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Top picks in Washington

Parks

Salt air and open grass are the only things that clear the head after a long week.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Golden Gardens Park image 1
Golden Gardens Park image 2
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Scenic beach park with breathtaking water and mountain views and picturesque sunsets. Open grassy areas and volleyball courts create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Visitors enjoy fire pits and picnic facilities alongside walking paths and an off-leash dog area.

Huge, spacious beach with sandy shore and ocean views across Puget Sound. Easy access and roomy layout make it great for frisbee, parties, and family gatherings.

Offers great beach and water views with walking trails and stairs. Features a playground for kids, a pond with ducks and turtles, and plenty of free parking. Popular spot for picnics, family gatherings, and watching sunsets over Puget Sound.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains."

"I thought the sunsets here were amazing and beautiful."

"The park offers beautiful views of the Olympics and the water."

Good to know

1

Parking can be extremely difficult on busy weekends; arrive early to find a spot.

2

Restrooms are available at the park for visitor convenience.

3

The concession stand closes at 6pm, so plan accordingly.

02
Meydenbauer Bay Pier & Park (Rondeau Wharf) image 1

Park offers stunning waterfront views and direct lake access with a spacious playground nestled among tall trees. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, inviting relaxation and family activities from land to water. Well-kept lawns and observation decks enhance the calm, natural setting.

Plenty of space invites relaxation on the lovely beach or walks along the pier. A small stretch offers a spot for longer stays, complemented by a pretty park nearby.

The park offers a peaceful waterfront retreat with stunning views of the lake and glaciers. It features a well maintained playground nestled among towering trees and a lake that invites swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer.

People are saying

"The playground offers fun activities and scenic views for everyone."

"I loved the gorgeous views from this peaceful park."

"The beach views are stunning and the water is a beautiful blue."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at Meydenbauer Bay Pier & Park.

2

Getting to the park involves a number of steps or ramps.

3

The park offers direct access to Washington Lake.

03
Juanita Beach Park image 1

Beachfront park offers stunning lake and city skyline views with a long boardwalk circling a swimming area. Atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, though it can get busy and lively on sunny days. Playground and water activities attract families, creating a communal vibe without feeling overcrowded.

A clean beach area with lifeguard presence offers safe swimming and play for kids. Plenty of parking, well-maintained facilities, and nearby kayak rentals add to the convenience.

A waterfront park with a pier offers fishing and skyline views. It features a clean playground and well-maintained restrooms. The beach area is safe for kids and supports paddleboarding and kayak rentals.

People are saying

"I found the park beautiful with waterfront access and great views."

"You get a great view of the Seattle skyline from the pier."

"This beach is great for families and kids."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends and sunny days.

2

Expect large crowds during summer, particularly on hot days.

3

The Friday Market runs from June to September, featuring local produce.

04
Golden Gardens Beach image 1
Beach pavillion

Beach pavilion offers soft sandy shore and panoramic mountain views with a laid-back family-friendly vibe. Large grassy fields and picnic areas provide space for outdoor games and gatherings. Calm atmosphere blends natural beauty with amenities like event halls and a pier overlooking a marina.

Soft sand and amazing views of mountains and water define this beach. It offers a clean, family friendly environment with plenty of space and good facilities.

Beautiful beach park with mountain views and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Picnic areas, fire pits, and a pier offer spots to relax and enjoy the marina view.

People are saying

"This beach is beautiful with amazing views of the water and mountains."

"It's a great kid-friendly spot with a large playground and open spaces."

"The park's beach offers amazing views of Puget Sound and the mountains."

Good to know

1

There is always something going on at Golden Gardens Beach, like kite flying events.

2

Parking at Golden Gardens Beach can be chaotic, especially on weekends.

3

Arriving early is recommended on weekends or holidays because it can get busy.

05
Hawley Cove Park image 1

Park offers rocky and sedimentary beaches with abundant driftwood seating and lush greenery. Trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, leading to scenic views of Mount Rainier and nearby ferries. Wildlife is diverse, creating a peaceful atmosphere near a residential neighborhood.

Rocky and sedimentary beaches offer a peaceful environment with diverse wildlife and abundant driftwood for sitting. Well-kept trails lead to small beaches with uninterrupted ferry views and scenic sights of Mount Rainier.

Beach access includes a stony shore good for beachcombing and birding. A short, mostly flat trail winds through woods to scenic views of ferries in the harbor. The park has a quiet, well-maintained path and limited on-street parking near a neighborhood.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be a pleasant stone beach with great views."

"I loved the nice view of Mount Rainier from the beach."

"The park's paths lead to a beautiful beach with views of Mount Rainier."

