Top 10 Seattle Parks
Stunning Views and Forest Adventures.
Seattle may be known as the Emerald City, but it earns that nickname thanks to its stunning parks—each offering unique experiences, from forest adventure to iconic skyline views.
Number 10
Carkeek Park
– Broadview Neighborhood
Carkeek Park is a hidden gem where lush forest trails meet pebbly beach. With a salmon-bearing creek, sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, and a pedestrian bridge over train tracks, it’s a favorite for nature lovers, families, and tide pool explorers alike. Quiet, wild, and beautiful.
Number 9
Green Lake Park
– Green Lake Neighborhood
A beloved urban oasis, Green Lake Park centers around a 2.8-mile path popular for walking, running, and skating. Paddleboarders and rowboats dot the water, while grassy fields host yoga classes, picnics, and dog-walking galore. It’s classic Seattle energy—active, communal, and scenic.
Number 8
Volunteer Park
– Capitol Hill Neighborhood
Located in Capitol Hill, Volunteer Park blends historic charm with cultural gems. Stroll past lily ponds, climb the old water tower for skyline views, or explore the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The glass conservatory and Black Sun sculpture add beauty and intrigue to this elegant green space.
Number 7
Alki Beach Park
– West Seattle
Seattle’s most iconic beach offers 2.5 miles of boardwalk perfect for biking, blading, and beachcombing. Alki Beach Park gives off a laid-back, coastal vibe with views of downtown Seattle, volleyball nets, driftwood logs, and waterfront cafes. A perfect summer escape on Elliott Bay.
Number 6
Olympic Sculpture Park / Myrtle Edwards Park
– Belltown – North end of the Waterfront
Where art meets nature, Olympic Sculpture Park offers a modern, open-air museum that seamlessly blends into Myrtle Edwards Park’s 1.25-mile waterfront trail. Stroll past giant sculptures, wild gardens, and breathtaking sound views. A tranquil, creative escape near downtown.
Number 5
Washington Park Arboretum
– Madison Park Neighborhood
This botanical haven offers 230 acres of curated natural beauty. Wind through maple groves, rhododendron gardens, and hidden trails. Home to the elegant Seattle Japanese Garden, it’s perfect for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and seasonal color shows. A plant lover’s dream.
Number 4
Seward Park
– Seward Park Neighborhood
This botanical haven offers 230 acres of curated natural beauty. Wind through maple groves, rhododendron gardens, and hidden trails. Home to the elegant Seattle Japanese Garden, it’s perfect for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and seasonal color shows. A plant lover’s dream.
Number 3
Gas Works Park
– North Shore of Lake Union
Once an old gasification plant, this park has transformed into one of Seattle’s quirkiest open spaces. The industrial remnants double as sculpture, while grassy knolls offer perfect views of the skyline. Come for kite flying, sunsets, or Fourth of July fireworks. Urban grit meets green.
Number 2
Kerry Park
– Queen Anne Hill
A small but mighty spot in Queen Anne, Kerry Park boasts Seattle’s most iconic skyline view—complete with the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay. It’s a go-to for photo ops, romantic stops, and moments of awe. Come at sunset for peak magic in just one scenic acre.
Number 1
Discovery Park
– Magnolia Neighborhood
At 534 acres, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest and most wild-feeling park. Hike through meadows, cliffs, and forest to reach a driftwood-strewn beach and the West Point Lighthouse. Quiet, expansive, and ever-changing, it’s where the city fades and nature takes over.
Honorable Mention
Golden Gardens
– Ballard Neighborhood
Golden Gardens offers a quintessential PNW beach experience with sandy shores, fire pits, and sweeping Puget Sound views. Nestled in Ballard, it’s perfect for sunset picnics, kayaking, and spotting seals. Trails wind through wetlands and forest, while the beach buzzes with volleyball and bonfires.
Tips for Visiting
- Best Times: Early morning or weekday afternoons for fewer crowds.
- Photo Ops: Sunset shots at Kerry and Gas Works are Instagram gold.
- Gear: Bring layers—Seattle weather can shift fast.
- Transport: Some parks have limited parking—consider buses, bike-share, or ride-hailing.
- Respect Nature: Stick to trails, bring out what you bring in, and leave wildlife wild.
From majestic views to immersive nature and artful landscapes, Seattle’s parks reflect the soul of its city—green, welcoming, and adventurous. If you visit just one, make it hard to choose. But go prepared to fall in love with many.