Golden Gardens Park: Sandy Shores and Sound Views
Find a spot on the sandy beach to enjoy the view of Puget Sound or stroll the trails of Golden Gardens to enjoy forest and wetland flora. There's a reason Seattleites have made Golden Gardens one of their favorite spots, particularly during the warmer months.
Beaches are few and far between in Seattle, and swimmers find the small beach alluring in hot summer weather, even though they may find the Sound water chilly. Beds of eelgrass and tidepools are common along the shore for those who prefer appreciating the water from a distance. A boat launch makes sailing, kayaking, and canoeing popular here, while other windsports like kitesurfing and sailboarding help fill the water. Further out in the water, views of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains combine in spectacular sunsets.
Bonfires on the beach are permitted but strictly regulated by the park guards and must be built in one of the approved fire pits. The park holds a small number of reservable shelters and picnic tables; check the website for details on reserving them, but do it early, because they go fast.
Golden Gate Park offers more than just a stretch of beach, though. In the northern part of the park, a 2.2 acre off-leash area allows canine companions a chance to run free. Elsewhere in the park, dogs must be leashed, and they're not permitted at all on the beach or playground area. A forest trail runs 3.2 miles through the park, allowing walkers a chance to see some of the shorebirds that make this a pit stop on their migratory routes.
The park boasts an age that's over a century. Developer Harry W. Treat originally built it in 1907 as an attraction to entice Seattle dwellers into taking one of the new electric car lines for an out-of-city outing. Since then it's remained popular with Seattle dwellers.
HelloSeattle Tip: The wetlands at the northern end can lead to mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent.
Posted on Mar 11, 2011 by Cat Rambo
