This park is much larger than I gave it credit for! Paved trail throughout with stairs and…read morewheelchair access, this park goes all the way down to the water with a nice lookout point. The grounds are very well maintained and it's a great place to walk and watch the world go by. Bathrooms on site, and they were pretty damn good!

Jack Block Park Point View. My hubby and I stopped by early…read morein the morning and were blown away by the stunning view of the Seattle skyline. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves in the quiet morning hours. The park is beautifully maintained with lush greenery and thoughtfully placed landscaping. There are also playful sculptures and art pieces that give the space a warm and creative vibe. It's a peaceful, lesser-known spot -- perfect if you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a slow, scenic start to your day.

Seacrest Park is the site from which you'll spot the iconic Seattle skyline view. It's popular for…read morescuba diving, squid and salmon fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding, or just lounging by the water. Really great trail for biking and scootering with spectacular city views. Eat at the famous Saltys or Marination Ma Kai! Bring the whole family.

Perfect place to soak in a Sunset with the Seattle Skyline across the water. Plenty of parking and…read morea public bathroom in the end of a restaurant near outdoor shower. You get not grass and sandy beach areas, a boat launch and more. Many others walking dogs on leash, friendly atmosphere. Be aware there is a small strip just before the parking area on the street, pictured, marked NO PARKING. We did not realize and got a $47.00 parking ticket. Honestly, don't mind too much as we have been there so many times enjoying the area for free. The money helps pay for things we take for granted.

A bit tough to find if you're searching in Google Maps, as it's smack dab in the middle of a…read moreresidential neighborhood, but once you do - and navigate parking - it's a beautiful jaunt through nature. Possibly slippery when wet, as the trail is packed with leaves, it makes for a journey and an adventure in a short (or lengthy) walk. The trail is easily navigable, occasionally with wooden/metal grates, bridge-like pathways leading hikers up and over the more wet, sloshy areas. It seems to be a quiet hike through the woods, possibly most intended for those who live in the neighborhood. But it's a nice walk, peaceful and the minimal other people we saw respected distance and trail etiquette. Only slight altitude gains, which makes for easy family walks and adventuring.

I pass one of the entrances to the Schmitz Preserve Park on a regular basis but had never actually…read moregone inside until today. Just steps away from busy Admiral Way is an oasis with some of the tallest trees I've seen in West Seattle. -- From Seattle.gov: Schmitz Preserve was donated to the city in pieces between 1908 and 1912. The most generous chunk came from a German immigrant/pioneer/banker/realtor named Ferdinand Schmitz, who served on the park commission during those years. It was Schmitz's idea, as he saw how rapidly the great forest was disappearing, to preserve part of it in its natural state. Even Schmitz's land had not been completely untouched by logging, though. Some huge stumps in the park still show deep notches hacked high above the ground for the "spring-boards" on which axe men would stand to avoid having to chop through the lower root crown, the thickest and hardest part of the tree. After 1908, however, the new park rapidly gained popularity as a quiet complement to the West Seattle park complex. Except for the paved entrance and a parking lot at the northwest corner, the park has remained essentially unchanged ever since. (Edited from the files of Don Sherwood, 1916-1981, Park Historian.) --- The trails of this preserve are perfect for an after-work mini-hike or a long weekend stroll. I've heard that a neighborhood pony makes its home on a property adjacent to the preserve (but don't try to pet him! I've heard he bites!). Tonight I had a very short visit due to time, but even as the sky was starting to darken there were individuals walking the paths. Next time I will spend a couple of hours here. Easy off street parking near the Admiral Way entrance/exit makes this a no-brainer for a quick getaway to destress while still within the city limits.

Possibly the coolest park in Seattle. It's tiny but has a great view of the Sound, Blake Island…read moreand occasionally an orca or whale. Particularly good for launching your paddle board or kayak. Wing foilers love it on a windy day. Different from Alki in that you have grass instead of sand. An adjacent loading/ unloading area is handy especially if you have a weighty board. In the water you can head for the point at Lincoln Park, Alki Lighthouse or check out the kelp forests. You'll see crab hanging onto the kelp looking for food. Only drawback is no bathrooms.

Local hidden oasis in West Seattle next to Lincoln Park where Frank enjoys taking an hour siesta…read morewhen I need moment to unwind from the daily grind of life. With view of Vashon Island across the water and amazing sunsets you really can't go wrong. Killer Whales now and then cruise by passageway but you gotta be lucky to see them. Parking can be grim but don't say you weren't warned. Plenty of grass to sprawl out on if your bringing the family. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do.

As one of the most unique lakes in the state, Lake Union Piers sits entirely inside the city limits…read moreand has numerous public and private piers that support houseboats, marinas, floating homes, and recreational boating. The entire setup is sort of like a front row view of the city, where one can learn visually by walking to the various piers that surround Lake Union. On select days one might see kayakers paddling next to bougie yachts, historic houseboats tied up next to ultra-modern marinas, while people watching joggers and bikers ride around the lake. On the best weather days, the view Seattle skyline is beautiful, as is the Aurora bridge, and Gas Works Park. It's not the most touristy spot, but it is a way to experience the euphoria of Seattle living while absorbing all the nature with it. Early morning summer visits are some of the best times here: crowds are sparse, the water is still, the air is clean, and one can feel the city of Seattle in all of its sensory glory.

This is such a beautiful park! On a nice day, I love walking around this park with my senior pup!…read moreThe grass is nice and green (lots of goose poop though), fun to watch the sea planes land in the water, near the wooden boats and museum. Great place to read with seating throughout the park in forms of tables, benches, and ledges. They also host events here once in awhile!

What a lovely hidden Seattle gem! Admiral Viewpoint located in West Seattle is just across from…read moreBelvedere Park. There's an easy pull out from the road that allows for convenient parallel parking. Big beautiful view of the Elliot Bay and Seattle on the yonder shore. Due to the natural fauna on the hillside- this view is better during the wintertime when there's less leaves on the trees. But still beautiful year round. Another neat thing about Admiral Viewpoint is the giant totem pole near the front of the drive. It's one of the few in Seattle and it's very impressive. It's well worth it to take a few minutes from snapping pics and selfies to read the park signs and plaques here. They detail some of the history of the area and the significance of this beautiful work of art!

What I liked about this viewpoint is that you could come at any time since it's kind of on the side…read moreof the road. I did come here on bad weather(freezing and rainy) but I wish it had maybe an overhang of some sort. It did have a cool view of downtown and you could make out the great wheel and the space needle as well.

Me-Kwa-Mooks is a great park to experience a Seattle sunset in the summer evening. With its…read moremajestic water views of Vashon Island and vibrant sky colors I find myself blown away with natures gifts... Street parking is the option in case your wondering and bring your own chair for the experience.

A great short hike through the wetlands, close to U of W. Lots of bird watching opportunities,…read moreseeing lots of ducks, hummingbirds, raptors, and other water loving birds and creatures. A cool spot of nature, between lake Washington, Washington State Arboretum, and the University. Looking forward to coming back, when the ice is gone, and enjoying a sunny breezy day by the lake. Easy hike with lots of food and drink opportunities close by. Yelping on, Cheers!

I love, love, love the nature!…read more I love walks. Urban walks that make you feel like you've left the city hold a special place in my heart. The only bit that bothered me a little was related to this park being situated on an old landfill. I hear those leak eventually, and it was a little disturbing to see a couple of puddles of oil on the ground and some slightly unusual bubbles coming from the creek. I definitely prefer parks and trails to development and blocked off unused space, so... I guess this is as good as it gets for such a space.