With thousands of acres of parkland, it’s no wonder Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City. There is an abundance of green spaces to discover within the city, offering visitors and locals a variety of ways to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest without having to drive (or even walk) very far. The following is a selection of some of the many parks and trails open during this time. *
Alki Beach | 1702 Alki Ave SW
Take in panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the passing ferries as you wiggle your toes on the sandy beach or stretch your legs along the wide and expansive path. Pack a picnic or stop by one of the many restaurants that line the street, such as: Blue moon burger (Save space for a milkshake!) And Duke’s Seafood. Note: The West Seattle Bridge is closed. Alternative routes are marked by diversion signs.
Burke-Gilman Trail | Ballard-Kenmore
Hop on at any point on this 20 miles of paved trail that stretches from Golden Gardens Park in Ballard to the suburb of Kenmore, Seattle. Enjoy scenic views of many waterways, including the Fremont Cut, Lake Union, and Lake Washington. Make a pit stop at Ivar’s salmon house and fish bar to refuel with delicious fish and chips and other seafood.
Discovery Park | 3801 Discovery Park Blvd.
As the city’s largest urban park with 534 hectares, there is much to discover, including meadows, forests and tidal beaches. Placement on Magnolia Bluff offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound as well as the Olympic and Cascading mountain ranges. Pro Tip: Mount Rainier can be seen in all of its glory even on a clear day when you’re at the beach.
Elliott Bay Trail | Smith Cove Park CenturyLink Field
Cycle, walk, or jog the Elliott Bay Trail and enjoy stretches of water, beaches, mountain views, and even large sculptural installations as the paved path takes you through the Elliott Bay Trail Olympic sculpture park.
Gasworks park | 2101 N Northlake Way
Sit between the large industrial structures of this former gasification plant and watch boats, kayaks, and paddleboards as you take in views of the Seattle skyline and Lake Union. Fun Fact: Gas Works Park was featured in the 1999 film. 10 things I hate about you.
Green Lake Park | 7201 E Green Lake Dr N.
Located in the center of the Green Lake neighborhood, Green Lake Park offers an oasis and sanctuary for people and animals. Look for birds, turtles, and jumping fish as you loop the 2.8 mile trail that winds around the lake. A variety of cafes and restaurants line the streets around the park and are good places to have a meal or take away snacks.
Lincoln Park | 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
With 4.6 miles of hiking trails and 3.9 miles of bike paths, Lincoln Park offers a varied landscape to explore. Walk the flat, paved path along the water or follow the wooded paths. If you are not in the mood to walk, feel free to sit on a bench or piece of driftwood and watch the ferries come and go from the Fauntleroy Terminal. Note: The West Seattle Bridge is closed. Alternative routes are indicated by diversion signs.
Seward Park | 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S.
300 acres of woodland are available to you and all within the city limits in Seward Park. Enjoy the old forest, a hiking and biking trail and miles of coastline. You can also experience the beauty of Seward Park from the waters of Lake Washington by kayaking and paddling, or anchoring your boat in Andrews Bay to the northwest of the park.
Volunteer park | 1247 15th Ave E.
Enjoy the striking architecture of the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the newly renovated Asian Art Museum Paths and open lawns lead you through this historic park. Look out for the brightly colored dahlias that bloom profusely in July. As a complement to your park visit, head to the adjacent Capitol Hill neighborhood to see old and notable Seattle homes like this Parker Heels House, a colonial mansion built in 1909.
Washington Park Arboretum | 2300 Arboretum Dr. E.
Explore a wide variety of rare and native plants in a variety of themed gardens and walking trails that span 230 acres of the park. Get a unique perspective of the park by renting a canoe or kayak from the University of Washington Water activity center and paddle through waterways that lead you past docks, bridges, and flora and fauna from the wetlands.
* To view the most up-to-date restrictions, hours and closings, please visit Seattle Parks & Recreation.
About the author
Brittany Carchano
Brittany Carchano is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Visit Seattle. Hailing from Seattle, she loves finding new places in the city that she has not yet explored. With an art degree from the University of Washington, she can often be found in her studio or at local art shows.
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