-taking, as you’ll find driftwood beaches and towering cliffs that make any photo look majestic. But you can easily stick to the waterfront if you don’t have time for a mini hike.
For gorgeous shots, visit during golden hour. The wheat-y grass really pops at this time of day.
Alki Beach
1702 Alki Ave SW Seattle | neighborhood: West Seattle | best for: city skyline shots
If you’re looking for the best places to take pictures in Seattle, then Alki Beach should certainly be on your shortlist. This stunning spot is one of the city’s only sandy beaches. Since it’s across the water from downtown Seattle, it offers a different vantage point for capturing the cityscape.
There are other shots worth capturing here, too. There’s a paved trail along the beach, so wait for a rollerblader for a shot with movement. You can also check out the mini Statue of Liberty sculpture for some artistic shots.
The area tends to be less crowded during the autumn and winter months for obvious reasons, but you can head to the beach early in the morning if you want photos with fewer crowds.
Golden Gardens
8498 Seaview Pl | neighborhood: Ballard | best for: gorgeous shots of the harbor
Golden Gardens is one of my Seattle comfort spots, as I used to visit this place regularly when I first moved to the city. This beachy area is tucked away in Ballard and has an incredible view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
From here, you’ll be perfectly placed to capture shots of boats gliding through the water, the charming fishing pier, people walking along the beachfront, and what might be the city’s most beautiful sunset.
The Great Wheel
1301 Alaskan Way | neighborhood: Downtown | best for: ferris wheel shots
The Seattle waterfront is another excellent place to take pictures in the city. Bell St. Pier is an incredible spot if you’d like to snap photos of the Great Wheel. But I also love Pier 62-63 and Pier 66 for capturing the harbor boats, the city’s skyscrapers, and the wheel itself once night falls.
If you have a tripod, head there at night. You can take a long-exposure shot and capture the blurred movement of lights on the wheel as it spins round and round.
Arboretum
2300 Arboretum Dr E | neighborhood: Madrona | best for: foliage
The Arboretum is one of my favorite places to take pictures in Seattle if I’m trying to capture fall colors. You’ll find rich reds, oranges, golds, and yellows making an appearance on the deciduous maple, ash, and aspen trees. It can get crowded around here, so I’d avoid visiting in the afternoon to increase your chances of getting a clear shot of the best fall foliage in Seattle.
Seattle Postcard Mural
2231 2nd Ave | neighborhood: Belltown | best for: a unique postcard shot
Another one of the best places to take pictures in Seattle is the Postcard Mural where Bedlam Coffee used to be. It’s incredibly vibrant and features several iconic landmarks and snippets of the city’s history. As the mural says “Greetings From” directly above the mural, you can save on postage and just send a group text standing in front of your shot. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
More to explore in Seattle
After you explore the best places to take pictures in Seattle, check out these other ideas for photo worthy spots that’ll brighten anyone’s camera roll.
