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AI-VascoDaGama
05 Dec 2025
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Seattle 2-Day Photo Trip

Seattle 2-Day Photo Trip Overview

Two days of iconic Seattle sights and picture-perfect spots designed for great Instagram photos. Start downtown with Pike Place Market’s colorful stalls and the waterfront’s Seattle Great Wheel, then head to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass for striking architectural and art-focused shots. Catch sunrise or sunset skyline views at Kerry Park and explore the Olympic Sculpture Park for modern art against Elliott Bay. Balance urban textures and industrial-chic at Gas Works Park, seek botanical close-ups in the Volunteer Park Conservatory, and visit the Ballard Locks for waterfront and wildlife action. Finish with the tranquil, picturesque Kubota Garden for serene nature compositions.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Pike Place Market

    Iconic, historic market offering colorful photo ops: the famous fish-throwing stall, flower stalls, neon signage, and crowded market scenes that capture Seattle’s local character and vibrant street-life. Plenty of unique vendors and architectural details for varied Instagram shots.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Kerry Park

    Small hilltop park with one of the city’s most famous skyline views — perfect for golden-hour and night photography. It frames the Space Needle with downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay in the background, producing classic, postcard-ready images.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Space Needle

    Seattle’s most recognizable landmark with striking mid-century architecture. Visit the observation deck for 360° panoramic photos of the city, mountains, and water, or capture creative low-angle shots highlighting the Needle’s distinctive silhouette against the sky.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Chihuly Garden and Glass

    Stunning, colorful glass sculptures provide dramatic, otherworldly visuals ideal for striking Instagram photos. Indoor galleries and the outdoor garden combine natural light and vibrant installations, offering close-up details and sweeping compositions.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Olympic Sculpture Park

    Waterfront park featuring large-scale contemporary sculptures set against Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, creating dynamic contrasts for photos. Paths, lawns, and viewpoints allow varied framing—sculpture close-ups, wide landscapes, and sunset shots.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Gas Works Park

    Unique industrial remnants on a grassy hill overlooking Lake Union produce an edgy, retro backdrop for photos. The park’s textures, geometric structures, and panoramic city and water views—especially at golden hour—make for memorable, Instagram-ready images.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Seattle Great Wheel

    A waterfront Ferris wheel offering elevated, romantic views of Elliott Bay, the waterfront, and the city—perfect for sunset or nighttime shots with sparkling lights and reflections. The wheel’s illuminated cabins also photograph well against the dark sky.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Volunteer Park Conservatory

    Historic glass conservatory housing tropical and exotic plants that create lush, colorful, and intimate photo settings. The Victorian-style greenhouse architecture combined with vibrant foliage and floral details yields elegant, botanical Instagram images year-round.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)

    Active locks, a fish ladder, and surrounding gardens offer unique engineering and nature-focused photo opportunities: watch boats pass between salt and fresh water, capture cascading water features, and photograph seasonal salmon in the fish ladder and scenic waterfront views.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Rainier Beach / Kubota Garden

    Kubota Garden is a serene, beautifully landscaped Japanese-American garden featuring ponds, bridges, stone lanterns, and winding paths—ideal for tranquil, nature-focused photos with seasonal color (cherry blossoms, maples). The broader Rainier Beach neighborhood and nearby viewpoints also offer local, off-the-beaten-path scenery and community character that add authentic, less-touristed backdrops to your Instagram feed.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Walrus and the Carpenter

    The Walrus and the Carpenter

    Renowned oyster bar in Ballard with a lively atmosphere and exceptional Northwest seafood—great for fresh oysters and shareable plates after visiting Ballard Locks and Kubota Garden.
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  • Restaurant Icon

    The Canlis

    4.45
    $$$$

    The Canlis

    Seattle fine-dining institution offering inventive Pacific Northwest tasting menus, impeccable service, and dramatic views—perfect for a special night out near Gas Works Park and the north Lake Union area.
    4.45
    $$$$
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  • Restaurant Icon

    The Pink Door - Seattle

    The Pink Door - Seattle

    Beloved Pike Place-area spot combining Italian-American comfort food, cabaret-style entertainment on select nights, and a cozy, photogenic dining room—ideal after exploring Pike Place Market.
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    JuneBaby