Good to know

1

Parking at Hawley Cove Park is limited to about five cars.

2

No restrooms are available at the park.

3

The trails are well-maintained and accessible for wheelchairs.

06
Carkeek Park image 1
City park

City park offers beach access and well-maintained hiking trails through forested areas. It has a family-friendly vibe with playgrounds, picnic spots, and educational features like a salmon slide. Views include Puget Sound and Olympic mountains, creating a peaceful and scenic atmosphere.

Access to the beach comes via a high bridge leading to areas with tidepools and views of passing trains on scenic tracks. Activities include rock balancing and watching wildlife like eagles and seals.

A large, scenic park with sandy beach and railroad views along the ocean. It offers many lovely trails for walking, hiking, and jogging, plus picnic areas suitable for large groups.

People are saying

"The beach here is perfect for watching a spectacular sunset."

"It's a kid-friendly place with a fun playground."

"I considered this one of my favorite local parks."

Good to know

1

The park offers plenty of space for group events.

2

You can dig for seafood at the park.

3

In November, the salmon come back to spawn, which is fun to watch.

07
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park image 1

Park offers rocky beach access with three elevation viewpoints overlooking Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Atmosphere stays peaceful and spacious, with playground and picnic areas scattered throughout. Visitors find it ideal for quiet walks, open water swimming, and watching sunsets.

Rocky shores offer amazing views and a large, uncrowded space for gathering or stillness. Dogs can roam off-leash seasonally with poop bags provided near the waterfront.

Beach, playground, and driftwood forts create a fun spot for kids and families. The park offers elevation changes with ocean views and multiple restrooms and covered eating areas. Dogs are allowed on the waterfront outside summer.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing views of the Sound and mountains."

"The beach offers beautiful views and magical sunsets."

"The park offers beautiful views of the Sound and mountains."

Good to know

1

Dogs are required to be leashed at all times in the park.

2

Public restrooms are available at the park.

3

There is plenty of parking at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

08
Medina Beach Park image 1

Park offers quiet lakeside beach with beautiful views of Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, attracting those seeking relaxation and calm. Limited picnic tables and lifeguard presence support a family-friendly environment.

Offers more leg room and a well-sized beachfront with a peaceful lakeside vibe. Views include Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline, and stunning sunsets over the water.

Close to water with a pristine sandy beach and amazing views of Mt Rainier on clear days. The park offers a serene atmosphere ideal for swimming, picnics, and peaceful strolls.

People are saying

"This Meditation Spot is peaceful and pretty, with beautiful views."

"The park offers beautiful views, especially at sunset."

"I found this beach beautiful, especially for watching the sunset."

Good to know

1

Parking at Medina Beach Park is limited, especially during the summer.

2

Dogs are not allowed at Medina Beach Park.

3

The park is perfect for walking and taking photos.

09
Lowman Beach Park image 1

Small city park offers calm water views and grassy areas with swings. Atmosphere stays peaceful and quiet, especially mid-week, attracting people who relax on the grass or launch kayaks. Less crowded than nearby spots, it provides a natural, neighborhood feel with scenic walkways and benches.

A stone beach offers easy launch spots for kayaks and paddleboards. The park features almost 360-degree water views and is a popular spot for sunset watching and picnics.

Small and well kept, this park offers almost 360-degree water views and easy access to the beach. It serves as a popular spot for launching paddleboards and kayaks, with plenty of space for picnics and watching sunsets.

People are saying

"It's a nice little beach park with a great view of the sound."

"It's a great spot to relax and get away from the city bustle."

"I found the park to be lovely and beautiful."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms available at Lowman Beach Park.

2

Parking is very limited, especially on sunny days.

3

The park is great for launching water sports like paddle boarding.

10
Olympic Beach image 1

Small beach park offers breathtaking waterfront views of the ferry, mountains, and surrounding waters. Atmosphere stays calm and relaxed, with families and walkers enjoying the wide sandy shore and fishing pier. Nearby dog park and local eateries add to the friendly, community feel.

Sandy beach offers plenty of space for families to relax, play frisbee, and fly kites. Beautiful views include the Olympics, Mt Hood, and the ferry, with a kid friendly vibe and a boat launch and fishing pier nearby.

A dog park sits close to the beach, offering a spot for pets. The park features a lovely water view and sights of the ferry leaving the dock. Walking paths connect the fishing pier, ferry dock, and dive park, revealing marine life at low tide. Parking space is limited.

People are saying

"It's a great relaxing spot for enjoying the amazing views."

"The beach is great for exploring marine life at low tide."

"I saw moon snails, kelp crabs, and starfish in these parks."

