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Seattle
Golden Gardens Park451
in Seattle, WA 98117about Golden Gardens Park:
On nice summer days Golden Gardens becomes one huge beach party. Families with kids like it because of its close-in parking and accessibility. It is also a popular spot for kayakers to put in. Beach fires are legal (in designated fire pits), and people tote in huge amounts of stuff early in the day (we've seen torches set up in the sand) and wait for sunset. The downside to the fires is dirty sand and, regrettably, some broken bottles and other dangerous debris. Beach shoes here are a must.
A couple of picnic shelters and tables in the shaded area adjacent to the parking lot are available - again, get here early to snag a table (we've heard of people showing up at 6am to secure a table on summer weekends). Even if you arrive early, you can be displaced by someone with a reservation. Reservations can be made by phone.
Look for a children's playground next to the picnic area. There's not much to it, but it's always crowded with kids during the summer, and there's nice shade from the surrounding large trees.
A creek empties into Puget Sound at the south end of the beach. Packs of kids with shovels converge here to dam and divert the water, making for great fun. About half a block further south lies a fishing pier and boat launch. A recently restored wetlands lies in the northern area of the park.
The upper part of the park contains the dog run and forest trails. A steep stairway connects the top of the hill at NW 85th (across the street from Caffe Fiore) with the beach, and runs right by the dog run and hiking trails. It's a good hike; however, if you have little ones in tow, driving up the hill is a better idea. Click on the link for a trail map.
A large lawn adjacent to the parking lot, invites ballplaying and kite flying. Nearby is the newly-remodeled Golden Gardens Bathhouse, which is available to rent for special events. [206.684.7254]
A couple of picnic shelters and tables in the shaded area adjacent to the parking lot are available - again, get here early to snag a table (we've heard of people showing up at 6am to secure a table on summer weekends). Even if you arrive early, you can be displaced by someone with a reservation. Reservations can be made by phone.
Look for a children's playground next to the picnic area. There's not much to it, but it's always crowded with kids during the summer, and there's nice shade from the surrounding large trees.
A creek empties into Puget Sound at the south end of the beach. Packs of kids with shovels converge here to dam and divert the water, making for great fun. About half a block further south lies a fishing pier and boat launch. A recently restored wetlands lies in the northern area of the park.
The upper part of the park contains the dog run and forest trails. A steep stairway connects the top of the hill at NW 85th (across the street from Caffe Fiore) with the beach, and runs right by the dog run and hiking trails. It's a good hike; however, if you have little ones in tow, driving up the hill is a better idea. Click on the link for a trail map.
A large lawn adjacent to the parking lot, invites ballplaying and kite flying. Nearby is the newly-remodeled Golden Gardens Bathhouse, which is available to rent for special events. [206.684.7254]
getting there:
I-5: Take the 80th Street/85th Street exit (southbound) or Aurora Avenue N/85th Street exit (northbound) and follow 85th Street westbound to its end (cross Aurora, Greenwood, and 24th Avenue NW). At the dead end, turn right; look for the brown directional sign. Follow the road all the way downhill to the park. The upper northern part of the park, with dog run and woods trails, is located on the right near the bottom of the hill. Parking: To access the beach, turn right or go straight at the four-way-stop at the bottom of the hill. Overflow parking is located on the right, next to the railroad tracks, before you reach the park entrance at the bottom of the hill. There isn't a street sign, but look for a yellow hairpin turn sign just before the lot entry. Once parked, go down the stairs and use the railroad pedestrian underpass.
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