Bask in the Golden Hour

Best Places to Watch the Sunset In the Seattle Area

Last Updated: March 21, 2021

The Seattle area is known for its spectacular sunsets.

With miles of coastline and plenty of well-maintained parks, we have no shortage of places to admire the sky as it transforms into deep orange, pink, and gold. Spring and summer bring a special treat as the days grow longer. On the longest day of the year (June 20th), the sun doesn't set until after 9:00 p.m. That means you'll have plenty of time to enjoy an evening picnic and soak in the "golden hour," when the world seems awash in soft, amber light. Below, find some of the most picturesque places to see the sunset in the Greater Seattle Area.

Des Moines Beach Park

Redondo Beach

Saltwater State Park

Seahurst Park

Seward Park

Alki Beach

Kerry Park

Golden Gardens

Des Moines Beach Park

Des Moines Beach Park is a hidden gem along the Puget Sound coastline, just a short drive south of Seattle. It's a wonderful place to take a stroll or sit on a bench and enjoy the view of the sea and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The park is next to the Des Moines Marina, where you can walk out onto a long pier and get an even better view. Walk around the marina to explore quirky public art, admire the bobbing boats, and listen to the lapping waves.

If you're up for a short hike or bike ride, you can reach this park via the Des Moines Creek Trail, a 2-mile-long paved path with a trailhead near the Angle Lake Light Rail Station. If you take it all the way, you'll end up at the beach park. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, so you'll have many options for dinner or a drink after your sunset adventure. Locals love Quarterdeck, a bar and cafe with a great selection of wine and craft beer.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach in Des Moines is another quiet spot along the Puget Sound coast that's a great choice if you want to avoid crowds. Walk along the 1.1-mile boardwalk while enjoying the view and listening to the soothing waves. You might even spot a seal or sea lion bobbing its head out of the water. Fun fact: this spot is also included on the Whale Trail, a series of 100+ sites along the west coast that have been identified as places to spot whales. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might see a plume of water from an Orca, Gray Whale, or Humpback!

Saltwater State Park

At Saltwater State Park in Des Moines, you'll feel like you're a world away from the hubbub of the city. At this 137-acre park, just a couple of miles off Interstate 5, you'll find a sandy, driftwood-strewn beach set against the backdrop of a lush forest. It has some of the best trails in the area, so you can get in a workout before sitting on the beach to enjoy the sunset. Make a fire in the fire pits, use the grills for a summer BBQ, spread out a blanket, and take in the tranquil view. There's also a nice walking path along the water.

Pictured: Saltwater State Park

Credit: © Capture.Share.Repeat. LLC

Seahurst Park

Tucked away in a forested pocket of Burien, just south of Seattle, Seahurst Park offers a unique and immersive sunset experience. The journey to the beach is part of the charm—a winding drive through a lush, wooded ravine sets the tone, gradually revealing this hidden stretch of Puget Sound shoreline. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with a 2,000-foot-long pebble beach framed by driftwood and sea grass, perfect for lounging or quiet contemplation at sunset. It's also a great place to look for wildlife, from the birds soaring overhead to the critters crawling on the beach to marine life out at sea.

Pictured: Seahurst Park in Burien, Washington

Seward Park

Seward Park is a wooded peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington, the largest lake in King County. Located about a 20-30 minute drive from SeaTac, this festive park is popular for swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer. It also attracts plenty of wildlife; you can often spot Herons and Eagles without even pulling out binoculars. Walk the paved, 2.4 loop around the park's perimeter, then spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy the sunset. On the south side, you'll have a stunning view of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. On the north side, you'll see Mercer Island and much of the east side of Seattle.

Alki Beach

At Alki Beach Park in West Seattle, city living meets natural beauty in the best way. When the weather warms, people flock to this beach on Puget Sound to enjoy every type of summertime recreation: kayaking, volleyball, rollerblading, biking, and more. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite nearby, or fire pits if you want to post up on the beach and picnic. Stay until sunset to enjoy an unparalleled view of the downtown skyline across the Sound. (Note: the crowds mean parking can get competitive, so leave plenty of time to look for parking or consider using public transit or car service). It's a 20-30 minute drive from SEA airport.

Kerry Park

If you love a good city skyline, you can't beat the view at Kerry Park in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood. At this small, quiet park, you'll feel like you're gazing at a giant postcard as you admire the skyscrapers downtown and, of course, the iconic Space Needle. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular spot for photoshoots. This spot is a 20-30-minute drive north of SEA airport. Or, you could take the Link Light Rail all the way from the airport to Westlake Station, then finish the journey with a short bus ride to Queen Anne.

Golden Gardens

With soft sand and dreamy views, Golden Gardens Park in north Seattle is one of the city's most popular beaches during summer. The abundant fire pits and volleyball courts make this north Seattle spot a go-to for groups and beach parties. It also attracts many kayakers and paddleboarders. Just be warned: as at Alki, the beach's popularity means it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and summer nights. It's about a 45-minute drive from the SEA airport, though it can be longer depending on traffic.

Pictured: Summer crowds enjoy the sunset at Golden Gardens Park.