Seattle's Best Parks
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Seattle has some wonderful parks throughout the city that provide stunning views of the city and sound.
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Kerry Park
@adventureswithcarli
upper park is really just a viewpoint with instagrammable views of downtown and mt rainier.
usually busy especially at sunset.
pro tip - walk over to molly moon's befor or after for an ice cream
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Myrtle Edwards Park
@adventureswithcarli
Excellent running trail. views of downtown, mt rainier and west seattle.
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Discovery Park
@adventureswithcarli
bring your walking shoes, this is a HUGE park. you'll have to walk through wooded trails before you get to the open fields and lighthouse. continue on to get to the beach.
recommend taking a photo of the trail map so you dont get turned around.
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Volunteer Park
@adventureswithcarli
park in capitol hill with views overlooking the space needle and olympic mountains.
hang around for awhile to check out the conservatory. stop into the Seattle Asian Art Museum and you can even visit Bruce Lee's grave.
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Washington Park Arboretum
@adventureswithcarli
spacious park with trails along the montlake cut.
includes a lovely japanese garden (paid admission required).
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Seattle Japanese Garden
@adventureswithcarli
serene and peaceful japanese garden located inside the arboretum.
paid admission required, check website for hours.
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Gas Works Park
@adventureswithcarli
Large park, you’ll always find it busy on a sunny spring or summer day.
wonderful location to watch the sunset
Fun fact this is where the paintball scene was filmed for 10 Things I Hate About You
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Green Lake
@adventureswithcarli
Perfect for a casual walk (or run) around the lake (less than 3miles).
In the summer you can also rent paddle boards and paddle boats.
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Golden Gardens Park
@adventureswithcarli
extremely popular beach park. best location to watch the sunset over the olympic mountains.
always busy in the summer, packed with people paying beach games, bbq-ing, bonfires etc.
limited parking.
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Carkeek Park
@adventureswithcarli
located farther north, a great alternative to golden gardens with similar views.
has lots of walking/running trails and beach access.
to get to the beach take the path and bridge over the train tracks, then walk down the stairs to the beach.
bonus: large parking lot!
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Sunset Hill Park
@adventureswithcarli
small "park" more of a scenic lookout with incredible views of the olympic mountains and sound, especially at sunset.
tucked away in a neighborhood, so mostly occupied by locals.
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Warren G. Magnuson Park
@adventureswithcarli
large park on the east side of the city located along lake washington. park and beach access.
includes a very large dog park with water access.
there are hangers on the grounds that regularly host large events like craft fairs.
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Madison Park Beach
@adventureswithcarli
park right in downtown madison park with beach access.
check out one of the many nearby restaurants after you stop by the park.
parking is limited.
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Denny Blaine Park
@adventureswithcarli
small park with water access on lake washington. well known LGBT+ park and sometimes clothing "optional"
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Alki Beach
@adventureswithcarli
excellent views of downtown and both mountain ranges.
extremely popular beach park. always busy in the summer, packed with people playing beach games, bbq-ing, bonfires etc.
parking is non-existant. there is no designated parking only street parking. be prepared to walk up to 10-15 min to meet your group.
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Lincoln Park
@adventureswithcarli
large park in West Seattle right on the sound. watch the ferries come and go from Coleman dock next door. in the summer there is a community pool open right next to the water.
lots of walking/running trails.
beware of dock traffic on weekends.
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Seward Park
@adventureswithcarli
large park/peninsula in lake washington. has many walking/running trails. has a small beach at the main entrance. incredible views of the lake and mt rainier.
very busy in summer season.
limited parking available.
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