Everyone in Seattle knows of Gasworks Park, the waterfront and big outdoor parks like Discovery Park. If you're searching for something cute, quaint, quiet and "so Seattle," look for the hidden gems for a place of solitude or a place where only the locals go and know about.
​There are so many secret spots in Seattle, and I hope you enjoy at least one of these beautiful spaces.
​There are so many secret spots in Seattle, and I hope you enjoy at least one of these beautiful spaces.
Fairview Park - Eastlake
Located in Eastlake's waterfront nearby the U-Distrcict bridge is a small grassy space that overlooks Lake Union with views of Gasworks Park. Adjacent to the open grassy space is a small garden and small dock to launch SUP boards and kayaks. The park features a set of stairs that led up to Eastlake Ave East's apartments and many restaurants.
Located in Eastlake's waterfront nearby the U-Distrcict bridge is a small grassy space that overlooks Lake Union with views of Gasworks Park. Adjacent to the open grassy space is a small garden and small dock to launch SUP boards and kayaks. The park features a set of stairs that led up to Eastlake Ave East's apartments and many restaurants.
Starla Drum View Bench - Magnolia
This small grassy knoll and rocky beach overlooks the Olympic Mountains and the Elliot Bay. I used to ride my bike here, and the viewpoint is accessible from walking or biking from the Elliot Bay trail, or by car in the direction of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Pier 91, and the Seattle Yacht Club. When entering the yacht club one notices views of the city, Mount Rainier and the exquisite Admiral's House perched on the hill. Guest parking is located at the end of the street to the bench and lookout area.
This small grassy knoll and rocky beach overlooks the Olympic Mountains and the Elliot Bay. I used to ride my bike here, and the viewpoint is accessible from walking or biking from the Elliot Bay trail, or by car in the direction of the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal Pier 91, and the Seattle Yacht Club. When entering the yacht club one notices views of the city, Mount Rainier and the exquisite Admiral's House perched on the hill. Guest parking is located at the end of the street to the bench and lookout area.
11th Avenue NW Street End Park
Located in the Canal Boatyard just behind the Fred Meyer is this tiny street end park that overlooks the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The shoreline is lined with seasonal flowers and a boardwalk features a bench and a swinging chair to enjoy the view. Its a miniature art park that gives locals a chance to admire the boats as they sail away to and from the Salmon Bay.
Located in the Canal Boatyard just behind the Fred Meyer is this tiny street end park that overlooks the Lake Washington Ship Canal. The shoreline is lined with seasonal flowers and a boardwalk features a bench and a swinging chair to enjoy the view. Its a miniature art park that gives locals a chance to admire the boats as they sail away to and from the Salmon Bay.
"The Source" in Luther Burbank Park - Mercer Island
Although not technically located in the city, many consider Mercer Island as a part of the Seattle region. This park is popular in some spots, but near "The Source," or the center of the earth, is a spiral grassy knoll to hangout in the sun, or rest underneath a tree. Spiritual people understand the significance of the spiral and this connection, or energy of the land is as peaceful as a fine art painting.
Although not technically located in the city, many consider Mercer Island as a part of the Seattle region. This park is popular in some spots, but near "The Source," or the center of the earth, is a spiral grassy knoll to hangout in the sun, or rest underneath a tree. Spiritual people understand the significance of the spiral and this connection, or energy of the land is as peaceful as a fine art painting.
Ravenna Park - Ravenna
Nearby the end of the main drag of the U-District is Ravenna Park. Ravenna Park itself feels like an escape from the city when wandering through the treelined trails. Small creeks flow into this area, and one can get lost watching the birds sing or finding snails on the back of fern leaves. The off trails feature various places to rest and relax. Some areas feature a boardwalk to sit, relax and enjoy the natural sounds of of the streams. The park features a variety of open fields and spaces to also picnic. Although the park is not that secret, it is not a tourist destination and many locals come here to exercise or hangout.
Nearby the end of the main drag of the U-District is Ravenna Park. Ravenna Park itself feels like an escape from the city when wandering through the treelined trails. Small creeks flow into this area, and one can get lost watching the birds sing or finding snails on the back of fern leaves. The off trails feature various places to rest and relax. Some areas feature a boardwalk to sit, relax and enjoy the natural sounds of of the streams. The park features a variety of open fields and spaces to also picnic. Although the park is not that secret, it is not a tourist destination and many locals come here to exercise or hangout.
Parsons Garden – Queen Anne
Located on the magnificent West Highland Drive, Parsons Garden is a small, cornerstone garden that is in bloom year-round. This is my favorite park in Seattle because the scenery looks like a scene from a magical fairy-tale. From the hydrangeas to the magnolias to the rhododendrons, this is a popular spot for weddings during the summer, which the public cannot (or morally should not) enter during ceremonial times. This used to be the personal park of Reginald Parsons and was given to the city in 1956. ​
Located on the magnificent West Highland Drive, Parsons Garden is a small, cornerstone garden that is in bloom year-round. This is my favorite park in Seattle because the scenery looks like a scene from a magical fairy-tale. From the hydrangeas to the magnolias to the rhododendrons, this is a popular spot for weddings during the summer, which the public cannot (or morally should not) enter during ceremonial times. This used to be the personal park of Reginald Parsons and was given to the city in 1956. ​
Astrid's Park, E Edgar St Shoreline Street End - North Broadway
Located near Roanoke Park and Capitol Hill is a quaint neighborhood, North Broadway, chocked full of magnificent million dollar homes. Nearby Roanoke Park is a small waterfront space to admire views of the Portage Bay that overlooks Seattles yacht club with views of the Cascades in the far distance. The waterfront space features plaques that allow visitors to learn a bit more about the local history.
E. Shelby Street End - North Broadway
Located near Astrid's Park at another deadend is a secret and private beach that overlooks Portage Bay. Descend down cement stairs hidden between the trees to a small waterfront space that overlooks the boats and boathouses.
Located near Roanoke Park and Capitol Hill is a quaint neighborhood, North Broadway, chocked full of magnificent million dollar homes. Nearby Roanoke Park is a small waterfront space to admire views of the Portage Bay that overlooks Seattles yacht club with views of the Cascades in the far distance. The waterfront space features plaques that allow visitors to learn a bit more about the local history.
E. Shelby Street End - North Broadway
Located near Astrid's Park at another deadend is a secret and private beach that overlooks Portage Bay. Descend down cement stairs hidden between the trees to a small waterfront space that overlooks the boats and boathouses.
Hamilton Viewpoint - West Seattle
While driving along California Ave SW one may notice a brief stop off parking spot that is a part of Hamilton Viewpoint, which maybe one of the most beautiful lookout points in the city. The viewpoint overlooks the Puget Sound and the entire Seattle skyline. Admire and enjoy the ferries that come in and out of the piers off to one of the many nearby islands like Bainbridge, Vashon or further to Bremerton.
What is your favorite outdoor hidden gem in Seattle?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 8 Secret Outdoor Hidden Gems in Seattle​.
While driving along California Ave SW one may notice a brief stop off parking spot that is a part of Hamilton Viewpoint, which maybe one of the most beautiful lookout points in the city. The viewpoint overlooks the Puget Sound and the entire Seattle skyline. Admire and enjoy the ferries that come in and out of the piers off to one of the many nearby islands like Bainbridge, Vashon or further to Bremerton.
What is your favorite outdoor hidden gem in Seattle?
Let's Connect!
This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 8 Secret Outdoor Hidden Gems in Seattle​.
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