Golden Gardens Park

Golden Gardens Park in Ballard is one of Seattle’s most enchanting urban escapes. This nearly 88‑acre gem offers sweeping Puget Sound and Olympic views, wide sandy beaches, wetlands alive with wildlife, and charming forested trails built during the 1930s. The beach is a magnet for volleyball, kiteboarding, and cozy evening fire pits (on a first‑come basis during fire season). For a change of pace, head uphill to peaceful wooded trails, take your pup to the fenced off‑leash area, or watch ducks and beavers by the marsh. Parking can be a challenge during peak hours, so arrive early or opt for street parking nearby. The park feels safe during the day and early evening, though things quiet down after dark. Water swimmers—be warned, it’s brisk! But on a calm, sunny day, kayaking or strolling the shoreline is unbeatable. Golden Gardens is perfect for families, sunset watchers, dog lovers, and anyone wanting fresh air—and it feels quintessentially Seattle. Tips: • Arrive early in summer to snag parking • Sunset = bring a jacket for the beach fire pits • Avoid late hours for safety and serenity • Explore both the beach and the upper trails for a complete experience

I love the smell of the sea in the morning. There's nothing else like it. And me, being a Navy man, could ever get tired of the peace that comes with casting all my worries aside and pretending like I have clean slate. It's a new day, and what a glorious place to start. I usually pick the bench under the leafy locust trees towards the north shore. Half an hour goes by like its another life. No arguing, no bickering, no fighting over who is right or wrong about anything, no concerns about wars of famines or anything else. Sticking my head in the sand, you might say. No, no. As I said just a moment ago, I cast all the cares and concerns of this world. I'm just one blip on the radar compared to eternity and it is nice to have this kind of serenity. And now I am 90 sober, so my outtings to Golden Gardens are that much more treasured. You should try it, too. If you should happen by early in the morning and see the large gentlemen in running shorts and a T-shirt, and white socks, that's me. Stop, and let's chat a while. I won't judge you in any way, man or woman, young or old. Let's just share this kind of ineffable peace for a while. You just might make a new friend.

Came here for an afternoon walk and relaxing. It had a nice sandy beach but the water did not seem very clean. There are walking trails, picnic areas & BBQ. It was well maintained with clean toilets.

Golden Gardens Beach is hands down one of the best places to relax in Seattle. The beach is clean, the vibe is chill, and the views of the water and mountains are breathtaking. Whether you're here for a walk, a beach picnic, or just to sit by the water, it's the perfect place to unwind. There's plenty of parking, and clean sand. Great for families, couples, or solo visitors just looking to enjoy nature.

Beautiful park with some nice beach access and walkways. If you are walking down be aware there’s a lot of steps to hike down and back up. You can drive down and park but it’s somewhat limited!

Shout out to the hardworking crew who are busy taking care of Golden Gardens. They were driving around making sure it was clean and safe for everyone. Parking is hard to find on a summer day but that is to be expected great spot with plenty of room for everyone!

Perfect place to come and visit, to get breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, and watch the perfect sunset. Highly recommend coming here around sunset in the winter months, and sunrise during the summer months, to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Come and bring your food, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Nice park with great water view and lots picnic tables and BBQ pits. For those who take the bus to the park, be aware of the long stairs hilly steps for going down/back up to the bus stop. There are also public restrooms and water fountains.

