Leschi Park is across the street from Leschi South Moorage along Lakeside Avenue S. Leschi Park…read moreitself is NOT along the water, unlike the several photos posting water views. That's the moorage itself. Don't expect to pack a picnic with a view of the water. That doesn't mean Leschi Park is anything to sneeze at. It's sizable with a portion that is well manicured and good for a picnic. There are several benches in this area and some portions are shady. When we went, the rose hedges were blooming and quite pretty. There's also a sequoia that was dedicated to the head gardener from 65 years ago. There are a few tennis courts too. The parts that I like more are the trails that have a forest vibe. Leschi Park is adjacent to Frink Park; together, they form a very large area to explore. I didn't find much signs or maps so I just used Google maps to choose walking paths. Cell signal was solid inside both parks. On a hot day, these two tree filled parks provide lots of shade; they would be an excellent place to visit.

It's a nice park with waterfront views in the Leschi neighborhood. I've been here a few times,…read moreespecially on clear days, and the setting always makes for a memorable time. Leschi Park is small, and most who visit are here for the views, as it's off of Lake Washington, so you can see the eastside and I-90. There's a small covered seating area and a dock for boaters. It's cool that there are a few restaurants and businesses nearby, as well as a parking lot. It's walking distance to the residential area and the Madrona neighborhood. If you're looking to access the water, I would recommend the short walk up north along the trail to Madrona Beach Park, which is larger and is more popular. However, Leschi Park is here for when you want more of a private, quiet scene, just for the views. Not a bad spot at all.

The newest 'Fritz Hedges Waterway Park' really has some of the bleakest landscaping I've seen. In…read moresummer you will simply cook in the sun and the sparse parking lot tree species all look half alive. And the native landscaping is very weedy. I'm not sure why nobody put any thought into providing shade. It seems somebody landscaped it back in 2021 and forgot about anything but cutting the grass. I'm sure they send the folks in with gas powered blowers twice a week but god forbid they actually pluck a weed or water a tree. The grass is great if you're a goose or duck, and it's great for you to poop on, of course. It's a fine place to go swim or launch a boat but staying on shore...well you'd be better off visiting Greenlake.

Fritz Hedges Waterway Park at first blush really reminded the honey and I of Annabel Lake in San…read moreRamon. It has quite a bit of seating and a gorgeous view of the water. We loved watching the ducks and enjoying how peaceful the park is. The one star loss is that if you look a little closer you'll notice that the chairs are bolted down and could use a new coat of paint. The park is generally clean, but it appears that they've been doing some weed work on the garden and haven't yet cleaned out the dead plant material. I expected a bit more of Sakuma Viewpoint since wasn't really a viewpoint - it's just a water overlook and you have the same view almost everywhere in the park, but beyond that, we really enjoyed how relaxing the space was. So all in all, if you're in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to drop by.

Very much a neighborhood park, as parking is non-existent and somewhat confusing. Surrounded by…read moreneighborhood homes, this space of trails is great for a simple stroll. We picked up coffee and made our way to the pond to see the "wildlife" (beavers), and we're met with the usual ducks, heron. Some pathways have creative art installations, which are fun to find and view as you continue your way around. Many small trail-ways weave through the park that is mostly set on and around the pond. Views in the autumn are beautiful as leaves change color and reflect in the water below.

Meadowbrook Pond is quite large. My mom, a couple friends, and I explored here when I was growing…read moreup before swim practice at the neighboring Meadowbrook Pool. At those times we we didn't make it much farther than the bridge just past the entrance/exit on 35th Avenue NE. More recently on 23 June 2020 my mom and I revisited the pond to explore past the bridge. We were both pleasantly surprised how big the pond is and appreciated the trails/bridges across and around the pond. Bridges/walking platforms extend across the pond enabling you to get closer to the wildlife living in and visiting the pond. From little fish to adult ducks to ducklings to Herons and red-winged blackbirds, there was much to watch and look for around the water when we visited. Ducklings were with their mama foraging for food around the edge of the pond. In another stretch of the pond ducks were sun bathing and resting. Around the outside of the pond are trails through the vegetation surrounding the pond. The paths we walked were paved and the trees provided shade away from the sunshine which was starting to bake our skin so felt nice. Be on the look out for various rodents including squirrels and bunnies as well as birds including Robins on these walks. Placards strategically placed throughout the park provide basic information about the ecology of the pond and some of the interconnected human-wildlife-land history. I especially liked the maps provided of the pond and reflective refuge in an informational pavilion. Fun to have maps in more than one medium! An enjoyable place to come for a stroll over the water and through the trees where one can savor the wildlife of Seattle.