Good to know

1

Dogs are not allowed on the beach itself.

2

Parking is limited; consider using residential streets.

3

There are clean indoor restrooms available.

11
Carkeek Park Beach image 1

Beach with calm waves and quiet atmosphere offers beautiful mountain views and wooded trails nearby. Spacious parking and picnic areas support a relaxed, peaceful vibe where people enjoy nature and playgrounds. Dog restrictions on the small beach contrast with the rest of the park's openness.

A beautiful, quiet beach offers clean sand and views teeming with sea life at low tide. The area includes spacious parking, picnic tables, and easy beach access with nearby trails and grassy fields.

Beautiful waterfront park with clean beach access, plenty of green space, and many great trails. Features include playgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, and spots to watch salmon and sunsets.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be beautiful and teeming with sea life."

"I loved the beautiful sound views and mountain scenery."

"The beach at this park is beautiful and peaceful."

Good to know

1

The beach has a spacious parking lot, amenities, and many picnic tables.

2

Access to the beach involves a steep footbridge, not suitable for mobility issues.

3

Expect limited walking space during high tide, but plenty during low tide.

12
Colman Park Beach image 1

Beach park offers peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking views of surrounding landmarks and water. Visitors enjoy easy water access and shaded areas for relaxation. Parking is limited but nearby options provide access for various activities.

Beautiful views of Mt Rainier and downtown Bellevue stretch over the water. The beach offers easy water access and plenty of shaded spots to relax under.

Views of Mt Rainier, Seward Park, and downtown Bellevue stand out over the I-90 bridge. The park offers a small beach, playground, and picnic area with easy water access and a peaceful vibe.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of Mt Rainier and downtown Bellevue."

"It's a beautiful beach with refreshing water and great views."

"The views from these parks are breathtaking, especially of Mt Rainier."

Good to know

1

Parking can get tight at the beach, so arrive early.

2

There are only 20 parking spots in the lot, making parking limited.

3

Ample parking is available one street over, with easy access to the beach.

13
Brackett's Landing North image 1

Park offers serene waterfront views with a gated dog area and paved dock for easy access. Atmosphere stays peaceful and uncrowded, inviting quiet relaxation and nature watching. Benches and picnic tables provide spots to enjoy sunsets and scenic beach surroundings.

Parking sits very close to the beach, making it accessible for wheelchairs. Brackett's Landing North offers a large, beautiful beach with great views and spots for rock collecting and snorkeling.

Calm spot with amazing views of the Sound and ferries, featuring a well-kept area with rubbish bins and restrooms. The park is wheelchair accessible and offers a nice walk nearby on Sunset Ave.

People are saying

"I loved exploring the beach and spotting sea creatures at low tide."

"It's a perfect spot for watching the sunset."

"This park offers beautiful views of the Sound and ferries."

Good to know

1

Look for high and low tide warnings before hiking between the seas.

2

Parking is close and accessible for people with disabilities.

3

Dogs are not allowed at Brackett's Landing North.

14
O. O. Denny Park image 1

Park offers stunning lake views and majestic Mt. Rainier backdrop with direct waterfront access. Atmosphere stays peaceful and tranquil, ideal for picnics, swimming, and family outings. Features include playground, picnic shelters, and barbecue grills amid large trees.

Lots of open space and clean sandy beaches make it easy to relax or play. Small beach areas let kids splash and build sandcastles while others launch kayaks and paddleboards to cool off.

Many lakeside picnic tables and a shelter sit along the water, with real restrooms and some handicapped parking spots nearby. Trails wind through old growth forests, offering peaceful walks and lovely lake views for hiking and quiet weekends.

People are saying

"This park offers beautiful lake views and a nice beach."

"I had a perfect picnic with friends on the beach with Mt. Rainier visible."

"I found the beach here to be nice and peaceful."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early or be prepared to search for a spot.

2

The park is great for outdoor events and gatherings.

3

Expect the parking lot to be busy during the summer months.

15
Madison Park image 1
City park

City park offers quiet beach and lake views alongside a playground with climbing structures and swings. Two distinct areas create different vibes: one family-friendly and calm, the other lively and noisy with a queer, fun energy. Lifeguards watch over the swimming area with diving boards, making it suitable for all ages.

A clean beach with both grass and sand areas offers a dock for swimming and a diving board. Lifeguards watch from noon to 7 PM daily through Labor Day.

A clean beach park with a great playground featuring swings, slides, and a zip line. Lifeguards watch the gorgeous lakeshore, and food spots are just a short walk away.

People are saying

"This park has a great playground for kids of all ages."

"I thought the beach here was magnificent and clean."

"I enjoyed the beautiful view on a nice clear day."

