Green Lake Park

4.5 star rating
206 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Parks, Playgrounds

7201 E Green Lake Dr N
(between N Aurora Ave & N Stone Ave)
Seattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Green Lake
(206) 684-4075
Good for Kids:
Yes
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206 reviews in English

  • Review from Jennifer B.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/14/2012

    I feel so lucky that I moved into a house 2 houses down from the lake without even really knowing how awesome the lake is!!  Ever since we moved in, we take a walk around the lake almost every weekend that it isn't raining.  It's the perfect distance to take our dogs around, and I love always running into all the other people that have their dogs out too!

    There are a couple places you can grab a hot chocolate or ice cream, depending on the season right on the trail.  And if you're in the mood to swim there are a couple great beachy areas.  They get super busy on weekends in the summer though so choose your days wisely.

  • Review from Jewelyn T.

    Las Vegas, NV

    5.0 star rating
    1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    LOVE it here! Seattle you're sooo spoiled!
    Water, dogs, people, sunshine...
    If you're in Seattle... this is a must... esp. if you're a park junkie like myself!
    If I lived in Seattle... I would def. be a weekly offender showing face with my dog.
    -Miss Yelp 2012

  • Review from Corinne K.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    I love Green Lake I have lived here 23 years, never once left green lake. The landscaping is great, I have a ton of childhood and in between memories here, at the tide pool, the beaches, duck island, eagles, geese, ducks, fish.

    Its a great place for walks with your dog (if they are well behaved on leash around a bunch of runners or other dogs passing by, and the all too common squirrel) 3 miles around the lake is a good walk, run, jog, or just to sit and people and nature watch

    There are a ton of places to eat in the area and its family friendly, they have a pool here where I had swimming in elementary school and a giant field for baseball, soccer, volleyball, frisbee and what not, tends to be pretty soggy in winter (big surprise there right?)

    My only gripe is how crowded it gets here and how its somewhat dangerous at night, they should put lights around the lake for evening joggers as there have been muggings here and people have been jumped in the parking lots due to NO LIGHTS in the lots. This is also a high crime area for car break ins (closer to aurora), so be sure to HIDE all valuables and lock your doors. last but not least there is hardly ever parking in the area since the lake is so popular.

  • Review from Daniel W.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/10/2012 24 Check-ins Here

    All true Seattleites love Green Lake. It is an oasis in the middle of a big crowded urban mess. Sure it can be crowded here too, ( like the 520 bridge at 5:00 on a Friday)  but it is still a great pace to go, relax and blow off some steam. Walking, running, cycling, skating  and swimming are just a few of the many activities that people enjoy doing at this park. My favorite is the  Green Lake Triathlon.
    Swim a half mile or so, bike or skateboard a few laps and then run a lap. Get yourself some!

  • Review from Joshua B.

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    • 111 reviews

    Shoreline, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/26/2012 1 photo

    Green Lake is probably one of the best spots in Seattle. It's a great place to go for a walk, run, bicycle ride, or even roller skate. You can even rent paddle boats and go for a little cruise around the lake. Great place to relax with some friends and family and get away from the fast pace of the city. I love this park!!!!

  • Review from Kevin O.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/16/2012 8 Check-ins Here

    I am so very privileged that I found a place right across the street from Green Lake park. The lake is awesome to see out my window everyday and there is always so much activity going on around the lake. I love the summer when I can ride my bike around and also drive my remote control boat around in the lake. Best thing the city planners of Seattle have done, if you ask me. I'll be back!!

  • Review from Nacirfa R.

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    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/11/2011 1 photo 8 Check-ins Here

    Definitely one of my favorite spots to visit on a sunny day in Seattle.

    And apparently it's a favorite of many, because this park will crowd up real quick when it's nice out. Which is why Green Lake is optimum for people watching! Everyone loves people watching. So when the sun is out, hurry down, because plenty of people will undoubtedly be here.

    Strolling around the 2.8 mile inner loop provides more than enough time to spy on Seattle's general public while also giving your legs a nice little workout, provided you don't walk at a snails pace. Even if you do saunter, it's O.K., because this will give you even more time to enjoy the rich environment that makes up the park. Fall walks are probably the most rewarding, as the various trees decorate the trail with the many colors of autumn. Just make sure that when you're staring at the trees you watch out for the bicyclists and rollerbladers, they have a designated lane but still, no one seems to pay attention.

    During the summer months Green Lake hosts two of Seattle's nine life guarded beaches. The location draws large crowds to both beaches, however the water quality can be.........questionable, at times. Don't worry though, you won't get much more than swimmers itch from taking a dip, and resisting a jump off the high dive in the summer is damn hard.

    Oh, and those interesting black birds you see in the water with the white beaks and red eyes are called American Coots......in case you were wondering like I was.