Golden Gardens: Where Seattle Pretends It's California in the summer...but in the winter it's my favorite getaway. Golden Gardens is where Ballard bros, off-leash golden retrievers, and existentially weary Seattleites converge to watch the sun sink into the Sound like it's got somewhere better to be. The parking lot is a gladiator arena--only the strong (or Prius-driving passive-aggressives) survive. Bonfire pits? Full by 2 p.m., claimed by a single rogue camping chair. The sand is that perfect mix of scenic and mildly concerning, thanks to the occasional forgotten sock. But damn, the view. When the Olympics glow pink and the waves catch fire in the sunset, even the loudest Bluetooth speaker can't ruin the moment. It's chaotic, it's weird, and it's peak Seattle. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Golden Gardens Park is a woodsy beach park that should really be two parks, the East section and the West section. The West section is made up of a play area and quite a bit of sandy beach. It was extremely busy and contained the Golden Gardens Wetlands, which was a gorgeous little spot with quite a few ducks and the Golden Gardens Bathhouse which is where you can buy refreshments and use the restroom. The East section can be visited by walking through the tunnel off Golden Gardens Park Road. From there you walk over to Golden Gardens Drive and climb up the steps, which follow a waterfall that snakes its way up the stairs, in one spot crossing the path you walk over. I've never seen steps up a path that follow a waterfall before and it was incredibly beautiful. Once you reach the top of the steps there's a dog park and some additional woods but it's fairly nondescript other than the fact there's a restroom. It could definitely use a bit more culture and color like the West side of the park has, but it did have one odd little (dog?) sculpture that has seen better days. The West section is more sandy and the East section is more woodsy, but I really appreciate parks like this that straddle several different types of outdoors, so you get waterfront as well as trees and urban buildings. Overall I enjoyed Golden Gardens Park and it's certainly a nice little hike to the top.

This park is absolutely beautiful - very relaxing and easy to walk! The views are amazing!

Beautiful scenery, sand and surf, not to mention a playground and picnic benches with views. This park and waterfront are a glorious summer gathering place for many of the north end families and friends. Quite busy, especially on hot, summer weekends, but venture out, too, when it's drizzly and overcast to enjoy it!

Golden Gardens Park is a nice-looking Park with plenty of space, views and options for a family outing. Not much gardens going on and perhaps the golden part comes from sunsets that people like. There is a fair amount of parking, but still fills up quick on nicer days due to its popularity. There is beach space of course, benches to sit on and watch as people and boats go by, a playground and sort of a cove area that leads to kind of a side beach for walking. There a more rocks and brush over that way so it's a little less spacious. There are grills and benches to set up for picnics and parties. There are porta potties and a concession stand for convenience but I'm sure most folks will bring their own goods. There is a ramp nearby for bringing your boat which makes this legit boating waters and there were plenty of boats out in my latest visit. The park hits some sad degradation from people visiting it which is a shame. Signs all over but are ignored and this is just from my single (thus far visit). This includes unleashed dogs on the beach, litter, groups of people taking up and blocking the walkways for starters. Lack of park rangers may be part of it, but I could imagine it being worse, the better the day is. Still though, a nice park for a little outing and can see why it is popular.

I go towards Golden Gardens Park for my daily runs. It's convenient that if I go all the way to the end of the park and back, the total distance tends to be around six miles. The beach is pretty and I like running along the water, where you can see mountains in the distance. You can see some interesting animals like heron, starfish, and seals on the way to the park. The park also has recreational sections like beach volleyball court. If you live nearby, it's an excellent place to walk around and hang out, especially during warmer weather.

Such an interesting place to visit. Yes, the beach is beautiful with this view. But the little creatures that you can find makes it amazing. Around June, tide gets lower and away from the shore. Sea animals get discovered by new eyes (children) that can learn from watching and hearing more about them. Seattle Aquarium sends people to help us learning stuff. We have found starfish, octopus, cucumbers, crabs, etc. You can also walk over the little rocks all the way to the farthest part and see what a marvelous spectacle.

I've been living in Seattle for a couple years and had never been to Golden Gardens but that finally changed! There is a windy road that you take to drive down to the beach. There is an upper section with less parking but if you continue driving down you'll end up at the main area. There is ample parking although on the weekend during the summer it could all be filled early and quickly. There is a grassy area for picnics that is closer to the park section. On the beach side there are some fire pits for late cold nights and bonfires. The beach is large and there's a lot of room for a lot of people which makes this a good place for large groups or gatherings. There is also a lot of space for water activities like paddle boarding and kayaking; this also means that it's a great location for watching the sunset. If you want food there's a restaurant right next to the sand called Miri's where you can grab some food. I saw a lot of pets here and I'm sure your furry friends will enjoy this park as well. This is a fun park to relax or spend an afternoon to hang out for a variety of occasions or no occasion at all.

