Kerry Park is a small viewpoint park on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington, offering panoramic views of the city skyline, Space Needle and Elliott Bay. This guide covers opening hours, parking, transport options, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
It’s a popular stop on a Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle city half day tour that also stops at the Hiram M Chittenden Locks and the Fremont Troll as well as Snoqualmie Falls.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 6am to 10pm daily |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | 211 W Highland Drive, Seattle, WA 98119 |
| Nearest public transport | Bus routes 2 and 13 to Queen Anne Avenue & Highland Drive |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Size | 1.26 acres |
Kerry Park opening hours
Kerry Park is open daily from 6am to 10pm. The park is accessible year-round and managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Kerry Park admission prices
Entry to Kerry Park is free. There are no ticket charges or booking requirements. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
Why book the Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle city tour?
- See iconic Snoqualmie Falls: Visit one of Washington State’s most famous waterfalls and enjoy its striking 82-metre cascade set amid lush greenery.
- Seattle highlights included: Explore major city sights such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and waterfront with commentary from your guide.
- Guided commentary: Learn local history, culture and interesting facts about the region as you travel between stops with an experienced guide.
- Convenient transport: Round-trip travel from central Seattle is included, making it easy to experience both nature and city without planning logistics yourself.
- Perfect for short visits: Ideal if you want a taste of Seattle’s urban highlights and the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty in one combined outing.
How to get to Kerry Park
By bus: Routes 2 and 13 stop at Queen Anne Avenue & Highland Drive, a short walk from the park. The journey from downtown Seattle takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus fare is $3 per journey.
By car: From downtown Seattle, take Mercer Street and turn left onto 5th Avenue, then right onto Broad Street. Continue north to Queen Anne and follow signs to West Highland Drive. The drive takes approximately 10 minutes from central Seattle.
On foot: Kerry Park is approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the Space Needle. The route involves steep uphill sections on Queen Anne Hill.
Parking at Kerry Park
Parking is on-street only and limited to spaces along West Highland Drive and surrounding residential streets. Spaces are free but can be difficult to find, particularly at sunset and weekends. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during peak times between 4pm and 8pm. Some visitors park several blocks away and walk to the park.
How long to spend at Kerry Park
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at Kerry Park. This allows time to take photographs, enjoy the view and walk around the small park area. Visitors staying for sunset may spend longer, particularly during summer months when the light changes gradually.
Accessibility at Kerry Park
The viewpoint area is accessible from street level with no steps required to reach the main viewing area. Street parking does not include designated accessible spaces. The park surface is paved and level at the main viewpoint, though some grass areas may be uneven.
What to see at Kerry Park
The main feature is the panoramic view encompassing the Space Needle, downtown Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay and, on clear days, Mount Rainier. The park includes a metal sculpture called Changing Form by Doris Chace, installed in the early 1970s. A lower level contains a small playground suitable for children.
The view changes throughout the day. Sunrise offers soft morning light with fewer crowds. Sunset provides the most popular viewing time, when the city lights begin to illuminate and the sky displays colours. Night visits show the illuminated Space Needle and city skyline reflected in Elliott Bay.
Mount Rainier is only visible on clear days without cloud or haze. The mountain’s visibility varies by season and weather conditions, with clearer views typically in autumn and winter months.
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit at sunrise (before 8am) to avoid crowds and secure parking easily. |
| Check weather forecasts before visiting, as clear days provide the best views of Mount Rainier. |
| Sunset viewing (approximately 4pm-8pm depending on season) attracts the largest crowds and most difficult parking. |
| The park is small with limited seating, so arrive early for sunset if you want to sit on the benches. |
| Bring appropriate clothing as the hilltop location can be windy and cooler than downtown Seattle. |
| Street parking is easier to find on weekday mornings than weekend afternoons. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Kerry Park suitable for children? | Yes. The park includes a small playground on the lower level. The main viewpoint has a railing for safety. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The park is free to access with no booking required. |
| Is Kerry Park open on Sundays? | Yes. The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm including Sundays. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Yes. Dogs are permitted on leads throughout the park. |
| Is there a toilet at Kerry Park? | No. The nearest public toilets are located at Seattle Center, approximately 1 mile away. |
| Can you see Mount Rainier from Kerry Park? | Mount Rainier is visible on clear days only. Visibility depends on weather conditions and is not guaranteed. |
Things to do near Kerry Park
Space Needle (0.8 miles): Seattle’s iconic observation tower offers 360-degree views from 520 feet. Tickets required, advance booking recommended.
Chihuly Garden and Glass (0.9 miles): Glass art museum adjacent to Space Needle featuring works by Dale Chihuly. Tickets required.
Museum of Pop Culture (0.9 miles): Interactive museum covering music, science fiction and pop culture. Tickets required.
Pike Place Market (1.5 miles): Historic public market operating since 1907 with food vendors, craftspeople and the original Starbucks location. Free entry.
Parsons Gardens (0.2 miles): Small neighbourhood garden park with seasonal flowers and tree canopy, suitable for quiet walks.
More Seattle travel
Other Seattle travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park: Seattle’s best free attraction.
- Guide to the Seattle to Bainbridge Island ferry.
- A practical guide to visiting the Seattle Aquarium.
- How the Seattle weather plays a major part in your experience.
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
