16 Superb Lake Washington Beaches
If you are staying in or near Seattle during summer it would be a shame to go home without swimming in Lake Washington. This northern lake provides plenty of cooldown during hot summer days. Check out the 16 best Lake Washington beaches for a perfect swimming opportunity.
Lake Washington is full of great beaches. However, it’s also a pretty big lake. So we’ve collected all the noteworthy beaches on the shores, making it easy for you to choose.
We highlight the city for each beach right at the beginning of the description. This way you can attend the beach that’s closest to you.
Attention: Lake Washington is suspectable to low water quality. ALWAYS consult the official website about the current water quality before you hop into the water. Off-season the water quality is not measured, so you should stay clear of going into the water these months.
–> Check water quality here –>
1. Mt Baker Beach
Seattle
This beach is the perfect place to take a dip on a hot day! There’s a small swimming area with a diving board, and a lifeguard is on duty in season.
Plus, there’s a fishing pier where you can try your luck at catching something for dinner.
This beach is also accessible for those in wheelchairs! There is a designated entrance that makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the sand and waves.
It’s usually pretty clean, and the atmosphere is friendly. The downside is that the parking lot is pretty small, so it can get pretty packed during peak season.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cGQ1t3HzL8syuHMN8
2. Madrona Beach
Seattle
Madrona Beach is another great Lake Washington Beach that is easily reachable from Seattle. The waterfront park is an excellent place to relax and take in the scenery.
There is a swimmers’ beach for those who want to take a dip, hiking trails for nature lovers, and picnic areas for those who want to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. This is a great place for kids to run and explore.
This is a great little beach for families. It’s got lifeguards when it’s fully open, and it’s great in the mornings. Usually, there are only a few other people around and there are even restrooms.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zDn5TqeYmEfV9bXE6
3. Madison Park Beach
Seattle
Looking for a great place to enjoy the summer sun and take a refreshing dip? Look no further than this beautiful seasonal swimming beach.
The beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, diving, and playing. There’s even a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained.
Madison Park Beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy the views of the lake. The water is usually pretty warm, making it perfect for swimming. The area surrounding the beach is also really nice, with plenty of trees and greenery.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sYkGV3a5QGY4quTS6
4. Magnuson Park Swimming Beach
Seattle
Magnuson Park Swimming Beach is another great spot to enjoy the water on a hot day on Lake Washington. The water is clean and refreshing, and the picnic tables and restrooms (with showers) nearby make it a convenient spot to spend a few hours.
The boat launch provides easy access to the water, and the dog beach is a perfect spot to let your furry friend cool off. The entire area is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DAtJAdfujKL7aBsk6
5. Log Boom Park
Kenmore
The beach is beautiful and the bathrooms are clean. There’s an ice cream stand, and a small park for the kids. It’s great for a family outing. However, there are tons of kids here, so it can get noisy and chaotic.
When it comes to amenities, this beach is well-equipped. There are several picnic benches, a large grassy area, and a dock. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, you can rent kayaks or SUPs and explore the area from the water.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/o8JJqQ7rhdN5gASd8
6. Juanita Beach Park
Kirkland
Juanita Beach Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy a sunny day. The sandy beach is perfect for lounging, playing volleyball or tennis, or fishing.
The ball fields are great for a game of catch, and the playground is perfect for the little ones to burn off some energy.
The beach is well-equipped, and there are also a number of restaurants and cafes nearby for grabbing a bite. Starbucks and Top Pot are both within walking distance, making it easy to get your morning coffee or tea.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iysvyAgmLW8ww8FCA
7. Waverly Beach Park
Kirkland
Waverly Beach Park is a beautiful waterfront park perfect for a summer day. The enclosed swimming area is great for a dip, and the boat dock is perfect for those who want to explore the water.
The green lawns are perfect for a picnic or game of frisbee, and the benches are perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking sunset, head to this beach in the evening. The sun will be receding down for the day, creating a beautiful, hazy sky.
It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with family. The kids can swim in the water while the adults relax on the pier or shore. Just be aware that parking spots are limited.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M8oskKnuGD8YDgyC9
8. Houghton Beach Park
Kirkland
Houghton Beach Park is a beautiful waterfront recreational area that is popular with locals for volleyball games, swimming, and kayaking.
