Best Parks in Seattle

Woodland Park Zoo spanning 92 acres in size, is a National Award-winning wildlife conservation establishment and zoological garden. Across multiple categories, it has received over 65 awards, and in 2019 it recorded a whopping 1.4 million international and domestic visitors. It features over 1,000 animals of nearly 300 species from all over the world. Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, the zoo began as a small menagerie on the estate of Guy C. Phinney, a Canadian-born lumber mill owner, and real estate developer.

Timings : Sunday to Saturday - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Monday - 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Entry Fee : May - September:
Adult: USD 19.95,
Child (3 - 12 years): USD 12.25,
October - April:
Adult: USD 13.75,
Child (3 - 12 years): USD 9.25
Ages 0 to 2 - Free

Address : 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Major Exhibits : African Savanna, Northern Trail, Trail of Vines, Banyan Wilds, Tropical rain forest, Red Panda Exhibit, Maned Wolf Exhibit, Raptor Center, White-naped Crane.

Public Transit : North or Southbound Metro Bus #5 to Phinney Ave. N. and N.55th St, enter by the West Entrance.

On the Southern end of Lake Union, this 12-acre park is undoubtedly a unique find, very close to Seattle's downtown. Designed to optimize access to the waters and greenery of the City, Lake Union Park includes both water activities and access to green spaces for one to enjoy amidst nature. Here, one can experience the City's maritime heritage by enjoying the restored shoreline, launching boats, and water sports. For those interested in the City's cultural and maritime history, Lake Union Park houses the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Center of Wooden Boats, perched on the waters, within the park premises. Lake Union Park has well-maintained lawns for walking and picnicking and hosts the best 4th of July fireworks in the City.

Location : 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

Timings : monday- sunday 4:00am-11:30pm

Main attraction : Museum of History and Industry, 4th of July Fireworks

What's nearby : Space needle, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitors Centre

Named after one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, this park is one of the largest parks in Seattle, covering 52.4 acres. Inspired by Olmsted, this park offers some breathtaking views of the Duwamish River, the Olympic mountains and the Seattle city skyline. There is something for all ages at Jefferson Park. From walking trails to picnic spots, soccer fields to spray park, play area, skate park and much more.

Timings : monday- sunday7:45am-9:00pm

Location : 4101 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108, United States

Pet friendly : Yes

Main attractions : Ziplines, Water spray area

Interlaken Park is proof that one does not need to leave the city to get some nature and a great workout. The park is densely wooded with well-maintained ravine trails, located on the northern end of Capitol Hill. Owning to the well maintained and thrilling trails, which offers excellent opportunities to witness wildlife up close, this park is frequently visited by hikers and joggers. As in any garden, one is free to explore the trails and maps are readily available.

Timings : Monday-Sunday-6:00am-11:30 pm

Location : 2451 Delmar Drive East, Seattle, WA 98102, United States

North Acres Park is spread across 20.7 acres and is located between N 130th and the freeway. Surrounded by woods, this park offers some great trails into the forest, making it an excellent hiking spot. The open spaces with picnic tables and barbeque grills make this park a great picnic spot too. The sports freaks can enjoy a good game of baseball diamond or soccer at north acres park. Pet owners will find this park the perfect place for their furry friends to enjoy a gala time at the off-leash area, where they can have fun with other pets too.

Timings : Monday-Sunday-6:00am-10:00pm

Location : 12718 1st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125, United States

Main attractions : Wading pool, spray park, pet zone

At an area of 11 acres, the Centennial Park, previously known as the Elliott Bay Park is one of Seattle’s most famous waterfront parks. It is often confused with Myrtle Edwards Park since both of them are connected. The main difference is that Centennial Park is operated by Seattle port whereas Seattle City manages myrtle. Centennial Park offers a long trail known as the ‘Elliot bay’ trail, which is a favourite among hikers because of the splendid views spread across the stretch of trail. Throughout the entire trail, you will come across some mesmerising views of Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Location : 2711 Alaskan Way W, Seattle, WA 98121, United States

Timings : Monday-Sunday-6:00am-11:00 pm

Main attractions : Elliot Bay Trail, Rose garden, Elliot bay fishing pier

What’s nearby : Parson’s Garden, McMenamins Queen Anne

Dr Jose Rizal Park is located on the west side of Beacon Hill and offers South Downtown and Elliott Bay's fantastic views. At 9.6 acres, it has a bicycling path connecting to the Mountains to Sound Greenway and has an off-leash area for the furry friends to walk around freely. The park also has picnic tables, restrooms and a small play area for the kids.

