14 Things to Do at Green Lake in Seattle (Full Guide!)
Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Kelly
Green Lake is one of the most popular parks in the Seattle area. We love the fact that there’s a paved path that surrounds the entire lake. We’ve used it for running, walking, biking, and skating. Every time we visit Green Lake, we see Seattleites walking dogs, pushing strollers, and simply enjoying the urban green space.
Visiting Green Lake is one of our favorite weekend activities. I’ve visited Green Lake more times than I can count! In this post, I’m sharing my favorite activities and restaurants in the Green Lake area.
Best Things to Do at Green Lake
1. Walk Around the Lake
The reason I visit Green Lake is to go for a peaceful walk. I think it’s a great spot to meet up with friends and catch up. I don’t have to worry about traffic or intersections, and it usually takes me an hour to walk the loop.
Green Lake Park has a 2.8-mile paved path that wraps around the lake. The path is divided into two lanes: one for pedestrians and one for bicyclists and skaters. There are markings on the ground to signal each lane. People can get a little touchy about the proper etiquette, so be sure to use the proper lane.
There’s also an outer gravel path that is unpaved. On the outer edges of the park (not right next to the lake), there’s also a 3.2 mile paved path. Green Lake is the perfect place to meet up with a friend to go for a walk.
My best tip is to stop by Chocolati beforehand. Grab an espresso and a sweet treat and take it with you on your walk!
You might also be interested in learning about the best beaches in Seattle!
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2. Visit the Playground
If you have young children, they’ll definitely enjoy Green Lake’s playground. Our toddler particularly liked the merry-go-round. There’s plenty of swings and two different areas with playground equipment. There’s also a sandy area that’s perfect for kids to play with shovels and sandcastle toys. (Just remember to bring the toys with you!)
| Be sure to check out our article about the best kids’ activities in Seattle! |
3. Cool Off in the Wading Pool
The wading pool for children is open during the summer season and is typically open if the forecast is expected to be at least 70 degrees and sunny.
There are two public beaches at Green Lake that are open seasonally. You’re allowed to swim where a lifeguard is present. Before swimming, be sure to check the algae levels in the lake. I personally have never gone swimming at Green Lake. I think there’s a bit of a local reputation that the water isn’t the cleanest (my opinion).
4. Set Up a Hammock
Every time we visit Green Lake, we see a handful of people that have set up hammocks between the trees. I always think to myself that it’s such a great idea. Bring your favorite book and spend the day relaxing.
5. Visit the Greenlake Boathouse
Head to the Greenlake Boathouse, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, water bikes, and stand-up paddle boards. At the time of this writing, rentals are $25 an hour. The rentals are open seasonally.
6. Play Pickleball or Tennis
Seattle Parks and Recreation recently completed a pilot program in which they added pickleball striping to existing tennis courts, so that players can have the option of playing either sport. Pickleball has really gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and it’s super fun! Green Lake Park has two courts that have been lined for pickleball.
7. Play Basketball, Baseball, Softball, or Soccer
Green Lake Park has three ball fields and one basketball court. There are also two soccer fields in the nearby Woodland Park just to the south of Green Lake.
8. Play Golf at Greenlake Golf
Greenlake Golf a golf course located on the southern side of Green Lake that is open seasonally from March 1st to October 31st. At the time of this writing, it only costs $10 per person (with discounts for juniors and seniors). It’s a short par 3 course.
9. Check Out the Skate Park
Just south of Green Lake is the Lower Woodland Skate Park. For images of the skate park, see this website.
10. Learn About the Green Lake Aqua Theater
As you walk around the lake, you’ll notice an amphitheater facing toward the water. It was used from about 1950 to 1970 to host water ballet and synchronized swimming events. It was even occasionally used to host rock concerts. Currently there’s a pedestrian pier and storage for crew shells.
11. Admire Duck Island
The small island in the northwest portion of Green Lake is called Duck Island. It’s an artificially-built island that currently serves as a wildlife habitat. There’s a few benches that face the island, and it’s a typically a peaceful place to rest. Fun fact: An illicit skate park was once built on the island! You can read the full article from the Seattle Times.
12. Watch a Theater Production at the Green Lake Bathhouse
The Seattle Public Theater often hosts productions at the Green Lake Bathhouse. You can see their production schedule at their website.
13. Take Your Dog to the Off-Leash Park
In Woodland Park, just south of Green Lake, is an off-leash dog park.
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14. Visit the Community Center
The community center offers classes, recreation opportunities, and hygiene services. Whether you want to have a tennis lesson or sign your toddler up for a class, there’s plenty of services they offer!
Directions
Green Lake Park is an easily accessible park located in Seattle. The lake is located in north central Seattle. The lake is located about 5 miles north of the Space Needle. There are a variety of public transportation options to get to the lake.
Restaurants
Here’s a few places to check out while you’re hanging out at Green Lake:
- Duke’s Seafood: The last time I was at this restaurant I ordered the chowder flight and it was delicious!
- Cocina Oaxaca: Get your fill of Mexican food at this local restaurant.
- Tapas Lab: Order small plates at this Asian-Spanish fusion restaurant.
- Tsui Sushi Bar: This is the neighborhood place to go for sushi and sashimi.
- Retreat: This is a fun place to go for breakfast and coffee before a walk around the lake.
- Little Red Hen: This honky tonk bar often hosts live music and it’s a lot of fun!
- Chocolati: Grab a handmade chocolate as a treat after your walk!
Looking for a hotel near Green Lake? Check out the Staybridge Suites Seattle – Fremont, an IHG Hotel. The hotel is located about 2.5 miles south of Green Lake.
History
David Phillips, a surveyor, first called this lake “Green” in 1855 because it’s prone to algae blooms. Area around the lake was homesteaded by Erhart Sarfried “Green Lake John”, who later sold the property to various business owners.
In 1903, the area around the lake was included as part of the Olmstead Plan, which was focused on creating green spaces around Seattle.
The historic Green Lake bathhouse was built in 1927. The community center was added in 1929, Duck Island was built in 1936, and the aqua theater was built in 1950.
Parking
There are two parking lots at Green Lake. The West Parking Lot is located at 7312 West Green Lake Drive North. The East Parking Lot is located at 7351 East Green Lake Drive North. Both parking lots tend to fill up quickly on weekends and sunny days. We often look for street parking near the lake and then just begin our walk along the paved path. If you need to be at Green Lake at a particular time, we recommend giving yourself extra time to find parking.
Summary
Green Lake is one of my favorite urban green spaces in Seattle. It’s also one of my favorite places to take guests that are visiting from out of town after they’ve seen all the “touristy” things in Seattle. I hope you enjoy your visit to the park!
Disclaimer: We always strive for content accuracy. Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.
