Overview of Seattle's Golden Gardens Park
Whether Sunbathing or Searching for Shells, Golden Gardens is a Great Place to Explore!
The southern section of the beach at Golden Gardens is sandy and great for those wishing to take a swim, while the northern section of the beach is more rugged and rocky for those looking to explore. At low tide there is an endless supply of shells and creatures for those wanting to search and explore. You will find everything from anemones and sea stars to beautiful shells hidden amongst the beds of eelgrass and tide pools. This is a great park to bring your children and explore year-round, so outfit the clan with slickers and boots in autumn and enjoy a day with the beach mostly to yourselves.
For those more interested in wildlife than volleyball, there is a wetland area at the north end of the park where numerous species of birds and turtles can be spotted basking in the sun. It's not unusual to see hummingbirds and Bald Eagles within moments of one another at Golden Gardens and the Osprey enjoy this as a fishing spot as well. At low tide there are often numerous Great Blue Herons foraging close to shore and if you watch them long enough, you will see them strike and capture their prey. It's a wonderful opportunity for any nature enthusiast, photographer or birder.
There is a large parking lot running the length of the beach with plenty of handicap spaces available and a boat launch at the south end of the park. A smooth sidewalk runs the length of the parking lot and a small bridge crosses the wetland area stopping at the edge of the beach where there are several benches available for those that just want to sit, watch, and listen.
Golden Gardens offers sweeping views of Puget Sound and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains all year long. This park is a fabulous place to watch the sunset or grill your favorite summer foods near the picnic and children's play area. So whether you are interested in being one with the sand and a good book or exploring the shoreline, Golden Gardens is a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon.
The park is located just north of the Ballard Locks and Shilshole Bay Marina at 8498 Seaview Pl. NW.
Published by Kathrine Lloyd
Born and raised on the east coast of the United States and transplanted to Seattle in the Pacific Northwest, Kathrine caught nature fever and can be found out and about in Seattle s wild spaces photographing... View profile
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- For those more interested in wildlife than volleyball, there is a wetland area at the north end.
- There is a large parking lot running the length of the beach with plenty of handicap spaces.
- There is a children's play area, grills, and picnic tables for those wanting to cook out.
7 Comments
Post a CommentI took a little break from my business recently to hang out in Gloucester, MA with some of my grand kids. It was fabulous! Michele is right about all the fantastic parks and such in this great country! Nice work!
Although I do like some entertainment when visiting a seaside locale, I've gotten to prefer nature and solitude and night. I have this unfulfilled vision of sitting in a lawnchair with a six pack of cold beer and a surfing fish pole. On a quiet and moonlit night.
Never heard of these gardens - great information in case I'm up that way!
This sounds very enticing!
Katie, this is a travel brochure in itself, as always makes me want to hop on an airplane!
Love the beaches with tidepools. This one sounds great.
You know, Kath, I love our country's parks and historic sites. We need more articles like this one to encourage folks to visit them, otherwise we will lose what we don't use when the budget hammers come down. These services are being drastically cut in NY by our governor who is closing most of our State Parks and historic sites. Sadly so. cheers :)