Bench and view of the downtown Seattle skyline, in Seattle, Washington.; Shutterstock ID 278270483; Your name (First / Last): Alexander Howard; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Western USA neighborhood POI highlights

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Amid the glittering Beverly Hills–like homes of Highland Dr, mere commoners can enjoy eagle’s-eye views of downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay (and Mt Rainier, should it take its cloudy hat off) from this spectacular lookout.

Binoculars (50¢) are provided, so you can look back at the people at the top of the Space Needle looking over at you. The park is set on a steep incline of Queen Anne Hill (looking south) and is split in two, with a stairway linking to a popular children’s playground below. This is a favorite spot to end a romantic date night – or make a proposal!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Treat House

0.14 MILES

This 14-gabled house near the top of Queen Anne Hill was built in 1905 by Harry Whitney Treat, a friend of William F ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody. Treat also…

2. Queen Anne Counterbalance

0.16 MILES

The streetcar that chugged up and down the steep grade along Queen Anne Ave started operating on overhead-wire electricity in 1900, but it still needed…

3. Parsons Garden

0.29 MILES

A leafy public garden in the posh Queen Anne neighborhood that's especially popular for summer weddings.

4. Marshall Park

0.33 MILES

Atop Queen Anne Hill at the west end of W Highland Dr, this tiny but loftily positioned park has expansive views stretching west across Puget Sound to the…

5. Bhy Kracke Park

0.55 MILES

It would be easy to miss this tiny park, built into a slice of hill surrounded by quiet residential blocks, but it's worth seeking out for its views of…

6. Seattle Center

0.58 MILES

The remnants of the futuristic 1962 World's Fair hosted by Seattle and subtitled Century 21 Exposition are still visible over 50 years later at the…

7. International Fountain

0.61 MILES

A remnant of the 1962 World's Fair, the International Fountain was completely rebuilt in 1995. With 272 jets of water (recycled, of course) pumping in…

8. Children’s Museum

0.69 MILES

In the basement of the Seattle Center Armory near the monorail stop, the Children’s Museum is old-school entertainment and a good bet if you want to tear…