The Parks Dept

Seattle is green all year round and one of the great things about our city is lots and lots of parks.

Freeway Park (Downtown: right next to Convention Center)

Runs along I5 in Downtown Seattle. Connects to the Convention Center from the Southeast Door.

Freeway Park is really unique, cool, and worth exploring: but make sure to explore it with a few friends, preferably in the daylight.

I love this park, it’s a pretty labyrinth and it’s just really interesting. However I do not walk in this park by myself, and I don’t like it at night unless I’m with a large group and I know where I’m going.

This is the fastest way to get from the Convention Center to the First Hill neighborhood, but not if you get lost.

Check out reviews on Yelp.

Volunteer Park, aka Olmsted Park (Capitol Hill: Walkable)

My First Trip to Volunteer Park in 2001

1247 15th Ave East, 6am-11pm

Volunteer Park has the best view in the city, and it’s all free. Walk to the top of the water tower and you can look down on the city and water from all sides.

The park is 48 acres, and there’s lots to see when you walk around. It’s also the home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum (the Museum is open till 5pm Weds-Sun, till 9 pm on Thursdays).

Best park to visit in the city, in my opinion.

Recommendation: get some friends, find a quick snack, walk up around the park and see the view from the water tower, then find some food in Capitol Hill.

Cal Anderson Park (Capitol Hill: Walkable)

1635 11th Avenue, open until 11:30pm

Cal Anderson Park is in Capitol Hill. It’s right across from Richard Hugo House (mentioned in “Tours and Smart Stuff“). If you’re heading to Volunteer Park from downtown, it’s on your way.

There’s a cool water feature in this park, but it gets shut off in August. It’s still interesting to look at even when the water’s off, if you’re passing by.

Gas Works Park (Fremont: Bus or Car)

2101 North Northlake Way: open until 11:30pm

Gas Works park has a big hill and a great view of town. The former gasworks has been turned into a play area for kids.

In the summertime there’s good kite flying here. In the winter it’s more for walking, checking out the view, and playing with the toys.