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!

The waterfront is so beautiful! It's very peaceful and relaxing! Great place to just relax and…read moreenjoy nature! You can easily spend time here just walking along the water and taking in the views. It's a very peaceful place if you just need to go on a walk or clear your mind. I love how it's not packed and how clean it is. It feels calm and open, and it's a perfect spot to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

A Hidden Gem on the East Side - Breathtaking, Peaceful, and Perfect for All Ages…read more Meydenbauer Bay Park is honestly one of my absolute favorite parks in the entire East Side of Washington. The lakefront views are simply stunning, framed by gorgeous multi-million dollar homes that add to the serene, upscale feel of the area. It's a family-friendly haven, often filled with friendly ducks, children playing, and people enjoying the water. Whether you're into paddle boarding, boating, swimming, or just relaxing by the water, the park offers a wide range of activities--complete with clean shower and bathing facilities that make it incredibly convenient. I've often imagined hosting a wedding or special event here because the setting is just that beautiful, though I'm not sure if it's officially allowed. Regardless, this park holds a special place in my heart, and I will definitely be coming back again and again. It's a true gem that offers both peaceful retreat and vibrant recreation--perfect for all ages.

This isna nice park for a walk in the city. I usually walk my dag there at least once a week where…read morehe meets some of his four legged friends. Multiple paths through the trees and a nice path along the water. Multiple playgrounds and both covered and uncovered table areas, some of which can be reserved for events. Normally some children's activities or club through summer so it can get a little crowded in the late morning to afternoons. On busy days parking can be difficult as the lots will fill quickly. There might also be a line of.cars waiting foe the nearby ferry. It's been cleaned up a lot in the last few years, no more open air drug market.

A visit to Lincoln Park along the shores of Puget Sound is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors…read morein Seattle. The park offers complimentary parking lots, plenty of picnic areas for both large and small groups, a playground, covered shelters, outdoor restrooms, and it's very dog- and bicycle-friendly. One of the best parts is simply relaxing along the waterfront path and watching the steady stream of Washington State Ferries traveling back and forth across the Sound. During the summer months, the park even features an outdoor swimming pool. Our main reason for visiting was to see Bruun Idun created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, and it did not disappoint. While walking the Puget Sound trail to find the troll, we also spotted a bald eagle perched in its nest--very cool! After snapping photos, we were treated to a beautiful sunset over the water. With nature, art, and incredible views all in one place, Lincoln Park is absolutely worth a visit.

This is the smaller of the two beaches at Lake Sammamish State Park. I prefer Sunset Beach over…read moreTibbetts as it is larger and more like what a beach should be like. If you follow the trail south, you will head towards a lovely park area with the beach at the end of it. The lake view here is still nice, but there are a lack of amenities and the beach is the pebbly variety which I am not a fan of. There is a kayak and paddle boards that you can rent here, but there was no lifeguard on duty. If you prefer a secluded beach over a crowded one, Tibbetts would be preferable to Sunset.

Sam Smith Park is what happens when someone decides to make a non-green park out of what was…read moredefinitely an industrial area. As you walk into the park it seems normal - a paved walking trail, gorgeous trees but towards the back you start to see that there's a large play area, but it's right next to a power station. There's a significantly long tunnel over to the viewpoint and 1-90 trail, but the opening is under what looks to be a closed down county building. The tunnel feels safe, but it's rife with graffiti that could instead be a mosaic or a mural. When you walk over to the 31st Ave area, it feels like the Mount Baker Ridge viewpoint should be connected to the park, but it's not. It's just an oddly laid out park that should have focused on replicating what the front half of the park has, sculptures and artistic prose as you walk along the trail. All in all, I wouldn't want to spend a significant amount of time here but for what it is, it's much nicer than Freeway Park and more successful in the transition from industry to safe public space.

Terrific park in Seattle to get some exercise and head over to the I-90 Bridge to get in a scenic…read morerun back and forth to Mercer Island. This park is part of the I-90 Lid. Running though the tunnel was pretty cool with it's artwork, among the terrific paths with wonderful structures and greenery all around. The trees here are beautiful along with the care of the grounds. Paths to run and bike, playgrounds for the children to enjoy, dog park, tennis courts, picnic tables, and soccer field.

One of the smallest neighborhood parks I've been to, and usually also vacant…read more I normally like to come here for picnics since the park has tables and spacious grassy areas and is rarely occupied by the public. There's also a grill for public use and a shaded area as well! This would be a great place to bring your kids or dogs if you want to stay locally within White Center and want some peace and quiet. Keep in mind there are no playgrounds or jungle gyms for the kids, just open space for running and playing ball.

White Center Heights Park is one of my favorite hidden Seattle public parks. It was originally…read morefunded by our hometown famed company, Starbucks. It encompasses the diversity of the Pacific Northwest with educational signs in English, Spanish and Thai. A lot of planning and thought went in to this park. There is a central amphitheater plaza (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/white-center-heights-park-seattle?select=oo7byolrYWIY5exIUKb0HQ#vJaQ2E6FWGJAdcW5RLxpKw), public p-patch gardens with a rainwater cistern (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/white-center-heights-park-seattle?select=oo7byolrYWIY5exIUKb0HQ#N6Nc6zfVLMGRrsRs3oPEZA), a BBQ, and even a firepit for roasting a pig a la Pacific Islander! I personally love the wetlands section featuring an arched bridge floating on top of a lillypond (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/white-center-heights-park-seattle?select=oo7byolrYWIY5exIUKb0HQ#HTlw-RJdAeAHJqrQRgh8Gw). There is a wood-chip trail that begins at the bridge and leads around the pond but ends at 8th Ave SW instead of continuing on further as I had hoped. The other downfall is the lack of playground equipment for children. There is, however, plenty of open space for kids to run around and play frisbee or bat. The neat benches made of logs supported on each end by a split boulder and the many lively birdhouses make up for it (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/white-center-heights-park-seattle?select=oo7byolrYWIY5exIUKb0HQ#PEFic9jYcfB9uFrrx5Y-3w).

Pretty good area to get outside if you're in the area. The track is very nicely maintained; turf…read morefield, and overall a lot of space to get your recreation on.

A very nice park in a good location!…read more There are turf sports fields (football, baseball, soccer-all on same lot), baseball batting cages, tennis courts, a wading pool, swing set, jungle gym, and lots of benches! Let's not forget the GIANT grass field behind the Hiawatha building that summer concerts are held at! It is located right next to a Safeway and across the street from a fancy sandwich shop, so picnics are very easy events to plan or to execute on a whim! On sunny afternoons you will find an abundance of children and on rainy days it us pretty quiet. Solid family park.

This adorable little cove was the park that started out our walk a few weekends back. It's small,…read morebut boasts a cute little license plate sign and a Mermaid Trading Post, that looks like it may have originally been a geocache. There are some beautiful views of the water and if you're feeling adventurous you can climb over the driftwood and put your feet in the sand. Cormorant Cove is just a short walk from Constellation Park so if you're in the area, it's a great little stop if you're exploring.

This was a cute little find while I was walking around the neighborhood. It's a small cutout that…read moreallows for water access, including non-motorized boats. It's a nice place to stop and watch the world go by for awhile.