When the sun shines on Seattle, locals know to make the most of it. The city gets just 152 sunny days per year on average, making it one of the cloudiest in the USA. Some take a day trip to the mountains or a river, others pack a picnic and take in Seattle's scenic green spaces.
If you're in the mood for a sunny picnic, we've put together this list of the best places to picnic in Seattle. Get ready, and don't forget to pack your picnic blanket and a basket of snacks!
Discovery Park
Nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, Discovery Park is a tranquil gem with more than 500 acres of rolling meadows, forested trails, and sandy beaches. The park provides an enchanting setting for a picnic with spots near the majestic West Point Lighthouse or in the open meadows overlooking the Sound. This is the place for panoramic views of the water and the Olympic Mountains.

Gas Works Park
Located on the site of a former gasification plant, Gas Works Park is a unique urban park. Enjoy a meal on the hillside while overlooking Lake Union and the Seattle skyline in the distance. The park's industrial remnants and open spaces make it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful and memorable picnic experience. You may even see seaplanes landing on the lake!
Kerry Park
This is another favorite for breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline. Kerry Park is small and the area can be quite crowded on a sunny day, but picturesque park boasts lush green lawns, beautifully manicured flower beds, and a viewpoint that will leave you in awe. Spread out your picnic blanket and savor a delicious meal while taking in the stunning vistas of the city, the Space Needle, and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Green Lake Park
Green Lake is the perfect place for people watching and like Kerry Park, it can also get quite busy. The park's 2.8-mile loop trail around the lake is perfect for a post-picnic stroll. Choose a spot along the lake's shore, soak up the sun, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Washington Park Arboretum
Escape the city and find tranquility at the Washington Park Arboretum, near the University of Washington. This park is a haven for nature lovers and a great spot for a peaceful picnic, with fewer crowds than the parks mentioned above. The arboretum features beautifully landscaped gardens, wooded trails, and a variety of plant collections to explore. Spread out your picnic blanket in the shady areas near the ponds or find a quiet spot in a field for a more private picnic experience.
Alki Beach
When it comes to picturesque picnic spots, Alki Beach cannot be overlooked. Situated in West Seattle, this beach offers stunning views of downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, and the Olympic Mountains. Enjoy a picnic while feeling the sand beneath your feet and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. If you don't feel like packing picnic snacks, you'll find a number of beachside restaurants just steps away from Alki Beach. With its stunning sunsets, Alki Beach is an ideal destination for a memorable picnic, just be prepared for crowds at this busy location.
Volunteer Park
Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood is the home of Volunteer Park, a picturesque urban oasis with lush green lawns, beautiful flower beds, and a historic water tower. It's the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic, with plenty of space to spread out and relax. After your meal, take a stroll through the park's botanical gardens or climb to the top of the water tower for panoramic views of the area.
Magnuson Park
Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Magnuson Park is Seattle's second-largest park, offering wide open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. With expansive fields, wooded areas, and access to the lake, you'll find the perfect spot to spread out your blanket and enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenic views. The park also features walking trails, a playground, and an off-leash dog park.
Golden Gardens Park
If you're looking for a picnic spot that combines stunning waterfront views with sandy beaches, head to Golden Gardens Park in Ballard. This extremely popular park offers breathtaking vistas of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and stunning sunsets. Enjoy your picnic on the grassy areas, stroll along the shoreline, or build sandcastles on the beach.
Carkeek Park
Situated in the northwestern part of Seattle, Carkeek Park is a hidden gem known for its natural beauty and beach access. With forested trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas nestled among tall trees, you'll find tranquility and seclusion for your outdoor meal. Don't forget to explore the park's salmon-bearing creek and visit the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center.
Seward Park
Last but not least, Seward Park is located on a peninsula in southeast Seattle and offers a peaceful retreat for picnickers. This 300-acre park features a loop trail around Bailey Peninsula, with stunning views of Lake Washington and the surrounding mountains. Choose a spot along the shoreline, near the playground, or find a secluded area amidst the forest for a picnic filled with nature's serenity.
Whether your ideal picnic destination is a scenic beach or a wooded trail, Seattle has a park perfect for you. So pack your bags, head out, and make the most of the sunny weather while it's here to enjoy.