8 Best Parks In Seattle To Hike and Sunbathe

Looking for the best parks In Seattle?

Many parks in Seattle are not only parks, but also have beaches. This makes them great locations if you can’t decide if you want to go for a hike or sunbathe on the sand.

You’d be surprised by how many parks can fit in and around Seattle, and they aren’t all small, either.

If you’re interested in finding out some of the best parks in Seattle, keep reading.

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1.Carkreek Park

Carkreek Part extends over 200 acres.

Located in the northwest of Seattle, this park has everything you could want – creeks, forests and wetlands cover the area and reach to the Puget Sound shoreline.

Taking the time to explore the shoreline will give you a lovely opportunity to explore the beach off Puget Sound, especially at low tide.

Because of the varying and beautiful landscapes that this parks has to offer, thousands of visitors are drawn in every year. 

Hikers will love this park as there is a 3 and a half mile long Pipers Creek Trail, which takes you through the park.

Other hiking trails in the park link together, making navigation easy. Because of the love that this park has received from the public, it is kept in pristine condition.

A bonus of both the location and state of the park is that a salmon run takes place in its waters. 

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2.Gas Works Park

Gas Works Part may be one of the most interesting parks in Seattle.

The main attraction in this space isn’t a luxurious forest with hiking trails, instead, it’s what is left of a coal gasification plant.

You can find this park on the northern shore of Luke Union, across from the famous skyline of downtown Seattle.

The remnant architecture in the park was reclaimed in order to achieve a public art status.

This not only protects the historical importance of the site, but also allows the public to learn about the city’s past.

To get a better view of the lake and other surroundings, try getting comfortable on the mound in the middle of the park.

Here, you can soak in the views while also soaking in the sun and appreciating the skyline. One of the best times to visit the Gas Works is sunset, since the view is spectacular.

3.Harborside Fountain Park

Harborside Fountain Park

Covering only 2.21 acres, Harborside Fountain Park is small but packs a punch. This location is an urban park, but nothing to sneer at.

If you get on the Bremerton Ferry in downtown Seattle and enjoy the relaxing hour-long ride to Bremerton, you can then enjoy a day at the park.

Once you’re there, you can take in the view of Puget Sound as well as the impressive fountains.

The five fountains keep visitors on their toes as they spray towers of water into the sky every few minutes.

If you have kids, they can have the chance to play in the wading pools below the fountains, though you need to make they stay away from the fountains sprays themselves. 

Just because this is an urban park doesn’t mean you don’t get to see trees.

An array of trees and other plants surround the fountains, giving visitors a great spot to cool off on hot days.

On top of that, benches and picnic tables are dotted near the fountains, which are very popular in the summer months. 

4.Kubota Garden Park

If you love Japanese gardens, then you’ll love Kubota Garden Park. This part was initially Fujitaro Kubota’s private garden, which began being put together in 1927.

This park is 20 acres and was taken over by the city after Kubota’s death.

If you visit this park, you can be sure to marvel at traditional Japanese garden designs mixed with plants native to the Northwest.

5.Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is 135 acres and sits beside Puget Sound, a short way north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.

In this park you can enjoy a bath-house, heated saltwater pool and large play fields.

The five picnic shelters that are dotted around the park make it a great location for relaxing lunches and a fantastic attraction in the summer months.

For those who enjoy being active, visitors can embark on 4 and a 4 and a half mile walking adventure around the park.

Similarly, a biking trail almost 4 miles long can be enjoyed by those on two wheels.

Renovations to the park in 2016 mean that new elements can now be found throughout the park.

A treehouse, plaza, cable ride and new play equipment can now be used within the park.

To top it off, visitors can learn about the migratory birds found within the park via the new interactive information area. 

6.Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park

Opened in 2007, Olympic Sculpture Park is another unique park in Seattle.

This park covers 9 acres on the waterfront downtown and is among the biggest green spaces in the area.

As the name suggests, there are a number of sculptures dotted throughout the park, making it a popular tourist destination.

A ‘Z’ shaped path lined with different sculptures directs visitors to the waterfront, giving you a great view of Elliot Bay.

As the park is administered by the Seattle Art Museum, entry is free.

7.Schmitz Preserve Park

Schmitz Preserve Park has remained unchanged since 1908.

Only a paved parking lot and entrance sit at the northwest corner of the park, and everything else has been left untouched.

Here, you can be in awe of the old-growth forest and take in nature’s true beauty.

Because of this park’s popularity, it will remain as it is, to serve as a reminder that these spaces must be cherished.

Visitors can go on hikes and walks in this preserve, enjoying the fresh air this place has to offer.

8.Volunteer Park

Volunteer Park, located on the northern side of Capitol Hill, is deemed Seattle’s Olmsted Brothers Park & Boulevard system’s crown jewel.

Here, you can enjoy 40 acres of beautiful space, which first began to be developed in the late 1800s.

You can find the Asian Art Museum as well as the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Additionally, a small reservoir with a view of the city can be enjoyed within the park.

Beside this reservoir is an outstanding water tower with an observation deck, as well as two beautifully landscaped lily ponds.

Because of its serenity, this park is a popular picnic spot and not one you want to miss when visiting Seattle.

Conclusion On The Best Parks In Seattle

What do you think about these amazing parks in Seattle?

Anyone who is familiar with city life knows how important it is to have a place to retreat to, and these parks are exactly that.

Whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach or go on a trail, Seattle’s best parks have it.

If you are visiting Seattle and have the free time, make sure to try out some of these trails and spectacular views – you won’t regret it. 

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