Golden Gardens Park
Golden Gardens Park
4.5
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
About
You won't find gold here, nor gardens, but with all the sand, sun and surf on this lovely beach, you won't even notice.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ballard
Best nearby
Restaurants
388 within 3 miles
Attractions
216 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Old ProSeattle, Washington2,457 contributionsSomething uniqueThe best thing about this park is you can probably see some of the best sunsets in Seattle from the shoreline. The second best thing is that is one Of many parks that has drive-up access right to the shore. There's not a whole lot to do here Other than strolling on the beach and looking out over the water. But, I think that's kind of the point. There's also a Sandy area if you want to come sunbathe in the summer. If you're not got nothing better to do. This is a decent place to spend a few hours. Like I said, especially at sunset.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 8, 2020
- Jason HennigRenton, Washington318 contributionsA Lovely ParkA beautiful park to walk along the beach in the twilight. They allow beach fires, which makes evenings an extra fun experience. In the summer, it gets extremely busy, so we went in winter and found that the sights are just as lovely!Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 9, 2023
- Oremo Ochillo8 contributionsThe PLace to be in SummerGreat place to spend an afternoon in the Summer with friends. Watch the boats, layout in the sun or join in on a game of beach volleyball. On the weekends parking can be tricky so just be prepared to walk to your spot. They do have bathrooms available and a little food but that serves coffee and drinks.Visited June 2021Traveled with friendsWritten June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
278 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
94
Average
16
Poor
1
Terrible
2
nationalbiscuit
Seattle, WA573 contributions
Aug 2020
Wow truly beautiful. We came here on a 90 degree day so of course there was no parking. If you park on the street above and use the stairs to go down, definitely just use caution and your best judgement. I would love to come again when it's not as busy! The sand was super hot and the water was ice cold but it's exactly what you want from a beach :) I can't wait to come again!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie810
Singapore, Singapore209 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We spent a beautiful summer evening here in July with a fire (shhh) and saw a gorgeous sunset. We went back in December on a Sunday morning for a walk in the brisk air - all was good. We got back to our car and saw that all our things were gone and we checked the trunk to find that everything was GONE. Someone had broken into the car with an automatic lock popping contraption and took everything. We found out later on that it's a high spot for car theft and robberies. Watch your things!
Written February 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec D
Seattle, WA2,743 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
I try to visit on the "off times". A nice weekday, or sunset...not so much during the weekends during the summer. (It will get very crowded and parking can be a challenge). But it definitely needs to be on your list of parks to visit. Just watching the boats can be relaxing...bring a picnic!
Written May 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZeeGee808
Honolulu, HI229 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
Living in Hawaii I know I'm spoiled about beaches, so I'm trying to be as objective as possible. Also, Seattlites tell me that this is a local favorite for many so I'm sure it is much loved...but I felt pretty meh about it. My rundown:
1. Parking is out of control on a weekend, go early if you want a spot.
2. They lock the fire pits until the evening, so if you want to bbq and such before that you have to have your own grill.
3. The view is ok. Nothing too much to see. And the beach right at the water's edge is pretty rocky and full of sea weed.
4. They have a bathroom facility, but it's pretty disgusting. There was no soap for most of the day, and some stalls had no toilet paper.
5. It is a relatively small piece of beach, so it gets pretty packed...but I have to say we met a lot of nice people that were doing the same as us with bonfires and volleyball, even some people with slack lines!
6. Just a strange fact...the sand is very "dirty"...I don't know how else to explain it other than that as when we came off the beach after the day all of our feet were black. I'm not used to that after a day on a beach...so just an aside.
Overall, the beach itself and their facilities was a "meh" for me, but for a large group of us, it ended up a wonderful meeting spot and I had an excellent time. Would definitely come for a party again, but can't say I would want to come back for a "day at the beach".
1. Parking is out of control on a weekend, go early if you want a spot.
2. They lock the fire pits until the evening, so if you want to bbq and such before that you have to have your own grill.
3. The view is ok. Nothing too much to see. And the beach right at the water's edge is pretty rocky and full of sea weed.
4. They have a bathroom facility, but it's pretty disgusting. There was no soap for most of the day, and some stalls had no toilet paper.
5. It is a relatively small piece of beach, so it gets pretty packed...but I have to say we met a lot of nice people that were doing the same as us with bonfires and volleyball, even some people with slack lines!
6. Just a strange fact...the sand is very "dirty"...I don't know how else to explain it other than that as when we came off the beach after the day all of our feet were black. I'm not used to that after a day on a beach...so just an aside.
Overall, the beach itself and their facilities was a "meh" for me, but for a large group of us, it ended up a wonderful meeting spot and I had an excellent time. Would definitely come for a party again, but can't say I would want to come back for a "day at the beach".
