Seattle is not just famous for its coffee culture and iconic tourist attractions but also its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises.
There’s no better way to start your day with a tranquil sunrise or end it with serene sunset views in Seattle. In this post, you’ll discover the best Seattle parks for sunset and sunrise.
17 Best Seattle Parks for Sunset & Sunrise
There are no places like Seattle. The city has many parks, and it wasn’t easy to narrow down the list to just 15 for this Seattle travel blog. So, pardon me if I miss out on your favorite park.
Also, keep a few things in mind.
- Arrive early to enjoy nature fully.
- Pack some snacks (A granola bar or some fruit are fantastic).
- Don’t leave your camera or smartphone behind!
- Clean up after yourself and cherish the beauty of nature.
The best time to view the sunrise in Seattle is 5:25 AM in the summer and 7:15 AM in the winter. The best time for sunset views in Seattle is 8:25 PM in the summer and 5:25 PM in the winter.
| Month | Sunrise in Seattle | Sunset in Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7:57 AM | 4:30 PM |
| February | 7:29 AM | 5:13 PM |
| March | 6:54 AM | 6:03 PM |
| April | 5:57 AM | 7:08 PM |
| May | 5:25 AM | 8:25 PM |
| June | 5:07 AM | 9:19 PM |
| July | 5:16 AM | 9:14 PM |
| August | 5:39 AM | 8:59 PM |
| September | 6:11 AM | 7:38 PM |
| October | 6:49 AM | 6:23 PM |
| November | 7:17 AM | 5:05 PM |
| December | 7:41 AM | 4:34 PM |
Let’s now discover the best parks in Seattle for sunsets and sunrises in detail.
1/ Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is like a giant outdoor theater for sunsets and sunrises in Seattle. It usually has clear skies. You can see the sun setting and rising without too many clouds in the way.
- Clear skies.
- Sunset in different colors.
- Active wildlife.
You can see the sky put on its most colorful show here. And the big mountain near Seattle adds extra magic to it. Mount Rainier National Park
Watching the sun fall behind the giant Mount Rainier is like seeing a real-life fairy tale. It turns the mountain into all sorts of beautiful colors.
During sunset and sunrise, some animals, like deer and birds become more active. So, you might spot some wildlife while you enjoy the view.
Where to go for the best views:
Sunrise Visitor Center: This place is famous for sunrise views. It’s called “Sunrise” for a reason! You can see the sun come up over the mountains, and it’s stunning.
Paradise: It’s not just a cool name; Paradise is another spot where you can watch the sky change colors. You can see the breathtaking sunset in Seattle from here.
Even in summer, it can be cold up in the mountains, especially during the early morning. So, wear warm clothes.
2/ Seattle Japanese Garden
The Seattle Japanese Garden is like a haven where the sky puts on its most serene performances. It’s one of the best Seattle gardens for sunset and sunrise views.
- Peaceful Place.
- Reflective Pond.
- Zen Vibes.
- Cherry Blossoms.
The Japanese Garden is a tranquil spot, perfect for sunrise and sunset sky watching. There’s a beautiful pond in the garden, which reflects the sky and makes the view even more enchanting.
The garden is designed with Zen principles, creating an atmosphere of calmness and harmony. In the spring, the cherry blossoms in the garden add a touch of magic to the sunset and sunrise views.
Fun Fact: The Seattle Japanese Garden is designed in the Japanese style called “strolling garden,” where you can take a leisurely walk and discover new views around every corner.
3/ Sunset Hill Park
Sunset Hill Park is like a front-row seat to nature’s most colorful shows. From sunrise to sunset, this park offers breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Why Sunset Hill Park is Great for Sunsets and Sunrises:
- Awesome Location
- Open Space
- Waterfront Views
- Biking and Walking
Sunset Hill Park is where you can see the sun enter the ocean. And in the morning, it rises above the water. That’s what makes it unique!
The park has a big, open area without too many trees or buildings blocking your view. You get a clear view of the sky’s changing colors.
Since it’s near the ocean, the sun makes the water glittery and beautiful as it rises or sets. The park has trails where you can ride your bike or take a walk as well.
Fun Fact: Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might see boats sailing on the water during the sunset. It adds a nice touch to the view!
4/ Dr. Jose Rizal Park
Dr. Jose Rizal Park is like a front-row seat to the sky’s most colorful performances. This park also offers the best sunrise and sunset views in Seattle.
