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7 Best Beaches Within A 1-Hour Drive Of Seattle

Beaches surround Seattle, but which ones are the best? Here are a few of the area's gems that are reachable in 1 hour or less. Seattle, known as the Emerald City, is known for its scenic seaport city and surrounding areas, with numerous beaches within a 1-hour drive from downtown Seattle. These are the best beaches within the city, with Pritchard Island Beach located north of Be'er Sheva Park and Discovery Park Beach offering stunning views of Mercer Island's mountaintops. Despite its small stature, Brighton Beach offers a relaxing 100 feet long beach with several amenities such as a picnic area, a basketball court, and a playground. Discovery Park beach offers 2 miles of sheltered tidal beaches and 534-acre natural haven for wildlife. Alki Beach offers an expansive play day for the day, with visitors most likely to enjoy the scenic season. Juanita Park is the next destination in Kirkland, Washington, which houses tennis courts, volleyball courts, open fields, walking trails, picnic area and playgrounds. The amusement park is no longer standing, but its old pilings are still visible at low tide.

7 Best Beaches Within A 1-Hour Drive Of Seattle

Опубликовано : 3 недели назад от Cheyenne Galloway в Travel

Seattle, the scenic seaport city, should be on everyone's bucket list. Those who have yet to visit the state often associate it with rain and the first Starbucks establishment, but there's much more to Seattle than that. Referred to as the Emerald City, there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Seattle, especially in summer.

From hidden gem hikes within driving distance of Seattle to nature trails just outside Seattle, the city and its surrounding area is a gold mine. Within the Emerald City walls, travelers can visit Seattle's creepiest hotel or witness the must-see places in the city that should be on everyone's bucket list. The metropolitan area is renowned for its scenery, here are the best beaches within a 1-hour drive from Seattle, starting with those farthest from the downtown area.

Find out what makes Pritchard so pretty

Pritchard Island Beach is located north of Be'er Sheva Park, roughly 26 minutes from downtown Seattle in the Rainier Beach area. A view of Mercer Island's mountaintops is visible from the beach's shore, creating a gorgeous vista to enjoy while splashing in the water. Its primary hours start at 6 a.m. and end at 10 p.m. The beach even hosts special events and accepts reservations.

Juanita Park is the next destination in Kirkland, Washington, just 25 minutes from downtown Seattle. Leisure and Juanita Beach Park go hand in hand due to its rich history dating back to the early 1900s. For centuries, people have visited this park during the summer to relax, play, tan, and simply let loose.

In addition to a blissful beach, the park also houses tennis courts, volleyball courts, open fields, walking trails, a picnic area, a playground, and more. The park hours are from sunrise to 11 p.m.

Discover endless beauty in this sanctuary for wildlife

Discovery Park Beach is a treasure trove of wildlife and endless fun. The 534-acre natural haven is the largest city park within Seattle. From the park, visitors have fantastic views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The perfect place for mountaineers and beach bums, Discovery Park's 2 miles of sheltered tidal beaches provide serenity for those hoping to get away from the commotion of the city.

Discovery Park Beach seemingly has it all, even accessible playground equipment. Open from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Small but mighty and certainly bright

Despite its small stature, Brighton Beach has a huge personality that will charm the pants off any visitor. The beach is roughly 100 feet long and 100% worth the trip, especially for those searching for some peace and quiet. Nonetheless, Brighton does have several amenities, such as a picnic area, a basketball court, and a playground. The beach is located within a neighborhood, so be mindful of the area's residents while visiting. Plus, the beach offers free parking.

It's more than a park, more than a beach... it's an experience

Madison Park Beach is more than just a beach, its large grassy lawn lines the 400-foot beach while cement steps lead down to the waterfront. Weeping willows and other various trees adorn the park sidewalks, while benches are scattered about for those watchful parents. The park has swings, climbing structures, and tennis courts. Across the street, there are also shopping boutiques and delicious restaurants. It opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 11:30 p.m.

Why choose between the lake and the beach when you can have both?

Mount Baker Park Beach is only 14 minutes from downtown Seattle. Sappy maples and maroon chestnut trees line the path to the beach and Lake Washington Boulevard. The park beach is a relaxing escape into nature, with summer fun for everyone and much more to do than sit on the sand.

Travelers can find locals playing tennis indoors in Amy Yee's Tennis Center (which requires a reservation in advance) while children climb and play like monkeys in the neighboring playground. Park hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

An expansive beach for the perfect beach day

Alki Beach Park starts near 64th Place SW and ends at Duwamish Head on Elliot Bay. It's a scenic location regardless of the season; however, the park sees the most visitors during the warm summer months, from runners to bikers, skaters, and more.

Along with its endless activities and outdoor enjoyment, Alki Beach Park has an extensive history. In 1902, there was even an amusement park, Luna Park, developed at Duwamish Head. The amusement park is no longer standing, but the park's old pilings are still visible at low tide. Operating hours are from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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