The one thing I did the most of in Seattle was walking. So many steps were made in a day and so…read moremany stairs were climbed. When I tell you that I was exhausted, I would not be lying. I took the opportunity to take a seat one morning and picked a fine spot to do so. Being on vacation allows you to do what you want at your speed. I wanted to make the most of this trip and take in as much of this city as I could before I would depart. Before I started my day, and after experiencing the market, I just wanted to sit near the water's edge. Walked all the way to the end of the pier and slid into one of the orange chairs and just stared off into the horizon. Letting the breeze flow over me. I would glance up and down the waterfront every so often, but just kind of absentmindedly stared at the water. Seems to be a good place to see some of the wildlife. Unexpectedly a pair of seals popped up and were playing in front of me and several other people sitting there. A highlight of the day for sure, and kind of a segwue into the next part of my day.

Found this cool little spot while walking my way down the pier area. Just past the pikes Place…read moreMarket area sets this pier area made for just hanging out. A few tables, a few outdoor cakes (giant chess set anyone?), and best of all a long row of deck style chairs to just set and watch the water, boats, sunset......I was here just before dusk and had no problem finding a chair to sit for a while. Great view and peaceful even though there were plenty of folks around. It's clear they do some events here too....they were taking down a canopy while I was there probably from something they were doing during the day.

The Victor Steinbrueck Park is an open passive park where people come to picnic and enjoy the views…read moreof the marina and waterfront area. It is a short distance from the Pike's Place Market area. The park itself was pretty but the population of people hanging out on a nice warm day were pretty interesting. Some looked a little more like drugged out zombies and yet there were children running around enjoying the day as well. The large totem pole is one of many artistic pieces of work in this area. The iron wings are another. There were places to sit and take a look around as well as plenty of food stalls to grab a morning coffee or a bite to eat. I was not as impressed by this park as I was with the Overlook Walk which was along the way.

A couple squares of green along the northern edge of Pike Place Market, this small park recently…read morereopened in March 2025 after some renovations to improve the structural integrity of the park grounds and the underground parking below it. This park provides a little bit of open air respite from the crowds within the market, on July 4th weekend it was pretty packed with loungers, picnickers, tourists taking a break or snapping the waterfront views. Some benches and picnic tables are available. The site of the park is south of what was once the Washington State National Guard Armory built around 1909, was partially destroyed in a 1962 fire, then almost turned into high rise developments and offices during a period when Pike Place Market was proposed to be demolished, but ultimately saved by protests by "Friends of the Market". The city purchased the land on which the armory used to stand and then transferred jurisdiction of a parcel to the parks department, which designated this as "Market Park" in 1982, then renamed in honor of Victor Steinbrueck, an architect, faculty at the University of Washington, and historical preservationist of buildings in Seattle. He was known for his work in helping to design the Space Needle and his advocacy for the restoration and preservation of Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square.

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.

This is suppose to be a waterfront public park in the city of Lake Forest Park but the town has…read moredone NOTHING to maintain the property and you can't even see the Lyon Creek because it's totally grown over by weeds and invasive brambles. The existing trees that aren't dead, are way overgrown and very little of park is accessible because of this. The beach sedimentation has built us so much along the entire shoreline and they don't want anyone swimming here at a Waterfront park. What kind of waterfront park says NO to everything. The benches on the property are all facing weeds so can't see beyond to see all of the water. Please call the City of Lake Forest Park to ask them to get this park cleaned up including dredging the shoreline!!! So sad to see what a mess this place has become. City Hall: 360-368-5440

Secluded small park off the Burke-Gilman, right next to the Sheridan Beach Club. Perfect for a…read morerest while running/biking/walking/rollerblading through Lake Forest Park. The park is small, but serene. Most of the space follows Lyon Creek under overhanging foliage, with a bench and boardwalk to enjoy. Where the creek meets the lake, there is a small dock and bench to frequent. Have not seen any salmon running up the creek as of yet, but that would make my day. Overall, it is small but extraordinarily peaceful and well restored. Good vibes only.