  • Review from Necia D.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2011 41 Check-ins Here

    Seattle is a study in grey, and it taught me the vastness of the color. There are the troubled, brooding dark magenta or steel-blue greys, the disconsolate near-blacks of February, the optimistic diffuse yellow-greys, and the lofty white-edged greys that often function as the next best thing to actual sunlight. Situated among the layered papier-mache strips of variegated greys lies Greenlake, whose sky seems to follow its own rules.

    The sky opens up differently here; it visibly brightens, even on the darkest winter days. The water throws the sky back in dutiful reflection, but this amplifies whatever light is to be had, and it is cheering, or at least commiserating.

    I love Greenlake to some degree in the summer, when droves of families pack themselves 8-people-abreast onto the footpath, infuriating cyclists and rollerbladers whose lane is clearly marked but patently disregarded by the ignorant and the uneducable. The boys and I play hide-and-seek among the huge trees past the boathouse in the summer, and we rent their mercilessly hard-to-pedal paddleboats and play chicken with the tourists by gunning straight at them until their laughter gets nervous and they stop pedaling, hoping we don't really mean it (we do). It was at this park that Nico threw his first spiral, and both boys triumphantly circled the lake on their bicycles after learning to turn in the Calvary Temple parking lot.

    When I first started running here, it was tiring to go around the inner path of the lake without stopping (2.8 miles by most people's reckoning) and now I circle it easily, twice, uninterrupted. Boot campers are driven by instructors up and down the steep stadium stairs, or can be seen hopping benches or planking on the grass hills around the path. In the spring there's a resplendent willow tree that spills yellow everywhere, and if you go in the summer, scan the logs for turtle families, and the guy in the Spanish Lessons vest (in order of priority).

    But I love Greenlake even more at night, and in the winter. One time, while on a nighttime run, I let my iPod run wild and it presented me with  Tom Waits' version of "Waltzing Mathilda" when the moon was giant and low-slung, and the water fractured its image and distributed it outward, and the perfection and melancholy commingled and were almost unbearable. And in the winter, the stand of birches is so ramrod straight, bleak and unapologetically white. But if you get nearer, the bark offers as many variations of white (creamy, pink, ash green) as the sky does grey.

  • Review from Rodney L.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    Even minus the lake, Green Lake Park is one of the largest parks as measured by surface area in Seattle.  Pretty much any time of year you will see this park being used by a large diversity of people, but this park is such an essential sanctuary in the summer.

    This park has many amenities for nearly any athletic interest, but I am a fan of the Green Lake Path in particular.  This 2.8 mile walkway completely loops the lake.  I like to get away from my highly computerized life for a couple hours on a decent weather afternoon and do the Green Lake Circuit as a friend and I call it.

  • Review from Stephen D.

    Wood-Ridge, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Very relaxing place to hang out any day it seems. The walking path has a few rules which might confuse the newbie. There are plenty of joggers, runners, rollerbladers, mom's & strollers, to tell you that you are in the way, so get out of the way.

    There are also plenty of spots to stop and people watch, both on the water and the walking path.

    Try it out, go outside, breath some air...ooooo yeah

  • Review from Brandon O.

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    • 11 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Oh my sweet Green Lake, how I miss once having you a half block from my quarters... :sigh:

    What's to not love about this place? Nearly 3 miles around is perfect for running your little heart out, enjoying a late night beer lap with a comrade, or lapping on any sort of wheels. It's honestly the perfect size for just about anything.

    Speaking of perfect size, I feel like there's a fit persons turnstile you have to pass to be admitted here. The open field on the North end (near Corliss) is crawling with (underemployed) people, wearing next to nothing, soaking up sun while texting with who I can only assume to be their 13 year old cousin (also underemployed). People watching is a must around the lake. You'll almost always see more than you bargained for.

    More than anything, I see GL as just a delightful neighborhood experience. Look no further than 'Spanish Lessons' guy, the regular geriatrics perched on the chairs near the rental area with their little dogs, the bath house theatre or the community center. This place thrives and NOT just on coffee.

    Other than not having a great neighborhood nearby (the shops to the north and NW aren't really my cup of tea), this place is pert near perfect.

    Pro tip: Folks on wheels, don't expect to get anywhere fast around this lake, especially in the heat of our ~30 day summer. This is a place to cruise and forget that you have a bell on your bike.

  • Review from George G.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/30/2011 ROTD 7/18/2011

    This park has got to be the most popular place in the city for walking or running on your own, or with friends, and for some, with dates. Let's see: it's about 2.8 miles at the inside paved area, and 3.2 or so miles at the outside lake perimeter. Not so long, and not so short, either. It's just enough distance to not run out of topics to talk about while walking, or for running faster and getting it over with if you decide to want to ditch your company in a hurry (just kidding!).

