Best Swimming Lakes Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Where to swim in Seattle

It’s here: The beautiful summer weather we count on in the Northwest, and that means it’s time to go swimming in Seattle! Sometimes, a dip in a lake is the absolute best plan for a summer day. Pack a picnic, play on the shore, splash in the shallows or practice swimming skills. We’ve rounded up great swimming lakes for kids and families around Seattle and beyond.

First, a few notes: You will want to keep an eye on bacteria-related beach closures. (It’s gross, but better to know and not go to those beaches.) Second, it’s always safest to swim where lifeguards are on duty, but with the current lifeguard shortage, no all beaches listed here have them. Lastly — and most importantly — always pay ultra-close attention to kids around water, even if they can swim. Check out these water safety guidelines from Seattle Children’s.

It is also important to remember that even though air temperatures seem warm at the outset of summer, the water temperatures are still quite cold.

Let’s dive in: Seattle swimming lakes

Seattle swimming beaches

Seattle Parks and Recreation will open six swimming beaches, with lifeguards, for summer 2023. Beaches will open beginning Saturday, June 24, 2023. Lifeguards are on duty on good weather days, weekdays noon–7 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m.–7 p.m., through Labor Day. Check Seattle’s swimming beaches page for current status. The city strongly discourages swimming without lifeguards present.

Madison Park Beach

One of the city’s most popular swimming beaches — for good reason — Madison Beach sits on Lake Washington at the eastern edge of the vibrant Madison Park neighborhood. A swimming raft, diving boards and a well-tended grassy area draw families.

Magnuson Park Beach

After the closure of Matthews Beach for the remainder of the summer (see below), Seattle Parks has reassigned available life guards and opened Magnuson Park Beach, with lifeguards, for the rest of the season. Hooray! Lifeguards will be on duty noon–7 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. weekends. Magnuson Park is one of Seattle’s biggest parks and there is a ton of fun to be had, with a playground, dog park, walking trails, soccer fields and public art.

Matthews Beach

Update July 24, 2023: Seattle Parks has closed the Matthews Beach swimming beach for the rest of the summer, due to consistently high levels of bacteria in the water. Yuck! Def. go swim somewhere else!

Mount Baker Beach

This favorite South Seattle spot follows a ravine boulevard gently sloping down to the family-friendly beach. With a dock, diving platform and roped-off swim area, the water invites swimmers of all levels; and adjacent Colman Park has plenty of walking and cycling paths, tennis courts and a newly renovated playground for after-swim fun.

Pritchard Island Beach

This quaint beach (which used to be an actual island!) sits off the beaten path in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, north of Beer Sheva Park. The swimming area is small but roped off and ideal for youngsters, and the secluded spot, bordered by a picnic-perfect lawn on one side and a marshland on the other, keeps crowds down.

West Green Lake Beach

With its sparkling water and green spaces in the middle of a dense city neighborhood, Green Lake is a true urban gem. There are two swimming areas, but only one, West Green Lake, will be open this summer. Note that this is the swimming area by the Bathhouse Theater, not the swimming area by the community center (this one remains closed). The lake is surrounded by a path perfect for walking and running, and Green Lake Park is also a natural preserve packed with adventures.

Madrona Beach

Spread out your blanket on the grass or hug the trees for shade on a hot day and enjoy a refreshing dip in Lake Washington.

Next up: Eastside swimming lakes

Where to swim in Bellevue and the Eastside

Lucky Eastsiders can cool off at great swimming beaches along the shores of both Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish.

Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland

With plenty of room to spread out, this swimming beach is beloved by Kirkland families, and for good reason. A shallow swim area with wraparound docks provides a safe spot for tots to splash; and the soft sand and fantastic playground promise hours of post-swim fun in the sun. 

Idylwood Beach Park, Redmond

On the west side of Lake Sammamish, a large sandy beach, gradually sloping swim area, and vast grassy spaces and two awesome play areas add up to make Idylwood Beach a fantastic choice for all-day outings. There are plenty of picnic spots and shady trees to go around. Parking can be an issue, so be ready to make the trek from an overflow lot.

