1. Walk around Lake Union
Follow the Cheshiahud trail 7 miles all the way around Lake Union. Treat break or post-walk options include Gasworks Brewery, Westward, and Grand Central Bakery.
2. Fancy Brunch at Salish Lodge and Hike
Put on your nicest hiking outfit and head to Salish Lodge for brunch. Hike down to the falls afterward and/or explore a nearby hike.
3. Bainbridge Day Trip
Walk on the Bainbridge Island Ferry and then take a leisurely stroll in Winslow. The ferry is a treat in itself and there are also lots of restaurants and shops to explore.
4. Water Taxi to West Seattle
Bike or bus to the Seattle waterfront, then hop the water taxi to West Seattle’s Seacrest Park. Walk the Alki Trail along the West Seattle waterfront. There are a couple great options near Seacrest Trail and also a plethora of restaurants along Alki Beach, about a 2-mile walk on the trail.
5. Bike by the Lake on the Burke
Choose your own distance by loading up your bike and parking at one of the lakeside parks (Magnuson, Matthews Beach, Log Boom) near the Burke Gilman Trail. Ride the trail, go for swim, pack a picnic, or stop for a treat. There are a variety of restaurants in Lake Forest Park and Kenmore, and a few fun breweries farther along the trail. Or bike all the way to Bothell and hit McMenamins Anderson School or one of the wineries in the area (plan for a safe ride home).
6. Bike or Walk on the Palouse to Cascades Trail
Choose a section of this 250 mile Palouse to Cascades State Park trail to bike or walk. Pack a picnic and enjoy.
7. Bike or Walk on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail
Choose a segment of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and combine it with exploration of a nearby town (Duvall, Carnation, Fall City, Snoqualmie, or North Bend). Or swim at the end in Rattlesnake Lake!
8. Explore Magnuson Park
Bike, walk, jog on Magnuson Park‘s trails. There are lots of great spots for a picnic or check out Magnuson Brewery, right there at the park. Your dog will appreciate the off-leash area with lake access and there’s a swimming beach for humans too. You can even learn to sail!
9. Bike or Walk to Golden Gardens
Bike or walk the Burke Gilman Trail from the Ballard Locks to Golden Gardens Park. Watch the boats go through the locks, visit the visitor center to learn about the locks’ history and construction, and wander the beautiful gardens. Picnic near the Locks or on the beach – either pack your own or pick up a bite at a nearby restaurant like Lockspot Cafe near the Locks or Un Bien in Shilshole on your way to Golden Gardens.
10. Explore Bellevue’s Parks
Explore the waterfront walkways in Meydenbauer Bay Park or walk from Lake Washington to Lake Sammamish!
11. Wander Kirkland’s Waterfront
Explore Kirkland’s waterfront trails, parks, and restaurants.
12. Olympic Sculpture Park
12. Walk or bike on Myrtle Edwards trail and check out Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park and Pocket Beach. Take a break with your dog at Pub 70.
13. Ferry to Bainbridge and Paddle
Bike or walk onto the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry. Once on Bainbridge, head over to a kayak rental shop and go for a paddle around Eagle Harbor. Grab a snack or meal at a local Winslow eatery before you take the ferry back to Seattle.
14. Kayak at Elliott Bay Marina
Rent kayaks at Elliott Bay Marina and paddle around the marina, scoping out your dream boat. Watch the seals swimming near the rock jetty and the blue herons perched on top. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the grass at the north end of the marina or grab lunch or dinner at Maggie Bluffs or happy hour at Palisade if you’re feeling fancy.
15. Walk in the Arboretum
Grab a coffee and snack at a cafe near E. Madison St. to fuel you on the trails in the Washington Park Arboretum. Try forest bathing or rent a canoe or kayak nearby at the UW Waterfront Activities Center or Aqua Verde Paddle Club.
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