Picture Perfect

The Best Places to Take Family Photos in Seattle Southside

Last Updated: November 20, 2025

Need a new, polished group pic for the annual holiday card or a family reunion?

Outdoor settings such as parks, beaches, and trails are ideal for photoshoots because the natural light enhances everyone's appearance, while the peaceful scenery provides clean, gorgeous backgrounds. Seattle Southside has some of the most photogenic locations in the region. Read on to learn where they are and why we love them. (We used our trusty photo editing tools to mock up some examples of real families in these locations, so you can imagine your own crew in their place).

Pictured: "We love Angle Lake Park! It's the best park we've ever been to!" - This family (we're assuming)
Lakeside Beauty
Striking Modern Architecture
Classic Northwest Shoreline
Santa Photos

Angle Lake Park: Lakeside Beauty That Changes with the Seasons

19408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188

Angle Lake Park is only a few minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), but this public park feels like a hidden oasis.

Why it's good for photoshoots:

  • Year-Round Beauty: A mix of stately Evergreens and leafy trees means there's something to admire year-round, including bright foliage in the fall and cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Clean Backdrops: You can't get a cleaner background than a lake. On clear days, you can even spot Mt. Rainier.
  • Not Overcrowded: Set off from the main street, this park has a quieter vibe—especially during the fall and winter.
  • Convenient for Travelers: It's within walking distance from many SeaTac hotels and the Angle Lake Light Rail station.

Places to pose:

  • Standing or sitting on the dock showcases the waterfront backdrop.
  • The concrete steps leading down to the beach are perfect for staggering a big group with varying heights.
  • The grassy meadow has concrete paths for posing in front of the foliage.
A family of six posing for a family photo on the steps at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac, WA
Angle Lake Park (The views are free! The canine turtleneck/headwrap with reindeer antlers is not).
Call us cold-fashioned, but we love a cozy family photo. Just don't dock us points for our mismatched outfits.
A family posing on the dock at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac, Washington
If you're asking, is fall in Seattle Southside T-shirt weather?! The answer is...maybe! Probably not! But we do get some surprisingly warm fall days. (Or maybe, they all just ran a 5K (in jeans?) to warm up). Come find out for yourself.

The Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge: Striking Modern Architecture

6800 Green River Trail

With its sleek lines and unconventional design, the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge adds visual intrigue to your family photos. Located just south of Seattle, in Tukwila's retail district, the bridge crosses the tranquil Green River, which has historically been a tribal fishing river.

Why it's great for photoshoots:

  • No Cars: Since it's only for walking and biking, you don't have to worry about cars getting in your shot.
  • Good Vantage Point: You mostly see sky and trees in the background.
  • Artful Design: The bridge's design was inspired by tribal canoes, with a tall arch that echoes a bowstring, and a 16-foot-wide deck.
  • Close to Retail: Minutes away, you'll find dozens of places to grab a meal or hot cocoa.

Places to pose:

  • Standing centered on the bridge frames you under the diagonal bows.
  • Posing along the side rails allows you to capture the foliage in the distance.
Can't agree on a spot? Bridge your differences at the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge (Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves).
Worried about looking awkward? Cross that bridge when you get there.

The Des Moines Marina and Beach Park: Classic Northwest Shoreline

410 S 222nd St

Whether you want to memorialize your summer beach vacation or take a fall hike with Christmas photos in mind, Des Moines Beach Park and the Des Moines Marina next door make for idyllic settings.

Why it's great for photoshoots:

  • Ocean Views: No matter the weather, Puget Sound provides a clean, stunning backdrop.
  • Not Overcrowded: While the beach is popular in the summer, it's typically quiet in the cooler months. (And it's nearly always calmer than the busiest Seattle beaches).
  • Quintessentially Northwest: With white driftwood strewn about the rocky beach, this location is undeniably PNW. If you love the region, capture that spirit in your picture.
Places to pose:
  • Stand on the beach, facing south, and have the photographer face north for the best view of foliage along the shoreline.
  • Sit or stand on large pieces of driftwood (just be sure not to fall on the rocks!
  • Walk down to the end of the long pier to take a shot with nothing but sea and sky in the background.
A family posing for a holiday photo on a beach at Des Moines Beach Park in Des Moines, Washington
Tis the sea-son!

More Outdoor Sites to Consider

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Annie Atherton

Author

Annie Atherton

Senior Content Writer

Annie Atherton is the Senior Content Writer at Explore Seattle Southside. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of the Seattle area, she is very proud to call the region home and to talk it up to all who will listen.