Gas Works Park

4.7 (11,215 reviews)

City ParkPicnic GroundScenic SpotPlaygroundHistorical Landmark

Best time to visit

Late afternoon in summer for golden-hour skyline photos and breezy kite flying; weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Budget tips

Free public park with no admission fees. Street parking is metered and limited, so use buses or ride-share and bring your own picnic to save money.

Recommended for

Photography enthusiasts, Families, Picnickers and kite flyers

Plan your visit

1-2 hours

About

Quick facts: Rust-colored steel towers puncture the skyline, giving the place an industrial-art vibe that photographers chase at golden hour. More than 19 acres of rolling lawn host picnics and kite-flying, while kayaks and windsurfers animate the water on breezy afternoons.

Highlights: Hundreds of people haul blankets to the big grassy mound on Fourth of July, watching fireworks burst through the lattice of old metal towers while distant boat horns add a percussive soundtrack. Richard Haag repurposed massive pipes and condensers into walkable sculpture, their corroded surfaces catching sunset light and creating strange, reflective patterns for photographers and kids to explore.

Insider tips

Bring a windproof layer, Lake Union breezes can be chilly even on sunny days.
Climb the big grassy hill facing downtown for the classic skyline and seaplane photo angle.
Visit on weekday mornings or late evenings to avoid picnic crowds and loud groups.
Observe posted signage around the industrial structures and keep children away from rusted metal for safety.