    4.5
    $$$$

    JuneBaby

    Celebrated for its soulful, Southern-inspired cuisine and thoughtful storytelling of foodways—an acclaimed, memorable meal option that pairs well with a day exploring south and central Seattle neighborhoods.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Tavolàta (Belltown)

    4.4
    $$$$

    Tavolàta (Belltown)

    Rustic Italian eatery from Ethan Stowell featuring handmade pastas and a lively communal dining vibe—convenient for nights out near the Space Needle and downtown attractions.
    4.4
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Edgewater Hotel

    4.1

    The Edgewater Hotel

    Iconic waterfront hotel with rustic Pacific Northwest charm, walking distance to Pike Place Market and the waterfront attractions—great for sunset photos over Elliott Bay.
    4.1
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  • Hotel Icon

    Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

    Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

    Luxury option near the waterfront with rooftop pool and sweeping city and water views; excellent service and centrally located for Space Needle and downtown photo spots.
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    The Mediterranean Inn

    4.5

    The Mediterranean Inn

    Boutique hotel one block from Pike Place Market offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the waterfront and historic downtown on foot.
    4.5
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    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

    4.3
    $$$$

    Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle

    Stylish, pet-friendly hotel in the Pike Place Market area with vibrant decor and easy access to the waterfront, Great Wheel, and Pike Place’s photo-worthy streets.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    Hotel Andra

    4.2

    Hotel Andra

    Chic, European-inspired hotel near the waterfront and Pike Place Market providing elegant rooms and quick access to downtown photo locations like the Space Needle via short transit or rideshare.
    4.2
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Gimme Gimme Disco

    Gimme Gimme Disco

    The event will take place at The Crocodile in Seattle.
    Map IconThe Crocodile in Seattle (0.11 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    Benee

    Benee

    The event will take place at The Crocodile in Seattle.
    Map IconThe Crocodile in Seattle (0.11 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Mar 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Benee
  • Event Icon

    TWEN

    TWEN

    The event will take place at Madame Lou's in Seattle.
    Map IconMadame Lou's in Seattle (0.11 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Apr 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for TWEN
  • Event Icon

    Allie X

    Allie X

    The event will take place at The Crocodile in Seattle.
    Map IconThe Crocodile in Seattle (0.11 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 May 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Allie X
  • Event Icon

    NewDad

    NewDad

    The event will take place at The Crocodile in Seattle.
    Map IconThe Crocodile in Seattle (0.11 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 May 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for NewDad
  • Event Icon

    THE CROCODILE ALL-STAFF THROWDOWN

    THE CROCODILE ALL-STAFF THROWDOWN

    RSVP does not guarantee entry. Entry is first come serve first serve till we are at capacity.Church KeyLarchesLinda from WorkHillside 77XOECruel MachineRachel GalavatzAndy and Mr. ChatmanFish Teeth
    Map IconMadame Lou's in Seattle (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for THE CROCODILE ALL-STAFF THROWDOWN
  • Event Icon

    BRUX, N SO

    BRUX, N SO

    The event will take place at Madame Lou's in Seattle.
    Map IconMadame Lou's in Seattle (0.23 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Dec 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for BRUX, N SO

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    6.5K votes, 190 comments. 13M subscribers in the <strong>travel</strong> community. r/<strong>travel</strong> is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, question...

    If youre ever in Seattle make sure to visit the Chihuly Gardens. Its blown glass and beautiful!

    6.5K votes, 190 comments. 13M subscribers in the <strong>travel</strong> community. r/<strong>travel</strong> is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, question...

    /r/travel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Jose Rizal Bridge (you get the view of the Seattle skyline) Discovery Park Gas Works Park Pioneer Square (for that old vintage look of the town). Around SoDo area University o...

    Seattle street photography

    Jose Rizal Bridge (you get the view of the Seattle skyline) Discovery Park Gas Works Park Pioneer Square (for that old vintage look of the town). Around SoDo area University o...

    /r/Leica
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    128 votes, 14 comments. 31M subscribers in the pics community. A place for photographs, pictures, and other images.

