Paddle Lake Union

As the sun sets over Queen Anne Hill, there are few better places to be in Seattle than Lake Union. Sitting just 2 miles from downtown Seattle, the Lake is a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. No matter the season, catching a sunset and dusk on the lake is absolutely stunning.

Unless you live in Seattle and own a kayak, chances are you’ll need to rent. Luckily there are two companies to rent from directly on the lake. Northwest Outdoor Center, located on the west side of the lake and Moss Bay, located on the east side of the lake. Each has similar rental hours, but depending on the time within the season, there are chances you will need to return the kayaks prior to the sun actually setting. Based on the rental hours and sunset times, your best combinations are in Jan/Feb or Aug/Sept to return after the sun sets.

Once on the lake, there’s not a bad spot to catch the sunset. However, to plop yourself smack dab in the middle gives you panoramic views of Gasworks Park to the north, the houseboat rows to the east, the setting sun over Queen Anne Hill to the west and the stunning Seattle skyline to the south. Plus, the middle of the lake will allow a quick paddle back to any part of the shore or wherever you may have rented your kayak. Best paired with a tasty adult beverage, catching the sunset while kayaking on Lake Union is a can't miss Seattle experience.

Want another easy sunset spot in Seattle?

Sunset with a View: Kerry Park

Cap off your Seattle day with sunset at Kerry Park, where the western light illuminates the Space Needle and city skyline while the sky transforms through golden hour into deep blue twilight. After snapping a few photos of the park, sunset provides beautiful colors across Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Located atop Queen Anne Hill, this free viewpoint offers the city's most romantic and photographed sunset spot—though you'll need to arrive early (45+ minutes before sunset) to claim your spot on nice evenings. Park a few blocks north of the park near 5th Ave W & W Lee St for easier parking, then walk through the charming Queen Anne neighborhood. Afterward, stroll to nearby Upper Queen Anne restaurants on Queen Anne Avenue for dinner—the perfect Seattle evening combining natural beauty with neighborhood dining.