Scenic Drive on Lake Washington Boulevard, Seattle

Lake Washington Boulevard is Seattle's lakeshore parkway — an Olmsted-designed road that curves along the water past a string of beaches and parks, the Cascades on the far shore.

Seattle · Drive · about 30 min · 9 miles · Pleasantness: Very High

Why this route is pleasant

• Follows the Lake Washington shoreline almost the whole way
• An original Olmsted parkway — built to feel like a park
• Big-leaf maples and a continuous tree canopy
• Views across the lake to the Cascade Mountains
• Closed to cars on summer 'Bicycle Sunday' weekends

What you'll see

• Seward Park's old-growth peninsula
• Mount Rainier across the water on clear days
• Leschi and Madrona lakeside beaches
• The Cascades on the eastern horizon

Best time to go

A clear summer evening, or a Bicycle Sunday when the road belongs to walkers and cyclists.

Open this route in Pleasant Routes · More Seattle routes · All cities