You know how you can just smell the fresh salt air, and can't wait to get your feet in the water? One of my favorite beaches in Seattle is at Golden Gardens Park. Located in the Ballard neighborhood, on Puget Sound, Golden Gardens beach is a very popular spot for Seattleites to walk their dogs, stroll the beach, hike forest trails (!), fish, have a bonfire, play volleyball or frisbee, and even launch your boat. I've not seen anyone swimming, but I am sure that it happens (bring your wetsuit?).

However, if you're like me, you'll want to meander down to the shore, poke around and see if you can find a cool shell (or a starfish), skip rocks, and then have a lovely BBQ picnic with your family.

The best part of the beach is the view - look at the Olympic Peninsula across the bay, and revel in the beauty that is uniquely Seattle.

Golden Gardens Park was created by developer Harry W. Treat in 1907. At that time, the northern end was a shipyard! Now, it is one of Seattle's best-loved beaches. Golden Gardens Park is almost 88 acres!

Golden Gardens Park is very friendly, has free parking (well, at least on weekdays) and handicap spaces, trash and recycling bins, and plenty of beachfront on which to play. If you live close enough, ride your bike - love the new, wider, bike trail!

 View from Golden Gardens beach, Seattle

When you go:

Golden Gardens Park
 
8498 Seaview Pl. NW, Seattle

HOURS: 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=243