This is a pretty beach only a few minutes drive from downtown Ballard! You could watch the sunset here and then grab drinks in Ballard nearby at Pie Bar, Little Tin Goods Apothecary, or Mox Boarding House (board game cafe) as a cute date. For taking out of town visitors, Gasworks Park and Salt & Straw are not too far from Golden Gardens as well! It's a bit colder September - April so be sure to bring a warm jacket so that you can enjoy the park. You can stroll down to the pier on the left and also walk on a trail along the beach. There are large driftwood logs to sit on as well and just enjoy the scenery. In the warmer months, you can light bonfires in designated fire pits and make s'mores! The parking lot is large, and we usually have no problem finding a spot (may need to circle for a bit) -- if it's too packed, there's a second parking lot with a tunnel to the beach.

Today was my first time venturing to Golden Gardens Park and I am in love!! Who knew a sandy beach existed in the city of Seattle!? This is lovely spot that boasts beautiful Mountain Views. My heart skipped a beat exploring this place and I can't wait to return. You must check out Little Coney when visiting, I highly recommend parking a bit away from the madness (marina parking is where it's at!), and possibly build a cozy bonfire in the evening, and really make an evening of it!

Very possible one of the best parks in Seattle, which is why it's packed full frequently! Right on the waterfront, you can get an amazing view of the Olympics and the Puget Sound. I ended up starting at the Shilshole Marina and walking up to the park - very nice, easy stroll on paved paths. The beach allows direct access into the water, hand launch boat ramp on site, and there are picnic areas and volleyball courts that can be reserved. Keep walking and you'll get a little bit off of the beach and into wetland and forested areas as well as a dog park area. This is a great place to get outside year round, but is very, VERY popular in the summer for a reason.

TLDR: lovely local beach to sit, chill, and BBQ. Plenty of critters to find if you know where to look. Not the best shell-hunting grounds. Tip: Do not consume any shellfish from here. It is unsafe as deemed by WDFW due to polluted urban waters. https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html Very crowded on warm days--good luck finding a fire pit if you don't come hours beforehand if you're looking to BBQ. If you make your own fire pit in the sand, beach personnel will come by and ask you to put it out--you can only have fires in the designated pits. Low tide is pretty neat, though very few shells are whole--most are broken to bits. Went in the morning and saw a Great Blue Heron fishing! It's not trash! Those rubber toilet plunger or tire looking things that are scattered throughout the tide line are actually moon snail egg cases! It's a combination of snail slime and millions of teeny tiny eggs that eventually dissolves and disperses. Leave them be and don't throw it away. Now you know :) If you know where to look, there are plenty of creatures lurking about. Remember to always carefully return what you find and leave it as you found it. I personally have found: Moon Snails (very rare and extremely to find), Starfish (easy to spot most times), Large and Small Crabs, Fish, Clams, Chiton, Limpets, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Octopus, Eel (or a long fish), Sculpin, Anenomes, Sea Cucumbers, Sea Sponges, and Sea Slugs.

We had a great afternoon at the park! The beach area was nice and they have a huge playground for kids. It was during the week and in the winter so it wasn't super crazy but there were still quite a few people around. I can see how it could be super crowded on weekends and in the summer. You can easy walk around, play in the sand, or just hang out for a few hours here. It's a nice view and there is a decent amount of parking.

Golden Gardens Beach is an ideal place to relax and watch the sunset after dinner. In August 2019, our family stopped by this beach for a peaceful moment after a delicious dinner to commemorate the final night of our 2 week Pacific Northwest vacation trip. Parking in the lot can be a bit of a challenge, but if you wait patiently, free spots do emerge. The beach has lots of dogs and kids! It also provides a lovely view of Bainbridge Island across the bay. The gentle waves and sand provide a peaceful respite from the urban bustle of Seattle. From our hotel near the Space Needle, it was only a 25 minute drive by rental car on a Sunday evening. I'm really glad we stopped here to admire the view.

