Surrounded by nature, Seattle has an abundance of water sports
With fall finally here, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the crisp autumn weather. Whether you enjoy swimming, kayaking, or lounging on the beach, Seattle has plenty of activities on and near the water. Here are 12 water spots in Seattle you and your family are sure to love.1. Puget Sound
Puget Sound is much more than just a body of water—it is the complex of inlets, bays, and harbors that include some of the major cities in the area. Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia—as well as plenty of small, quaint towns—all surround Puget Sound. There is never a lack of things to do in this expansive body of water. Enjoy a serene ferry ride to get from place to place. If you prefer a more intimate experience, grab a sea kayak, and explore parts of Puget Sound that are inaccessible by ferry. Be sure to key an eye out for wildlife while you’re out on the water. You just might see harbor seals, orca whales, or even a bald eagle!2. Discovery Park
On the shores of Puget Sound, you will find Discovery Park. This 534-acre park is the largest park in the city—and undoubtedly one of the most impressive. Nine miles of trails through forest groves and seaside meadows make it a great place to soak up the outdoors on a sunny day. You can also catch views of the ancient lighthouse and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains across the water. After spending the day fully immersed in the outdoors, you will walk away feeling refreshed.
3. Alki Beach
Alki Beach is one of the best spots you can be in Seattle on a warm, sunny day. Located in West Seattle, this local treasure consists of sandy beaches and stunning views of downtown Seattle and the Olympic Mountains. This beach is also a popular swimming destination, on a sunny day, you can expect to find a plethora of people soaking up this destination beach. Families come here during low tide to explore and marvel at the small tide pools. Volleyball courts and fire pits attract young people here. If you start to get hungry or forgot to pack a lunch, don’t worry! There are many great restaurants right at your fingertips. Grab lunch at Duke’s Seafood or stop by for dessert at Homefront Smoothies & Ice Cream.4. Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park is one of the most popular water sports in Seattle and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It’s easy to understand why this freshwater lake is so busy during the summer. Located in north-central Seattle, Green Lake is nestled in the Green Lake neighborhood. Conveniently located close to downtown, Green Lake Park is known for its lively and upbeat atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy walking or jogging around the 2.8-mile track or renting kayaks and getting out on the water. If neither of those activities appeals to you, don’t worry—there’s still much more you can participate in at this local treasure. Skating, biking, and boating are just a few more of the activities that you can enjoy here.5. Matthews Beach Park
As the largest freshwater bathing beach in Seattle, Matthews Beach Park comes to life during the summer months. Northeastern Seattle residents flock to the beach to take a dip in the water and soak up the sunshine on the beach. Here, you will find a public swimming beach, as well as restrooms and changing rooms. With the weather cooling off, you might not be in the mood to go swimming, but rest assured there is still plenty for you to enjoy here! Enjoy a picnic on the beach, take advantage of the fantastic playground, or toss a frisbee around in the grassy knoll. With plenty of lawn to lounge on or trails to explore, this local beach park is the perfect place to make some memories with your family.
6. Golden Gardens Park
With a rugged coastline and pier, Golden Gardens Park offers picturesque views of the water. This 87-acre park in Ballard is one of Seattle’s most popular parks and undoubtedly one of the most enticing beaches. The stunning sunset views make this the perfect place to enjoy a romantic stroll by the water while soaking up views of sailboats in the distance (talk about picture perfect!). You can take advantage of the walking trails, playgrounds, volleyball nets, pier fishing, and hikes through forest trails. You can even reserve one of the designated fire pits in advance. (Let the s'mores begin!) With so much to do and see here, Golden Gardens Park offers the best of outdoor adventures.7. Fremont Canal Park
Running along the north side of Lake Washington is Fremont Canal Park. Located in one of Seattle’s quirkiest neighborhoods, this quiet and beautiful park is the perfect breath of fresh air. This linear park runs for approximately four blocks. Sit on a bench and take in the still and serene water, enjoy the stunning sunset views, or grab a cup of coffee at Storyville Coffee. This small park is the perfect escape from city life.
8. Lake Washington
Being the second-largest natural state in Washington, Lake Washington has an abundance to offer. This massive body of water is nestled between Seattle and Bellevue. With plenty of shorelines, you can enjoy picnicking, swimming, or hunting for clams and crawfish here. If you enjoy fishing, you can do that year-round at Lake Washington. If you are new to Seattle or just looking for a way to get more acquainted with the place you live, you might want to consider embarking on the Lake Washington Cruise by Argosy. This tour, approximately an hour and a half long includes live narration providing an introduction to the history of the lake. You can even see stunning views of Mt. Rainier, a snow-capped backdrop to Seattle.9. Madrona Park
If you’re looking for some peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of city life, pop on over to Madrona Park. This 9.5-acre park is located on the waterfront of Lake Washington. A wooded hillside leads down to the grassy beach and play area for children. In the summer, lifeguards are on the duty to supervise swimmers. The option to make a picnic reservation makes it a popular spot for birthday parties and other celebrations. The trails along with Lake Washington here make it a great place to run, ride your bike, or soak up the changing colors of the trees. In clear weather, you can even catch views of Mt. Rainier in the distance.10. Lake Union
Located within the city limits of Seattle and close to downtown, Lake Union offers an endless stream of things to do. In the mood to take a kayak on the water or perhaps try your hand at paddleboarding? Prefer renting a boat (perhaps a hot tub boat)? Want to have lunch with a waterfront view? You can do all of that—and much more—on Lake Union. Lake Union Loop is 6.4 miles and offers the opportunity to walk, run, bike, or take your dogs for a stroll. On this trail, you’ll be sure to get your blood pumping while enjoying scenic views.If you're looking to explore homes in West Seattle, Burien, or Normandy Park, contact the Trey Danna Team today. As two of the most sought-after real estate agents in the area, this duo serves a wide range of neighborhoods. Their expertise will help you find a home you will love to live in.
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