Seattle, Washington, is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the United States. Renowned worldwide for its buzzing coffee scene, outdoor-loving lifestyle, thriving tech industry, and, of course, grunge music, Seattle should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list of places to see.
Hobbyists and aspiring photographers can particularly enjoy Seattle, as they can get a chance to snap award-winning shots in various wondrous locations in this beautiful city. If you’re lucky enough to be in Seattle anytime soon and are looking for the best Seattle photo spots, then this guide is for you.
Best Photography Spots in Seattle
Whether you are after beautiful views of downtown Seattle, breathtaking marine life scenery, or stunning and unusual sightseeing spots around the city, this list will reveal where you can get your best Seattle shots.
Visit Space Needle for 360-Degree Views
Sweeping views of the entire Seattle, glistening city lights below, and, if you’re lucky, spectacular views of Mount Baker, almost on the border with Canada. How does all of this sound? If it gets you excited on the very first thought, then one of your starting Seattle photo spots should be the famous Space Needle.
This iconic Seattle attraction features a 540-foot-high observation deck that provides a 360-degree view of the city, from downtown to Mount Rainier in the south. Here, you can expect to take Insta-worthy snaps of the breathtaking landscape around you, which includes Elliott Bay and the Elliott Bay Marina, the Olympic Mountains, Queen Anne Hill, Lake Union, and the Cascade Range.
Experience the Seattle Aquarium
From the unbeatable panoramic views of the Space Needle, it’s time to move on to something a bit different but just as rich and fascinating when it comes to providing plenty of photo opportunities: the Seattle Aquarium.
Besides hosting a wide range of marine creatures from the nearby ocean waters, the aquarium is also one of the best photography spots in Seattle. Explore its six main exhibits (Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome, and Marine Mammals) and get ready to take jaw-dropping photos of funny, beautiful, and unique ocean creatures.
Discover Chihuly Garden and Glass
If you are looking for amazing outdoor photoshoot locations in Seattle, look no further than Chihuly Garden and Glass. Located just at the base of the Space Needle, this unmissable Seattle attraction is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the incredible works of famous artist Dale Chihuly.
Wander around the eight indoor galleries and gorgeous, whimsical gardens and get inspired by Chihuly’s unique drawings, sculptures, installations, and glass works. Needless to say, have your camera ready because the photo opportunities provided by this must-see place are pretty much endless.
What if you’d like to visit this spot in the evening? Good news: the venue is open late most days of the year, though always be sure to check current times on the official website. And if you end up exploring the gardens at sunset, be prepared to be completely blown away by the magic of the lit-up sculptures, including the awe-inspiring 100-foot-long sculpture in a conservatory entirely made of glass.
Explore Post Alley and The Gum Wall
You haven’t been to Seattle if you haven’t paid the ultra-famous Gum Wall a visit — and taken a dozen photos, too! This oddly fascinating spot sits in a very unpretentious alleyway in Pike Place Market, just down a ramp to the left of the famous Public Market Center clock sign. Here, simply take a left into Post Alley, and there you have it: the Gum Wall.
The Gum Wall came to life back in the 1990s when artists and performers from local company Unexpected Productions began sticking their used gums on the wall. Ever since then, more and more people started to emulate those artists, and today the entire wall is covered by a gigantic spread of gums of all shapes and colors.
The effect is one of playful, vibrant, and dynamic energy that is said to match the vibe that has always characterized the entire city of Seattle. If you go — and you definitely should — be sure to take plenty of snaps from different angles, as the shades and shapes of the wall change constantly over time.
Visit the Olympic Sculpture Park
Another stop on your list has to be the Olympic Sculpture Park. Located a mere mile north of the Seattle Art Museum (which also deserves a few hours of your time), the park won numerous awards and accolades for its design and architecture.
Considering the whole park has stunning sculptures spread over nine acres, visiting it will take a couple of hours at least. But you might notice that many people stick around for much longer, inspired by the calm and beauty of the place. If you’re a photographer and a visual artist, we recommend bringing your sketchbook. The park presents plenty of opportunities to sit down in complete tranquility and draw for hours.
Thanks to its enviable waterfront location, the Olympic Sculpture Park is also the perfect place to enjoy incredible views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can also revel in the famous "Seattle golden hour," where the quiet magic of the sun setting over the water creates an atmosphere of whimsy that both locals and visitors love.
Visit the Most Popular Spots in Seattle for Amazing Photo Opportunities
Bustling, artsy, and exciting, Seattle is one of those US cities no one should miss visiting, especially photographers and adventurers alike. Whether you were looking for Seattle photoshoot locations to boost your photography portfolio or the best places to take pictures in Seattle for your social media accounts, our guide hopefully came in handy.
From the 360-degree skyline views of this beautiful city to the unique Chihuly Garden, Seattle is the perfect spot for anyone looking to treat their eyes to some truly breathtaking views.
Are you ready to explore all of the fantastic Seattle photography spots from our guide? Get started today with a Seattle CityPASS® ticket.
Seattle Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Seattle, we recommend finding lodging near Seattle's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Space Needle