Seattle, a city surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes, offers a plethora of scenic parks perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, the city’s parks cater to every occasion, be it a family outing, a quiet lunch escape, or an evening with friends enjoying the sunset. This article explores some of the most picturesque and well-maintained parks in Seattle, ensuring a memorable picnic experience for anyone.
Several of these parks are renowned for their expansive grassy areas, making them ideal for sprawling picnic blankets and enjoying the fresh air. From iconic parks like Gas Works Park to hidden gems like Waterfall Garden Park, the options are endless for all tastes and preferences. The variety of beautiful settings, with diverse amenities and backdrops, will allow you to effortlessly find a park that best suits your needs.
As you read on, you’ll discover a wide range of parks offering playgrounds, botanical gardens, impressive waterfalls, and more. Each park has its own unique charm and characteristics, but all of them provide the perfect backdrop for a delightful outdoor excursion. Whether you’re a Seattle resident or simply visiting, these top picks will undoubtedly inspire you to pack a basket, gather your loved ones, and head out for an enchanting picnic experience in the Emerald City.
Seattle’s Top Picnic Parks
Gas Works Park
Located on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is a popular destination for picnics due to its stunning views of the Seattle skyline and ample open space. This unique park features a combination of industrial structures and grassy hills, providing a one-of-a-kind setting for a family picnic or group gathering.
There are also designated picnic areas with tables and benches available for visitors.
Discovery Park
Situated in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest public park and offers a variety of scenic spots for picnics. With over 500 acres of forests, meadows, and beaches, there is no shortage of options for finding the perfect spot to lay down a blanket or set up a picnic table. Some popular picnic areas within the park include:
- North Meadow: A wide, open space surrounded by trees, perfect for large group gatherings.
- South Meadow: A more secluded area with great views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
- West Point Lighthouse: A picturesque spot near the beach, ideal for beach picnics and sunset views.
Carkeek Park
Carkeek Park is a hidden gem in North Seattle, featuring stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park offers a variety of picnic options, including:
- Piper’s Orchard: A historic fruit orchard with picnic tables and plenty of shade.
- Barrett’s Meadow: A large, open meadow surrounded by trees, perfect for picnics and outdoor games.
- Picnic Shelters: For those seeking more structure, Carkeek Park has several reservable picnic shelters complete with tables and grills.
Visitors can also enjoy the park’s network of forested trails, beach access, and playgrounds while picnicking.
Park Amenities
Picnic Areas
There are several parks in Seattle that offer excellent picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Some notable parks include Seward Park, Cowen and Ravenna Parks, and Maple Leaf Reservoir Park. Most of these parks feature picnic benches and tables to make your outdoor dining experience more comfortable. Here are a few popular parks with picnic amenities:
- Seward Park: Location – 5900 Lake Washington Boulevard S, Seattle
- Cowen and Ravenna Parks: Location – 5849 15th Avenue NE, Seattle
- Maple Leaf Reservoir Park: Location – 4316 S. Genesee St. Seattle, WA 98118
Natural Beauty
Seattle’s parks often provide a stunning array of natural features that complement your picnic experience. For instance, Seward Park has an amphitheater and a native plant garden, while Cowen and Ravenna Parks offer a green backdrop with the city skyline in the distance. Parks such as Maple Leaf Reservoir Park include beautiful views and a gazebo for additional outdoor enjoyment. Here are some parks known for their natural beauty:
- Seward Park: Amphitheater, native plant garden, swimming beach
- Cowen and Ravenna Parks: City backdrop, miles of green space
- Maple Leaf Reservoir Park: Gazebo, scenic views
Playgrounds
Parks in Seattle often include playgrounds and recreational areas, perfect for families with children or for those who enjoy staying active during their visit. Seward Park, for example, features a bike loop, walking loop, and swimming beach. Maple Leaf Reservoir Park offers bike trails and an off-leash dog area. Here are some parks with compelling recreation offerings:
- Seward Park: Bike loop, walking loop, swimming beach
- Maple Leaf Reservoir Park: Bike trails, off-leash dog area
Accessibility
Public Transportation
Many of Seattle’s top picnic parks are easily accessible via public transportation. Enjoying a relaxing day outdoors is just a bus, light rail, or trolley ride away. Some of the most accessible parks by transit include:
- Frink and Leschi Park: These connected parks can be reached by multiple bus lines, making them a convenient option for picnickers.
- Genesee Park: Located close to the heart of Columbia City, this park is easily accessible by bus and light rail.
- Discovery Park: With bus routes bringing you to two separate entrances of the park, getting there couldn’t be easier.
Please refer to the King County Metro website for detailed route information and schedules.
Parking
For those who prefer to drive, many of Seattle’s picnic-friendly parks offer ample parking options. Some parks have larger parking lots, while others might have limited street parking nearby. Here are a few parks and their parking situation:
- Frink and Leschi Park: There is limited street parking available near the entrances to these parks.
- Cowen and Ravenna Parks: While street parking may be limited, there are several parking lots available in the surrounding area.
- Myrtle Edwards Park: This park has a small parking lot nearby, making it convenient for those who drive.
- Lincoln Park: Featuring multiple parking lots, Lincoln Park offers easy access for picnickers arriving by car.
Remember to always check for parking restrictions and fees before heading to a park.
Seasonal Tips
Summer Activities
During the summer months, Seattle’s parks are brimming with opportunities for outdoor picnics and fun activities. Some popular parks for picnics include:
- Gas Works Park: Known for its iconic, hilly landscape, this park is perfect during sunset (2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle).
- Discovery Park: The largest city park in Seattle, offering a green oasis in the bustling city (South Lake Union).
- Seward Park: A massive 300-acre park that is surrounded by water and has a 2.4-mile bike trail (853 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122).
In these parks, you can enjoy a variety of summer activities, such as:
- Frisbee tossing
- Wood-fired pizza and salads from nearby eateries like Mioposto Pizza (3601 S. McClellan St., Seattle)
Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during your picnic.
Winter Activities
Even during winter, Seattle’s parks can be enjoyed for picnics, though the experience may be a bit different. Some parks to consider visiting in winter are:
- Greenwood Park: A community park with an expansive grassy area, perfect for winter picnics (1504 34th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122)
- Ella Bailey Park: A park with a picturesque view, making it ideal for a winter picnic (Seattle, WA)
When visiting the parks in winter, ensure the following activities or precautions are taken:
- Warm clothing, like coats, scarves, and gloves
- Hot beverages, like coffee or hot chocolate, to help stay warm
- Portable heating devices, such as hand warmers, to keep you comfortable
Keep in mind that some amenities may be limited during the winter months. Check park listings and weather conditions before planning your winter picnic.