The park offers stunning views of the water and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of the most beautiful Lake Washington beaches.
The beach has benches located all over, making it a great spot for a picnic. If you can catch the sunset, it’s even more beautiful. Amenities like toilets are also available, making it a convenient spot to spend some time.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CzTmsskevzSDtaNJA
9. Medina Beach Park
Medina
This small Lake Washington beach is perfect for a picnic lunch or an afternoon of sunbathing and people-watching. The park is also next to the cute, small city hall, which is worth a visit for its architecture and history.
Medina Beach Park is a beautiful waterfront neighborhood park that offers stunning views of Lake Washington and Seattle across the lake.
The scenery is simply gorgeous and it’s a great place to come to relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qQgrPgHw2w6KPNQV6
10. Clyde Beach Park
Bellevue
Clyde Beach Park is a small, quaint park located on the bay. It features a swimming beach, boathouse, playground, and picnic area – perfect for a day of fun in the sun!
The swimming beach is well-maintained and the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Meanwhile, the playground is perfect for kids and the picnic area is great for a summer BBQ or a quiet lunch with a view.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HXk3FdjrNVU1j84GA
11. Chism Beach Park
Bellevue
This beach park is hidden away inside a private residential area. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s definitely worth checking out!
The lifeguards are on duty every day from noon to 7 pm. They are responsible for the safety of the beachgoers and make sure that everyone is following the rules.
Please keep in mind that no watercraft are allowed on this beach. This means that if you want to SUP or Kayak you need to look for a different one.
Parking at Chism Beach Park is of a decent size. There is a small playground and also one picnic area. The beach is lovely and the water is great for swimming. Overall, it’s a great place to spend a day with the family.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZkaQNVDtKW42LRDC7
12. Newcastle Beach Park
Bellevue
Newcastle Beach Park is a beautiful grassy park that has a lovely beach with docks and lifeguards on duty to keep you safe.
There are also restrooms available, as well as picnic tables if you want to enjoy a meal in the park.
This beautiful, secluded beach park is the perfect place to spend a day with your family. There’s something for everyone to do, whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the rocks and tide pools. And best of all, it’s not overcrowded like some of the other parks in the area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/33MgWbNRHJ2WDqo49
13. Kennydale Beach Park
Renton
Kennydale Beach Park is a small but popular beach park in the heart of Renton. The beach is a great spot for a summer day, and the park is also popular for its breathtaking views of Lake Washington.
The beach has seasonal lifeguards on duty, so you can feel safe swimming in the designated area. There are also picnic tables available if you want to enjoy a bite to eat, and a playground for the kids.
While it can be tough to find a parking spot nearby, the park is definitely worth the walk. The beach is beautiful and perfect for a summer day.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/grJiddqQ1eaERweL9
14. Pritchett Island Beach
Seattle
Pritchett Island Beach is a small, quiet beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach also features a swimming raft, a rentable bathhouse, and a marshy wetland.
The wetland is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and turtles. The beach is small and quaint, with roped-off swimming areas and a diving platform.
Lifeguards are on duty during the in-season. The bathhouse has toilets and a shower area.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GosTtqaQcBijuWJCA
15. Groveland Beach Park
Mercer Island
Groveland Beach Park is a scenic city beach that is perfect for picnics, BBQs, and summertime swimming. The play structure is also great for kids of all ages. The views of the ocean and the nearby cliffs are simply breathtaking.
You’ll also get amazing views over Seattle. It’s a popular beach on Mercer Island and it’s one of our favorite Lake Washington beaches.
The walk down to the beach from the parking lot is pretty steep, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time on the way down.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LZ576vA7YJJvBpRU7
16. Calkins Point Sand Beach
Mercer Island
Calkins Point Sand Beach is a small, clean, and quiet beach with a great view of Seattle. You can find a few benches to sit on and enjoy the sunset. It’s usually a quiet place to relax.
The beach area is quite small and only accommodates a few families. However, the beach is still a lovely place to relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gMGes7XH5f8xVG8D7