Location : 1007 12th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 b/t S Golf Dr & I-90, Beacon Hill

Timings : Monday-Sunday-4:00am-8:00pm

Amenities : Parking space for car and bikes, suitable for kids, picnic area What’s nearby: Shakespeare Garden, Cal Anderson Park

Seola Greenbelt Park is a small and undeveloped park with very little space, but that does not make it any less exciting. One can experience the Madrona Tree majesty at the Seola Park Viewpoint, and this park is one of the few great Pacific Madrona tree groves still left in Seattle. There is a short trail which leads to the grove and is excellent for all the adventure lovers. The trail leads to a secluded beach gated and restricted for entry but the walk till the beach is quite thrilling.

Timings : Monday-Sunday-4:00am-11:30 pm

Location : 11617 Marine View Dr SW, Seattle, WA 98146, United States

Lincoln Park is a 135-acre multipurpose park on Puget Sound, just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. It offers 3.9 miles of cycling track, picnic shelters, playfields, baseball fields, tennis courts and even an outdoor heated saltwater pool and bathhouse. The 4.6 miles of trail inside the park is quite popular among hikers. You get the best views along trail one and trail two and can enjoy mesmerising marine wildlife views, beach and lush greenery. At the beachfront one can also enjoy an outdoor saltwater pool for some relaxation after a hectic hike. After the renovation in 2016, a ‘treehouse’ was added along with a cable ride, new play equipment and a plaza and interactive information on migratory birds found in the park.

Location : 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136, United States

Timings : Monday-Sunday-4:00am-8:00 pm

Trail-head : Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma

What’s nearby : Seattle Chinese Garden, Southgate roller rink

Covering an area of around 534 acres, the Discovery Park is the largest in Seattle. At Discovery Park, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Cascades and the Olympic mountain ranges. In its premises, the park has a wildlife sanctuary, forest groves, a tidal beach, where one can spend hours birdwatching and large open spaces for kids to run around. One can have a pleasant stroll around the walking trail that runs for 2.8 miles, connecting other walking trails in the city. Birdwatching at this park is a must, as the Seattle Audubon Society has created a list of more than 250 birds to look out for, at the park.

Pet friendly : Yes

Location : 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199

Timings : Monday-Sunday- 4:00am-8:00pm.

Wheelchair accessibility : Yes

Main attractions : West Point Lighthouse, birdwatching, Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center.

What’s nearby : Axis Pioneer Square, Alki Point and Beach, Bainbridge Vineyards, Bellevue Arts Museum

At Magnuson Park, one can find green fields, deciduous trees, miles of walking trails, athletic fields, picnic shelters, boat launch, swimming pools and beautiful art. At 350 acres, Magnuson Park is Seattle's second-largest park. It includes Seattle's military past and their plans of an eco-friendly future, including solar panels. The four-mile walking trail along the shores of Lake Washington is one of this park's main attractions.

Pet friendly : Yes

Location : 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

Timings : Monday-Sunday-4:00am-11:30pm

What's nearby : Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitors Centre, Axis Pioneer Square

With unhindered views of the city skyline and Elliot Bay, with Mt.Rainier in the backdrop, Kerry Park is one of the most visited parks in Seattle, simply because of its magnificent views. It is a favourite among the camera buffs, and the iconic skyline views of Seattle from this park have been widely published in magazines and photographs. People mostly flock here during sunset to get a click of the fantastic skyline. The view looks even more beautiful during the night, with brightly lit ferries gliding across the water the Space Needle shining bright. Although the park is not very spacious, with just a small grassland with a 15-feet sculpture at the centre of the park, this park's views make up for it.

Pet Friendly : Yes

Location : 211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119

Timings : Monday-Sunday-6:00am-10:00pm

What's nearby : Lake Union, Queen Anne Hill, Space Needle.

