10 beach parks along the shores of Lake Washington

Lake Washington’s shoreline is dotted with family-friendly parks where you can swim, picnic, play and spend an entire summer afternoon. Over the years, we’ve visited these parks for everything from birthday parties and sunset strolls to toddler playdates and summer swim days. Here are 10 of our favorite Lake Washington beach parks — plus what makes each one worth the trip.

Before You Go

• Check current water quality before swimming.
• Confirm lifeguard schedules before your visit.
• Most lifeguarded beaches offer free life jacket loaner programs.
• Pack sand toys, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
• Dogs are welcome on leash in most parks, but not in designated swim areas.

Seward Park (Seattle)

Best for: A full day outdoors

Seward Park is one of those places our family returns to throughout the year. Between the old-growth forest, lakeside loop trail, playground and swim beach, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here without running out of things to do.

The playground is one of our favorites, with a zipline, sandbox, merry-go-round and swings for toddlers and older kids. On clear days, you’ll also catch beautiful views of Mount Rainier across the lake.

In spring, the cherry blossoms and fields of daisies make this one of my favorite spots for family photos. During summer, it gets busy, but there’s usually still enough lawn space to spread out a picnic blanket.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Year-round
• Parking: Multiple lots

Madrona Park (Seattle)

Best for: Swimming and relaxing by the lake

Madrona Park feels a little quieter than some of the larger Lake Washington parks, making it one of my favorite places for a relaxed afternoon by the water.

The shady lawn is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket, while the swim beach offers beautiful views across the lake toward Bellevue and Mount Rainier on clear days.

One feature I especially appreciate is the bathhouse with changing rooms and outdoor rinse showers — small conveniences that make beach days with kids much easier. During summer, families can also borrow life jackets and other beach equipment on a first-come, first-served basis.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Picnic area: Yes
• Parking: Multiple lots and street parking

Meydenbauer Bay Park (Bellevue)

Best for: Playground + beach + coffee

If we’re looking for an easy afternoon outing, Meydenbauer Bay Park checks all the boxes. It’s just minutes from downtown Bellevue, with cafés and ice cream shops nearby that make it easy to turn a beach trip into a family outing.

I especially love the nature-inspired playground with its soft turf instead of wood chips. Benches surround the play area, so parents can relax while keeping an eye on little climbers.

The sandy beach, long pier and shady picnic areas make it easy to spend several hours here. If we’re staying for sunset, we’ll usually grab coffee from nearby Coffeeholic before heading down to the waterfront.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Year-round
• Seasonal kayak rentals
• Parking: Three lots

Waverly Beach Park (Kirkland)

Best for: Younger swimmers

One of the things that makes Waverly Beach Park stand out is its unique swim area. The designated beach is enclosed by a pier, helping separate the swimming area from deeper water and making it feel especially comfortable for families with younger kids.

The small, tree-shaded playground is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, while benches overlooking the beach make it easy to keep an eye on kids playing in the water. On clear days, take a walk to the end of the public dock for beautiful views of Mount Rainier.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Reservable picnic shelter
• Parking: Two lots plus street parking

Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park (Kirkland)

Best for: A quick playground stop

This smaller waterfront park is a great option when you don’t have an entire afternoon to spend at the lake. My daughter’s favorite feature is the ship-themed playground, while I love how easy it is to grab coffee or lunch from downtown Kirkland and enjoy it by the water.

Picnic tables, benches, and a sandy beach make this a relaxing stop for families looking to squeeze in a little outdoor time without committing to a full beach day.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Ship-themed playground
• Parking: Small lot plus street parking

Juanita Beach Park (Kirkland)

Best for: Meeting friends

This has become our go-to park for meeting family friends. There’s enough space for everyone to spread out while still offering plenty to keep kids entertained.

My favorite part is the long U-shaped pier, especially around sunset. My daughter’s vote, of course, goes to the playground. Between the sandy beach, wide lawns, walking paths, and seasonal kayak rentals, it’s one of those parks where you can easily spend half the day.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Year-round
• Playground and picnic shelters
• Seasonal kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Parking: Two large lots

O.O. Denny Park (Kirkland)

Best for: Families who want hiking and a beach

If your family likes to combine a little hiking with a beach day, O.O. Denny Park is hard to beat.

The Denny Creek Trail winds through old-growth forest, crosses boardwalks, and follows the creek, making it a fun half-day adventure before relaxing by the lake. During salmon season, it’s also a popular place to spot spawning salmon.

Unlike many of the other parks on this list, the swimming beach isn’t lifeguarded, making this one better suited for families who are planning more time on the trails than in the water.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: No
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Hiking trails and beach access
• Reservable picnic shelter
• Parking: Two lots

Newcastle Beach Park (Bellevue)

Best for: Birthday parties and big gatherings

When we’re planning a large family picnic or birthday party, Newcastle Beach Park is usually the first place that comes to mind. It’s Bellevue’s largest beach park, with expansive lawns, reservable picnic shelters, and plenty of room for kids to spread out.

The train-themed playground is a favorite with younger kids, thanks to its climbing features, slides, and swings, while the paved lakeside paths are perfect for scooters and bikes. I especially love visiting around sunset — it’s one of my favorite places in Bellevue for an evening walk along the water.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes (summer)
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Large reservable picnic shelters
• Parking: Two large lots

Magnuson Park Beach (Seattle)

Best for: Large group beach days

With 350 acres along Lake Washington, Magnuson Park is one of Seattle’s biggest waterfront parks and an easy choice when you’re meeting a crowd.

There’s plenty of room to spread out for a picnic, enjoy the beach or wander the forested trails. On clear days, you’ll even catch Mount Rainier rising above the lake. The playground is currently being renovated, but once it reopens, this will be an even stronger destination for families.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Seasonal
• Playground reopening planned for 2027
• Large off-leash dog park nearby
• Multiple parking lots

Clyde Beach Park (Bellevue)

Best for: Toddlers

Clyde Beach Park is one of my favorite little neighborhood parks. It’s smaller than many of the others on this list, but that’s part of its charm.
The pirate ship-themed playground is just the right size for toddlers, and the wide lawn surrounding it makes it easy to spread out a blanket while little ones explore. Sometimes it’s just as nice to grab a coffee and enjoy a quiet morning by the lake while the kids play.
Parking is limited and fills quickly on warm summer days. If you can’t find a spot, Meydenbauer Bay Park is only a few minutes away and makes a great backup plan.

Good to Know

• Lifeguards: Yes
• Restrooms: Yes
• Toddler-friendly playground
• Parking: Small lot