    The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington through the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum

    128 votes, 14 comments. 31M subscribers in the pics community. A place for photographs, pictures, and other images.

    /r/pics
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Pike Place Market Space Needle Safeco Field CenturyLink Field Gas Works Park University of Washington EMP Chihuly Garden and Glass Gum Wall The Great Wheel Seattle Waterfront ...

    The 20 Most Instagrammed Places in Seattle

    Pike Place Market Space Needle Safeco Field CenturyLink Field Gas Works Park University of Washington EMP Chihuly Garden and Glass Gum Wall The Great Wheel Seattle Waterfront ...

    /r/Seattle
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  • Reddit Icon

    I feel ridiculous asking because I&#x27;ve lived here my whole life but someone who&#x27;s hosting us soon had asked a giant favor of taking her granddaughters

    Best place to take a photo of Space Needle?

    I feel ridiculous asking because I&#x27;ve lived here my whole life but someone who&#x27;s hosting us soon had asked a giant favor of taking her granddaughters

    /r/Seattle
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  • Reddit Icon

    Bhy kracke park (better version of kerry), pike place market/post alley, space needle observation deck, gasworks park, freeway park.

    Need help deciding photo shoot locations!

    Bhy kracke park (better version of kerry), pike place market/post alley, space needle observation deck, gasworks park, freeway park.

    /r/Seattle
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all, Just found out I will be visiting Seattle on 6/17-6/21. I am photo hobbyist and was wonder what the best locations are in the city to shoot

    Best places for photography

    Hi all, Just found out I will be visiting Seattle on 6/17-6/21. I am photo hobbyist and was wonder what the best locations are in the city to shoot

    /r/SeattleWA
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  • Reddit Icon

    40 votes, 69 comments. my boyfriend and I are going to Seattle next weekend for our one-year anniversary. We&#x27;re gonna be there for three full days

    fun things to do in seattle?

    40 votes, 69 comments. my boyfriend and I are going to Seattle next weekend for our one-year anniversary. We&#x27;re gonna be there for three full days

    /r/SeattleWA
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  • Reddit Icon

    117 votes, 54 comments. Hi all, as the title says, I will be traveling to Seattle for a wedding for the next (almost) week. Already looking at going

    Going to Seattle, give me ideas of places to visit!

    117 votes, 54 comments. Hi all, as the title says, I will be traveling to Seattle for a wedding for the next (almost) week. Already looking at going

    /r/thelastofus
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  • Reddit Icon

    ... I usually suggest places which are significant to the subject of the photograph. In Seattle, the Olympic Sculpture Park and Seattle Center, especially the Space Needle, ar...

    Any good spots to take grad photos in Seattle?

    ... I usually suggest places which are significant to the subject of the photograph. In Seattle, the Olympic Sculpture Park and Seattle Center, especially the Space Needle, ar...

    /r/SeattleWA
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  • Reddit Icon

    /r/photography is a place to politely discuss the tools, technique, art and culture of photography and to post topics that would be of interest to other photographers. ... Pik...

    Seattle area

    /r/photography is a place to politely discuss the tools, technique, art and culture of photography and to post topics that would be of interest to other photographers. ... Pik...

    /r/photography
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Other than very obvious and popular places for good photo shots, I suggest Columbia Tower deck, if weather is good you will get some very nice shots ... r/SeattleWA is the act...

    What are some cool photography spots in Seattle?

    Other than very obvious and popular places for good photo shots, I suggest Columbia Tower deck, if weather is good you will get some very nice shots ... r/SeattleWA is the act...

    /r/Seattle
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  • Reddit Icon

    I come from outside of the US so I guess the tourist spots Pike Place Market, Space Needle (get your tickets online and go early, there might be a line. There was when i was t...

    Space Needle view. Seattle, Washington. Dec 2022.

    I come from outside of the US so I guess the tourist spots Pike Place Market, Space Needle (get your tickets online and go early, there might be a line. There was when i was t...

    /r/CityPorn
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  • Reddit Icon

    For the waterfront, Bainbridge ferry has the iconic shot. Wilcox wall near Kerry wall is definitely a local gem. ... Parks. There&#x27;s a long list of photogenic view spots i...

    good photography locations?