Located in Northwest Seattle, the Carkeek Park offers sublime views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Over time, this 220-acre park has become home to lush greenery, creeks and wetlands. If you follow the walking trail along this park, you will witness some of the inner Northwestern Seattle areas. The park offers educational programs, a picnic spot or spaces for outdoor parties as well. The Pipers Canyon Story Trail is a famous one along this line, but there are other short trails, which you can access via maps readily available online. Kids can have a gala time at the unique salmon themed play area or learn about the historic Piper Orchard history.

Timings : Monday-Sunday-6:00am-8:00pm

Location : 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177

At Volunteer Park, one gets to enjoy the best of nature and human-made facilities. This park houses both the volunteer park conservatory as well as the Seattle Art Museum. The museum's collection includes thousands of paintings and sculptures and textiles from China, Japan, India and other southeast Asian countries. There is also a Botanical Garden, where you can witness many species inside a Victorian glasshouse. The 43-acre park, located on Capitol Hill, is perfect for an afternoon picnic, sunbathing or a casual stroll. This park is one of the oldest parks, as is evident from the ancient trees that it houses.

Timings : Monday-Sunday- 6:00 am-8:00pm,

Location : 1400 E. Prospect St. Seattle, Washington 98112,

Rate : Includes Park free; museum $9, free 1st Thurs. (all day), 2nd Thurs. (5–9), and 1st Sat. (families)

Main attractions : The Victorian-style Volunteer Park Conservatory greenhouse, Isamu Noguchi's sculpture, Black Sun What's nearby: Bellevue Arts Museum, Axis Pioneer Square, Alki point bridge.

The 2.5 mile stretch of beach boasts of an unhindered view of Seattle skyline and Olympic mountains. The park on this beach caters to everyone's needs, joggers, strollers and cyclists have separate tracks, kids have a separate play space and can engage in various beach activities. During winters, people come to witness crashing waves. The area has ample space by the beach for outdoor picnics, barbeque night and open-air concerts. Alki beach park attracts people because of the spectacular view that it offers of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, and is just a short ferry ride away from downtown.

Pet friendly : Yes

Location : 1702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, Washington 98116

Main attractions : Splendid views, spotting marine creatures,

What's Nearby : Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Visitors Centre, Bill Speidel's underground tour, Bainbridge Vineyards

Viretta Park is a 1.8-acre park, with a magnificent view of Lake Washington by its side. This park is a two-tiered grassy spot, which is mostly known as an unofficial memorial for Kurt Cobain and is located just outside his former house. An evening spent at this park will be worth it as you go through the benches filled with notes to the late rockstar and lyrics of his songs.

Pet friendly : Yes

Location : 151 Lake Washington Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, United States Timings: Monday-Sunday-4:00am-11:30 pm

What’s nearby : Japanese Garden

Gas Works Park is located on what used to be the Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant and still contains some leftover pieces of the industrial site. This park is iconic due to its unique appearance in the movie ‘10-things I hate about you’ and is especially of interest for the ones interested in exploring a dilapidated industrial site. This 19-acre park is unique and stands along with a mesmerizing view of Seattle City along the north end of Lake Union. Gasworks Park is an excellent spot for couples and families. The playground has lots of activities to keep the kids occupied, like monkey bars, merry-go-round, wooden platforms, and many more. It is an excellent location for a picnic, summer concerts and the 4th of July fireworks.

Timings : Monday-Sunday- 6:00 am-10:00pm

Location : 2101 N.Northlake Way, Seattle, Washington 98103

Main attractions : great views, 4th of July fireworks

Pet friendly : Yes

A 300-acre park, covering all of Bailey Peninsula and Lake Washington, the Seward Park boasts of 2.4-mile cycling and walking track, 120 acres of full-grown forest area, eagles nests, a theatre, a beach and an art studio. Seward Park is a haven for water lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park has boat launch options and is an urban refuge for exotic flora and fauna, including the only native oak in Washington State, Garry’s Oak. This park is a great spot, be it for picnics or an evening stroll or a beach day or just a casual play date with the kids.

Location : 5900 Lake Washington Blvd S Seattle, WA

Timings : Monday-Sunday- 6:00 am-10:00pm,

Main attractions : Seward Park-Audubon Centre, Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, Genesee Park and Playfield

Pet friendly : Yes

What’s nearby : Bellevue Botanical Gardens, Bellevue Arts Museum, Axis Pioneer Square