Seward Park Seattle is one of the city’s best destinations for enjoying the great outdoors and plenty of green space. The allure of local parks for travelers to the Emerald City is hard to ignore, as they’re a budget traveler’s dream and a great way to get out of the tourist areas. Seward Park is particularly popular for its large expanses of space and beautiful scenery—you won’t feel like you’re in a city at all.

Known for its stunning views of Lake Washington, Seward Park is located in south Seattle, occupying all of the Bailey Peninsula, which juts out into the lake. The park offers 300 acres of old-growth forests, miles of hiking trails, a native plant garden, and, of course, those views of the water. Visitors explore this park for fitness, for family picnics, or for a few hours of breathing fresh air.

Aside from the natural attractions, one of the biggest draws here is the Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Center. The mission of the center is to inspire exploration of the natural world through programs that promote sustainable communities. Seattle is a city that is very concerned with its environment, and this park is a great place to learn more if you’re interested.

Seattle Map

One of the fascinating aspects of a visit to Seward Park and the Bailey Peninsula is it gives you an idea of what Seattle must have been like before settlement. When you’re hiking through the old-growth forests, it will be almost mind-blowing to envision the entire area covered with these types of beautiful trees. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the chance to explore the forests and lakefront of Seward Park, particularly if you’re visiting in the long days of summer or during the peak foliage weeks in the fall.