Named for Senator Magnuson, creative force behind the Pacific Science Center, Warren G. Magnuson Park is an unusual combination of scenery and science, consisting of windswept hills, a pleasant beach, a muddy dog run and a sculpture stroll. Most famous of these artworks is the Sound Garden, a hilltop collection of gently oscillating aluminum tubes that, when the wind passes over their mouths, hum hauntingly. Against the stark-mirrored walls of NOAA—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the whole setup feels vaguely futuristic. The place is open daily from 4am.
Open now
This 12 acre park, north of downtown Seattle, offers magnificent views of Lake Union. Lake Union Park is also known for its summer concert series where music fans can drop in at this 4,000 capacity spot to experience the best in R&B, jazz, country, pop and rock. As the sun sets, watch the skyline take shape and the city lights take over.
At the end of East Madison Street, just past the quaint boutiques and gourmet restaurants, Madison Park & Beach has a fishing dock, a diving dock, tons of sand, a bathhouse and towering retirement homes, which are built out over the water. In summer, only the hasty departure of the afternoon sun—the beach faces northeast and the aggressive Canada geese get in the way of a perfect day at the beach. Even the ice cream truck makes regular calls. This is a favorite spot of Madison Park families.
One of Seattle's many obscure, postage-stamp-sized parks, Viretta Park has become a landmark of sorts in recent years, thanks to association with the late Kurt Cobain, who died in the shingled house to the north of the park. Fans leave flowers and other offerings on the park benches. And Howard Schultz of Starbucks built a controversial mansion south of the park. He landscaped part of the park itself, but under neighborhood pressure, he changed it back.
The Ravenna Park and Cowen Park together form a beautiful stretch of greenery along a ravine which provides a much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The lush green grass and huge, shady trees are covered in snow during the winter months and make for a great sight. The park offers areas for playing tennis with multiple courts, athletic fields for soccer or baseball, playground for children and hiking trails along with area to cycle.
