A Beach For Each Week of Summer (on Seattle’s Eastside)
While any long-time Seattle resident will tell you that Summer doesn’t “officially” start in the Pacific Northwest until after the fourth of July, there are technically 13 glorious weeks between the summer solstice in June and fall equinox in September, that bring warmer temps and sunnier skies to our beautiful region. With several of our Eastside cities forming the perimeters of two large lakes – Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish – these two lakes alone offer multiple access points for swimming and other water activities on the Eastside. There are also two smaller public lakes that are local favorites – Beaver Lake, and Pine Lake. Read on to learn more about our 13 must-visit lakeside destinations, to keep you cool all summer long.
Places to Swim in Sammamish
Pine Lake Park
Tucked into the heart of Sammamish is the magical Pine Lake Park, a resident favorite for swimming and exploring. With a small, shallow entry beach, and a significant size dock, there is suitable depth swimming for kids (and adults) of all ages. Motorized watercraft are not allowed on the lake, so it makes an awesome spot for longer distance open water swimming, or peaceful paddle boarding.
The park is also a great option for longer outings with multiple playgrounds, day-use areas that can be reserved, and first-come first-serve picnic table alcoves. The park offers plenty of shade under the trees, and an exterior loop trail perfect for walking. Important to note is that the parking lot is about a five minute walk from the swimming area, but there is access closer to the beachfront for passenger drop-off and unloading.
The Pine Lake Park Swimming Area in Sammamish
Beaver Lake Park
If you are looking for a low-key place to spend a summer afternoon, venture up to Sammamish and check out Beaver Lake Park. Being the smallest lake on the list, Beaver Lake is typically the first to warm up for the season, making it perfect for an early season dip. It is also a great spot for non-motorized water sports and fishing.
Like Pine Lake there are several picnic tables and benches, a large shelter available for rent, and grassy areas/trails for running and exploring. A short trail (about 10 minute walk by our estimation) takes you through the woods and over to an off-leash dog park, playground, and several ball fields, as well as an additional parking lot.
The Beaver Lake Swimming Area in Sammamish
Sammamish Landing Park
Located right off the East Lake Sammamish Trail and East Lake Sammamish Parkway, the Sammamish Landing Park is one of the newer swimming holes in the area, and is a great destination to get to by bicycle. This swim area is unique as it offers multiple micro beach access areas that provide private nooks of sand and water access all along the shore of Lake Sammamish, as well as a large grass area with a dock on each end of the main section of the park. There is not much shade besides the trees that line the water, and a single picnic shelter available if you are ambitious enough to get there early in the day.
There is a new small parking lot, but other than that it is all on-street parking along E. Lake Sammamish Parkway, so on the hottest summer days parking here can be a challenge. A convenient feature of the Sammamish Landing are the outdoor showers for rinsing after your swim.
A Fishing/Swimming Dock at Sammamish Landing Park in Sammamish
Places to Swim in Redmond
Idylwood Beach Park
Almost directly across the lake from Sammamish Landing Park is Idylwood Beach Park. This 18-acre beauty has a large swimming area that is perfect for kids, or adults looking for a location for open water swim practice. It is also a great place if you want to launch a small watercraft like a kayak or canoe, as it offers access to a small boat launch. Idylwood’s bathhouses, gorgeous views of Lake Sammamish, and sand volleyball pits, make it a great choice for a weekend of recreating with friends.
Places to Swim in Issaquah
Lake Sammamish State Park
The only State Park on this list, Lake Sammamish State Park is a summer must-visit for families young and old. It is easily accessible from I-90, has two large swim beaches with roped off swim areas, a large sandy beach, and several massive playground areas. It also offers outdoor shower facilities, as well as seasonal gear rentals, if you want to give kayaking or paddle boarding a try. A plethora of picnic tables and large grassy areas make the State Park a perfect spot for an all-day BBQ or picnic.
There is ample parking, but you must have a Discover Pass or purchase a daily pass at the gate to park there. If you are looking to launch a motorized boat, the park also offers a boat launch located at a separate entrance off of East Lake Sammamish Parkway.