Seattle's only real beach park! What's not to love. We've been here a few dozen times. Spring/ summer being the busiest. And summer nights being the craziest. Parking is full! The harbor is full! The marina is full. It's just all so full. And summer time, the sand is all black from many barbecue stations /charcoal drops! You'll get very very dirty if you're barefoot. Or your shoes will. But we've also had so many fun nights here. Played beach volley balls on Sunday night with a ton of peeps! Sunday nights are the nights they don't patrol , so I've been told. It's the busiest nights and yep! Everyone's drinking in bikinis. Definitely a college vibes Sunday night and I've been here everyday of the week. Other days/ nights were much quieter. They also have a building: boat house/ area that you can reserve for parties/ weddings. The barbecue tables get booked up way ahead. They do have a bathroom facilities but it gets very busy. Parking is free but sometimes you'll have to go all the way inside! Overall, the only beach with walk paths, sand, waves! And everything. It's like Alki but better because it's not surrounded by plethora of restaurants, cars and pot shops. Much quieter/ more beachier beach! And dogs are allowed. What's not to like?

Another gem of a park - though I wouldn't want to see it on a summer weekend! This park has a little bit of everything.... rocky beach, playground, wetlands (we spotted a turtle!), concession, dog run, green space.... and even a designated hammock area!! We thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon here and we were very thankful that we had time to linger and sit around enjoying the ambience of the place. Fun fact: There is a wonderful book called "I can make this promise" by Christina Day where this park is featured. Highly recommend both of the book (based on true events) and the park! Its a bit of a hike from our house but we would definitely go back!

30 years living in the area, and I didn't know this sizable sandy beach park existed. For shame. Things you should know: - There are multiple parking opportunities. The first lot is modest in size. There's a set of stairs to reach the beach (down-wards) but note that it's relatively steep at 3 to 4 floors. If you have knee problems, you may not want to park here. Continue driving down the road and try the lot at the bottom which closer to the beach, or spots on the road. - The beach is fantastically large. From the south side near the pier/moorage to the north side where the shallow tide pools (I think that's what they are called) are, you should be able to find a spot to call your own. Admittedly, there are crowds to walk through, lots and lots of them. - There are bathrooms at the beach level and bathrooms at the first parking lot. - There is a small concession stand open. We visited on a Saturday, so I don't know if it's open on weekdays. - There's no obvious cooking/BBQ pits though I didn't walk the entire beach. Bring all your own supplies is best. - Even on a hot day (70's), the breeze from Puget Sound can be quite chilly and also strong. Bring extra layers if you're staying for long. And watch for sand on your food. :P We went to Golden Gardens because the day was amongst the lowest tides of the year. Supposedly, there are marine critters to be found, but my luck and my skills are mediocre at best. See photos for some amateur results. If you're there in the late afternoon, remember the tide will come in - quickly! We walked onto a sandbar that we quickly realize we need to get off asap.

My favorite spot in Seattle to catch the Best Sunsets! Parking is hectic but once you find a spot you'll love to chill and watch the sky meet the water and listen to the waves.

Great views on a sunny or not sunny day!! Very broad views--you can see the mountains in true far. Sky and water are reflecting each other. Cold, windy and sunny. That's the best you can hope for Seattle winter!

There are a lot of rocks at this beach, I've hung out here twice, different spots along the beach each time and it's all pretty rocky but still a fun beach to hang at. I'd recommend some nice water shoes or flip flops to walk around. I saw a few guys trying to walk barefoot along the beach and by the time they were coming back they looked pretty hurt. Right when you enter there is a large parking lot. If you park near the entrance it's more beachy, theres a snack shack and a bathroom on the other side. The snack shack's food smelt amazing and they had a good variety of food. Further down there is a large lawn where dogs can play around and people can hang out and enjoy the sun. There is also beach access but it gets rockier on this side of the beach, we usually prefer to hang out at this end because there are less people. There are fire pits along the beach that were locked up until the afternoon when someone drives by to unlock them and let everyone know some safety tips if they are going to start a fire. The beach was fairly busy but it's not hard to find a spot, it's a large beach! We even saw a few events going on, one party had a long table set up with pillows and a dinner set, pretty cute! Another group was having a religious event where everyone was welcome. I went here with my sister, baby Oakley and my mini poodle, Bella and everyone had a really great time! Oakley got to splash by the water and collect rocks and shells. Bella swam around and enjoyed the sunshine with me and my sister. We came midday and were able to see how busy the beach is throughout the day and it's pretty constant since a lot of people come in the day time for the sunshine and at night people come for bonfires.