    For the waterfront, Bainbridge ferry has the iconic shot. Wilcox wall near Kerry wall is definitely a local gem. ... Parks. There&#x27;s a long list of photogenic view spots i...

    /r/AskSeattle
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  • Reddit Icon

    You can make out Mt Ranier, downtown, Safeco, Pike Place, even Alki Beach. You gotta go. ... It&#x27;s actually made entirely of glass! Unless I&#x27;m being whooshed... Chihu...

    The Space Needle from inside the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit in Seattle, WA.

    You can make out Mt Ranier, downtown, Safeco, Pike Place, even Alki Beach. You gotta go. ... It&#x27;s actually made entirely of glass! Unless I&#x27;m being whooshed... Chihu...

    /r/pics
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Seattle center from below Huge focal length? A ferry or alki beach. 50-85? Kerry park or any rooftop in Queen Anne. But to be honest I would try to find something else to shoo...

    Whats the best place to photograph the Space Needle?

    Seattle center from below Huge focal length? A ferry or alki beach. 50-85? Kerry park or any rooftop in Queen Anne. But to be honest I would try to find something else to shoo...

    /r/Seattle
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    It is perched atop on of Seattle&#x27;s many hills and Kerry Park is a vantage point from where the skyline is visible. Took time out from my lunch break to revisit this favou...

    Seattle's Space Needle from Kerry Park, one of the city's best views. Also, sunshine in December, I lucked out

    It is perched atop on of Seattle&#x27;s many hills and Kerry Park is a vantage point from where the skyline is visible. Took time out from my lunch break to revisit this favou...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Hello everyone, we will be visiting Seattle in a couple of weeks on Friday and Saturday. We plan to visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Glass Garden

    Need parking advice for a day trip in seattle area

    Hello everyone, we will be visiting Seattle in a couple of weeks on Friday and Saturday. We plan to visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Glass Garden

    /r/SeattleWA
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  • Reddit Icon

    News, current events, meetups, etc. discord.gg/reddit-seattle ... I live in Ballard so I dont really get a good view of the Needle. But I am SO EXCITED about the new paint col...

    Best viewing location for Space Needle?

    News, current events, meetups, etc. discord.gg/reddit-seattle ... I live in Ballard so I dont really get a good view of the Needle. But I am SO EXCITED about the new paint col...

    /r/Seattle
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Gorillaz - Seattle Yodel

    Gorillaz - Seattle Yodel

    An atmospheric, wistful track that captures the city’s rainy, reflective mood—perfect for gazing over Elliott Bay or wandering Pike Place.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Neil Young - Harvest Moon

    Neil Young - Harvest Moon

    Warm, nostalgic acoustic tones ideal for golden-hour strolls and romantic moments at Kerry Park or the waterfront.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Dreamy indie folk with expansive production that complements panoramic views from the Space Needle or wide landscape shots.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Talking Heads - Road to Nowhere

    Talking Heads - Road to Nowhere

    Upbeat, slightly quirky rock that pairs well with exploring eclectic neighborhoods and vibrant markets like Pike Place.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Bright, feel-good indie pop that brings playful energy to daytime wandering and fun photo stops like the Seattle Great Wheel.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    The Paper Kites - Bloom - Bonus Track

    The Paper Kites - Bloom - Bonus Track

    Gentle, uplifting electronic-folk that suits tranquil garden scenes and close-up botanical shots at Kubota Garden or the Conservatory.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    The Shins - New Slang

    The Shins - New Slang

    Laid-back, introspective indie track great for soft, candid moments and quiet walks through parks or museum gardens.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    MGMT - Electric Feel

    MGMT - Electric Feel

    Groovy, synth-driven tune that enhances colorful, art-focused visits like Chihuly Garden and Glass with its vibrant, energetic vibe.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Jack Johnson - Upside Down

    Jack Johnson - Upside Down

    Light-hearted, whimsical pop perfect for ferry or waterfront rides, and for capturing playful, joyful photos on the pier or Ferris wheel.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

    Optimistic, anthemic folk-pop—great for celebratory, skyline-facing moments at Kerry Park or atop viewpoints with sweeping city views.
    Listen on Spotify
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