One of Two Large Swim Beaches at Lake Sammamish State Park
Places to Swim in Kirkland
Marina Park
Located right in the heart of downtown Kirkland, Marina Park in an iconic spot in Kirkland. It boasts a sandy beach, picnic tables, and a great view looking out over lake Washington. This spot is unique in that it is walking distance to various shops and restaurants in downtown Kirkland, making it a perfect place for a swim followed by lunch or dinner al fresco. The energy and excitement of the waterfront strip in Kirkland is definitely a highlight of the City and the Eastside as a whole.
Kirkland’s Downtown Waterfront Swim Spot Marina Park
Houghton Beach Park
Just south of downtown Kirkland is Houghton Beach Park. This a great alternative to Marina Park if you’re looking for something a little less crowded and further off the “beaten path.” It has a wide-open grass and beach area, so you will get nothing but sun here on a hot day. Houghton includes a nice swim area, playground, and a beach volleyball set-up. There is both onsite and street-side parking available.
Juanita Beach Park
The largest waterfront park in Kirkland, Juanita Beach is a mush visit. It’s great for those with younger kiddos as it offers both an enclosed swimming area and seasonal lifeguards on duty. There is also a playground, public dock, beach volleyball court, horse shoe pit, and ample lawn area to set up camp for the day.
If you work up an appetite, check out Spud Fish and Chips right across the street - an iconic seafood restaurant that has been a staple in the Juanita Beach area since 1969.
Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, WA
Places to Swim in Bellevue
Meydenbauer Bay Park
Over the last decade, this park has gone from good to great. The park was completely overhauled over the past couple years, creating a larger and more protected swimming area, new playground, additional parking, and more overall room for visitors.
The Park is so serene, you wouldn’t know the high rises and bustle of Bellevue’s Downtown core is just a few blocks away. Once you are finished with your day at the beach, head a couple blocks over to Old Main Street and pop into one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating, or head to the wonderful Downtown Park for a stroll and some people watching.
The Newly Redesigned Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue
Enatai Beach Park
Enatai Beach is a unique location as it is partially located under local interstate I-90, and has access to two separate bodies of water. Come for Lake Washington, where we recommend heading in for a swim, but also the Mercer Slough (note: slough is PNW for NOT for swimming in). Local outdoor retailer REI hosts the REI Boathouse at Enatai Beach Park that offers rental kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes that can be paddled down the slough or on the lake for fun non-swimming water activity. You can even spot a variety of wild creatures (turtles, herons, and more) kayaking on the slough.
Kayaking down the Mercer Slough is Easily Accessible from nearby Enatai Beach Park
Newcastle Beach Park
Located in the Newcastle area in South Bellevue, this park is one of the more quaint on our list, and is a neighborhood favorite so can get quite busy. It is a perfect spot for bringing young kiddos or stopping by at non-peak hours. It offers a small sand beach, public dock, roped off swim area, small playground and nature trails.
Places to Swim On Mercer Island
Clarke Beach Park
You can find this great little beach on the Southeast shore of Mercer Island. Clarke Beach is nestled into the trees which provide a good shade cover, and offers a roped off swim area, dock and picnic areas. Be prepared for a short hike down to the beach area. Once you get there it’s likely you’ll be one of just a few visitors, as the more remote location of this park seems to keep it less busy. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, Clarke Beach is definitely one to check out.
Luther Burbank Park
Last on the list, but definitely not least, is the giant 77 acre Luther Burbank Park. Located on the North Central shore of Mercer Island, Luther Burbank is a local destination for swimming, fishing, boating and more. The Park has two separate parking areas that lead to a variety of trails and water access points. It is recommended to park in the main lot, as it is central in the Park and provides easy access to the two main swim areas, gigantic playground, fishing dock, dog park and more. Regardless of where you park, be prepared for some walking. Both paved and gravel trails loop throughout the park to the various amenities, and it is about a 15 minute walk from one end of the park to the other.
In regards to the swimming areas – if you are looking for sand, head to the Swim Beach area marked on the map to the South. If you’re looking for a spot to bring your four legged family members along too, Luther Burbank is at the top of our list. Although dogs are not allowed in the main swimming area, there is an entire off-leash park that includes water access.
Stunning Views from one of Many Swim Spots at Mercer Island’s Luther Burbank Park
Note: Be sure to check all park and city websites before visiting to get updated information on park rules, conditions, availability of lifeguards, and any possible closures. All water sports should be approached with proper precaution and supervision.