Trees, mountains, beaches, and amazing views!
Seattle offers the best of both worlds: a vibrant city life combined with green surroundings that will keep you in constant contact with Mother Nature.
Escape urban life by visiting any (or all) of these picturesque parks in Seattle:
1. Discovery Park
Where: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd
Hours: 4 am – 9:30 pm
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.
2. Kerry Park
Where: 211 W Highland Dr
Hours: 6am – 10 pm
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.
3. Green Lake Park
Where: 7201 East Green Lake Dr N
Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
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.
4. Carkeek Park
Where: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd
Hours: 6am – 8pm
Say hello to real closeness to wildlife in Carkeek: starfish, salamanders, trouts and salmon are very common. Hiking trails will offer you extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
5. Washington Park Arboretum
Where: 2300 Arboterum Drive East, Madison Park
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
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.
6. Gas Works Park
Where: 2101 N Northlake Way
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
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.
7. Kubota Park
Where: 9817 55th Ave S
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
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!
8.Magnuson Park
Where: 7400 Sand Point Way NE
Hours: 4am – 11:30 pm
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.
9. Lake Union Park
Where: 860 Terry Ave N
Hours: 4 am – 11:30 pm
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.
10. Golden Gardens Park
Where: 8499 Seaview Place NW
Hours: 6 am – 11:30 am
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.
Featured image from Shutterstock