Good to know

1

The beach has lifeguards on duty from 12 to 7 daily through Labor Day.

2

Parking can be challenging, especially on sunny days.

3

Food options are within walking distance from the park.

16
Lighthouse Park image 1

Historic lighthouse anchors a scenic waterfront park with beach fire pits and playground facilities. Peaceful atmosphere invites relaxation and offers views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Open spaces and picnic areas support family-friendly outings.

Spacious beach offers spectacular views of Puget Sound and sunsets. Lighthouse Park features beach fire pits, a playground, bathrooms, and easy access to Rock Beach near the train tracks.

Ocean shore views and a lighthouse create a scenic backdrop. Amenities include firepits, a playground, a boat launch, and ample parking. Entry is free and the park stays clean.

People are saying

"I loved the beautiful scenery and water views here."

"I found the park beautiful with lovely sea views."

"I found the beach here to be so peaceful and serene."

Good to know

1

Parking at Lighthouse Park costs $3 per hour.

2

The park hosts various community events and concerts throughout the year.

3

The Mukilteo Lighthouse is open for tours on weekends from 1-4pm.

17
Pomeroy Park Boat Ramp image 1

Small park offers quiet, peaceful atmosphere with beautiful views of Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier. Grassy area and long dock provide spots for walking, fishing, or relaxing by the water. Boat ramp is available but has limited parking and a per-use charge.

Soft sand and clean water make the beach inviting. It is a small strip perfect for walking dogs and enjoying sunset views.

Small and well kept, the park offers magnificent views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier. Visitors enjoy walking along the beach, picnicking, and engaging in water activities amid an abundance of sea life.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice view of Seattle and Mt. Rainier."

"The park offers beautiful views of the Seattle skyline and Mt Rainier."

"The beach views of the Seattle skyline and Mt Rainier are stunning."

Good to know

1

The boat ramp has a per use charge.

2

There isn't a lot of parking available.

3

The area isn't very busy except during events.

18
Seacrest Park image 1
City park

Waterfront park offers stunning city skyline views and a peaceful atmosphere with calm spaces for strolling and relaxing. Kayak rentals and water taxi services add active water access, while nearby condos and vibrant beach activity create a balanced urban and natural vibe.

Beach access comes with free parking and a low-key vibe. The shore lacks sand, which suits parents looking for a different beach experience.

Waterfront location offers great views of the city and a peaceful vibe. Facilities include kayak rentals and water taxi services, making it easy to enjoy the water and watch ferries.

People are saying

"The scenic views of the Seattle skyline across the water are beautiful."

"The parks offer stunning views of the Seattle skyline across the water."

"I loved the free parking and beach access."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky during peak times, so arrive early.

2

The West Seattle Water Taxi provides easy access to downtown Seattle.

3

Nearby Marination Ma Kai offers tasty bites with a waterfront view.

19
Seahurst Park image 1

Expansive beach and forest trails offer breathtaking views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, ideal for families with a well-maintained playground and picnic areas. Large smooth logs along the shore provide natural seating to enjoy sunset vistas.

Expansive beach walks offer breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Low tide reveals starfish and sea urchins on the north end, and the beach suits dog strolls and family outings well.

Playground and waterfront access offer fun for kids and space for families. Expansive beach walks provide breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains in a well-maintained, pet-friendly setting.

People are saying

"I loved this beach for its beautiful sunset views."

"I loved the beautiful views of the Sound and the Olympics."

"The park's beach offers beautiful views and nice walking paths."

Good to know

1

Parking at Seahurst Park is limited in the nearby lot.

2

The parking lot experiences thefts frequently despite having no security cameras.

3

The beach is not suitable for swimming due to the abundance of seaweed.

20
Meadowdale Beach Park image 1

Trail leads through a forest to a small, picturesque beach with endless ocean views and driftwood seating. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, with occasional train sounds and a gentle breeze. Limited parking and ongoing improvements shape a natural, somewhat secluded experience.

Easy access leads to a quiet beach with plenty of space to roam. Trails wind through a beautiful forest and a rainforest eco-trail before reaching the shore with views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.

A lush forest trail leads to a quiet beach with easy access and handicap parking. The park offers a well-maintained green space with new restrooms and picnic shelters near a restored estuary.

People are saying

"The hike to this quiet, scenic beach is worth the effort."

"The beach offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped Olympic mountains."

"The park's beach offers an amazing view of the snow-capped Olympic mountains."

Good to know

1

Parking at the upper trailhead is very limited, so arrive early.

2

Dogs must be on a leash on the trail at all times.

