My Castle Heart Publications

On a sunny evening in Seattle, you really can’t beat Golden Gardens.

Perks:

• Free
• Amazing sunset views of ocean, boats, and mountains
• Lots of free parking
• Good wind for kite flying
• Picturesque picture taking

What to Do:

• Explore the awesome new playground on the north end
• Comb the beach for treasures
• Build a sand castle
• Fly a kite
• Watch the evening sailboat races
• Have a BBQ in the rentable picnic spaces
• Cuddle around a sunset bonfire on the beach
• Take your dog to the adjoining dog park

Know Before You Go:

• The water in the Sound is very cold. You can wade in, but most of the year, I wouldn’t recommend swimming.
• Dogs aren’t (supposedly) allowed on the beach, although I’ve seen that rule broken on many occasion. Just make sure to clean up after your dog, of course.
• On the south end, there’s a stream leading into the Sound, where kids love to play. A couple of years ago it tested high for bacteria (erroneously). Supposedly, it’s been okay since, and the city will post warning signs if there’s a health risk. Just be observant and aware.
• Ray’s Boathouse is a decent (though pricey) restaurant with a view, just south of Golden Gardens. For a cheaper alternative, head upstairs to its café level, where you get all the view plus equally decent food, for a cheaper price tag.

For more free Seattle fun, try one of these adventures:

• Parades
• Arboretum
• Olympic Sculpture Park
• Green Lake
• Gasworks Park
• Bayview-Kinnear Park
• Ballard Splash Park
• Tulip Festival
• San Juan Islands

Have your own tips for free things to do in and around Seattle … or your city? Please share!

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