If you don't want the crowds and busyness that stays on the Burke-Gillman trail, the Ship Canal…read more Trail is a great alternative. The leaves are now starting to fall of the branches for good and the rich fall colors are starting to fade, but when I came here last month, the foliage was at its best. It was truly an enchanting and peaceful experience walking through here. An excellent place to come to for calm, reflection, or anything else that you need to wind down. There are lots of wooden benches and tables along the trails for an outside lunch or place to work. I walked the part of the trail that's along Nickerson right behind SPU, as I feel that it's the prettiest part. Apparently, you can fish here as, I saw some folks with their lines in the water hoping for a catch. What I like is that its also very easy to get to by bus, as driving anywhere in Seattle is a frustrating chore. The trail is a very short one, but worth the quick visit.

An alternate biking/running/walking route for going along the canal from Fremont to Ballard…read more Pros: *Less busy than the Burke-Gilman. You really wont see traffic jams due to mobs of people/bikes/strollers/dogs here. *Tends to stay shaded -- cooler rides and walks! Yeah! *Interesting views of the ship yard and more industrial areas of the canal area. *An easy extension of the Lake union trail, the Burke-Gilman, and not too far from the Terminal 91 bike path. * Pretty direct route to the Ballard Locks. Cons: *There are some downright ugly parts of this trail. Not as pretty as the Burke-Gilman for sure (though it does have it's moments) *It is short -- barely 2 miles long officially. *It ends before you get to the locks -- so you have some skeezy industrial areas to trek through if you want to make it there. *The "S" curves over a section of train tracks are wicked tight/scary to go over any speed over 2 mph. I like the Ship Canal Trail alright. I just wish it was longer and had better connections to other bike/walking paths in the area. Regardless -- a good workout can be had and you don't have to deal with the crowds that are just on the other side of the canal.

Originally the honey and I were hoping to take the trail that cuts off from the 1-90 trail down and…read moreunder the East Portal Viewpoint, however it was cordoned off so we ended up taking in the gorgeous view and going back through the tunnel to Bradner Gardens Park. The view at the East Portal Viewpoint is amazing, especially on a clear day. It's so pretty that when you're on the other side of Lake Washington, you can think back on what it looked like like from so high up. It's almost entirely an easy walk from Sam Smith Park through the large tunnel, though the last 20 feet or so after the tunnel up to the view is up a steep incline, so be prepared. Otherwise this was a fun point in our day, and definitely worth the detour!

We've driven under here for decades but never looked to see what's above. After studying Google…read moremaps, I learned of this viewpoint and decided it's time to search for it. Essentially, you'll be standing above where it says "Seattle - Portal to the Pacific" This spot is not easy to find so definitely GPS your way there. If you drive a stick shift, be aware of some steep streets in the area. It was a cloudy day and the fact this is not a park with resting places, it's not crowded at all. It's kind of nice to stand here and take some pictures. If you want to explore, there's a walk/bike path to get down to I-90 and Lake Washington. The walk/bike path tunnel has some cool art work. Because it's relatively quiet, I'd suggest proceed with caution rather you're on foot or bike. I'm not familiar with the safety in this area. Probably don't come alone at night for your first visit. Anyway, as a local, I think it's a visit at least once worthy scenic stop.

There are few places in the Seattle where you will experience such a blended ecotone, providing…read moreenjoyable sites of beavers, herons, otter, frogs, raccoon and nearby nesting eagles. This secluded sanctuary is one of the most peaceful places to spend an afternoon in Madison park with a book and a container of warm tea. During the summer, you can visit late into the evening, watching the sunset and looking for the otters, beavers and listening to the frogs and crickets.

the 5350 address on Creosote is closed for the super fund construction. But access to trails and…read morebeach can be reached from the memorial parking lot.

Beautiful beach park!…read more We came here after Japanese American exclusion memorial next door. Such a beautiful place. Massive beach, few ways to enter. Dog friendly! That's a plus. Sand, piers, boats. Views! And of course the beach. Baci had so much fun! I did too. Free parking. What's not to like?