Photo:
Photo credit: Linnea Westerlind, 'Discovering Seattle Parks'
This article is excerpted with permission from Discovering Seattle Parks, by Linnea Westerlind, The Mountaineers.
Summer is the time to head to the water! Whether you prefer a lake or Puget Sound, the Seattle area has tons of great parks for sand play and swimming.
If you’re looking for someplace new to explore this year, check out this list of little-known beaches.
Jack Block Park
This little-known park, a short drive from the West Seattle Bridge, features paved paths that are perfect for exploring on bike or foot, plus a quiet beachfront to spot wildlife like harbor seals and sea lions.
Find it: Harbor Ave. S.W. and S.W. Florida St., Seattle
Pritchard Island Beach
Bring your swimsuit and sand toys to spend a few hours at this South Seattle beach that also has a kid-friendly loop trail through alder forest.
Find it: 8400 55th Ave. S., Seattle
Cove Park
This narrow park next to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock in West Seattle features fish-inspired art and a beach covered with driftwood for kids to explore.
Find it: 4807 S.W. Barton St., Seattle
West Montlake Park
Get a close-up view of boat traffic entering and exiting busy Montlake Cut from this waterfront park on Lake Union—it also has a large shaded lawn ideal for picnicking.
Find it: 2815 W. Park Dr. E., Seattle
32nd Ave W boat launch
This very hidden beach on the southern end of Magnolia is perfect for tossing rocks into the Puget Sound on a sunny summer day and watching container ships entering Elliott Bay.
Find it: 32nd Ave. W. and W. Galer St., Seattle