Why Dr. Jose Rizal Park is Perfect for Sunsets and Sunrises:
- Terrific Terraces.
- Open Space.
- Great for Picnics.
Dr. Jose Rizal Park has terraces, which are like steps you can sit on. These terraces give you a great view of the sunset and sunrise because they are higher up.
Like Sunset Hill Park, this park has open areas with few trees or buildings in the way. You get a clear view of the colorful sky.
Cool Fact: Dr. Jose Rizal Park has a statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino national hero. It’s like a piece of history right in the middle of nature.
5/ Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens Park is like a beachfront theater where the sky puts on its most colorful shows. It offers the best views to see the sun setting over Puget Sound or rising to greet the day with the beach as your backdrop.
- Perfect for Walking.
- Beachfront Bliss
- Picnic Tables
- Bonfire Fun
Golden Gardens Park is one of the best Seattle parks for walking and running. The walking path are along the waterfront, so you can take a leisurely stroll as you watch the sunset or sunrise.
The park is right by Puget Sound, and it has a sandy beach. Like a postcard scene, you can enjoy the sun setting into the water or rising from it.
There are picnic tables and areas where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the view. It’s like a dinner date with the sky.
The park has fire pits, so you can have a beach bonfire while watching the sunset. It’s like having a cozy campfire with a view.
Fun Fact: Golden Gardens Park is famous for its sandy shores and is a popular spot for beach volleyball and bonfires.
6/ Des Moines Beach Park
Des Moines Beach Park is like a hidden gem where you can watch the sunset and sunrise in peace. This park offers stunning views of the sky, along with a lovely beach to walk on.
- Quiet and Secluded.
- Sandy Shores.
- Beachcombing.
If you want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy some quiet time while watching the sunset or sunrise, Des Moines Beach Park is the perfect spot.
The park has a beautiful sandy beach where you can take a peaceful walk as you watch the sky change colors. It’s also a great place for beachcombing and finding unique shells and rocks.
Fun Fact: Des Moines Beach Park is home to many species of birds, making it an ideal location for bird watching during sunrise and sunset. Don’t forget your binoculars!
7/ Kerry Park
Kerry Park is one of the best small parks in Seattle with the best views for city skyline, sunset and sunrise. Photographers love this place because it offers some of the best shots of Seattle.
Why Kerry Park is Perfect for Sunsets and Sunrises:
- Seattle Skyline.
- Iconic Space Needle.
- Photographer’s Paradise.
- Small Seattle park for sunset and sunrise.
Kerry Park is famous for its jaw-dropping view of the Seattle skyline. When the sun sets or rises behind the city, it’s like watching a magical light show.
You can see the iconic Space Needle from here, and it looks even more amazing with the sun’s warm colors behind it.
Kerry Park is not very big, so you won’t have to walk a lot to get to the perfect spot for your sunset or sunrise view.
Fun Fact: Many movies and TV shows feature this park because of its incredible view. It’s like a superstar in the world of parks!
8/ Ella Bailey Park
Ella Bailey Park offers beautiful sunset and sunrise views in Seattle.
Why Ella Bailey Park is Perfect for Sunsets and Sunrises:
- Quiet Oasis
- Waterfront Views
- Picnic-Ready
- Lush Greenery
Ella Bailey Park is like a hidden gem in the city. It’s a peaceful and less crowded place to watch the sun go down or come up.
This park sits near the water, so you get to see the sun’s reflections on the gentle waves during sunrise and sunset.
There are picnic tables and benches, making it a comfy spot to enjoy a snack while you soak in the beauty of the sky. The park has lots of trees and plants, which add to the natural charm of the place.
Fun Fact: Ella Bailey Park is named after a famous Seattle historian and writer. It’s like a park that honors someone who loved this city’s history.
9/ Discovery Park
Discovery Park is one of the best Seattle parks for sunset and sunrise.
And these are the reasons why:
- Spectacular Scenery.
- Magnificent Sound.
- Diverse Landscapes.
- Variety of Trails.
Discovery Park is enormous, with meadows, beaches, and forests. You can enjoy open space to enjoy the stunning views.
You can choose from sandy beaches, tall bluffs, or grassy fields to watch the sun’s show. It’s like having different stages to pick from.
The park sits right next to Puget Sound, a big and beautiful body of water. It makes the sunsets and sunrises even more breathtaking with the water reflecting the colors.
Fun Fact: Discovery Park used to be a military base a long time ago. Now it’s a peaceful place where nature shines.