Houghton Beach Park, Kirkland

Update July 24, 2023: Houghton Beach is temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria. Check back before swimming here!
This small but picture-perfect beach in Kirkland’s laid-back Houghton neighborhood is ideal for the smallest swimmers. A roped-off section stays wading-depth forever, and an awesome pirate-ship-themed play structure is steps away, so moms and dads can stay put on their blanket while littles run back and forth. Older kids can spike up a game of volleyball at the beachfront court. 

Meydenbauer Bay Park, Bellevue

Gorgeous views surround the shimmering bay in this recently renovated Bellevue beach, which was updated with an updated playground overlooking the beach and a cool pedestrian pier. The REI Boathouse at the sandy shore offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for more family fun on the water.

Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah

This waterfront park situated at the south end of Lake Sammamish is best known for its incredible destination playground and a plethora of nature trails. But no less exciting are its two spacious beaches: the main one, Sunset Beach, has an expanse of sandcastle-ready beach; but our pick for the younger crowd is the smaller Tibbetts Beach, with its shallow roped-off water perfect for splashers and waders, and a separate section for paddleboarding, kayaking and more. Note that you need a Discover Pass to park here.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton

Update July 24, 2023: Gene Coulon’s swimming beach is temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria. Check back before swimming here!
This 57-acre park at Lake Washington’s southeastern shore is prime territory for both land and water play. Unfortunately, lifeguards will not be present during summer 2023, as they have in the past. Be certain to closely supervise children in the water if you choose to swim here. In addition to the beach and designated swim area, find tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a waterfront walkway, a huge and amazing playground and plenty of grassy picnic space to keep the whole family occupied from morning until dusk.

Next up: South Sound-area swimming lakes

Photo credit: Credit: Jeff Sandquist/Flickr CC

South King County and South Sound swimming spots

Angle Lake Park, SeaTac

This 10-acre lakefront park has a convenient, mostly pebbly beach backed by a grassy picnic area, and offers up room to swim, boat and fish. A scenic waterfront nature trail and a pretty arbor seating area make for lovely reprieves from the summer sun. The park also features a playground and a fantastic splash park. 

Lake Wilderness, Maple Valley

The amazing Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley’s wooded, 117-acre regional park serves up all the old-school fun of a campground, without the camping. Cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear lake, rent a canoe or paddleboard, or play a game of Frisbee. Need a break? Kick back with a cool treat from the seasonal concession stand, walk over to the playground, or explore the park’s trails and wetlands.

Lake Tapps, Bonney Lake

A whopping 10,000 feet of waterfront and boating access, framed by amazing views of Mount Rainier, await at this huge man-made lake, accessible at North Lake Tapps Park. The north end of the lake has a sandy family-friendly swimming beach along with picnic areas. On the south side of the lake, find Allan Yorke Park, which features two playgrounds, sports courts and a skate park. 

Lake Meridian, Kent

This popular Kent lake boasts sapphire-blue water and plenty of lounging space on sand or grass. An awesome playground featuring a pirate ship structure overlooks the beach. Boating, water skiing and motorized water sports are permitted for thrill-seeking teens and grown-ups; free life jackets are available for daily checkout.

Steel Lake Park, Federal Way

Take a dip in Steel Lake and spread out your picnic on the grassy lawn. You’ll also find horseshoe pits and a skate park across the road. There are no lifeguards on duty. 

Spanaway Lake, Spanaway

Find two swimming beaches here — no lifeguards — plus a play area, picnic area, trail system and more.

Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park, Olympia

This lake is adjacent to a popular campground, so you might encounter some crowds on weekends. This smaller lake has a roped-off swim area that’s good for little kids (though do not take your eyes off them!) and it also offers rentals of paddleboards and other watercraft. As this is a state park, you’ll need a Discover Pass to park.

Long Lake Park, Lacey

This popular Thurston County swim area is open for the summer, though due to a staffing shortage there were not lifeguards in 2022 and it is unclear if there will be lifeguards for 2023. Bring a picnic and take a wander on the woodsy trails before or after your swim.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2020, and updated most recently for 2023.