If you're coming to Seattle for a visit, don't bother paying the money to go up the Space Needle. Instead, climb the water tower at Volunteer Park. It's free and the view is actually better than the... More

If you're coming to Seattle for a visit, don't bother paying the money to go up the Space Needle. Instead, climb the water tower at Volunteer Park. It's free and the view is actually better than the needle because it's on the top of the hill and gives a 360 degree view from the Cascades to the Olympics. While you're there, check out the Noguchi (donut) sculpture, the Asian Art Museum, the botanical gardens, and the giant evergreens that can give you a glimpse of what this place used to look like before we moved on in. Nearby attractions: Bruce Lee is buried in the cemetery next door to the park. Also, just north of the park and cemetery there's a killer viewpoint at the top of Louisa's Park. This offers the best view in town of the University of Washington and surrounding area.
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This park is located on the northern side of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Within it are an excellent art museum (the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a branch of SAM Downtown), a greenhouse, an early... More

This park is located on the northern side of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Within it are an excellent art museum (the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a branch of SAM Downtown), a greenhouse, an early 20th century water tower with great views, and many large public spaces. It’s a great place to eat lunch – especially by the donut sculpture on the 14th Avenue entrance. There are some views of downtown from ground level, but the best view is from the top of the water tower. There are about a hundred steps to the top, and it is well worth the climb. Behind Kerry Park, it is my favorite view in the city. I'd be leery of the park after dusk, however.
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