Located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kerry Park is a popular park in Seattle that is renowned for providing beautiful panoramic views of the city. With Mount Rainier as a picturesque backdrop, this park is popular with locals and tourists alike. At night, the view of the city from the park is breathtaking and dream-like, which makes it perfect for pictures.
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Although Discovery Park has a beach, it is not a prime spot for sunbathing or swimming as the water's a little cold and the beach a little rocky. Most visitors hike the miles of trails, which offer great bird-watching opportunities. One of the trails extends to Puget Sound, and after a lengthy downhill walk, you will find tide pools and a lighthouse.
The Olympic Sculpture Park began as a commitment between the Seattle Art Museum and the Trust for Public Land and quickly grew into a green mecca of architectural art and beautifully crafted landscapes. The park contains mathematical sculptures, new-wave basket weaving and the artistic greenhouse designed by the likes of Tony Smith, Pedro Reyes and Mark Dion. The Olympic Sculpture Park is situated beside the Puget Sound and is managed by the Seattle Art Museum. The views include both the Seattle port and the Olympic mountain range. Admission is free all year long.
Located in Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Volunteer Park Conservatory is a botanical garden made up of five different houses. Modeled after the Crystal Palace in London, these ornately, victorian style greenhouses hold various botanical wonders. Each greenhouse holds a different variety of plants, from succulents, ferns, palms and bromeliads to cacti and seasonal flora. A Seattle staple since 1922, the extensive collection has grown thanks to generous donations from the public and private benefactors. Visitors can roam through the greenhouses for a small fee of USD 4 or choose to take one of the tours on offer. Be sure to visit the website for further details.
The Green Lake Park is one of Seattle's most popular recreation parks that became a part of the city as a part of the grand Olmsted plan, which aimed at creating a cluster of interconnected green spaces within the city. The lake is engulfed by a 2.8 mile (4.5 km) path that is divided into two different lanes, one for un-motorized vehicles and the other for pedestrians. These paths attract a lot of people seeking relaxation and exercise and hence can be crowded, especially on weekends. The Park also features water sports facilities, a golf course, a library and a theater. The Green lake is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Walk, stroll or simply sit at this beautiful beach overlooking Shilshole Bay in North Seattle. It is a great place to watch the sunset or frolic in the water. During the day, families and couples walk their dogs or play volleyball, basketball or Frisbee on the sandy beach. On cooler evenings, bonfires can be lit in park-owned concrete pits. The park is conveniently located near some fabulous waterfront restaurants like Anthony's Pier 66 and Ray's Boathouse. Park permits are also available for company and family picnics.
Gas Works Park is an example of urban renewal at its best. Take an old gas-processing plant that has outlived its usefulness, and transform it into something everyone can enjoy. Located on the north shore of Lake Union, the park has excellent water views and a spectacular, unobstructed view of the city skyline. It is a popular spot for concerts, bikers, kite flyers, families on picnics and just about everyone else. This is also a prime spot from which to view the fireworks on the Fourth of July.