I was at Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center this month for an event - the outdoor activities would…read morebe wasted on my anyhow, I'm a bit on the lazy side. I'd never been there before and found the drive there quite serene. Often, I'll be going somewhere in the Seattle area and be in total awe of how beautiful the trees, mountains, and water are. It was one of those moments as my carpool came around a winding road towards the facility. Just breathtaking (and no rain at the moment). The effect was completed with about 50 seagulls and 25 geese hanging out on and/or near the docks. I love birds - they're just a little messy sometimes. The main building offers either an elevator or stairs to the next floor. On the second floor, you can find pretty much everything you'll need - the main room (with fireplace), two balconies, bathrooms, kitchens, and more of the stunning view I described earlier. Most of our activities took place in the main room. There were high ceilings and hanging lights. The facility offered both round and straight tables with plenty of chairs. The hardwood floor was beautiful. The staff was great and super responsive to our needs, facility was perfect, and our event design was fantastic! A great day in a great location!

Part of Seattle Parks & Rec…read more I took sailing lessons here this summer - and it was SO FUN! An affordable option for sailing. Being city run means it's cheap (in a good way though). Plus a great way for me to take full advantage of all the ducats I pony over to the city in sales tax and parking tickets! I now have on my fridge a piece of paper saying I'm certified by the City of Seattle to sail. NEAT-O.

Unbelievable City center…read more Approachable parking Not so many chronics Lotsa rocks, not so much sand Good find

This has become one of my dogs' favorite little outings and it's only about a 15-minute walk from…read morewhere we live, which makes it really convenient. I'm also glad they kept access open even with all the construction happening around Elliott Bay. Despite the name, Pocket Beach isn't really a beach in the traditional sense. It's mostly pebbles and rocks instead of sand, but that's part of what makes it interesting. There are a bunch of big driftwood logs along the shore (not sure if they were placed there or just floated in over time), and they make great spots to sit and enjoy the view. It's actually a really nice place to catch the sunset. On clear evenings the light over Elliott Bay is beautiful and the logs are perfect for sitting and taking it all in. It's also very dog friendly. Lots of people bring their pups, and my fur babies love climbing over the logs, exploring the rocks, and splashing around near the water. Overall it's a great little stop along the Elliott Bay Trail if you want to sit for a bit, enjoy the scenery, or just get outside and relax.

This is the "Secret Beach" in Seattle, not to be confused with "Hidden Beach." It's by Silshole Bay…read morein Ballard. You can discover it by finding the Ballard Lion's Club, since it is right behind it. You cannot park in their lot so be cool and park on the street. A comment left on a story on "Secret Beach" said just remember that the secret beach is actually private property. Public access is not permitted before sunrise or after sunset. So don't linger too long after sunset and don't hassle the owners if they ask you to leave after hours. Do not try to sit on the beach after dark, it is patrolled. Word to the wise, do not park in the lots of the buildings adjacent to the beach, they are private property and they will tow. Park on the street." But still, this is a great spot. Good for enjoying the fresh air, taking some beautiful photos and feeding the ducks. But since it is a "Secret Beach," try not to tell anyone please.

This is actually just to the south of the Ballard Elks Lodge #827 at 6411 Seaview Ave NW. Behind…read moreWest Marine.

The newly updated Elliot Bay Trail is stunning! Many places to sit and enjoy the views. Also a…read morecouple areas close to the waters edge. If you're brave you could take a dip. Not me! I appreciate the designated pathway for walkers and one for cyclists. Not everyone follows the rules but mostly everyone does. A new coffee shop is also on the pathway with gender neutral bathrooms. Even an attendant making sure folks line up and the bathroom stays clean. Wow. Views are amazing too! Across Elliot Bay. And watching the cruise ships is always fun. What a wonderful way to spend the better part of the day. Do it! Live your life! SYOY!

Beautiful park right by the water. I enjoyed a nice run here with views of the water, mountains and…read morecity. I ran towards the downtown Seattle waterfront. Super clean

Originally the honey and I were hoping to take the trail that cuts off from the 1-90 trail down and…read moreunder the East Portal Viewpoint, however it was cordoned off so we ended up taking in the gorgeous view and going back through the tunnel to Bradner Gardens Park. The view at the East Portal Viewpoint is amazing, especially on a clear day. It's so pretty that when you're on the other side of Lake Washington, you can think back on what it looked like like from so high up. It's almost entirely an easy walk from Sam Smith Park through the large tunnel, though the last 20 feet or so after the tunnel up to the view is up a steep incline, so be prepared. Otherwise this was a fun point in our day, and definitely worth the detour!

We've driven under here for decades but never looked to see what's above. After studying Google…read moremaps, I learned of this viewpoint and decided it's time to search for it. Essentially, you'll be standing above where it says "Seattle - Portal to the Pacific" This spot is not easy to find so definitely GPS your way there. If you drive a stick shift, be aware of some steep streets in the area. It was a cloudy day and the fact this is not a park with resting places, it's not crowded at all. It's kind of nice to stand here and take some pictures. If you want to explore, there's a walk/bike path to get down to I-90 and Lake Washington. The walk/bike path tunnel has some cool art work. Because it's relatively quiet, I'd suggest proceed with caution rather you're on foot or bike. I'm not familiar with the safety in this area. Probably don't come alone at night for your first visit. Anyway, as a local, I think it's a visit at least once worthy scenic stop.