Green Lake Park Tours and Activities

Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park
Green Lake Park
Photo by Sophia Field
Photo by Sophia Field


Follow the scenic walking path around the glacial lake, play basketball or see a play in the Bathhouse theatre in north-central Seattle’s beloved park.

Explore Seattle’s scenic side in Green Lake Park. Find the park in the middle of the Green Lake neighbourhood in the north-central part of the city. As you enjoy its serene lake, beautiful walking trails and plentiful amenities, discover why the park is a popular destination for both visitors and locals.

Green Lake, which was formed by the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet over 50,000 years ago, sits at the centre of the park. It was once much larger years of dredging and filling by the City of Seattle have shrunk the lake by nearly 100 acres (40 hectares). Today, it is home to numerous types of birds and other animals, including herons, loons, geese, turtles and raccoons. Bring your binoculars to view many of them from afar on Duck Island, a wildlife sanctuary that is off-limits to humans.

Enjoy the scenery along the park’s 2.8-mile (4.5-kilometre) pathway. Run, walk, bike or skate along the trail, which loops around Green Lake.

During summer months, enjoy a refreshing swim in Green Lake. Its two swimming areas, East Green Lake Beach and West Green Lake Beach, have amenities that include a play area for children, diving boards and restroom facilities. Put your sailboat, canoe, rowboat or other non-motorized vessel in the water at one of the lake’s many boat access points.

See a performance in the park’s 1920s-era bathhouse, which is now home to the Seattle Public Theatre at the Bathhouse. Play a variety of sports, from soccer to baseball, basketball and tennis, on the park’s many fields and courts. Enjoy a picnic in the barbecue area. Take children to the playground or wading pools.

Visit Green Lake Park daily throughout the year. Access it from elsewhere in the city via Seattle’s metro system. Park in the parking lots dedicated for its two beaches or take advantage of street parking.

Green Lake Park is largely surrounded by the lively Green Lake neighbourhood. Phinney Ridge, Woodland Park and Wallingford border the park from west to south. Check out the shops, cafés and restaurants that line the streets of these lively neighbourhoods.

Plan a trip to see Green Lake Park

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Mayflower Park Hotel
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Best Lodging Options Near Green Lake Park

Sunnyside Studio on Green Lake

Sunnyside Studio on Green Lake

3 out of 5
7532 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle, WA
Sunnyside Studio on Green Lake
Gorgeous Huge 6-8BR Heart of Seattle—One Block from Lake

Gorgeous Huge 6-8BR Heart of Seattle—One Block from Lake

Seattle
Gorgeous Huge 6-8BR Heart of Seattle—One Block from Lake
Secret Hideaway - New Custom Built Home

Secret Hideaway - New Custom Built Home

3 out of 5
309 NE 59th St, Seattle, WA
Secret Hideaway - New Custom Built Home
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle North of Downtown

Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle North of Downtown

2 out of 5
8512 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA
Travelodge by Wyndham Seattle North of Downtown
Birdhouse on GreenLake

Birdhouse on GreenLake

3.5 out of 5
5717 Woodlawn Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Birdhouse on GreenLake
Graduate by Hilton Seattle

Graduate by Hilton Seattle

4 out of 5
4507 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA
Graduate by Hilton Seattle
Green Lake Zen Low Level Garden Suite

Green Lake Zen Low Level Garden Suite

2 out of 5
321 NE 57th St, Seattle, WA
Green Lake Zen Low Level Garden Suite
Modern Tri-Level Townhouse m/s Downtown, UW

Modern Tri-Level Townhouse m/s Downtown, UW

Seattle
Modern Tri-Level Townhouse m/s Downtown, UW
Staypineapple, Watertown Hotel, University District Seattle

Staypineapple, Watertown Hotel, University District Seattle

3.5 out of 5
4242 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
Staypineapple, Watertown Hotel, University District Seattle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Green Lake Park

Discover the charm of Green Lake Park in Seattle, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Green Lake Trail. Engage in various park activities, from walking around the beautiful lake to exploring nearby shopping and theatre options. This picturesque setting offers a delightful blend of nature and local culture, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings during your visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Northgate Station, just 3.2km from Green Lake Park, offering a variety of stores. Broadway is also nearby at 6.4km, featuring local shops. If you're up for a drive, Nordstrom is 8.0km away with a wider selection of gifts.

Recreation

At T-Mobile Park, soak in the sports atmosphere while enjoying a game or concert, just a short drive from Green Lake Park. For a more tranquil experience, Golden Gardens Park offers serene beach vibes and nature trails, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at the UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4.8km from Green Lake Park. For a unique indoor adventure, visit Mini Mountain, 14.5km away, offering skiing fun for the whole family. Don't miss the Adventura Aerial Adventure Park, also 14.5km away, featuring exciting ziplining and ropes courses.

Nightlife

As the sun sets in Green Lake Park, catch a show at the Neptune Theater, just 1.6km away, for a cultured evening. For cinema lovers, SIFF Cinema Uptown offers romantic films 6.4km away, while Marion Oliver McCaw Hall presents captivating performances, also 6.4km from the park.

Find the best attractions near Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park in Seattle offers a delightful mix of urban parks, modern colleges, and iconic towers, making it a perfect destination for culture, family outings, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Green Lake Park and its surrounding parks, providing a great setting for relaxation and recreation. Whether you're looking to stroll, cycle, or simply unwind, this vibrant area has something for everyone.

  • Space Needle: This iconic modern tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle and its surroundings. Standing at 605 feet, the Space Needle is a must-visit for its unique architecture and vibrant city atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for stunning photos.
  • University of Washington: Renowned for its beautiful campus, this modern college university features stunning gardens, impressive architecture, and a vibrant student life. The cherry blossoms in spring create a picturesque backdrop, embodying the lively city vibes.
  • Seattle Center: This urban park is a hub of family-friendly activities and outdoor spaces. With gardens, museums, and performance venues, Seattle Center is perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnicking, or enjoying cultural events in a lively atmosphere.

Best time to go to Green Lake Park

The best time to visit Green Lake Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Green Lake Park

When visiting Green Lake Park in Seattle, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront. Plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Utilize Expedia to search for eco-certified hotels and sort options by price for the best deals. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities to save even more. Look out for ticket deals and special discounts to enhance your experience while keeping costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Green Lake Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Green Lake Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Green Lake Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your Green Lake Park hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.