When you’re researching dog parks in Seattle one of the first parks to pop up is Golden Gardens dog park. This off-leash area is a great place to let your dog run and get some energy out! I enjoy taking my dog Rio here to get some energy out before exploring the rest of Golden Gardens. This post will go over everything you need to know about Golden Gardens dog park as well as other activities in this iconic Seattle park.
Getting There
Click Here to see Golden Gardens dog park on Google maps.
Golden Gardens is located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the park just north of downtown Seattle. You’ll go from driving on typical Seattle streets to very step and windy roads leading down to the beach and dog park area. I have also noticed a lot of potholes on this road, so take it slow and keep an eye out for bikers or pedestrians.
Overview
Amenities at Golden Gardens Dog Park
Parking: There is a parking lot located near the Golden Gardens dog park. I have heard that this is a high theft area, so make sure not to leave any valuables in your car.
Water: There is one water faucet available with a few dog bowls. This faucet is located at the far end of the park if you’re entering near the parking lot.
Shy dog area: There is a shy dog area located at the north end of the park. It is fenced off from the rest of the park.
Fetch area: There are a few spots where you can play fetch with your dog at Greenlake dog park.
Seating: There are multiple benches throughout the park, and some under a covered cabana.
Garbage cans: There is one garbage can located outside of the park on the west side.
Poop bags: There are poop bag stations located throughout the park, but in my experience they are rarely stocked.
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms near the dog park. You will see them along your walk from the parking lot to the dog park, it’s just off to the west side of the trail.
When to Visit
Golden Gardens is a very popular park for locals in Seattle. If you are visiting on a weekend or after work on the weekdays, be prepared for crowds. It’s rare to see this dog park empty.
I try to visit on weekdays in the middle of the afternoon. There are not many people here around this time. I have also noticed that unlike Magnuson dog park, the Golden Gardens dog park isn’t packed with dog walkers. This is nice because with the smaller playfield it can get hard for dogs to explore when there are lots of dogs around.
One other thing to note about visiting Golden Gardens dog park is the weather. In the winters, Seattle is full of rainy days. This leads to lots of mud at this Seattle dog park! I try not to visit this park on rainy days to avoid having to give my dog a bath. If you visit on a sunny day, you will be happy about the many trees in this park. They keep the sun off of you and help to keep you and your dog cool.
History
Golden Gardens Park, located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Originally known as a waterfront resort destination, the park boasted sandy beaches, lush forests, and stunning views of Puget Sound. In the 1930s, the area underwent development as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. This included the construction of picnic shelters, fire pits, and walking paths. These changes transformed this outdoor space into the Golden Gardens I now know and love.
Beyond its role as a dog-friendly destination, Golden Gardens Park holds a significant place in Seattle’s history and culture. It was originally inhabited by the Shilshole Tribe and then the area later served as a logging camp and salmon cannery. In the 1960s, Golden Gardens became a popular gathering spot for counterculture movements and outdoor concerts, earning a reputation as a hub for bohemian culture and activism.
Today, Golden Gardens Park continues to be a beloved destination for Seattleites and visitors. Its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views of Puget Sound make it a popular park in Seattle. The way the city has preserved the spirit of community and connection has defined Golden Gardens for generations.
My Experience With Golden Gardens Dog Park
I have mixed feelings when it comes to the Golden Gardens dog park. I love the location, it is spacious, and it has all of the basic amenities I look for in a dog park. For all of those reasons, I visit this park a couple of times a year.
The main reasons why I don’t visit this park more often are the dust/mud, crowds, and availability of other dog park options. I am not typically going to change my plans just because my dog will get dirty, but I do think twice about bringing Rio along with me to Golden Gardens due to how dirty he gets. The park is mostly covered in dusty dirt that gets him coated when it’s warm out. I almost never come to this park if it is raining because all of that dirt turns into mud.
Another thing that I have noticed is that while there is one-acre for the dogs to run around in, there are lots of trees breaking this space up. This makes it hard for Rio to sprint and get all of his energy out. It also feels like the park gets pretty crowded and he prefers to have space to run around and do his own thing. The last reason I don’t visit Golden Gardens dog park more often is simply because Seattle has a few other options that are just better dog parks. I personally love Warren G. Magnuson dog park in Seattle and will typically choose this park over any of the others.
The Rest of Golden Gardens Park
I typically only stop by Golden Gardens dog park on my way down to the beach at Golden Gardens. This is one of my all-time favorite parks in Seattle, and the fact that there is a dog park that I can stop at is really helpful for my hyper dog. I enjoy parking at the off leash area and taking one of the walking trails down to the beach.
If you’re up at the dog park, you can either take the staircase down to the beach or follow the hiking trials directly east of the dog park. If you take the stairs, you can follow those all of the way down to the beach. You’ll see a beautiful view of the Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains in the background.
If you decide to take the hiking trails down to the beach, just follow the trails down to the parking lot. The signage on these trails is terrible, and I always get a little lost while hiking down. The good thing is that even if you feel a little lost you can find your way by peeking through the trees and following whatever path is going towards the beach. I love taking these trails because it really does make you feel like you’re out on hiking trails in the middle of Seattle! Take your time and slowly make your way to the sandy Golden Gardens beach.
On the beach you’ll find people swimming, sunbathing, playing volleyball, and more. There is a large playground, fire pits, and bathrooms down near the beach at Golden Gardens. This is a very popular beach for people living in Seattle to hang out, so it gets crowded. If you’re visiting on a warm day you might be laying out close to other groups of people. No matter how busy it is, it’s still worth the visit to soak up the sun at Golden Gardens.
My Perfect Day At Golden Gardens Park
One of my favorite ways to spend a free day in Seattle is by starting my day off at Cafe Fiore with a pastry and a coffee. This is a very tasty coffee shop about 3 minutes away from the dog park. Once I grab those, I take my dog over to Golden Gardens dog park. I get him tired at the park before stopping at my car for snacks, water, and something to do on the beach.
I’ll then take the hiking trails down to the waterline and set up for a few hours. It’s fun to spend a sunny day reading on the beach or taking in the views of the Puget Sound. Whenever I feel like it, I do the short mile or so hike back to my car and head home. I have to give Rio a bath after going to the beach because he always comes home sandy and stinky.
Conclusion
Golden Gardens Off Leash Area is a top choice for dog owners in Seattle. This park offers an escape in Ballard, with sandy beaches and greenery for dogs and their owners to enjoy. Despite a bumpy journey with winding roads and occasional potholes, the drive is well worth it. With ample space for dogs to run, play, and mingle, Golden Gardens provides endless fun and exploration. My dog Rio and I cherish our visits and eagerly return time and again. For a memorable outing with your four-legged friend, head to Golden Gardens Off Leash Area.
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