Marshall Park is a tiny view point park located on West Highland Drive, just minutes from Kerry Park. Around sunset, admire the skyline at Kerry Park change colors and then make way towards Marshall Park to watch this ball of fire set behind the Olympics. Across from Marshall is the ancient Parson's Garden, where trees look as old as the dinosaurs.
Discovery Park is another a local hotspot. Runners, relaxers, bird watchers, everyone flocks to Discovery Park to escape the city and enjoy some R&R. Follow the loop trail (I start at West Emerson Street) that leads to the beach. On a lucky day, bald eagles soar above the shoreline and red tail or Cooper's Hawks perch in the nearby trees. This is the biggest park in Seattle and one of the most beautiful. If you have time, walk toward the lighthouse for a bit of peace and quiet.
For travelers, this is the easiest and most accessible area from downtown to watch the sunset. Walk from the Olympic Sculpture Park on the Elliot Bay trail to admire the sun setting over the Olympics. There is plenty of green space, and small beaches, along the waterfront to host a picnic or just to relax. The beauty of the waterfront is not explainable via words, but is something you must experience while in Seattle.
Alki, and Golden Gardens, are two of the most popular beaches in the city. And there's a reason why, since Alki and Golden Gardens are traditional fine-grained sand beaches. Here you'll find beach volleyball competitions, barbecue pits and the opportunity to rent four-person bicycles. The sunset is viewable from any spot along Alki beach all the way to the water taxi. Traffic in and out of Alki can be a nightmare, so if you visit Seattle without a car, take the water taxi from downtown to West Seattle and either walk, or catch the shuttle bus to Alki.
The iconic space needle is one of the most visited sites in Seattle, and is probably the best sunset spot in the city. Catch a bird's eye view of the sun setting over the Olympics while admiring a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding neighborhoods. In the summer, the lines are long and the tickets are expensive, but most people find it's worth the wait.
On a warm and sunny day, which is not very often outside of summer, Golden Gardens is one of the most popular beach destinations for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. The fine-grained sand is as golden as the sun, and the feeling of it makes you believe you are somewhere in Florida. The water looks tempting, but is frigid, so swimmers beware! This is a popular sunset spot and sometimes make-shift DJ parties happen here during the day and at sunset.
Sunset Hill Park - Ballard
Sunset Hill is a small park that features exquisite views of the Olympic National Forest and the Puget Sound. Below the hill, the bay is alive with sailboats, gliding in every direction. The park is quieter than Golden Gardens and is often visited by locals and families.
What's your favorite spot to watch the sunset in Seattle?
Wander Seattle without getting lost! This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Seattle's 7 Best Sunset Spots to Fall in Love With.