Golden Gardens Beach Park in Seattle

Golden Gardens Park

Sitting along the beaches of the Puget Sound, Golden Gardens Beach Park is a local favorite in Seattle, Washington. Since my move to Seattle in 2022, I’ve visited Golden Gardens a couple of times a month to enjoy the views and the beach. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite hangout or a tourist wanting to see the best of Seattle, Golden Gardens Beach Park wont disappoint. In this blog post I will go over everything that you need to know about visiting Golden Gardens park in Seattle.

Getting There and Parking

Finding your way to Golden Gardens Beach Park is simple with the help of navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps. Golden Gardens is located in the Ballard neighborhood as far west as you can go. It is located near a few local coffee shops, markets, and beautiful Seattle neighborhoods.

Multiple free parking areas are available for you at Golden Gardens, ensuring convenient access regardless of your chosen activity. There is a long parking area that expands the length of the beach. This is the perfect parking lot if you’re planning on swimming or having a picnic on the beach at Golden Gardens. If you’re wanting to explore the hiking trails at Golden Gardens, I recommend you park in the upper lot near the dog park. You’ll see it on the right side of the windy road as you drive down to the beach.

Overview

This park takes up 87 acres of Seattle beach front! Golden Gardens Beach Park is one of Seattle’s largest waterfront parks. Here you can soak up panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. Its expansive sandy beach, lush coastal vegetation, and rugged coastline provide a perfect environment for many different activities. You’ll find seals, jelly fish, crab, and more in the Puget Sound waters. If you’re incredibly lucky you might even get to see orcas or gray whales from the beach!

My ideal day visiting Golden Gardens includes swimming in the Puget Sound waters, stopping at the dog park, and walking through the greenery. There is parking near the dog park located on the west side of the steep road on your drive in. I like to park here, and walk down to the beach after visiting the park.

Activities

Golden Gardens Beach Park offers a plethora of activities to suit every interest and age group. Whether you’re craving a leisurely beach day or an exhilarating outdoor adventure, this park has something for everyone.

• Beach Activities: This sandy beach offers a variety of different activities. You will see kids playing in the sand, building sand castles and moats. Families flying kites or locals going for a run. The options are truly endless when it comes to activities on the beach! If you’re looking to get in on beach volleyball, head to the courts near the bathrooms and try to hop on someones team. You do need to have your own net to use these courts, but they’re open to the public unless reserved for a recreational game.
• Water Sports: Even though the Puget Sound is cold, averaging between 50-60 degrees, you’ll see people in the water year round. I often visit Golden Gardens to cold plunge with one of the best views in Seattle! In the summer I like to visit this park to paddle board or kayak in the Puget Sound. There are many Facebook groups that will connect you to other people who enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the Puget Sound.
• Hiking : The forested areas of Golden Gardens are lined with hiking trails for you to enjoy. You’ll get peeks of the Puget Sound through the trees while walking near ferns and other greenery. There are also trails near the beach if you prefer to walk along the shores and look for ocean wildlife.
• Picnicking and Barbecuing: There are numerous picnic tables, shelters, and barbecue grills available. Golden Gardens Beach Park is the perfect spot for al fresco dining and outdoor gatherings. These fill up quickly, so arrive early if you’re planning on using these spaces on a sunny day.

Golden Gardens Off Leash Area for Dogs

The dog park at Golden Gardens Beach Park is one of my main reasons for visiting. It’s conveniently located away from the traffic of the beach area, and is the perfect spot to let your dog get some energy out. I tend to visit the dog park prior to heading down to the beach. This is because when you’re on the beach all dogs must be kept on leash.

The Golden Gardens dog park isn’t huge, but it has everything you’ll need for you and your dog to have a good time. For more information on the off leash area at Golden Gardens, view my post here.

History

Golden Gardens Park, sits on the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Originally known as a waterfront resort destination, the park’s story begins in the early 1900s. Back then when its beaches, forests, and views of the Sound made it a popular retreat.

In the 1930s, Golden Gardens underwent development as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. This aimed to enhance public parks and infrastructure during the Great Depression. Picnic shelters, fire pits, and walking paths were added during this time. This helped in transforming Golden Gardens into a beloved community park that offered recreational opportunities for all.

Over the decades, Golden Gardens Park continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of Seattle residents while preserving its natural beauty and historic charm. In the 1960s, the park became a gathering spot for counterculture movements and outdoor concerts, earning a reputation as a hub for bohemian culture and activism.

Amenities

Golden Gardens Beach Park offers a host of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. From restrooms and showers to fire pits and playgrounds, the park has everything you need for a great visit. Additionally, lifeguards are stationed at designated swimming areas during peak season, ensuring the safety of park visitors.

Conclusion

Golden Gardens Beach Park epitomizes the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, blending scenic beauty with endless recreational opportunities. No matter what you’re looking for, this Seattle park delivers on all fronts. So pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and head to Golden Gardens Beach Park—it’s a park you won’t want to miss!