I’m a huge nature lover—it’s my inspiration, my therapist, and my source of happiness. I make it a point to visit a park at least twice a week. Honestly, if the weather allowed it, I’d sleep in a park! (Just kidding… sort of.) That’s just how much I love spending time surrounded by nature.
Seattle, one of the busiest cities in the U.S., is incredibly fortunate to be brimming with natural beauty. Thanks to its geographical location, the city boasts lush, forested areas, tranquil parks, serene lakes, and thriving wetlands. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a casual explorer, or simply in need of a peaceful escape, these spots offer the perfect retreat for a day out.
Here’s a guide to my favorite parks, lakes, wetlands, and conservatories in the Emerald City—perfect for a serene walk or discovering Seattle’s stunning wildlife.
Top 13 Parks in Seattle
Sharing a list of my absolute favorite go-to parks in Seattle! Each of these offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while boasting its own unique charm and features.
I’m ranking these parks in descending order based on their distance from downtown Seattle and how easily each can be reached by bus. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape nearby or don’t mind a longer, scenic journey, this list has you covered.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Starting with my favorite park, located just a 15-minute walk from Pike Place Farmers Market, this urban oasis perfectly combines art and nature. The park features contemporary art sculptures set against the breathtaking views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the iconic Space Needle. It’s a haven for nature lovers, especially on sunny days. You’ll often find happy dogs, joggers, and photographers capturing the stunning views of the bay. While you’re here, do stop by Pier 66’s Rooftop Park for more stunning views of downtown Seattle and enjoy drinks & food at Edgewater hotel’s sea-facing restaurant Six Seven.
Location: Waterfront | 15 mins walk from Pike Place
Myrtle Edwards Park
Next to Olympic Sculpture Park is a beautiful rocky beach park that’s perfect for picnics. It’s also a favorite among cyclists and joggers, offering a great spot to relax and take in the stunning views of Puget Sound. This park is one of my top birding destinations, where you can spot a variety of water birds, as well as wildlife, including seals and many species of ducks and herons.
Location: Waterfront | 10 mins walk from Sculpture Park
Kerry Park
Kerry Park, located in Upper Queen Anne, is a popular spot among tourists to capture postcard-perfect views of downtown Seattle, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay. It’s a small park that’s almost always bustling with people, and you’ll often spot photographers with their large lenses, trying to capture the dramatic city skyline. After your visit to the park, head to Upper Queen Anne N Ave (near Trader Joe’s) to try some local Queen Anne eateries.
Location: Queen Anne | Bus: route 2/13 (20 mins)
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park is a historic gem in Capitol Hill, home to a conservatory, a water tower offering panoramic views of Seattle and downtown Bellevue, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. This expansive park provides a tranquil escape. You can climb the water tower (free for visitors), sit by the reservoir to admire the view, visit the conservatory, or explore ancient and modern art from across Asia. There’s something for everyone here. Check out my complete guide to Volunteer Park to make the most of your time there. Moreover, you can also stop by the Broadway Street to explore the night life of Capitol Hill & popular food joints on the Broadway.
Location: Capitol Hill | Bus: route 10/49 (20 mins)
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, is an urban park popular among sports enthusiasts. Large groups can often be found enjoying handball, soccer, or basketball games. One of the main highlights of the park is the reflecting pool, which adds a unique touch to the space. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out some of the popular food joints in Capitol Hill.
Location: Capitol Hill | Bus: route 11/49/2 (20 mins)
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park is a stunning green space located on the north shores of Lake Union. Once an industrial site, it was transformed into a public park after the closure of the Gas Works company. The remnants of the old industrial setup remain, adding a unique and historical charm to the park. In addition to its fascinating history, Gas Works Park offers spectacular views of the Seattle skyline. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore the Fremont neighborhood for delicious brews and bites, or check out the cafes in Wallingford and Northlake for a cozy experience.
Location: Northlake | Bus: route 62 (30 mins)
Madison Park
Nestled on the west shores of Lake Washington, Madison Park is a charming beach park that attracts swimmers and kayakers, especially during the summer. This park features a sandy beach, play areas, and breathtaking views of Mount Rainier—making it an ideal spot for a sunny day outing. After enjoying the park, take a stroll through the neighborhood and stop by some amazing bakeries for a quick bite. Here’s a list of places I highly recommend.
Location: Madison Park | Bus: route 11 (30 mins)
Lincoln Park
Located in West Seattle, Lincoln Park is one of the largest parks in Washington, offering expansive hiking trails, beach access, picnic areas, and saltwater swimming pools. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. This is where I had the surreal experience of seeing orcas up close. After exploring the park, you can head to nearby Alki Beach Park and indulge in delicious seafood at one of the sea-facing cafes in the Alki neighborhood. My favorite is Irashi Sushi, known for its delectable sashimi and unique sushi combos.
Location: West Seattle (next to Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal) | Bus: Rapid route C (40 mins)
Washington Park Arboretum
Washington Arboretum is a hidden gem for plant and bird enthusiasts, brimming with diverse gardens and trails. To explore, I recommend getting off at the E Madison St & Lake Washington Blvd stop and walking north on the Arboretum Loop Trail. As you begin, you’ll come across the historic Stone Cottage, built in 1938 by architects Arthur Loveless and Lester Fey. From there, you can explore the beautiful Seattle Japanese Garden—especially stunning in summer, where you can attend a traditional tea ceremony at the Tea House.
Along your journey, make sure to stop by the Pacific Connections Garden and the Rhododendron Garden, then continue to the tranquil Duck Bay for some prime wildlife watching. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Arboretum Waterfront Trail to explore the nearby wetlands.
The Arboretum is vast and offers so much to see that you could easily spend an entire day here. Since there are no cafes or food stalls inside, I highly recommend packing some food and water before you go. One spot I always grab a bite from is Arosa Cafe, where I pick up delicious paninis before heading into the park.
Location: Madison Park | Bus: route 48 (40 mins)
Seward Park
Seward Park is a captivating peninsula park on Lake Washington, offering a combination of old-growth forests and scenic waterfront views. This park is popular during the summer months, and it’s easy to see why. On your visit, I recommend starting at the Seward Park Audubon Center, where you can learn about the bird and plant species native to the area. From there, take the 2.4-mile Shore Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of Mount Rainier. You can choose to do the full loop or cut through other forested trails like the Old Hatchery Trail and Lost Lake Trail. These trails offer some slight elevation gain and a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty.
Seward Park is also a prime spot for bird watching. During one of my visits, I saw an Osprey hunting near the Swimming Beach, targeting a lone duckling. It was a thrilling moment that had all of us watching with bated breath, but luckily, the little duckling’s mother arrived just in time to save the day!
Location: Seward Park | Bus: route 7 -> 50 (50 mins)
Discovery Park
Discovery Park, the largest urban park in Seattle, offers a diverse natural experience with dramatic coastal cliffs, lush forest trails, and stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
It’s my top choice when it comes to wildlife watching. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to spot Orcas, Porpoises, Seals, and a wide variety of birds in the park. Two moments that truly stand out for me include watching a pod of mighty Orcas from the West Lighthouse Beach and meeting a parliament of Barred Owls along the Loop Trail, winding through the forest.
Discovery Park encapsulates the best of Seattle’s natural beauty, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. It’s easily accessible and offers a true escape into nature, making it a must-visit spot in Seattle.
Location: Magnolia | Bus: route 33/24 (50 mins)
Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens Park is one of Seattle’s top beach parks, offering sandy shores and stunning sunset views. The park is a favorite spot for beach sports like volleyball, and during low tide, you can explore the tide pools to discover marine species such as anemones and crabs. It’s also a fantastic spot for stargazing, thanks to its low light pollution, making it a serene escape at night.
To get there by bus, you’ll need to take a short, steep downhill hike through a forested area and dog parks. On my last visit during the summer, I spotted a plethora of black and banana slugs, so be sure to watch your step!
Don’t forget to stop by the hot dog stall near the parking area, where you can grab a delicious, charred hot dog—a perfect snack while enjoying the beach vibes.
Location: Sunset Hill | Bus: Rapid route E -> 45 (60 mins)
Carkeek Park
My last recommendation is a tranquil beach park located slightly north of Golden Gardens, offering a perfect blend of forested trails, a salmon-bearing stream, and sandy beaches.
This park provides a peaceful retreat with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. To reach the beach, take a 40-minute hike from the bus stop, following the Pipers Creek Trail.
The trail meanders through creeks and forests, with several spots where you can view salmon. A key highlight along the way is the picturesque bridge that crosses the rail line, which is especially popular with photographers. The beach itself is a mix of sand and gravel, ideal for picnics and swimming.
Location: Broadview | Bus: route 5 (60 mins)
Top 3 Lakes in Seattle
Seattle boasts five major lakes along with numerous small to medium-sized lakes scattered across its neighborhoods. Each of these lakes offers unique experiences, from serene strolls to exciting water activities. In this section, I’ll share details about the three must-visit lakes in Seattle and the activities you can enjoy at each. However, you can also explore other lakes in and around Seattle like Angle Lake, Bitter Lake, Lake Stevens and Lake Sammamish.
Lake Washington
Lake Washington, the largest lake in Seattle, is a hub for water sports, fishing, and scenic lakeside parks perfect for picnics. Seattle lies to the west of the lake, while the bustling suburbs of Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland border its eastern shores.
Popular access points include Magnuson Park, Madison Park, and Seward Park on the west side, and Juanita Bay Park and Meydenbauer Bay Park on the east.
In winter, enjoy the serene beauty of the lake by relaxing at one of its parks, feeling the chilly breeze on a crisp sunny day. On a clear day, you’re treated to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier across the water. Summer brings lively activities like the iconic Seafair event, beach picnics, and kayaking adventures—just be prepared for the lake’s refreshingly cold waters, even in the warmest months!
Location: Madison Park | Bus: route 11 (30 mins)
Green Lake
Green Lake is a beautiful, almost oval-shaped lake next to Woodland Park and Zoo. A favorite among locals, the lake park features a scenic 2.8-mile loop trail perfect for walking, running, and biking.
Green lake offers plenty of water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent a paddle boat or a double kayak from the Green Lake Boathouse for $28 and $32 per hour, respectively, and enjoy a peaceful ride on the water.
Green Lake is also a top spot for bird-watching and becomes especially picturesque during fall, thanks to its stunning foliage display. While you’re here, be sure to check out the charming cafes in the Green Lake neighborhood for a quick bite or a cozy coffee break.
Location: Green Lake | Bus: route 62 (40 mins)
Lake Union
Lake Union is a picturesque, pouch-shaped lake that uniquely connects Lake Washington to Puget Sound. Nestled in the heart of Seattle, it offers stunning urban and natural views.
The lake is accessible from two major neighborhood parks—South Lake Union Park in the south and Gas Works Park in the north. The rest of the shoreline is dotted with private homes and waterfront restaurants, adding to its charm.
Lake Union is a hotspot for boating and leisurely nature walks. One of my favorite pastimes here is watching seaplanes take off and land on the lake—a quintessential Seattle experience. You can also indulge in waterfront dining or hop on a fun Ice Cream Cruise, which lets you enjoy a sweet treat while taking in the scenic lake views.
Location: South Lake Union | Bus: Rapid route C (20 mins)
Top 3 Wetlands for Bird Watching
If you’re an avid bird watcher like me, you’ll love these spots! Although there many wetlands in and around Seattle. These three wetlands are some of the best to spot both native and migratory birds in my opinion. They are my go-to birding havens, especially Union Bay, where I can enjoy birding even while kayaking during the summer season.
Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA)
Starting with Union Bay Natural Area, located along the shores of Lake Washington near Husky Stadium at the University of Washington, is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Home to over 200 bird species, this natural haven never fails to amaze me. I’ve attended several bird walks and embarked on solo birding trips here, and each visit has been an awe-inspiring experience. You can read all about my birding adventures at Union Bay Natural Area.
Location: University of Washington | Bus: route 70 -> 31/32 (50 mins)
Arboretum Waterfront Boardwalk
On the north of Washington Park Arboretum, along the shores of Lake Washington, lies a large wetland connected by a scenic boardwalk over the water, Arboretum Waterfront Trail. The trail starts from Foster Island, winds through Marsh Island, and ends at East Montlake Park. This boardwalk offers an immersive wetland experience with excellent opportunities to spot waterfowl and other wildlife like otters, beavers, and turtles. It’s one of my favorite summer trails, as the water levels are lower during that time, allowing me to cross the entire trail without getting my shoes wet—though, thanks to my Vessis, I wouldn’t mind either way.
Location: Madison Park | Bus: route 48 (40 mins)
Magnuson Park Wetlands
My last wetland recommendation is Magnuson Park Wetlands, located near the south parking lot by the Frog Pond. These restored wetlands are home to a diverse range of bird species and offer an excellent educational experience about wetland ecosystems. If you’re arriving by bus, get off at the Sand Point Way NE & NE 65th St stop, then take 65th Ave and walk north until you reach the trail marker. Along the way, you’ll pass several tiny ponds leading up to the Magnuson Park Boat Launch area. I’ve spotted a variety of birds here, from woodpeckers and eagles to warblers. The tranquil ambiance makes you feel as if you’re walking through a forest.
Location: Sand Point | Bus: route 62 (50 mins)
2 Stunning Conservatories in Seattle
Seattle has two conservatories that I’m aware of, but if you know of any others, I’d be happy to add them to this list. Each conservatory features a unique facade and showcases plants from all over the world. These are some of the best spots to visit, especially on a rainy day, to immerse yourself in diverse plant species and enjoy a peaceful escape from the weather.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Located in the heart of Volunteer Park, the Volunteer Park Conservatory is a Victorian-style glasshouse that serves as a horticultural treasure with its large collection of tropical plants. It features five distinct display houses, each showcasing tropical plants, ferns, and seasonal flowers.
This century-old greenhouse is home to plants and trees from around the world, with an admission fee of just $4. Plus, there are plenty of events and workshops to make the most out of your visit. While it’s a great destination year-round, it’s especially appreciated on a rainy weather.
Location: Capitol Hill | Bus: route 10/49 (20 mins)
Amazon Spheres
A modern architectural marvel in downtown Seattle, the Amazon Spheres house over 40,000 plants from around the world. This unique space seamlessly blends nature with innovation, offering public tours and events.
Located in Belltown, Amazon’s ultramodern office space is a must-visit for nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts. The conservatory is home to plants from cloud forests globally, with interiors that are warm, humid, and exude a distinct forest-like fragrance. Be sure to check out the Living Wall—a 60-foot-tall vertical garden—and capture a neat selfie spot on the top floor.
Location: Westlake | Bus: Rapid route C (10 mins)
Seattle has an abundance of green spaces—from parks to pristine lakes, and from wetlands to conservatories—showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving nature. This is one of the top things I love about Seattle, and I encourage my readers to explore these green spaces as much as possible.
Drop a comment if you have any questions about Seattle’s parks and other nature spots, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more travel inspiration!
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