Queen Anne

Queen Anne is the leafy hill just north of Seattle Center, and its headline act is Kerry Park — the postcard skyline-with-Space-Needle view you've seen a thousand times. Upper Queen Anne has a pleasant village of shops and restaurants. Worth it for the view; just know Kerry Park is small, crowded at sunset, and the hill is steep.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is Kerry Park worth visiting?

Yes — it's the classic Seattle skyline shot, with downtown, the Space Needle in the foreground, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier on clear days. It's free and open, and it genuinely delivers. Just know it's a small park that gets packed at golden hour.

Is there parking at Kerry Park?

Only limited street parking, and it fills at sunset. If you drive, come early or be ready to circle the residential blocks. Honestly, transit or a rideshare drop-off saves a lot of frustration on busy evenings.

How much time do I need in Queen Anne?

Kerry Park itself is a 20-30 minute stop. Add the upper village for a meal and it becomes a couple of relaxed hours. It's more of an add-on to Seattle Center than a full-day neighborhood on its own.

What is the Queen Anne Counterbalance?

It's the historic cable-and-streetcar system that once hauled trolleys up Queen Anne's steep southern slope, from 1901 to 1940, now marked by a small commemorative pocket park. It's a nice bit of history but a footnote, not a destination — the view is why you're here.

How do I get to Queen Anne?

Several Metro buses (routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 13) and the RapidRide D Line serve the hill. From the Space Needle it's a short bus ride or a steep uphill walk to Kerry Park. There's no light rail, so it's buses, driving, or a good pair of legs.

When should I go to Kerry Park?

Sunset is spectacular but crowded — arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to claim a spot at the railing, especially in summer. For a calmer visit and great light, a clear morning or blue-hour after dark (skyline lit up) can be just as good.

What else is there to do in Queen Anne?

Upper Queen Anne has a walkable village of shops, cafes, and restaurants along Queen Anne Avenue that's pleasant for a meal after the view. Otherwise it's a quiet, residential neighborhood — lovely to stroll but light on formal attractions.

Is Queen Anne close to the Space Needle?

Very — the Space Needle and Seattle Center sit at the base of the hill in Lower Queen Anne, so you can easily pair them. Do the Center and Needle, then head up to Kerry Park for the view from above at sunset.

Nearby in Ask Seattle

• Kerry ParkPark0.86 km · 11 min walk
• Milstead & Co.Café1.55 km · 19 min walk
• FremontNeighborhood1.64 km · 21 min walk
• RevelRestaurant1.69 km · 21 min walk
• Fremont TrollLandmark1.71 km · 21 min walk