Scenic Waterfront Trails and Parks in Seattle, Washington

Seattle sits along the shores of Puget Sound, surrounded by water that shapes the city’s character and lifestyle.

The waterfront areas offer some of the most beautiful places to walk, run, or simply relax while taking in views of mountains, sailboats, and ferries.

Whether you want a short stroll or a longer adventure, these trails and parks provide the perfect escape without leaving the city.

From bustling piers to quiet beaches, each spot has its own charm and scenery worth exploring.

Families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers all find something special along these scenic routes.

The combination of urban energy and natural beauty makes Seattle’s waterfront truly unique.

Visiting these trails and parks gives you a chance to see why locals and tourists alike are drawn to the water’s edge.

You might spot seals, herons, or even orcas depending on the season and location. Many of these places connect to cafes, shops, and cultural attractions, making them ideal for a full day out.

Pack your walking shoes and a camera because these waterfront destinations showcase Seattle at its finest.

The fresh sea air and stunning views will remind you why the Pacific Northwest is such a special place.

Getting outside along the water is one of the best ways to experience what makes this city unforgettable.

Each trail and park offers a different perspective on Seattle’s relationship with the sea. Exploring these spots will help you understand the heart of this vibrant waterfront city.

1. Alki Beach Park

Alki Beach Park stretches for two and a half miles along West Seattle’s shoreline, offering one of the most iconic views of the downtown skyline across Elliott Bay.

The paved pathway runs parallel to the beach, making it perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading while enjoying the salty breeze.

On sunny days, the beach fills with families building sandcastles, volleyball players, and people soaking up the rare Seattle sunshine.

The trail connects several small parks and green spaces where you can stop for a picnic or just watch the ferries glide by.

Alki Point Lighthouse stands at the northern end, adding historic charm to your waterfront adventure.

You’ll find the Statue of Liberty replica near the lighthouse, a quirky landmark that surprises many first-time visitors.

Restaurants and cafes line Alki Avenue, so you can grab fish and chips or an ice cream cone to enjoy while watching the sunset.

The area gets busy on summer weekends, but the energy and atmosphere make it feel like a beach town celebration.

Parking can be challenging during peak times, so arriving early or using public transit is often the smarter choice.

During low tide, you can explore tide pools and watch shorebirds hunting for food along the water’s edge.

The Olympic Mountains create a dramatic backdrop to the west, especially when their peaks are dusted with snow.

Alki Beach Park captures the essence of Seattle’s waterfront culture, blending urban views with natural coastal beauty in a way that feels uniquely Pacific Northwest.

2. Myrtle Edwards Park and Elliott Bay Trail

Running along the downtown waterfront north of Pier 70, Myrtle Edwards Park offers a peaceful escape with spectacular views that rival any postcard.

The Elliott Bay Trail extends through the park for about one and a quarter miles, connecting to the Olympic Sculpture Park at its southern end.

This flat, paved path attracts runners, walkers, and cyclists who want to exercise with a view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Large grassy areas provide space for picnics, kite flying, or simply lounging while watching massive cargo ships pass by.

The park features a fishing pier where anglers try their luck, and benches scattered along the trail invite you to pause and take in the scenery.

Birds are abundant here, with gulls, cormorants, and herons frequently spotted along the rocky shoreline.

At the southern end, the Olympic Sculpture Park seamlessly continues the waterfront experience with contemporary art installations set against the water.

The trail connects to the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market area, making it easy to combine your outdoor time with urban exploration.

Sunsets from this park paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, reflecting off the water and creating memorable photo opportunities.

The park is open from dawn to dusk, and its proximity to downtown makes it accessible for lunch breaks or after-work exercise.

During summer evenings, the extended daylight hours mean you can enjoy the trail well into the evening.

Myrtle Edwards Park demonstrates how Seattle integrates natural waterfront beauty into its urban landscape, creating spaces where people can reconnect with nature without leaving the city.

3. Golden Gardens Park

Nestled in the Ballard neighborhood, Golden Gardens Park combines sandy beaches, forested trails, and stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

The beach area features fire pits where families and friends gather for evening bonfires, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s especially magical at sunset.

Driftwood logs scattered across the sand provide natural seating for beachcombers and anyone wanting to watch the waves roll in.

Beyond the beach, wooded trails wind through the hillside, offering a completely different experience within the same park.

These trails take you through dense Northwest forest where you might spot deer, squirrels, and various songbirds.

The contrast between the open beach and the shaded forest trails makes Golden Gardens feel like two parks in one.

A large grassy area with picnic tables sits between the parking lot and the beach, perfect for family gatherings or casual outdoor meals.

The park includes a boat launch for those wanting to get out on the water, and you’ll often see kayakers paddling along the shoreline.

On clear days, the mountain views are absolutely breathtaking, and the sunsets here rank among Seattle’s best.

The park can get crowded on warm summer days, but its size means you can usually find a quiet spot if you explore a bit.

Leashed dogs are welcome in certain areas, making it a popular destination for pet owners.

Golden Gardens Park at 8498 Seaview Place NW offers that rare combination of urban accessibility and wilderness feel that makes Seattle’s parks so special to residents and visitors alike.

4. Discovery Park Loop Trail

Spanning 534 acres, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park and feels more like a nature reserve than an urban green space.

The Loop Trail circles the park for 2.8 miles, taking you through diverse ecosystems including forests, meadows, sea cliffs, and beaches.

