What are the best parks to visit in Seattle?

1. Discovery Park

Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering over 500 acres of natural beauty. It’s an urban oasis where visitors can explore forested areas, meadows, bluffs, and beaches.

• Features: The park offers several miles of trails, including the popular Loop Trail, which offers views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the iconic West Point Lighthouse. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and various plant species.
• Perfect For: Hikers, nature lovers, bird watchers, and families.
• Highlights: The park’s beaches, scenic vistas, and extensive trail system make it ideal for a day of exploring Seattle’s natural beauty.

2. Volunteer Park

Situated on Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park is one of Seattle’s most iconic parks, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

• Features: The park is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory, a stunning Victorian glasshouse with tropical plants, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, offering unique cultural experiences. There are also wide open spaces for picnics, a playground for kids, and walking paths.
• Perfect For: Those interested in culture, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful green space to relax.
• Highlights: The Volunteer Park Water Tower offers panoramic views of the city, and the park’s beautiful landscaping, including manicured gardens and a pond, makes it a serene escape from urban life.

3. Kerry Park

If you’re looking for a classic Seattle skyline view, Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill is the place to go.

• Features: The park is small but offers one of the best panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, with the Space Needle, downtown Seattle, and Mount Rainier (on clear days) as the backdrop. It’s a popular spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Perfect For: Tourists, photographers, or anyone looking for a quick, scenic stop.
• Highlights: The iconic view of Seattle’s skyline, particularly during sunset or at night when the city lights shine bright.

4. Gas Works Park

Located on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a former industrial site transformed into a vibrant public park.

• Features: The park features old industrial structures from the gas plant that once operated here, now preserved as part of the park’s unique design. It has wide open spaces for picnics, kite flying, and dog walking. The park is also a popular spot for people to relax and enjoy stunning views of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union.
• Perfect For: Picnics, kite flying, and enjoying a lakeside sunset.
• Highlights: The park’s unique blend of industrial history, stunning views of the city, and wide green spaces make it a must-visit for anyone in Seattle.

5. Lincoln Park

Located in West Seattle, Lincoln Park offers 135 acres of natural beauty with a wide variety of outdoor activities.

• Features: The park offers wooded areas, beaches, and meadows, with plenty of trails for walking, biking, or hiking. The Fauntleroy Creek runs through the park, and there are plenty of areas to explore, including cliffs that provide beautiful views of the Puget Sound.
• Perfect For: Hikers, beach lovers, families, and nature enthusiasts.
• Highlights: The park’s scenic waterfront, tidal pools, and wooded trails make it a peaceful retreat from the city. The beach offers an opportunity for a relaxing day by the water.

6. Washington Park Arboretum

The Washington Park Arboretum is a sprawling 230-acre park located in the Madison Park neighborhood, providing a lush, green environment perfect for nature walks and plant lovers.

• Features: The park features a wide range of gardens, including a Japanese Garden, an azalea collection, and several forested areas. There are also walking and biking trails that weave through the park’s various landscapes, providing a peaceful environment to explore nature.
• Perfect For: Garden lovers, walkers, cyclists, and those seeking tranquility.
• Highlights: The Japanese Garden is especially beautiful in spring and fall, while the wide range of plants and trees provides a sensory experience for nature enthusiasts year-round.

7. Alki Beach Park

Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach Park is a favorite among locals for its beachfront views and laid-back atmosphere.

• Features: The park stretches along a sandy beach with stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnics, as well as for walking or biking along the waterfront path.
• Perfect For: Sunbathers, beach lovers, bikers, and those looking for a relaxing day by the water.
• Highlights: The beach, with its breathtaking views, makes this park a top spot for outdoor relaxation and enjoying water activities.

8. Carkeek Park

For a more secluded, nature-filled park experience, Carkeek Park offers 220 acres of lush woodlands and waterfront.

• Features: The park features forested trails, a beach area along Puget Sound, and a salmon stream. It’s less crowded than some of the other parks in Seattle, making it perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park has a wide variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Perfect For: Hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking peace and quiet.
• Highlights: The park’s peaceful trails, beach area, and the opportunity to observe salmon in the streams are standout features.

9. Seward Park

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Seward Park is a 300-acre park known for its expansive greenery and stunning waterfront views.

• Features: The park includes wooded trails, an off-leash dog park, and scenic views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. The Seward Park Audubon Center offers educational programs on the local environment and wildlife.
• Perfect For: Families, hikers, bird watchers, and dog owners.
• Highlights: The park’s trail system offers great views of the lake, and the Audubon Center is an excellent resource for learning about Seattle’s natural history.

10. Kubota Garden

Kubota Garden is a hidden gem in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. This 20-acre Japanese garden is a peaceful retreat that features a stunning mix of Asian and Pacific Northwest plants.

• Features: The garden features ponds, streams, bridges, and a variety of landscapes, all designed in a traditional Japanese style. It’s a beautiful and tranquil space that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Perfect For: Garden enthusiasts, those seeking tranquility, and anyone who enjoys beautiful landscaping.
• Highlights: The serene beauty of the Japanese-style garden, with its peaceful ponds, bridges, and plant life, makes it one of Seattle’s most special and unique parks.

Conclusion

Seattle’s parks offer an incredible variety of experiences, from urban oases with sweeping city views to tranquil nature escapes filled with wildlife and greenery. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, take a scenic walk, or enjoy outdoor activities, these parks have something for everyone. So, grab your hiking boots, a picnic blanket, or your camera, and get ready to explore the best green spaces Seattle has to offer!