Madison Park — Attraction in Seattle

This is one of my favorite beaches on lake Washington. It can get quite busy in the summer, but there's usually enough space to set a towel down. The swimming area is large, and if you're more of an open water swimmer (this is a popular place for them), you can swim past that area and still not be in boat traffic but be visible from shore. Parking can be quite tight as the neighborhood has several apartments with this residents parking on the street. I prefer to bike there instead. The beach and swimming area is mostly sand/silt, instead of rocks like at some of the other beaches. Not a ton of water plants, either, if those freak you out. There's a little bathroom, but it's locked in the off-season. I either come prepared or deck change. A minor downside is because it's on the east side of a hill, it doesn't have as much afternoon sun, so it'll get colder to hang out after about 3pm or so. Best swimming (if you want warm sun) is earlier than 2pm. If you want no crowds, though, you can swim in the evening (at your own risk, naturally). There are several eateries (pizza, brunch, a pub), coffee spot, and a grocery within...

Great beach with beautiful eastward view of the Cascades. The core of downtown Bellevue rises above the near horizon. The drone of 520 provides an ocean like sonic ambience. A parade of all types of boats make their way north and south, sending their waves towards the beach. Distance swimmers come and go from here as well. Always awe-inspiring to see them with their florescent orange swimmers buoy round the bend of the protruding apartment buildings that flank the southside of the beach. There is always something happening at...

A great place to hang out just about anytime, but if you like a nice beach on a hot day then this is the place and it gets packed. Always bring a blanket to sit on and food, but there are restaurants and even ice cream close by. Catch a bus or walk if you don't want to search for parking, there's actually a lot of parking but regulars and locals get those spots quick. This is the best public beach on the west side of Lake Washington, due to is size and double diving boards and deeper...