Written June 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
515cey
Fallston, MD91 contributions
Jul 2017
We (4 adults, 13 year old, 8 year old) visited this park on a Sunday, at low tide. It was great and we spent a few hours wandering around the tide pools. Experts from the Seattle Aquarium were there to tell us what was what. They were knowledgeable as were so many of the locals who were kind to us and shared their knowledge.
We touched sea cucumbers, crabs, starfish, sea anemones, and so much more.
We highly recommend checking this out, at low tide.
The rest of the park looked nice too. There was a food truck, outside showers, volleyball and lots more.
Parking is limited so arrive early.
We touched sea cucumbers, crabs, starfish, sea anemones, and so much more.
We highly recommend checking this out, at low tide.
The rest of the park looked nice too. There was a food truck, outside showers, volleyball and lots more.
Parking is limited so arrive early.
Written August 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seattletravel_11
Seattle, WA93 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
This is a great little beach that is typical for Seattle. There is sand, a play area (recently redone) for children, firepits, grills, and a walk with a little bridge (the garden). There is never enough parking, so carpooling is a good idea. If you are a tourist, go January 1 to watch or participate in the Polar Bear swim.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmade
Bellevue, WA3 contributions
Golden Gardens is a great place to spend a summer day. It is popular for taking a romantic stroll, for kids to play in the shallow stream with the sand and for families to have a large picnic at one of the shelters that can be reserved. The park has many firepits along the beach for evening bonfires.
The bathhouse has a small concession stand and a recently remodeled space inside that can be rented for meetings, parties and weddings. I've booked my wedding there and have been to one there as well.
At low tide, you can walk north to another park in the Greenwood area. Just make sure to time the tide right to make it back!
The park closes at 11PM.
More information: seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/Golden.htm
The bathhouse has a small concession stand and a recently remodeled space inside that can be rented for meetings, parties and weddings. I've booked my wedding there and have been to one there as well.
At low tide, you can walk north to another park in the Greenwood area. Just make sure to time the tide right to make it back!
The park closes at 11PM.
More information: seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/Golden.htm
Written July 9, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynnfelton
Seattle, WA23 contributions
Jun 2019
This is a really sweet beach and park area in Seattle. My friends and I went there so very often when we were in highschool, and basked on the beach and met all our friends there.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovetoTravel58653
Olympia, WA106 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The beach, with real sand, is wide offering plenty of room to find a great spot. The view is stunning. I recommend bringing your own food. There was a concession stand offering snacks, however the selection was limited. Parking can be a challenge.
Written July 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacy L
West Palm Beach, FL194 contributions
Very easy to access the beach!!! The park also has beautiful views of the bay with mountains in the background, volleyball nets, playground, trail, snack bar with ice cream. Great park!!
Written July 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, i wanted to take my preschool class here, what time would be best for us to do tide pooling? Thanks!
TartanCat57
Appin, United Kingdom769 contributions
It is all dependent on the tides. Low tides, you will find tidepools and it is safer for the kids. High tides you will probably not find tidepools
sayali_trips
Redmond, Washington19 contributions
Can I change clothes in the restroom? Are they clean and big enough?
Elsie M
Howell, MI1,939 contributions
Not sure! Sorry! If there is a restaurant or hotel you nearby you can always use their facilities. Generally clean and big enough!
Is there public parking at the park?
Elsie M
Howell, MI1,939 contributions
Yes this park has parking.
Jeff S
Yakima, WA
Are there any July 4th 2017 activities happening here? If not, are there any nearby one could see from the park?
KweqSmanit
Seattle, WA5,502 contributions
Seattle Times has a whole list of all the fireworks but this won't let me send you the link
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Claim your listingGolden Gardens Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Gardens Park
- Golden Gardens Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM
- We recommend booking Golden Gardens Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Golden Gardens Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Golden Gardens Park:
- (3.27 mi) Greenlake Guest House
- (2.05 mi) Hotel Ballard
- (6.11 mi) Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- (6.91 mi) Lotte Hotel Seattle
- (5.22 mi) Staypineapple, The Maxwell Hotel, Seattle Center
- Restaurants near Golden Gardens Park:
- (0.28 mi) Cafe Fiore
- (0.37 mi) Little Coney
- (1.34 mi) Rays
- (2.26 mi) The Walrus and the Carpenter
- (0.82 mi) Larsen's Original Bakery
- Attractions near Golden Gardens Park:
- (0.46 mi) Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard
- (0.55 mi) Fish Finders Private Charters
- (0.82 mi) All Rivers & Saltwater Charters
- (0.70 mi) All Star Fishing Charters
- (5.54 mi) Chihuly Garden and Glass
Golden Gardens Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 165 |
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Very Good Reviews | 94 |
Golden Gardens Park Photos | 171 |