Best Places for Where to Watch the Sunset in Seattle

Visiting Seattle and looking for the best place to see the sunset in Seattle? Here are our favorite spots you can’t miss. 

Sunsets are a magical moment when day meets night, providing the perfect excuse to end the day, relax, and enjoy the view. Luckily, Seattle is a super cool city with many amazing sunset spots.

With iconic Seattle parks, observatories, and beaches from which to enjoy a spectacular sunset, there’s never a shortage of top locations in and around the city for that well-deserved pause. 

Our few months of living in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, gave us plenty of time to search for the best sunset spots in Seattle.

Not that you’re guaranteed a great sunset in Seattle every evening- the city tends to be overcast and rainy for much of the year, but if you’re lucky enough to score a clear day, it’s one of the best things to do. 

Seattle sunsets can be rare but when they happen, they are truly magical.

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The Best Place to Watch a Seattle Sunset

After having checked out all these Seattle sunset spots, I conclude that Kerry Park and the Smith Tower are the best places to watch the sunset in Seattle. 

They are both completely different experiences, so I highly recommend doing both; Kerry Park at sunset has some of the best views that are hard to beat and the whole experience of having a drink on the 35th floor of the Smith Tower as the sun sets around you is magical, even if a tad more touristy than other experiences. 

While Kerry Park and the Smith Tower win for me, there are many other top places to watch the sunset in Seattle. 

Best Spots to See a Sunset in Seattle

1. Kerry Park

Perched on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park offers an unrivaled vantage point to witness sunsets in Seattle. 

As the sun dips below the horizon, to your right, the cityscape transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues. 

The iconic Space Needle stands tall against a backdrop of fiery oranges and deep purples, while the shimmering waters of Elliott Bay reflect the changing sky. 

On clear days, the majestic Mount Rainier looms in the distance, adding a splendid touch to the panorama. Kerry Park’s unobstructed views provide the perfect setting for a serene and picturesque sunset experience in the heart of Seattle.

A Kerry Park sunset is truly special, there isn’t any other spot like it, especially when mother nature decides to show off.

2. Alki Beach Park

Alki Beach Park in West Seattle is another stunning sunset spot. As the sun sets over Puget Sound, the sky lights up with brilliant oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over the sandy shore.

The silhouette of the Olympic Mountains provides a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the natural beauty. 

The gentle lapping of the waves and the panoramic view of the downtown skyline create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for a memorable evening in West Seattle. 

3. West Point Lighthouse, Discovery Park

Another superb sunset view in Seattle is West Point Lighthouse, located on the western tip of Discovery Park. 

As the sun sinks into Puget Sound, the sky explodes with vibrant reds and gold, casting a magical glow over the water. 

The lighthouse stands as a picturesque addition to the sunset scene, with the Olympic Mountains adding a majestic backdrop. This less-visited spot provides natural beauty just outside the city for an unforgettable sunset in Seattle.

4. The Space Needle Observation Deck

For those who want to get to a much higher vantage point for a Seattle sunset, The Space Needle Observation Deck offers an unparalleled sunset view over Seattle. 

As the sun sets, the cityscape is bathed in a stunning array of oranges and purples. 

From this iconic vantage point, higher up, you can see the shimmering waters of Elliott Bay, the distant Olympic Mountains, and the entire, vibrant downtown skyline.

The 360-degree view creates a breathtaking panorama, making the Space Needle a perfect spot for an unforgettable sunset experience.

The Space Needle is open for sunset throughout the year. 

5. The Smith Tower

A more sophisticated sunset experience awaits at the Smith Tower. Perched high above the city in the tower’s bar, you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails while the sun sets over Seattle. 

The panoramic, 360-degree view showcases the sparkling waters of Elliott Bay, the bustling downtown skyline, and the distant Olympic Mountains bathed in warm hues of orange and pink. 

This historic setting combined with Seattle’s iconic skyline, makes for an unforgettable sunset experience. 

It’s worth purchasing tickets for the Smith Tower Observatory in advance, especially in the busier, summer months. 

6. Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park offers a unique sunset view over Seattle. The setting sun casts golden rays across Lake Union, illuminating the city skyline and the park’s iconic industrial structures. 

The blend of natural beauty and historic remnants creates a captivating and picturesque atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening. To make an event of it, I’d suggest packing a picnic and heading to the park early evening for a bite and a beautiful sunset. 

7. Pier 66

Another one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Seattle, without needing to get too far from downtown is the popular Pier 66.

Pier 66 offers an amazing view of downtown Seattle as well as the marina and Seattle Great Wheel.

For those who don’t have time to travel further afield and happen to be in the downtown area in the evening, this is a great place to see the sunset in Seattle. 

8. Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park in Seattle is another stunning sunset spot with a view over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

The sandy beach and surrounding greenery create a serene and picturesque setting, ideal for a peaceful evening.

Take a seat on a bench overlooking the Sound and enjoy a peaceful sunset on a more local side of the city. 

9. The Columbia Tower: Sky View Observatory

As Washington State’s tallest building, you can certainly bet there’ll be a great view from the Columbia Tower. The Columbia Tower’s Sky View Observatory offers a sunset experience from the highest vantage point in Seattle. 

As the sun sets, the expansive view reveals a breathtaking panorama of the city, Elliott Bay, and the distant Olympic Mountains, all bathed in golden light and later, pink and blue hues.

The observatory’s floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unobstructed 360-degree view, making it an ideal spot to watch the sunset while enjoying the city’s stunning skyline and natural beauty.

Note that for photographers this might not be the best sunset spot due to glass reflections/dirt on the observatory windows. 

10. Ella Bailey Park

Ella Bailey Park is a cherished local spot in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, known for being one of the best places to see a sunset in Seattle.

Located in a quiet part of the city, it offers stunning views of the skyline and Puget Sound, with the setting sun casting warm, vibrant colors across the sky and water, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere without the tourist crowds.

Top tip: If you’re planning on taking photos here, bring a zoom lens as the downtown skyline is quite far away. 

Seattle Sunset Times

Depending on the time of year you decide to visit Seattle, it’s worth knowing that sunset times vary greatly.

In general, thanks to Seattle’s northern geographical position, during the winter sunsets are very early while in summer they are very late in the day.

Before visiting the best places to see a sunset in Seattle, a general guideline for Seattle sunset times is as follows:

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Which spot will you choose to watch the sunset in Seattle? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I’d be happy to answer them.