As someone that loves to travel, I also like to document my trips.
Instagram is a great platform for sharing snaps of your adventures but if you want to get noticed, you need to ramp it up with amazing pics!
If you’re traveling to Seattle, I’m here to share some of the best Instagram spots!
Why Is Seattle So Good For Photography?
When it comes to getting the perfect picture, Seattle is one of the greatest cities in the world.
It’s been popular with photographers for many years and it’s no wonder when you consider the following reasons:
- The city experiences some incredible sunsets that provide the perfect backdrop for a skyline photograph.
- With places like the Space Needle offering panoramic views over the city, it’s easy to get a breathtaking shot of all of Seattle.
- Seattle is home to several buildings and structures that work extremely well in photographs such as the Fremont Troll and the Museum of Pop Culture which is a modern and unique building.
- There’s a lot of street art in and around Seattle which makes for a bright and eye catching photo.
1. Washington Park Arboretum
Spread across more than 230 acres, the Washington Park Arboretum is a beautiful blend of forest and gardens.
The pretty trails wind their way through the trees giving nature lovers plenty of photo opportunities.
If your Instagram feed is bursting with local flora then this is the place to be as there are so many species here both native and non-native.
Bird lovers will also love this location since it’s home to plenty of trails where bird watching is a must.
Those along the Ship Canal are perfect for budding ornithologists and their cameras.
2. The Space Needle
One of the most iconic spots in Seattle is the Space Needle.
It was constructed for the World’s Fair in 1962 and has been part of the city’s skyline ever since.
It might be a very obvious spot to take photos but it’s also an excuse to get creative.
Many people head to the top of the tower which boasts some stunning views over Puget Sound.
However, I’d also recommend standing right at the bottom of the Space Needle and taking some pictures from the ground up. These are sure to get you noticed on Insta!
3. Discovery Park West Point Lighthouse
The largest park in Seattle is called Discovery Park and one of the most epic sights here is the beautiful West Point lighthouse.
This sits within Fort Lawton which is also home to a cultural center, some military housing and a few other points of interest including an old sewage facility.
If you’re looking for a unique and historical place to take photos then this is it.
You’ll also have the perfect backdrop thanks to the pretty grassed areas on one side and the gorgeous sea views on the other.
The park also boasts mile upon mile of walking trails so there’s always something new and exciting for you to photograph!
4. Chihuly Garden And Glass Museum
After you have finished photographing the Space Needle, it would be a crime not to check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum as it’s right next door.
It does get very busy in peak season so I’d recommend booking in advance but it’s worth facing the crowds for the amazing pics you’ll be able to take.
You have the garden and the Glasshouse as well as eight different galleries so there’s a whole host of snaps just waiting to be clicked!
5. Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is perhaps one of the most well known Instagrammable spots in Seattle.
But just because it’s popular, that doesn’t mean you should skip it and go for something more quirky.
In fact, a visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without spending even just a small amount of time here.
The great thing is that with stalls selling everything from flowers to food, the beautiful colors make for an unforgettable Instagram shot.
What’s more, the market is home to its famous sign which many a social media star has had a selfie next to; and you could be next!
Of course, because of how popular it is, things usually get very crowded so I’d recommend heading here as early in the day as possible. You’ll also want to avoid the delivery trucks to try to aim to take pics around 9 am.
6. The Seattle Mural
It’s simple yet incredibly photogenic; the Seattle Mural is a wall painting that reads Greetings from Seattle and boasts some beautiful bright colors.
It’s perfect if you want to make your own postcards and is part of the Greetings Tour which features in cities all over the world.
7. The Great Wheel
Most cities have some kind of observation wheel these days but the one in Seattle is something special as it’s the largest on the west coast.
Having opened in 2012, it offers amazing views over the city and is a wonderful juxtapose to the small buildings that surround it.
While you may wish to take photographs from the top, it’s also well worth taking some ground shots to capture the wheel from a different angle.
8. The Museum of Flight
Boasting the title of the largest non profit air and space museum on the planet, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is a great place to take photos.
There are several exhibitions here and displays include everything from fighter jets to early bi-planes and much more.
If you’re a history buff then you’ll love the WWI and WWII exhibits that are bursting with planes from these eras.
There’s even a Concorde outside the museum which is a must for anyone looking for an aviation themed Instagram shot.
9. Olympic Sculpture Park
The final stop on our tour of Instagrammable places in Seattle is the Olympic Sculpture park.
Here you’ll find more than 9 acres to discover filled with amazing sculptures and stunning views over the water.
This is an amazing place to just take a walk and you’ll spend all afternoon discovering the unique art here.
I also think this is a great vantage point to take photos of the Space Needle which is in clear view.
The Best Ways To Take Stunning Insta Shots In Seattle
It’s all well and good knowing the best places to take Instagrammable photos in Seattle but the best social media posts are those that are truly eye catching.
If you want to make the most of the photo opportunities in Seattle then I’d suggest the following tips:
- Make sure the lighting is right. Some large buildings may cast shadows that can make your photos look dark. Or maybe you’re trying to take a photo of the Space Needle with the sun glaring off of it; this can create an unnattractive beam of light in the middle of your photo. Try different angles and take several shots to ensure you get the best lighting.
- Layered photos are so much more interesting. Try getting a subject to stand in front of the Great Wheel or the Seattle mural and add some depth to your shots.
- Don’t be afraid to play with angles. There’s some truly amazing architecture in Seattle, such as the Lighthouse. Be sure to move around the structure and capture different angles. Place your phone or camera on the ground for a totally new perspective. This way, you can create a series of Instagram photos of each Seattle spot.
- Draw the viewer’s eye to key points in the picture. Since you’re out and about in Seattle, you’re trying to capture some of the most iconic spots so be sure to feature this in your pictures. As I mentioned, you might wish to stand in the Olympic Sculpture Park and get a cheeky shot of the Space Needle which will immediately draw the eye.
Final Thoughts
Getting noticed on social media these days is pretty tough as there’s a lot of competition.
But don’t worry, if you’re headed to Seattle, grabbing some shots at these amazing locations is sure to make your feed look impressive.
