Seattle in the Spring
Top 10 Beautiful Places in Seattle to Visit This Spring
Washington State is known for beautiful cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, and rhododendrons (the State flower). And Seattle Southside is no exception--we have all that beauty and more!
Spring is in full bloom and now is the perfect time to explore local parks and gardens for the season’s flowers and a seasonal rush of greenery coming back to our flora. Here is a quick list of the top 10 most beautiful places to visit throughout the greater Seattle area in the Spring.
Saltwater State Park
Need a beach day this spring? Saltwater State Park is one of the best places to get beach time in Seattle Southside. With lots of lovely woods hiking around the park in addition to the beauty of the beach itself, you'll get lots of nature time in. The only reason we're not rating it higher on the list is that it doesn't quite have the high concentration of spring blooms that are in some of the other entries on this list, but you'll still love getting out for a springtime stroll along the beach here.
Redondo Beach
If you're craving a bit of beach time but want something with more of a "beach town" feel than a "beach wilderness" feel, Redondo Beach is just the spot for you. This adorable stretch of beach with its boardwalk feels like a slice of beachside town life. Redondo's a great spot for fishing enthusiasts too with its fishing pier. Again the only reason why this is lower on the list is there are fewer blooms here than in other spots, but you'll also see neighborhood gardens from some of the cute beachside houses in bloom here.
Angle Lake Park
Now we're talkin' blooms! With gorgeous cherry trees in full blossom, Angle Lake Park may be the best place in Seattle Southside for a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic. There's an incredible view of Mt. Rainier over the lake on a clear day, plus plenty of planespotting from the nearby airport. It's an ideal spot for taking in the springtime vibes with a picnic and friends.
Seahurst Park
Seahurst Park is a hidden gem that stands as an absolute oasis. One moment, you're driving through town, and the next you find yourself transported into lush, quiet woods that open into a peaceful beach. This quiet park is the perfect place to unwind and take in a beautiful spring day, or better yet, come here just before sunset to watch the sun set behind the Olympic Mountains across the waters of the Sound.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the destination events for the Pacific Northwest, held each spring throughout April. Hundreds of thousands of people come to enjoy the celebration of spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom. Early blooms can be seen in March, and some late blooms are also visible in May.
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
See the beauty of the Washington state flower on full display! One of the largest and finest collections of rhododendron species in the world, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden features more than 10,000 rhododendrons in a 22-acre woodland setting. The flowering season in Western Washington begins in early January and continues through late July with the majority of species in bloom from March to May.
University of Washington Campus
The University of Washington Campus features a grove of 30 mature Yoshino cherry blossom trees that are a total show-stopper when they are in bloom every spring. In addition, Washington Park Arboretum’s Azalea Way, located near UW, is another beautiful place to view cherry blossoms throughout May. Looking for even more cherry blossoms? We know just the place.
Mt. Rainier National Park
If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, Mt. Rainier National Park is a fun day trip for all ages. The park spans five developed areas - Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon/Mowich - that include campgrounds and picnic areas. When the wildflowers are in full bloom in the spring, the meadows are a sight to behold.
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden covers 10.5 acres of display gardens, woodlands, and trails. One highlight of the garden is a formal rose garden maintained by the Seattle Rose Society featuring more than 100 labeled roses. The Seike Japanese Garden is another highlight in the spring, with its beautiful cherry tree.
Des Moines Creek Trail
With 96 acres of paved and dirt trails for pedestrians and cyclists, the Des Moines Creek Park offers plenty of room to roam in a peaceful Northwest setting. Throughout the park grounds, there are beautiful seasonal flowers, forested hillsides, and small waterfalls. This park may also have the most breathtaking sunset view in the area.
You may also be interested in...
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a Sight to Behold
Every April, the Skagit Valley explodes with brilliant colors of reds, purples, yellows and pinks during the annual Tulip Festival.
10 of the Best Trails, Parks & Beaches in Seattle Southside
Explore the Great Outdoors in Seattle Southside!
Take a Stroll Through the Rhododendron Gardens
What better way to spend an unusually warm and sunny afternoon than walking through the shadows of a gorgeous forest…
Top 10 Family Fun Activities for Spring Break in Seattle
Seattle Southside is famous for being a destination filled with activities the whole family will enjoy.