10/ Alki Beach Park
Alki Beach Park offers a tranquil and beautiful view, with breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the beach.
- Beachfront Bliss
- Golden Hour
- Iconic Lighthouse
- Tranquil Atmosphere
Alki Beach Park is right by the water’s edge. And this means you can watch the sun set into the ocean or rise from it.
And during sunset, the sun’s warm glow turns everything into gold, making the beach look even more beautiful.
You’ll also see a charming lighthouse at Alki Beach, which adds a unique touch to the view. It’s like a piece of history against the colorful sky.
The sound of gentle waves and the salty breeze create a peaceful and serene setting for enjoying the sunset or sunrise.
Fun Fact: Alki Beach is known for its sandy shores and is a popular spot for picnics and beach volleyball on sunny days.
11/ Mount Baker Park
Mount Baker Park offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over Lake Washington.
- Perfect for Hiking.
- Waterfront Views.
- Colorful Sunsets and Sunrises.
- Rich Nature Experience.
Mount Baker Park has a beautiful trail that leads to the lake, where you can watch the sun’s spectacular show. The hike is not too difficult, making it perfect
Mount Baker Park is right next to Lake Washington, you can see the sun’s reflection on the water during sunset and sunrise. It’s like a double dose of beauty!
The park is quieter compared to some others, so you can enjoy the calmness while watching the sky’s colorful show. It has trees and greenery that frame the view, making it even more picturesque.
And there are benches and picnic areas where you can sit down and savor the view comfortably.
Fun Fact: Mount Baker Park is named after Mount Baker, a beautiful snow-covered volcano in Washington.
12/ Lake Union Park
Lake Union Park is a lovely spot in Seattle to catch the sunrise and sunset.
- Charming Boathouse.
- Stunning Lake Views.
- Perfect for Walks.
- Historic Ships.
Lake Union Park has a charming boathouse that sits right on the water. You can watch as the sun rises or sets behind it, creating a beautiful backdrop for your view.
The park offers stunning views of Lake Union, with the city’s skyline in the background. During sunset, you can see the sky and water turn into beautiful shades of pink, orange, and purple.
From here, you can also see the Seattle city skyline, which adds extra charm to the view. It’s like the city becomes part of the sunset or sunrise show.
The park has some historic ships docked nearby. They make for a unique addition to the scenery. And there are open areas and benches so sit and take in the beauty of the sky’s colors.
Fun Fact: Lake Union Park is home to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), which is like a treasure trove of Seattle’s history.
13/ Carkeek Park
Carkeek Park offers the best sunrise and sunset views in Seattle, with the sun setting over Puget Sound and painting the sky with orange and pink shades.
- Beachfront Beauty.
- Majestic Mountains.
- Woodland Wonderland.
- Cool Creeks.
Carkeek Park is one of the best Seattle parks for sunset and sunrise views of Puget Sound. It’s like having a private beachfront view.
I mean, look at this beautiful sunset timelapse from the park:
On clear days, you can see the Olympic Mountains in the distance, adding extra beauty to the scene. Aso, the park has forested areas, so you can enjoy the sunset or sunrise surrounded by trees and nature.
There are little creeks running through the park, which can make the view even more peaceful and serene. Couples also come here to take stunning sunset photos at the park:
Fun Fact: Carkeek Park has a cool salmon program where you can learn about salmon and even see them during certain times of the year.
14/ Seward Park
Seward Park offers mesmerizing sunsets over Lake Washington and breathtaking morning views of water and trees.
- Peninsula Paradise
- Picnic Friendly Park
- Treens and Hiking Trails.
- Lake Serenity
Seward Park is like a mini-peninsula that juts into Lake Washington. This means you get a panoramic view of the water, making it an ideal spot to watch the sun set or rise.
There are picnic areas where you can sit with your friends or family and enjoy a snack while taking in the view. It‘s covered in trees and has hiking trails, so you can enjoy the sunset or sunrise surrounded by lush greenery.
Fun Fact: Seward Park is home to an environmental education center where you can learn about the park’s wildlife and nature.
15/ Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park is one of the best Seattle parks for sunset and sunrise views from the top of a hill.
- Elevated Views.
- Iconic Water Tower.
- Lovely Gardens.
- Green Spaces.
Volunteer Park is on top of a hill, which means you get elevated city views of Seattle and the surrounding area. This makes it an ideal spot to watch the sun set or rise in Seattle.