    On a good day, you'll see mixed crowds filling up the walking areas, some tripping all over the place with excitement, and others mindlessly announcing their personal lives in public while walking with friends at the park. I've been here so many times, but I still don't ever get tired of it, and I keep on coming back at any time, day or night, rain or shine. Every year on my birthday, I'm also here for my personal run, just to see if I can beat my laps or times from years before: my very own George run!

    Overall, this is always a good place for working up a good sweat, for people watching, if that's your goal, or for doing nothing but flat-out lying in the sun on a good, sunny day. This is an almost perfect 5-star worth of a park for me!

  • Review from Nikki C.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/19/2011 4 photos

    I think people who won't swim in Green Lake are wussies.  My husband and I (and many of our friends) have been swimming in Green Lake at what we call "Dock 2" for 3 years and we are yet to look like the Toxic Avenger.  

    Coming from Michigan, we know a lot about lakes and we think Green Lake is definitely fit for swimming.  I mean, if you see a pile of goose poop floating next to you, you might want to find a different part of the lake to swim in, but I have to say that hasn't happened to me in Green Lake.  

    There is a 3 mile loop around the whole lake, which is great for running or riding our beach cruisers.  If you see a dark brown, big, fuzzy pup pulling a guy around the entire lake like she's on a serious mission, that's my husband and our dog.  We love the trail and swimming and the beauty of the water and so does our dog!

  • Review from jay s.

    Tacoma, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    Not much to add to all the great reviews, so I'd like to just make a few notes:

    Namely, if someone asked me what I love about being a Seattlite, like where would I go to sum up the feeling I have?  It might be a rainy day at dusk in Greenlake.  It just...takes my breath away.  Being a Seattlite isn't simply about being born here...someone who really loves it here will see the beauty in the rain in the park, it will be quieter...and everything smells clean, wet and gets that purple tinge. sigh.

    Trivia:

    Did you know the original Bite of Seattle was held at Greenlake on the athletic fields on the East side?  It's true!

    The lake is man made.

  • Review from Jeff H.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    When I think of Green Lake I think of water, trees, a paved walkway, fit people, and staying on the appropriate side of a walkway.  I enjoy going to the lake to take casual strolls and have pleasant conversation...with others...not myself.  It's a beautiful destination with lots of green grass, trees, and of course, a lake.  The path around Green Lake is close to 3 miles long.  Visitors are not necessarily committed to making the round-trip, but if you decide to turn back due to time constraints, bodily constraints, whatever, make sure you stay on the appropriate side of the yellow line or you're gonna hear about it.

    I'm not sure if there's a best-time-of-day to show up and do your thing.  But if I had to guess, it's in the morning...especially on a sunny day.

    Things to do:
    - Stuff you would do on a paved trail...ex:  running, walking, roller blading, biking, etc.
    - Basketball, Tennis, Baseball, Volleyball
    - Wading in the wading pool
    - Swimming
    - Renting kayaks, bicycle propelled boats, sail board with paddle (I don't know what it's called)

  • Review from Jenny K.

    Renton, WA

    4.0 star rating
    7/18/2011

    This place rocks! It's apparently where all of the gorgeous, fit people hang out.

    I've walked the Green Lake loop a few times with my dogs and with friends. It's a long distance (about 3 miles according to the last review posted on Yelp, which sounds accurate) and definitely doable because time flies by as you're people watching, stopping to pet other people's dogs and take in the gorgeous lake.

    There's a beach there to where you can wade, lay out a blanket by to suntan, and kayak (there's a kayak rental place onsite).

    It's also close to coffee shops, ice cream shops and many restaurants. Plan to be there for a few hours taking in the fun and excitement!

  • Review from Jack H.

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    • 24 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    If you ride your bike, in the bike lane as prescribed by the park's posted rules, beware of idiots who think it is okay to push baby strollers within on coming bike traffic. It's hard to believe people actually do this (usually females), but it's true...

    Excluding the idiots, the park is wonderful/ beautiful!

  • Review from John B.

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    • 15 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/3/2011

    I think that if I ever left Seattle, Green Lake would be one of the things that I miss most.  I live a short distance away, and it is always nice for a walk.  The inner path around Green Lake is 2.8 miles. The outer perimeter path near the road is 3.2 miles.

    You can see people of all shapes and sizes.  Good looking, not so good looking.  It is strange, I can see a lot of the same people every time I go, and my schedule is not fixed as to when I go.  I know, strange, huh?

    I love it when you see older people, in the spring time, they put their sweaters on, pearls, and go for a walk around Green Lake.  I love the setting sun on the beach area by the boat rentals.

  • