The Best Parks in Seattle & Beyond

Angle Lake Park is perhaps the region's best-kept secret. Tucked away in SeaTac, just a few minutes from the airport, this urban oasis has it all: a freshwater lake clean enough to swim in, a sandy beach (very rare in these parts!), covered picnic shelters with grills, and stunning views of Mount Rainier on clear days. It's also nestled among many major hotels, making it a great stop for tourists.

Best for: Intergenerational fun! The splash park is legendary, the beach is a blast, and the playground is nestled among pretty Evergreen trees. It's also a popular fishing spot, as it gets stocked with trout in the spring. (See our Guide to Fishing Near Seattle for more info).

Good to know: The park is accessible by public transit. Take the Link Light Rail to Angle Lake Station and walk just 10 minutes to get to the park.

Don't miss: Catching the park throughout the year! While Angle Lake Park certainly shines in summer, there's something to see every season, from fall foliage to cherry blossoms.

Make a day of it:

• Before heading to the park, pick up tacos or tortas to-go at Taqueria Jacarandas and enjoy a picnic at one of the tables.
• On your way home, stop at Latino Cafe, a drive-thru beverage stand, for coffee, a smoothie, or a sweet mangonada. Or, if you're ready for another meal already, sit down to a family-friendly feast at Sharps RoastHouse, just a few minutes away.
• Finish the day with a low-key local attraction, such as a visit to the Highline Heritage Museum.

Des Moines Beach Park is a picturesque waterfront park along Puget Sound that combines small-town charm with rugged Northwest vibes. Located just steps from the Des Moines Marina, the park features a small, rocky beach, a long pier extending far into the Sound, open green spaces, and a trail that extends several miles from the shore to a trailhead near the Angle Lake Light Rail station. Its relaxed coastal setting makes it the ideal place to spend an afternoon.

Best for: Lively family outings, sunset strolls, and action-packed summer days when you want to pack in multiple activities.

Good to know: The park is steps from the Des Moines Marina, shops, and waterfront dining.

Don't miss: Throughout the summer and into early fall, the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market takes place at the marina every Saturday.

Make a day of it:

• Begin your visit at Quarterdeck, a cozy marina-side spot perfect for a morning coffee (or, if you're starting later, a pint of craft beer or glass of wine)
• Stroll around the marina and explore a variety of fascinating public art.
• Take a walk to the paved Des Moines Creek Trail and walk into the woods as far as you want before turning around.
• Finish the evening at Anthony’s HomePort & Lower Deck, where you can enjoy fresh Northwest seafood, happy hour bites, and sunset views over Puget Sound.

Lincoln Park in West Seattle is a stunning waterfront park, offering a perfect mix of forest, shoreline, and recreation along Puget Sound. This expansive stretch of land features miles of walking and biking trails that wind through towering evergreens before opening up to sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and passing ferries. With its blend of natural beauty and family-friendly amenities, Lincoln Park is a favorite spot for locals to hike, watch sunsets, and experience the quieter side of Seattle’s coastline.

Best for: Waterfront walks. A partially shaded path stretches along the beach, making it ideal for a stroll, jog, or bike ride.

Good to know: There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and seasonal saltwater swimming at Colman Pool.

Don't miss: Marine wildlife! Hop off the path and walk among the driftwood, peering into tide pools and keeping your eyes peeled for seals and jumping fish.

Saltwater State Park is a scenic coastal park in Des Moines, Washington, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. Spanning about 137 acres, the park offers a sandy beach, tide pools, and wooded paths along a creek through a quiet ravine. There are plenty of grills and picnic tables to hang out. Plus, it’s a popular destination for beachcombing, picnicking, and even scuba diving! An underwater artificial reef makes it a unique draw for divers.

Best for: Outdoor recreation like hiking, tide pooling, and diving.

Good to know: A Discover Pass is required to park at Saltwater State Park; you can purchase one here.

Don't miss: The abundance of local wildlife, including salmon spawning in the creek, critters dwelling in the tide pools, and other coastal wildlife in the sea.

The Arboretum is one of the largest parks in the region, spanning 230 acres and featuring one of the most diverse collections of plants and trees in the Pacific Northwest. Managed by the University of Washington Botanic Gardens and the City of Seattle, the arboretum includes winding trails, seasonal blooms, and tranquil water views, making it a favorite place for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature in the heart of the city.

Best for: Admiring seasonal plants and trees, including maples, magnolias, and more. "Azalea Way" is famous for its colorful spring blossoms.

Good to know: This park is massive, so you can spend hours walking the trails (just pay attention to where you're going so you don't get lost!)

Don't miss: The wetlands area along Lake Washington is a fascinating sight.

North SeaTac Park is a large, multipurpose park that's minutes from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. It features a network of wooded trails, open fields, and recreational areas that attract hikers, cyclists, and families year-round. Its mix of natural scenery and active-use spaces makes it one of the most versatile outdoor spots in the Seattle Southside area.