The park has a historic water tower that adds a unique touch to the scenery. There are beautiful gardens in the park, making it an even more picturesque place to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
The park offers open green spaces with plenty of room to sit and take in the view.
Fun Fact: Volunteer Park is home to the Asian Art Museum, which has amazing art from different Asian cultures.
16/ Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park offers a truly unique experience with its stunning views of the sun setting or rising behind old industrial structures in Seattle.
- Unique Landscapes
- Industrial Art
- Photographer’s Delight
- Open Space to Explore
Gas Works Park is unlike any other park in the world. It has old industrial structures that create a cool and unusual backdrop for the sunsets and sunrises.
The iconic gas works structures are art pieces themselves. They look even more fascinating when the sun adds its colors to the scene.
The park has lots of open space, so you can find your perfect spot to enjoy the sky’s show. Photographers love this place because it offers a mix of nature and industry, making for some truly one-of-a-kind shots.
Fun Fact: Gas Works Park used to be a gasification plant, which means it helped turn coal into gas for lights and heating a long time ago. Now, it’s a unique park with an interesting history.
17/ Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is another beautiful Seattle park that offers stunning sunset and sunrise views over the Puget Sound.
- Beachfront Scenery.
- Views of Vashon Island.
- Perfect for Families.
- Trails to Explore.
Lincoln Park has a beachfront view, where you can see the sun setting behind the Olympic Mountains. It’s a great spot to take a walk or boat and watch the sunset or sunrise with your loved ones.
On clear days, you can see Vashon Island in the distance, which adds extra beauty to the view. The park has picnic areas and a playground, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy the sunset or sunrise together.
There are also trails to explore if you want to take a stroll through nature.
Fun Fact: Lincoln Park is home to a heated saltwater pool that’s open year-round for swimming and has been around since the 1920s.
FAQs for the Best Seattle Parks to View Sunset and Sunrise
Now is the question-answer session.
When is the best time to visit Seattle parks for sunrise and sunset?
Sunrise and sunset times vary throughout the year. It’s best to check the local sunrise and sunset schedules for accurate timings.
The best time to visit these parks for sunrise and sunset in Seattle depends on the time of year due to the changing lengths of days.
Sunrise in Seattle
- The earliest sunrise occurs at 5:25 AM on June 21st, which is the summer.
- The latest sunrise happens at 7:11 AM on December 21st, the winter.
Sunset in Seattle
- The earliest sunset is at 8:25 PM on June 21st, during the summer solstice.
- The latest sunset occurs at 5:23 PM on December 21st, the winter solstice.
Generally, the best time to enjoy sunrise and sunset in Seattle is during the summer months when the days are longer, providing more daylight for these beautiful moments, and the weather is typically milder.
Can I bring my pet to these parks?
There are some Seattle pet friendly parks in Seattle but not all of them allow pets like dogs or cats. It’s best to check the park’s website or signs at the entrance before bringing your pet.
Some dog parks even have designated off-leash areas that are shaded for pets, while others may not allow them at all. Let me share some of the popular Seattle pet friendly parks for you:
- Blue Dog Pond.
- Golden Gardens.
- Magnuson Park.
- Woodland Park.
- Seward Park.
Can I have a picnic at these parks?
Yes, you can have a picnic at most Seattle parks. Many Seattle parks for picnics have designated picnic areas with tables and grills for cooking. However, some may require reservations or fees for large group gatherings.
Are there any fees for visiting these parks?
Most Seattle parks are free to visit, but some may charge for parking or certain activities. It’s best to check the park’s website or signs at the entrance for any applicable fees.
Some parks also have amenities like picnic shelters or boat rentals that require a small fee for use. Plan ahead and bring cash or a credit card if needed.
Does Seattle have nice sunsets?
Yes, Seattle is known for having some nice sunsets, especially when the weather is clear and the sky is painted with vibrant colors. The city offers some of the best places to view the sunset and sunrise.
Where is the best sunset in WA?
In Washington state, some other great places to catch breathtaking sunsets include Golden Gardens Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Deception Pass State Park, among others. These locations offer stunning natural settings that enhance the sunset-watching experience.
Are these sunset parks crowded during sunset and sunrise?
Some parks, like Kerry Park, can get crowded, especially during sunset. Arriving early is a good strategy for securing a good spot. But some Seattle parks for sunset and sunrise offer more secluded areas to enjoy the sunset or sunrise without large crowds, like Carkeek Park.