A nice playground for the little kids. A nice and lively beach. A a busy train track on the beach... so breathtaking.

Just got home from Golden Gardens and it's the best place to be when it's sunny and warm. The downside is parking can be terrible since everyone also wants to enjoy the view and beach too. There are more parking up the hill or near the marina. It's a classic beach with volley nets, grills, and nice grass areas. There are designated fire pits, I think, but I have since the patrols come riding out and telling others to put theirs out. Be mindful cause they're there! It does get chilly when the sun set, so always bring a jacket regardless the time of the year!

Golden Gardens Park has so much going for it -- trails, beach, dog park, and park! I finally visited for the first time and was impressed! I was prepared for getting a good walk but instead found myself wishing I had prepared for a swim! The water is super clear and had a decent amount of activity with dragon boats, kayaks, and more. The water is freezing though and the beach is crowded, so get here early if you want a good spot! Definitely will be back with it being in such close proximity to downtown Seattle/Ballard!

Gorgeous park and beach close to Seattle! It seems to be extra crowded during covid, so please wear a mask. Parking is a bit tricky (and there's a lot of it!) but due to the crowds it's tough to find a spot. You mostly have to drive up and down until you can find a spot. There are a few cute places to eat around - classic beach style (hotdogs, hamburgers, Ice cream, etc.). There is a beautiful, short walk along the water. You can see the beach, sailboats on the water, the yacht yard, and the park. The only negative is 1. The crowds and 2. There is a train track right behind the beach and you hear a ton of trains passing through.

Great place for my girls. I taught my girls how to swim and float in the waves there. It's close to the house so we are there ALL SUMMER

One of the best beaches along the Puget Sound if you're looking for a lot of nice sand, volleyball, and a good sunset. Bring spikeball or other beach activities because there is a lot of room! It has more of a California beach feel but obviously it's not Cali haha. You might have to park far, it can be really busy. Another disclaimer, the sand isn't like super soft. It's clean and doesn't have sticks or other things in it, but it is a little bit rough. Still really nice though! Make sure you go for sunset!! As you can see in my pictures.

Beautiful park with white sand. We were just driving around and saw this place was a must see. Driving is a little bit confusing because there's parking everywhere lower and above parking. Make sure you go all the way because there's a bunch of parking on the lower level that connects to the beach. We got here around 4p and it was packed. All of people enjoying the sun and there are BBQ pits so you can BBQ. picnic benches are also scattered around the park great for hanging out and eating/drinking. There's volleyball and basketball court that you can also use. Park also comes with a kids playing ground consist of swings,slides,obstacles course ropes and much more. There also a event space that you could rent out, not sure the information for that goes but when we were there an event was happening. Concession stand is near by with ice cream, hotdogs, candy and chips to purchase. It is CASH ONLY so bring cash. Showers/bathrooms are nearby the store. Also portable bathrooms are available near picnic benches. Highly recommended to come and visit this park!!! Maybe you can bring your row boat or stand up paddle board. Have fun!

This park offers a wide range of use cases, which is really nice. If you're a dog owner, there's a big (and perpetually damp) lawn to bring your slobbering beast. If you're a reader, set up a hammock in the grove of erect trees and between chapters gaze out onto the marina with its gaggle of equally erect sail boats -- imagine your hammock there. If you're an antisocial yet non-threatening old man who channels all inner emptiness into a love of railroading, sit tight on the rocky northernmost shore and watch the BNSF diesel chug-a-lug-lug with the mystery of a nymph and the power of a dominatrix. If you're an antisocial younger person, still hot with your youth, park your car and stare at the Olympics -- maybe the girl who dumped you drinks from its babbling brooks, and no longer your raging river -- swim into yourself, chap, and drown growingly. If you're a duck lover, there are ducks. Bottom line with GG: it's North Seattle's take on Alki: quieter, fewer rabble-rousers and more families, less Californian and more, idk, Swedish. There's even a community center and food stand which is only lightly-vandalized by Seattle standards.

Came here after a suggestion from a friend who used to live in the area. It was a nice experience for our little one with the ginormous playground. The "beach" area was neat, but it had so many rocks. Kind of a bummer. Parking was easy.

