It’s mid-August and that means the end of summer is in sight. You might be having the fall scaries or maybe just some general dread due to the state of the city right now. Whatever you’re feeling, taking some time to relax is always a good plan. So here are 10 of the most relaxing places you can find in Seattle.
Central Library
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This downtown gem isn’t just an architectural masterpiece, it’s also our main library. If you’re looking for quiet in the middle of the city, you can’t go wrong with sitting back and relaxing with a book. Now keep in mind, right now only the 1st, 3rd, and 5th levels are open and masks are required. If you want to take that relaxation home you can also do the library’s Summer Book Bingo until Tuesday, September 7th.
Where: 1000 4th Ave
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Ballard Locks
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Technically called the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, real locals simply call this spot the Ballard Locks. Now it happens to be one of the coolest if not the coolest parks in the city and is also a great place to stroll. You can enjoy the botanical garden onsite and also walk across the fully functioning and amazing locks. You might just see some fish while you’re at it!
Where: 3015 NW 54th St
Hours: Daily 7 am-9 pm
Interlaken Park
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Want to forget you’re in the heart of Seattle? Head over to Interlaken Park. Walk down through the forested hillside park, check out the little swamp and then stroll the tree-covered roads. A good chunk of the park is closed to car traffic making it an excellent place to bike and of course, relax.
Where: 2451 Delmar Dr. E
Hours: 4 am-11:30 pm
Kubota Garden
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Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this South Seattle garden is free to visit. Kubota Garden is open daily and has an accessible 20-acre landscape that combines traditional Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. It’s a great place to walk and think, sit, or come with a friend.
Where: 9817 55th Ave. S
Hours: Daily 6 am-10 pm
Foster Island
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If walking on water sounds like your kind of relaxation then you should head over to Foster Island. This unique trail system is connected by floating bridges and is a part of Seattle’s arboretum. You can gaze out at Lake Washington and there’s a good chance that you’ll catch a glimpse of some wildlife as well. Just be prepared to get a little wet and muddy as the rainy season begins.
Where: Foster Island
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Discovery Park
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Oh man, how many times have we talked about this park? It may seem like a no-brainer, but Discovery Park is truly a place to… discover. Between the beaches, fields, sand dunes, trails, and more, there is plenty of space to relax. You can walk for hours or simply find a place to sit and ponder, the options are endless.
Where: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd
Hours: Daily 4 am-11:30 pm
Pike Place Market
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Before you call us crazy, we’ll admit, parts of the market can be incredibly stressful. But there are secret parts that are worth checking out, like the alcove past the fish throwers or walking down to the lower level early in the morning and witnessing it completely empty. Overall, the market can be full of relaxation, and wonder if you check it out early in the day before it’s chock full of tourists and shoppers.
Where: 86 Pike Pl
Hours: Daily 9 am-5 pm
St. Marks Greenbelt
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This greenbelt located behind St, Marks is another spot to run to if you need to forget you’re in the middle of the city. It has a trail system, steps, and plenty of dense trees that will make you feel like you’re in a much bigger forest than you actually are. You can always wander over to Volunteer Park afterward as well.
Where: 1500 Lakeview Blvd. E
Hours: 4 am-11:30 pm
Streissguth Gardens
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Seattle is seriously lucky with its number of simply stunning inner-city gardens. Streissguth Gardens are a Capitol Hill gem that you can wander freely and you can also walk up and down the steps that run through them. So whether you’re going to simply relax with the flowers or get your steps in on the stairs, you’ll feel blissed out after a visit here.
Where: 1640 Broadway E
Hours: 5 am-10 pm
Myrtle Edwards Park
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Like long walks on the beach? Myrtle Edwards can give you that and more, the 1.25-mile trail takes you along Elliott Bay and to sights like the Olympic Sculpture Garden. It’s an easy walk and a great way to get some views in while relaxing. Listen to the sounds around you or put your favorite podcast in, there’s no wrong answer.
Where: 3130 Alaskan Way
Hours: Open 24/7
Next time you’re in need of a relaxing place in Seattle, don’t hesitate to check out any of these places. Now as the rainy season is upon us, be sure to be prepared for some unexpected weather. Regardless, we hope at least one of these spots strikes your fancy and helps you have a great day. Enjoy folks!
