Puget Sound

Soak up dramatic downtown and Olympic mountain views with a rental from or guided paddle led by Alki Kayak Tours or Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard. Take a scenic excursion around the harbor with Argosy Cruises, or a whale-watching adventure with Puget Sound Express. You might also spy whales and other wildlife from the tidepools and sandy shores of Lincoln Park, Alki Beach, Discovery Park, and Carkeek Park.

Lake Union

At family-friendly Lake Union Park, dip your toes in the lake’s gentle waters at Goose Beach and rent a sailboat or human-powered watercraft at The Center for Wooden Boats. You can rent kayaks and SUPs from Northwest Outdoor Center and Agua Verde Paddle Club, and electric-powered vessels from Lake Union Hot Tub Boats and Seattle Donut Boat Co.

Lake Washington

The rugged peaks of the Cascade Range frame Lake Washington, which is lined with verdant parks that offer swimming, strolling, and sunbathing. Favorites include Madison Park, which draws many students and LGBTQIA+ folks; Madrona Park, with its wooden float and diving board; and 300-acre Seward Park, where you can bike, hike, and swim. Seattle Paddle and Sail Sand Point rent boats and SUPs.

Lake to Sea

You can view all three bodies of water by pedaling, jogging, or walking along the 20-mile Burke-Gilman Trail, which runs from Puget Sound at Golden Gardens Park along the north side of the Ship Canal and Lake Union, and then north along the shore of Lake Washington.