Golden Gardens Park, Public park and beach in Ballard, Seattle, US
Golden Gardens Park is a public park and beach in the Ballard neighborhood with sandy shores, wetland areas, forest paths, and views across to the Olympic Mountains. The site extends along the Puget Sound waterfront and offers different zones for swimming, walking, and relaxation.
The park was created in 1907 to draw visitors using the new electric streetcar lines for swimming and outdoor meals. This early planning shows how transportation and leisure were connected in the developing city.
The park bathhouse reflects the era when this was a destination for family outings along the water. Visitors can see the early 20th-century architecture that still defines the character of the place today.
The beach is easy to reach with wide paths and open areas for various activities like volleyball and boating. The space is generally well-maintained during the season and offers plenty of room to spend time comfortably.
A winding road with hairpin turns descends to the park and once served as a test course for professional car racing. This shows how the place has been used for different purposes over the decades.
Location: Seattle
GPS coordinates: 47.69010,-122.40041
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Seattle stretches between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, offering a mix of urban architecture, public spaces and natural areas. This route connects more than thirty stops, from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to less visited sites like the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or the Wing Luke Museum. The selection includes museums of contemporary and classical art, historic neighborhoods and waterfront parks. Pike Place Market sits downtown and has operated as a public market since 1907. Chihuly Garden and Glass displays the glasswork of local artist Dale Chihuly. The Museum of Pop Culture, designed by Frank Gehry, covers music, film and video games. Olympic Sculpture Park spans nine acres along the waterfront, combining outdoor sculpture with views across the bay. The Seattle Art Museum holds collections from different continents and periods. The Ballard Locks connect salt water to fresh water and include a fish ladder for migrating salmon. Discovery Park covers 534 acres with trails through forest and meadow, plus beach access. Gas Works Park preserves parts of a former coal gasification plant on Lake Union. The Museum of Flight documents aviation history with more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Mount Rainier National Park lies about two hours southeast and features the 14,411-foot (4,392-meter) glaciated volcano.
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