- Downtown Seattle and the Space Needle
- Elliott Bay
- The West Seattle peninsula
- Bainbridge Island
- Mount Rainier, far off in the background
You may already know this angle without realizing it. Television news segments about Seattle often use it as a backdrop, and it shows up in plenty of other portrayals of the city too.
A View You Have Seen on Screen
Kerry Park holds a small but real place in pop culture. Watch the opening credits of the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You and you will spot this view, and fans of Frasier will recognize it as the outlook from the main character's apartment.
Step up to the railing and it is easy to see why producers keep coming back. The whole city settles into one tidy composition right in front of you.
The steel artwork in the middle of the park is Changing Form, created by artist Doris Totten Chase. Standing 15 feet tall, it was installed in 1971 and paid for with donations from the Kerry family's children.
Because the sculpture is hollow, it does double duty. Kids love to climb through and explore it, while photographers use its curved openings to frame the skyline, adding a layer of depth to the standard shot.
A Gift From the Kerry Family
The park carries the name of Albert S. Kerry, a lumberman and businessman, and his wife Katharine. The couple lived in the neighborhood and gave the land to the city in 1927, wishing that anyone who paused here could take in the view. Nearly a century later, that is exactly how you will find people using it.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Kerry Park is compact, covering 1.26 acres along West Highland Drive between 2nd Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West. Come for the viewpoint rather than for long walks or sports.
The setup keeps things simple:
- A railing along the edge of the slope
- Several benches pointed toward the skyline
- The Changing Form sculpture in the center
- A stairway at the west end leading downhill
Seattle Parks and Recreation manages the site, so check with them for current rules and park details before you go.
Tips for Photographers
The best-known composition places the Space Needle in the middle with downtown rising behind it. For a fresh take, step back and shoot through the openings in Changing Form. Mount Rainier only shows itself on clear days, so keep an eye on the weather if the mountain matters to your shot.
Down the Stairs to Bayview-Kinnear Park
Take the stairway on the west side of the park down to West Prospect Street and Bayview-Kinnear Park, sometimes called Lower Kerry Park. It sits less than 0.1 mile away and has a small playground, which makes the pair a great plan for families: soak in the view up top, then let the kids play below.
Historic Homes Around Highland Drive
Stroll the streets around Kerry Park and you will pass a cluster of designated landmarks, most just a few minutes away on foot. Within about 0.2 mile, look for:
- Ballard/Howe House (0.1 mi)
- Harry Whitney Treat House (0.1 mi)
- Ankeny Gowey House (0.1 mi)
- Del a Mar Apartment Building (0.2 mi)
- Leona/Park Ridge Apartments (0.2 mi)
- Villa Costella (0.2 mi)
- McFee/Klockzien House (0.2 mi)
A short loop past these buildings pairs nicely with your time at the railing. For restaurants, shops and more to do nearby, browse our Lower Queen Anne neighborhood guide.
More Seattle Parks to Explore
Kerry Park is just one of many public green spaces across the city, each with its own character. Explore our full list of parks in Seattle to plan your next stop, or head north to Gas Works Park for another well-known Seattle landmark.