Delightful beach park! Be sure to bring beach supplies! We found a seagull eating a crab! We came out early in the morning while it was still foggy and it was amazing...mysterious and expansive. When the fog blew off, we enjoyed watching the sailboats leaving the marina.

Gorgeous park on the Puget Sound. Plenty of beach and many shaded picnic areas. It's a beautiful place to come and stare at the boats in the ocean. Only thing I hate is the toilet situation! Damn porta potties don't get pumped very often.

It is one of the best spots for sunset in Seattle. On a clear day, the glow of the sunlight from the end of the day glimmers off the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Moreover, there are barbecue pits and the light from the fires contrasts majestically with the sunset. For those reasons, the park is a picture perfect and peaceful location for sunset. If you are visiting Seattle or hiking in the nearby area and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me through Yelp and I can share my itinerary, which includes my Yelp reviews. The information for an electronic copy can also be found via my Yelp profile.

First time here and my... I cannot believe I had not come here any sooner. Just a tip... Parking is nearly impossible to find.. So park on the street next to where all the boats are parked. Do not park in the lot or spots for the cars and their trailers! We saw so many cars get ticketed. Not worth it. If you keep walking down past the mainstream volleyball/beach area, there is a really nice area where it's less crowded and perfect for laying down, sun bathing, and skipping rocks. I'll definitely be back, next time for a picnic perhaps. The crowd is not ghetto much like what you find at places like Alki. :)

I love Golden Gardens. I really do. I love it so much, that I take the hard to find parking and the drunk kids with the bad music. Because there is so much to love over these small points! Sandy beach, friendly park employees, a concession stand, people of all color and age having fun, first-come-first-serve fire pits free to use, restrooms, BBQs and picnic tables, boats passing by (sometimes even seals or harbor porpoises!) and one of the best views of the Olympic mountains! I love to come here, bring something to eat and drink and watch the others, read a book, get frozen toes in the puget sound and - my favorite - watch spectacular sunsets!! It's definitely a "vacation feeling" spot for me.

Golden Garden is a beautiful place to sit, explore, or just take in a sunset! A while back, our son needed to take some pictures of sea life for a Blanchet science project, so we came to Golden Gardens at all hours to take photos at high and low tide. It also gave us a better appreciation for a park that was in our own backyard, which we hadn't visited as much as we should (See photos). Parking is limited to spaces near the marina, and you have to walk north along the beach from there. But the park goes on for almost a mile up towards Carkeek Park. As you go further up, the space is limited because of the narrowing of the beach front & the private homes that are situated along the water way. But, it's a great walk and we would highly recommended it. So take your camera and get on your beach flip-flops. Enjoy!

Parking is difficult but worthwhile after you lay out and relax for an hour. The people on the weekend are a bit trashy - they blatantly disregard park rules, including keeping dogs on leash when on the beach, and no alcohol. There were some that were more discreet about putting beer in other containers, but others brought their own grills, propped them up in the sand, and smoked out, all next to children playing in the sand. I only saw three dogs that were kept on-leash. At least two dogs that were gross and wet came running by me and my friends. The line for the bathroom was never ending and I just held it the entire time we were there. There were women going into the men's restroom and my male friend had a girl washing her hands next to him as he peed in the urinal - yeah...trashy. Tips: go early, bring headphones, don't drink anything so you don't have to pee, and prepare to be annoyed by beach people not abiding by rules.

LOVE this beach!! It is sooo cute! I love how huge it is, there's people playing games, kids on the playground or people just hanging out. There's a lot of room and it gets very busy during summer time. Parking is very chill and easy to find. Definitely recommend going here! It's quite a drive for me from Kent but I love going here and it's worth it!

Great place to enjoy the Seattle summer. We were there from 6-9 and caught the sunset. The water was a bit kelpy but still OK. Careful of the rocks, they're small and smooth so easy to trip.