Best For: Sports lovers! There's a state-of-the-art BMX Track run by SeaTac BMX, a disc golf course, pickleball courts, ballfields, and even an Off-road RC (Remote-Controlled) Track for racing toy cars.

Good to know: The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, located right next door, is free and open to the public from dawn til dusk.

Don't miss: Both paved and unpaved trails offer nice options for casual walks.

Make a day of it:

• When you're hungry, explore restaurants in the World Table District, a stretch of locally owned, global eateries in SeaTac.
• Then, visit a nearby family-friendly attraction such as the Museum of Flight.

Discovery Park, located in the northwest corner of Seattle, offers a dramatic mix of forest, meadows, coastal bluffs, and shoreline along Puget Sound. You'll find miles of trails with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay, and passing ships. Just note that this park is a bit of a trek to get to, depending on where you're coming from. With traffic, it's likely more than a 30-minute drive from hotels near the airport and not easily accessible by public transit.

Best for: Urban hiking. More than 11 miles of trails wind through forests, open meadows, and along scenic coastal bluffs.

Good to know: The park is home to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, which celebrates Native American heritage and community programs.

Don't miss: The West Point Lighthouse sits at the park’s shoreline and offers picturesque views of Puget Sound.

Seward Park is a scenic peninsula park in southeast Seattle that offers a rare mix of old-growth forest, lake views, and outdoor recreation along Lake Washington. Covering more than 300 acres, the park features miles of trails that wind through towering trees and along the water, making it a popular destination for walking, biking, and wildlife watching.

Best for: Walking or jogging around the paved path (known locally as "The Loop"), which extends for nearly. 2.5 miles around the peninsula.

Good to know: This is a popular place to swim in the summer, but check the King County website for water safety updates.

Don't miss: The loop is great for views, but if you walk up the hill towards the entrance and wind through the middle of the park, you can find shade and admire some of Seattle’s oldest trees.

Fort Dent Park in Tukwila is a large recreational park set along the Green River, offering open green spaces and facilities for sports, events, and riverside relaxation. Once a historic military site in the early 1900s, today the park is known for its expansive fields, scenic river access, and connection to the Green River Trail. With plenty of room to play, picnic, or enjoy community events, it’s a popular gathering place in the Seattle Southside area.

Best for: Athletes and families. Multiple athletic fields host soccer, softball, and community tournaments year-round.

Good to know: Access to the Green River Trail provides miles of scenic paths for walking, biking, and running.

Don't miss: Open lawns and shelters make it a great spot for casual picnics and group outings.

Grandview Dog Park in SeaTac is a spacious, hillside park where dogs can run, play, and explore off-leash, with fantastic views of the surrounding valley (and one of the best views of Mount Rainier in the entire region!). This unique park is one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the region and features open fields, wooded areas, and winding trails, making it feel more like a natural park than a typical dog run.

Best for: Dogs (of course). Especially canines who enjoy socializing with other dogs.

Good to know: This park has a fascinating past. Before it was a park, it was a Nike missile launch site designed to shoot down nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Learn more about this little-known slice of history.

Don't miss: The views! Hilltop vantage points provide views of the valley and surrounding communities.

Redondo Beach is a charming waterfront destination in Des Moines, Washington, offering a relaxed Puget Sound experience just south of Seattle. The scenic boardwalk stretches along the shoreline, providing easy access to the beach and sweeping views of the water. With its peaceful atmosphere, marine life, and beautiful sunsets, Redondo Beach is a favorite local spot for a casual stroll by the Sound.

Best for: Waterfront Walks. A flat boardwalk along Puget Sound makes for an easy, scenic stroll. It's about 1 mile round trip.

Good to know: Seals, sea lions, and seabirds are commonly spotted from the pier and boardwalk. It's also part of the "Whale Trail" as it's a known location for spotting Orcas and other whales!

Don't miss: Taking a moment to appreciate the sculpture at the boardwalk's entrance, the Redondo Arch.

Make a day of it:

• This beach is home to Highline College's MaST Center Aquarium, an educational lab open to the public on weekly Discovery Days (held on Saturdays year-round). See, and (even gently touch) local marine wildlife up close!
• A short drive away is Des Moines' Marina District, where you can browse local shops, grab coffee, tea, or a cocktail at Marina Mercantile, and play at Waterland Arcade.

Duwamish Hill Preserve is a hidden natural gem in Tukwila that protects one of the last remaining undeveloped hills along the Duwamish River. This 11-acre preserve features native plants, walking trails, and elevated viewpoints that highlight the area’s cultural and ecological history. Once part of the traditional Duwamish homeland, the site now offers visitors a peaceful place to learn about the river’s landscape while enjoying views of the surrounding valley.

Best for: History buffs and nature lovers.

Good to know: The preserve honors the history and heritage of the Duwamish people and the historic river landscape. The site features plantings that reflect the region’s original ecosystems, while interpretive signage helps visitors learn about the area’s ecology, history, and cultural importance.

Don't miss: Scenic overlooks. Elevated viewpoints offer unique perspectives of the Duwamish River and nearby wetlands.