This trail gives you a true sense of the Pacific Northwest landscape, with towering evergreens, native plants, and wildlife sightings common throughout your walk.

The West Point Lighthouse sits at the park’s northwestern tip, accessible via a steep trail that descends to the beach.

Reaching the lighthouse rewards you with panoramic water views and a sense of remoteness that’s hard to believe exists within city limits.

Seals often haul out on the rocks near the point, and during migration seasons, you might spot whales offshore.

The bluff trails offer dramatic clifftop perspectives of Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains dominating the western horizon.

Meadows within the park bloom with wildflowers in spring and summer, attracting butterflies and providing habitat for birds.

The park’s size means you can spend hours exploring without retracing your steps, and the varied terrain keeps the experience interesting.

Cultural and historical elements add depth to your visit, with remnants of the site’s former military use visible in some areas.

The park hosts educational programs and guided nature walks that help visitors understand the local ecology and history.

Whether you want a vigorous hike or a gentle nature walk, Discovery Park delivers an authentic wilderness experience that showcases why Seattle residents treasure their access to natural spaces.

5. Seacrest Park and Harbor Avenue Southwest

Located in West Seattle along Harbor Avenue Southwest, Seacrest Park serves as a transportation hub and recreational destination rolled into one.

The park is home to the West Seattle Water Taxi terminal, which connects to downtown Seattle and offers one of the most scenic commutes anywhere.

Even if you’re not catching the ferry, watching the water taxis come and go adds maritime energy to your waterfront visit.

The paved pathway along Harbor Avenue Southwest extends for miles, providing smooth surfaces for walking, running, and cycling with constant water views.

Benches placed at regular intervals let you rest while watching sailboats, kayakers, and the occasional seal swimming by.

The views across Elliott Bay to downtown Seattle are particularly stunning during golden hour when the light hits the buildings just right.

Seacrest Park includes a small beach area, picnic tables, and grassy spaces where families spread out blankets on nice days.

The park connects to the Alki Trail system, so you can easily extend your waterfront adventure in either direction.

Nearby restaurants and cafes in West Seattle’s Junction neighborhood are just a short distance away if you want to grab a meal before or after your walk.

Fishing is popular from the pier, and you’ll often see people trying to catch salmon, rockfish, or flounder depending on the season.

The park’s accessibility via water taxi, bus, or car makes it a convenient starting point for exploring West Seattle’s waterfront.

Seacrest Park demonstrates how Seattle’s waterfront spaces serve multiple purposes, functioning as transit points, recreational areas, and community gathering places all at once, creating vibrant hubs of activity along the shore.

6. Waterfront Park and Pier 62/63

Right in the heart of Seattle’s downtown waterfront, Waterfront Park at Piers 62 and 63 offers an urban oasis with unbeatable access to the city’s maritime character.

The pier extends over Elliott Bay, giving you the feeling of being on the water without getting on a boat.

Wooden decking, benches, and open spaces create a relaxed atmosphere where people gather to eat lunch, read, or simply watch the constant activity on the water.

The Great Wheel towers nearby, and the sounds of the waterfront—ferry horns, seagulls, and street musicians; create a distinctly Seattle soundtrack.

During summer months, the pier hosts concerts, movie screenings, and community events that draw crowds and create a festive atmosphere.

The location makes it incredibly convenient to combine your park visit with trips to Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, or any of the waterfront’s many attractions.

Fishing is allowed from the pier, and you’ll often see people of all ages trying their luck in the bay’s waters.

The views include ferries traveling to and from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, massive container ships, and smaller recreational boats creating a dynamic maritime scene.

Sunsets viewed from this spot paint the Olympic Mountains in stunning colors while the city lights begin twinkling behind you.

The park is easily accessible by foot from most downtown hotels and connects to the Seattle Waterfront pathway that runs along the shore.

Public art installations and interpretive signs add educational elements to your visit.

Waterfront Park captures the essence of Seattle’s relationship with the sea, providing a space where the city’s urban energy meets the calming presence of water in a perfectly balanced waterfront experience.

7. Lincoln Park

Stretching across 135 acres in West Seattle, Lincoln Park combines forested uplands with rocky beaches and saltwater shoreline for a diverse outdoor experience.

The park’s trail system winds through old-growth forest before descending to the beach, where driftwood, tide pools, and spectacular water views await.

This park feels worlds away from the city despite being easily accessible, offering a true retreat into nature.

Colman Pool, a heated saltwater pool located right on the beach, operates during summer months and provides a unique swimming experience with views across Puget Sound.

The beach area stretches for nearly a mile, giving you plenty of space to explore, skip stones, or search for interesting shells and sea glass.

Vashon Island sits directly across the water, and on clear days, you can see Mount Rainier rising majestically to the southeast.

The upper park area includes playgrounds, picnic shelters, sports fields, and grassy areas perfect for various activities.

Walking the trails through the forest gives you a sense of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, with towering Douglas firs and Western red cedars creating a peaceful canopy.

Birders appreciate the variety of species found here, from woodpeckers in the forest to shorebirds along the beach.

The park is located at 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW and offers ample parking, though it fills quickly on summer weekends.

Dogs are welcome on leash in most areas, making it a favorite spot for West Seattle pet owners.

Lincoln Park represents what makes Seattle special—the seamless integration of forest, beach, and recreational facilities creating a complete outdoor destination where every visit reveals something new to appreciate.