This is such a beautiful park. I've been living in Seattle for more than one year and I was surprised that I didn't hear about this place until recently. I'd say Discovery Park is a little more scenic and beautiful but this beach is great too. You can play on the sandy shores. There were a lot of little kids playing on the beach. Also, there is a great space to play volleyball nearby or bbq. I don't know what it is like during the summer but it was definitely not crowded the day I went (in the Spring). It was a perfectly lovely day and it was not crowded at all. I think what makes this place an awesome date location is that there is this fish shack nearby and also a place on the beach to buy snacks. We went to the little snack shop and picked up a popsicle/ice cream to munch on while we walked by the shoreline. I loved coming here and definitely would come back soon.

This is not first time for us to hung out with friend here. Actually, we've been here several times this year.The park has a long sandy beach with a playground where children can play with sand, play with water or play at the playground. Adults can barbecue, hot pot, chat, and can go boating out to sea and catch crabs. A very comfortable park. Parking spaces are limited, and it usually takes a long time to park the car. It is better if they can open more parking spaces.

For my first adventure to Golden Gardens I was rather unimpressed. It is a pretty place as it offers a wonderful view of the water, sunsets, and the city... but that's pretty much it. The single bathroom is constantly dirty and runs out of supplies early in the day but the lines are still massive as there is, again, one bathroom and only 3 stalls in it. the sand is littered with drunk ppls garbage, left over makeshift fire pit-niss, and who knows what else. Also, parking is a joke as ppl were double and triple parked in some places. IF you can find a spot, good luck getting out without a scratch on your car. The only nice thing about this place was the view.... I don't think I'd go back JUST for that....or really for anything else. =/

This is a fantastic beach. Unlike my fellow reviewers, I didn't find it too crowded. There were lots of people, 90 on a Saturday, but there wasn't any issue grabbing a large portion of beach for our group. Parking is more of a challenge but just go behind the train tracks and there are plenty of dirt&gravel parking spots. Also, try to carpool. I'm going to try to come every weekend that it hits over 80 for the rest of the summer. Such a beautiful spot. That sunset behind the Olympic mountains is spectacular. It does get chilly once the sun goes down so bring a sweatshirt and huddle up next to a fire pit.

Love this place felt like being Capitola. We were there on a Monday so parking was not a problem.

Stunning sunset views here, lots of parking, ample restroom facilities, pet-friendly and ample paths for walking/jogging. Loved the vibe here and wished I'd had a chance to visit more during my stay in Seattle. Highly recommend!

Golden standard for parks and recreation. Established activities include elderly reclined napping, sandcastle defense, man-bros vitamin d sessions, splash dash (the belief the water is warm, until realizing all bodies of water in Washington is cold), throwing fish bait and catching a small jewelry lockbox, and enough Lime Bikes for an evacuation should there be a aerial or sea invasion. Sometimes we need fresh, clean, reusable air and then there's seaweed air. When the lung desires it's salty presence, then this is the best choice.

We went here on possibly the most absolute perfect day in Seattle. The weather was the low 80s, the perfect way to start summer (as we came here on the summer solstice). Although the park/beach was fairly packed there was still enough parking. We parked by the off-leash area btw and walked down to the park. So that's the tip! Anyway, I did venture to the off-cliff rocks that had multiple barnacles, shells, kelp, and crabs--both died and alive. It made me reminisce of my days growing up in Monterey Bay, CA. My second tip is to bring water shoes as the rocks are slippery and some sharp/painful once you step on them. The pain was worth it though. The views here are absolutely stunning as well. Perfect for photo shoots. Must do for children as well. There were plenty of families.

Well I wish I could say I spent a lot of time here but I did have a picnic dinner before heading to a kayak excursion. What a beautiful place, I wish I had planned to spend more time there it's probably the most "beachy" beach in Seattle

One of the best outdoor beach parks in Seattle. There are a ton of events over the summer here and it's a great place to relax and get away from the city. They have a lot of amenities including showers, restrooms, grills, and beach volleyball setups. Golden Gardens is great for picnics, bonfires, cycling, and walking along the beach. The sunset is also gorgeous and a must see during the summer.

A very nice beach with some lovely sunset views on a clear day. I like the green foresty hills on one side and the open water on the other. The few thousand people here all seemed to be having a great time but that did make a beach a little too crowded and dirty. Looking forward to checking it out on an off day when it's a lot quieter. -1 star for too many people and hence the lack of adequate parking.