3

The walking path is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

21
Edgewater Beach Park image 1

Small beach with quiet atmosphere and serene waterfront views offers a dog-friendly space with benches and picnic areas. Free parking is available but limited, and a paved trail runs along the shore. The setting feels private and peaceful, suitable for families and casual walks.

A quiet beach with a nice stretch of clean water and a close parking lot offers a peaceful spot for walking, swimming, and watching sunsets. It stays less crowded than nearby beaches and feels family-friendly.

A calm, tucked away spot with a quiet beach and nice views along the water. Plenty of free parking and lots of nature, including crows that follow visitors for peanuts.

People are saying

"It's a great place for walking your dog and they provide bags."

"The parks here offer nice views and lots of rocks to look at."

"This beach is nice because it's usually less busy."

Good to know

1

Parking on weekends overflows, making it potentially difficult to find a spot.

2

The bathrooms were porta potties, but they were clean.

3

The beach is dog friendly with leash.

22
Howell Park image 1
City park

Small waterfront park offers a clothing optional and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere with a quiet, peaceful vibe. Visitors find limited parking and a rocky water's edge, with grassy and stone seating areas slanting toward the lake. The beach hosts a diverse crowd and tends to get shady in the afternoon.

A small, all-male nude beach sits on a lake with water warmer than Puget Sound. It feels private and friendly, mostly welcoming to LGBT+ but open to everyone, with no toilets or benches and shade arriving in the afternoon.

A hidden waterfront park offers a quiet and peaceful spot with a clothing optional nude beach. Access involves obscure side roads and limited parking in the neighborhood.

People are saying

"It's a lovely, peaceful park hidden away."

"I found the nude beach to be nice and private."

"I found this nude beach to be a very positive and private experience."

Good to know

1

The park is clothing optional and LGBTQ+ friendly.

2

Expect rocky water's edge; bring old sneakers or flip-flops.

3

There are no toilets, benches, or tables at the beach.

23
Lake Sammamish State Park Playground image 1

Playground sits next to a shallow beach with water about 2 to 3 feet deep extending 50 feet out, making it safe for young children. It offers two playgrounds, including a zip line and double swing, plus kayak rentals and tennis courts nearby. Picnic areas with benches and umbrellas create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Shallow water extends about 50 feet out, making it safe for young kids to wander. The beach area is marked off by buoys and sits close to a large playground. Kayak and water sports rentals add to the fun.

Great beach and kayak rentals make the park ideal for water activities. The playground suits all ages and the park supports barbecues and family fun. A parks pass is required for entry.

People are saying

"The beach is shallow and great for little kids."

"It's a kid-friendly playground with slides and a zip line."

"The playground here is awesome with many slides and options for toddlers."

Good to know

1

Entry requires a Discovery Pass or Washington state parks pass.

2

The parking lot is large and convenient, close to the water.

3

Kayak rentals are available at the park along with restrooms.

24
Clarke Beach Park image 1

Beach park offers quiet serenity with ample parking and accessible trails leading to the water. The space feels isolated and peaceful, suitable for walking, leisure, and family activities. Picnic tables sit near water and forest glades, enhancing the calm atmosphere.

Quiet beach park offers a peaceful setting with easy access via a trail. Facilities include a restroom at beach level, making it suitable for families and kids.

A quiet beach park with a swimming facility and ample parking, it stays isolated even during warm months. Dogs are not allowed, and the park sits near a landing for kayaking and SUP activities.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful, quiet beach, perfect for families or alone time."

"The parking here is ample and there was plenty of space."

"This park is so beautiful and peaceful."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and easily accessible at Clarke Beach Park.

2

Access to the beach is via a steep trail, which may be challenging for some.

3

Restrooms are available at the beach level, but may be closed seasonally.

25
Marina Park Al Locke Pavilion image 1

Pavilion built on water offers picturesque waterfront views of Lake Washington and moored yachts. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with quiet spots for walking and family time alongside areas with live music and events. Amenities include picnic tables, a dock, and water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.

Clear, transparent water makes swimming enjoyable during summer. The beach features a cute beachfront and a dock of boats at the park, with many activities and a small swimming area.

Open park area on the shore offers picturesque waterfront views and a calm, welcoming vibe. The space stays very clean and safe, with spots to relax, enjoy live music, and play games near the marina.

People are saying

"I found the park to be a beautiful and peaceful waterfront spot."

"The views here are beautiful, especially of the water."

"The beach views here are amazing, especially the sunsets."

Good to know

1

Parking at Marina Park Al Locke Pavilion costs $1 per hour.

2

Parking can be difficult to find in downtown Kirkland.

3

The farmers market runs on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 PM, June through September.

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