Per the very credible source that is Sleepless in Seattle, it apparently rains nine months out of the year here. Often, I believe that the movie has contributed to the disdain that has been associated with this supposedly dreary city for years now. It’s funny, because when I was younger, I was convinced that no one would ever willingly live here, nor would anyone want to travel here, but as Seattle becomes more popular, I am beginning to see why some people might.

Not only do we house some attractive corporate work sites (Starbucks, Nordstrom), but the views here are indescribable (better than Silicon Valley at least)- and contrary to what many people might believe, it really doesn’t rain THAT much. Or maybe I’m just used to it. Either way, this week I set about compiling a list of the best views of the city, but it turns out that my suggestions are pretty basic. However, it does surprise me how many people miss out on some of the best spots here, so if you haven’t seen these places, you definitely should. Spring is the perfect time to take a little walk, or drive- so here’s a list of the 5 best views in the city, ranked, and with commentary (and photos) mostly by yours truly.

This way, you can decide if you like the pictures enough to stop watching Netflix and actually see these places- I promise it is worth it.

5. Gas Works Park

A two mile walk from campus, this is the perfect escape on a sunny day. The whole point of the park is the Gas Works part, which is basically a bunch of giant pipes that cover about half of the grass. You could look at these, or you could turn around and get a pretty great view of the city. There’s always good people watching here too and the setting is perfect if you want a good Instagram picture, you know, to show that you are a true Seattleite.

4. My Dorm

Haggett- you can ride the elevator until you find my room. My name is on the door.

Just kidding! BUT seriously. The view from McMahon’s dining hall, deck, or the Haggett deck ALMOST makes living on North Campus worth it. Almost. I will say that I have a pretty great view for these North campus prices. And, if you haven’t had a sandwich in McMahon from THE sandwich lady, do you even go to UW? All jokes aside, come have a sandwich, sit by the window, and enjoy this view before your time at UW is up.

Oh, and obviously this doesn’t look at the city, but I mean- look- you have to go.

3. Columbia Tower

This one may seem obvious, but it is definitely a must see for any new Seattlite. Go early in the morning because there are less people there. It’s only $9 for students, which is well worth it because the view is nothing short of breathtaking. And it’s panoramic, so you get a variety of different views of the city. If you haven’t fallen in love with Seattle yet, this just might make a case for you. Just don’t loiter in the hallways or downstairs, they really don’t like that- I guess they do actual work there.

2. Alki Beach

This one seems a bit obvious to me because I’m absolutely obsessed with Alki. I went there at least once a week my senior year. I prefer taking a leisurely drive through, coming from the south side of the city so you get to drive for longer with the city view in front of you. There’s also several places to park and take the view in along the beach strip. I recommend going at any time of the day and the year as long as the skies are clear. Alki is perfect in the daylight and the night for different reasons, or if you really want to get fancy, the sunset is the epitome of a golden hour. Best skyline view you can have. Period. Here’s a photo of Alki in all of its various levels of perfection- albeit this isn’t even the skyline view. You’ll have to go see that one by yourself.

1. Kerry Park

My all-time favorite view of Seattle is Kerry Park. It isn’t really a park, just a viewpoint, but it will literally take your breath away. The first time I ever saw the view was with a friend. We used maps to take us there and couldn’t seem to find it, and finally I just turned my head because I had been looking down, and literally gasped because I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. You never realize how big the Space Needle is until you’re looking straight across at it. Kerry Park is the biggest picture destination ever though, so I wouldn’t recommend going on a Saturday afternoon in May or June unless you enjoy being caught up in a swarm of high heel clad prom go-ers. I would recommend going at night- Less people and definitely the best view.

Happy Sight Seeing!