Trees, mountains, beaches, and amazing views!
Escape urban life by visiting these picturesque parks in Seattle:
1. Discovery Park
The largest urban park in the city! Tidal beaches, sea cliffs, and forests are hidden on the inside of this natural gem. The playground area was renovated recently and has new picnic tables and a zip line to enjoy so don’t hesitate to take your kids if they’re adventurous.
📍Where: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd
🕙Hours: 4 am – 9:30 pm
2. Kerry Park
The view of the city from Kerry park is unbeatable. From the top, you’ll be able to see Elliot Bay, the city skyline, Mount Rainier, AND the Space Needle! Hot tip: grab ice cream from nearby Molly Moon and walk to the park to enjoy it.
📍Where: 211 W Highland Dr
🕙Hours: 6am – 10 pm
3. Green Lake Park
Swimming, kayaking, and paddle boating on Green Lake are all great summer activities. If it’s too chilly for a dip, the paved path around the water is approximately three miles—more than enough for a short workout that’s particularly scenic in the fall.
📍Where: 7201 East Green Lake Dr N
🕙Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
4. Carkeek Park
Say hello to real closeness to wildlife in Carkeek: starfish, salamanders, trout, and salmon are very common. Hiking trails will offer you extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
📍Where: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd
🕙Hours: 6am – 8pm
5. Washington Park Arboretum
The best thing is that it’s free! Hidden on the shores of Lake Washington, the Arboretum has 230 acres packed with trees and plants. Bike or stroll through the large swath of nature and enjoy the scenery of each changing season.
📍Where: 2300 Arboterum Drive East, Madison Park
🕙Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
6. Gas Works Park
This former gasification plant is now a popular picnic area, especially on warm days. Fly a kite, do some yoga, or just sit and enjoy the sunlight while looking out at the boats on Lake Union and a striking view of the city.
📍Where: 2101 N Northlake Way
🕙Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
7. Kubota Park
Also known as the Japanese Garden. The landscape includes Japanese garden concepts mixed with native plants. You’ll find streams, waterfalls, ponds and wooden bridges. Dogs are allowed as long as they are always on a leash!
📍Where: 9817 55th Ave S
🕙Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
8.Magnuson Park
Magnuson is located at the end of the Seattle Waterfront. It offers the only off-leash area for dogs inside the city limits, 8.6 acres big.
Tip: This is a great spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
📍Where: 7400 Sand Point Way NE
🕙Hours: 4am – 11:30 pm
9. Lake Union Park
A wonderful place to take a walk, a boat ride or simply relax while surrounded by grass and fresh air. The location is incredible, as it’s just a stone-throw away from Downtown Seattle and you can reach it by foot if you live or are staying in the heart of the city.
📍Where: 860 Terry Ave N
🕙Hours: 4 am – 11:30 pm
10. Golden Gardens Park
Your body, mind and soul are asking for a beach day? Soft sand, blue water, and volleyball nets will be all yours at Golden Gardens. Accessible by car yet isolated from the city, sunbathing here will make you forget all of your everyday worries.
📍Where: 8499 Seaview Place NW
🕙Hours: 6 am – 11:30 am
Featured image from Shutterstock.