shutterbob Loc: Tucson

If you want the best shots of the city skyline then West Seattle is the best place. You will have unobstructed views of the entire downtown area. And unlike a ferry, you will have a stable platform to rest a tripod on for those longer exposures at sunset or at night. Queen Ann Hill has a beautiful view of the skyline at sunset with a stunningly beautiful, pink. Mt Rainier. Pioneer Square is a busy area for great opportunities of people/city shots. A trip to Pike Place Market is also worth the time. You may even get a shot of a salmon mid-air as it's being tossed. Snoqualmie Falls is always beautiful and worth the half hour drive from downtown (when traffic is light). If you have the time, get up to Mt Rainier Nat'l Park. Or Up to Artist Point near Mt Baker. They both will give you shots of the northwest at it's most spectacular, weather permitting. Word of caution about travel.....being on the road at rush "hour", (6:00 am - 9:00 am and 4:00 pm -6:30 ) is an excersize in frustration. Traffic any where between Olympia and Everette is worse than horrible. I lived and commuted in the Puget Sound for 20 years. and being in construction had me doing a lot of driving. An 8 hour day was typically 11 or 12 hours, even knowing all the "shortcuts". But it is a spectacular area to photograph and live in. Have fun!

Larwbuck Loc: Seattle, Washington

Kerry Park - Night time shots of city/Sunrise shots of city with mount Rainier in the background.

East Shores Of Alki - Great locations along this stretch to take city shots day or night.

Seattle Center - Space Needle (From ground and from observation deck) Architecture - Music Museum (Exterior) - Chihuly Glass exhibit (Art).

Waterfront - All kinds of photog opportunities.

Fishermans Terminal - Docks are open with so many opportunities for great captures. - After that drive over to the Locks - many opportunities there as well.

All of that should keep you busy enough for the time spent there - bring your umbrella and rain coat but don't let the rain scare you off.

RolandDieter

I don't know what you schedule in Seattle looks like, but if you have enough free time you should consider going up to Victoria, BC for a day. Fabulous city. Vancouver BC is also great.

tjpratt Loc: Ballard

The Pike Street Market on a weekday very early. By 9 am. Most tourist will be gone and it will be back to normal.

exposeu Loc: Wenatchee, WA

As soon as you land, head east, forget the city. Travel through the cascades to the dry side of the state if you can. You will get photos that are not like what everyone shoots. Enjoy your stay and have a great time.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

There are many excellent recommendations for you in the above posts. I have lived in Seattle for 30 years and have spent some of that time photographing the city. I love the recommendation for visiting Fisherman's Terminal. Most visitors don't find that spot. If the weather is decent, pay the cost to get to the top of the space needle for the best 360 degree view of the city. The Japanese Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum might be full of fall colors when you visit. A ferry ride to Bremerton as a "walk-on" passenger is also a good suggestion. The ride on the ferry alone is worth the price of a walk-on fare. If you like, take a quick look at my "Seattle Scenes" gallery for other ideas. It can be found here: http://www.pbase.com/saxman/seattle_scenes

Siennarose46 Loc: Pacific NW

Check out the gigantic troll under the Fremont Bridge. Freemont is another area for terrific street photography.

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

Adding to the list, Kerry Park on Queen Anne is a wonderful spot to take cityscape shots, both early in the morning and at sunset time. The Japanese Gardens in the Arboretum is also a good opportunity for images.
Pike Place Market can be a good, full day of adventure and shooting.

Have a good time...

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I second the Fisherman's Terminal suggestion. (And that's where Chinook's is located.)

Three other places that should be on the list are the Center for Wooden Boats and the Museum of History and Industry. These are located sort of in the same general area at the south end of Lake Union. Check websites for both for special activities or events that may be going on. MOHAI has been around for a long time, and it reopened in the old Naval Reserve Armory building late in 2012. This is in an area that has seen a lot of redevelopment and road construction. You'll have to check to see what the traffic situation is. As has been stated several times, traffic can be a problem, and the problems can extend beyond rush hours in the central city.

The Seattle Art Museum is also worth a visit. It's on First Avenue just around a couple of corners and up a pretty respectable hill from the Pike Place Public Market. Can't remember your exact visit dates, but admission is free on the first Thursday of each month. Admission to the current Andrew Wyeth exhibit is also half price on that day. The Ford Taurus exhibit suspended from the ceiling of the lobby is worth the walk over there.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I didn't see a mention of "Gas Works Park". One can get some interested photos there

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I second both of Dennis' suggestions. The ferry--or a tour boat, if you prefer more luxury--is a great way to get a lot of the waterfront.

The city underground is unique and very interesting. Jack up your ISO as there is little light adequate for photography.

In addition, Seattle has a great arboretum in Washington Park and a Japanese garden worth visiting.

The fish market is worth half a day of shooting (and eating). It is almost as extensive as the fish market in Honolulu.

ecurb1105

I have to endorse the ferry idea, plus the waterfront and shiploading if the still do that downtown. Pike Place Market, Captian Ivars for fish, drive around the Olympic peninsula if you can, wierd rock beachs on the Pacific side with kelp like something out of the Alien movies. The sci-fi museum. Enjoy

KmStillwellSr

Make a list and enjoy the time you are there!

seniormomentnw Loc: Seattle

Downtown only: the Pike Place Market. A ferry ride to Bainbridge Island if time is short, or Bremerton for a longer, more picturesque trip. The REI flagship store if you like outdoor equipment.
Short cab ride: Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill, which overlooks the Seattle skyline. If you go to Kerry, also head west on W. Highland Drive a few more blocks to another great overlook.
Further away, as in long cab ride or if you have wheels: the Hiram Chittendem Locks, aka the Ballard Locks. Locks, a garden, a railroad drawbridge. My son and have taken many photos here. Also, an excellent city skyline view from Gasworks Park, on the north side of Lake Union.
I have lived here for more than 40 years, and do not get tired of it. Seattle is very green, with many hills, so viewpoints are all over. Be warned that traffic can be difficult any time of day, and will be bad at rush hours.
If your budget precludes cab rides, Kerry Park can be reached by Metro bus in 20-30 minutes.
If you have more time and the inclination, we can talk museums. Please feel free to contact me if you wish.

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

We spent a very enjoyable afternoon at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma in July, touring the exhibits and watching a team of glass artists blow glass. The Glass Bridge is a quick side trip there.