Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Seattle, United States

Seattle, United States, Seattle, Travel & Transportation, Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas

Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Seattle, United States

1. Washington Park Arboretum

A serene 230-acre oasis with miles of scenic trails for biking and walking, home to a variety of plant species.
  • Variety of Trails: Offers a diverse range of paved and unpaved paths catering to different skill levels.
  • Botanical Diversity: Home to over 10,000 species of plants, making it a botanist's paradise.
  • Seasonal Beauty: Features stunning floral displays throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn.

2. Burke-Gilman Trail

A popular 27-mile trail running from Seattle to Everett, ideal for biking and walking with beautiful lake views.
  • Length: One of the longest urban trails in the U.S., offering a variety of landscapes.
  • Lake Views: Provides breathtaking views of Puget Sound and Lake Washington along its route.
  • Accessibility: Easy access from multiple points in Seattle, making it convenient for tourists.

3. Discovery Park

Seattle's largest park offers a network of trails and scenic views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
  • Size: Covering over 534 acres, it provides ample space for exploration.
  • Scenic Viewpoints: Features stunning vistas of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains from various spots within the park.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Home to numerous bird species, as well as other wildlife, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

4. Myrtle Edwards Park

Located along the Seattle waterfront, this park boasts a beautiful promenade perfect for biking and walking.
  • Waterfront Location: Offers stunning views of Elliott Bay, Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline.
  • Promenade Path: Has a wide, smooth path ideal for biking or walking, especially during sunsets.
  • Seattle Center Access: Adjacent to the Seattle Center, providing easy access to attractions like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden.

5. Olympic Sculpture Park

A unique outdoor museum displaying large-scale contemporary sculptures along a waterfront trail.
  • Artistic Display: Features sculptures from renowned artists like Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois.
  • Waterfront Trail: Offers a beautiful trail for biking or walking along the Puget Sound.
  • Seattle Art Museum: Connected to the Seattle Art Museum, allowing visitors to enjoy both indoor and outdoor art exhibits.

6. Central District Greenways

A network of green spaces in the Central District neighborhood, ideal for biking and walking amidst urban charm.
  • Urban Setting: Set within a vibrant, culturally diverse neighborhood with numerous cafes and shops.
  • Green Spaces: Includes multiple parks, pocket gardens, and urban forests for relaxation and exploration.
  • Artistic Expressions: Features numerous murals, street art, and community installations throughout the greenways.

7. Gas Works Park

An iconic Seattle park built on an old gasification plant, offering unique views of Lake Union.
  • Industrial History: Offers a glimpse into Seattle's industrial past with remaining structures from the gasification plant.
  • Lake Union Views: Provides stunning views of Lake Union, the Seattle skyline, and the Space Needle.
  • Art Installations: Features several public art installations, such as Echo, a large-scale kinetic sculpture.

8. Fremont Canal

A picturesque canal lined with unique houseboats and quirky public art in the Fremont neighborhood.
  • Houseboat Tourism: Allows visitors to explore the eccentric houseboats along the canal.
  • Public Art: Boasts numerous whimsical public art installations, like the Troll and the Fremont Rocket.
  • Community Atmosphere: Known for its vibrant, quirky atmosphere, making it a fun destination to explore.

9. Magnuson Park

A large park featuring beaches, picnic areas, sports fields, and trails for biking and walking.
  • Size: Covers over 684 acres, providing ample space for various activities.
  • Lake Washington Beach: Offers a sandy beach on Lake Washington, perfect for relaxing or swimming.
  • Sports Facilities: Includes multiple sports fields, a skatepark, and a golf course for active visitors.

10. Lake Union Loop

A scenic 9-mile bike and pedestrian trail circling Lake Union, offering beautiful city views.
  • City Views: Provides stunning panoramic views of Seattle's skyline and neighborhoods.
  • Island Access: Allows visitors to explore the islands in Lake Union, such as Richmond Beach and Sand Point.
  • Park Connections: Connects several parks around the lake, like Gas Works Park and Matthews Beach Park.

11. Matthews Beach Park

A serene park along Lake Union with a sandy beach, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
  • Beach Access: Offers easy access to a sandy beach on Lake Union.
  • Picnic Areas: Provides ample space for picnicking with family and friends.
  • Kite Flying: Ideal for kite flying due to its open, windy spaces.

12. Seattle Bike Share

A bike-sharing system with over 500 stations across the city, allowing easy access to biking adventures.
  • Convenience: Allows users to pick up and drop off bikes at various stations throughout the city.
  • Affordability: Offers affordable hourly rates for short trips or daily passes for longer explorations.
  • Environmental Impact: Promotes sustainable transportation and reduces carbon emissions.

13. Seattle Center Monorail

A quick and convenient way to travel between downtown Seattle and the Seattle Center.
  • Quick Transportation: Provides a fast and efficient means of transport between key destinations.
  • Historical Significance: Opened in 1962 for the World's Fair, offering a glimpse into Seattle's past.
  • Seattle Center Access: Allows easy access to attractions like the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and MoPOP.

14. Pioneer Square

A historic neighborhood featuring cobblestone streets, museums, and scenic overlooks of the city.
  • Historical Significance: Home to Seattle's founding site and several historical landmarks.
  • Cobblestone Streets: Offers a unique, picturesque atmosphere with its cobblestone streets.
  • Museums and Attractions: Includes the Underground Tour, Pioneer Square Park, and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

15. Space Needle

Seattle's iconic tower offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
  • Iconic Landmark: An instantly recognizable symbol of Seattle and the 1962 World's Fair.
  • Observation Deck: Provides a 360-degree view of the city, Puget Sound, and nearby mountains.
  • Revolving Restaurant: Offers a dining experience with rotating views of Seattle's skyline.