Seattle's Best Walks

From picturesque skyline views to forest trails, these urban walks are a great way to spend some time outside (while safely social distancing).

Alki Beach

Alki Beach trail is a 5.5-mile paved walk in West Seattle along the glistening Puget Sound. It’s a wonderful walk for a sunny day with the family; you might even catch a glimpse of the wildlife that lives in the waters below! The beach is one of Seattle’s best, with more sand than rocks and a great spots for bonfires. Keep heading east past the tip of West Seattle for beautiful views of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle, The Great Wheel, and ferries passing through the water.

Seward Park Loop

Seward Park, a popular trail in the Rainier neighborhood, is a 2.6-mile paved loop that extends into Lake Washington. Inside of the loop includes many smaller forest trails, making you feel like you’re in a dense forest despite being in the middle of the city! Seward is a great place to play catch with your dog in the lake, skip rocks, or get in a daily workout!

Burke Gilman trail

The Burke Gilman trail, totaling 18.8-miles long, provides more lovely views of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Puget Sound. Starting at Golden Garden in Ballard, it travels through the U-District on a long bike-friendly path. There is a mile-long missing trail link, so make sure to bring your phone along for directions on how to rejoin the delightful trail.

Chief Sealth Trail

Chief Sealth Trail moves through the beautiful Beacon Hill and South Seattle neighborhoods, exhibiting amazing views along the rolling hills. It is a 4-mile paved pathway that challenges travelers with its unexpected inclines but is still easy enough to enjoy with the family. 

Arboretum Waterfront Trail

The recently renovated Arboretum Waterfront Trail is just a small segment of the 230 acres that the rest of the Washington Park Arboretum has to offer. It is 1.9-miles long and shows off Union Bay, including a clear view of Husky Stadium and the whimsical lily pad pool!

Kubota Garden

Kubota Gardens is a South Seattle gem; the free entry Japanese garden spans over 20 acres of native northwest and Japanese flora. Located in the Rainer Beach neighborhood, it is the perfect place for that Instagram picture or picnic. On the garden’s website they even offer a kid-friendly scavenger hunt print out, perfect for getting the whole family outside.

Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park is a popular location for walkers and runners alike. A 2.8-mile loop around the 50,000-year-old glacial lake takes the traveler through the neighborhood. Just off the trail are a handful of athletic fields and courts and is home to hundreds of different types of birds, waterfowl, trees and plants. The lake also offers multiple access points for boats and it a popular practice site for rowers. 

Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop/Gasworks Park

Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop circles around the entirety of Lake Union, offering the community a wonderful place to experience the urban lake. The 6-mile trail connects Gasworks Park and the many other parks on the lake. Starting at Gasworks park and take in a perfect view of the Space Needle and the rest of the Seattle Skyline.

Elliot Bay Trail

Elliot Bay Trail is one of the most interactive trails Seattle has. Stroll through Olympic Sculpture park and Myrtle Edwards Park and check out the many monuments by the trailside. Stop by the many piers on Seattle’s waterfront and catch the golden spring and summer sunset. The trail totals 10-miles round trip and is a feast for the eyes.

Discovery park Loop trail

Discovery Park Loop trail is just 2.8-miles roundtrip out of the almost 12-miles of trail located within the park. Discovery Park itself is 534-acres of forest and open meadows that looks over Puget Sound. Located in Magnolia, Discovery is a popular spot for runners and dog walkers. 

Remember to stay up to date on park closures and follow all stay at home and social distancing orders as per the state of Washington. Find more information at seattle.gov and @seattleparks on twitter.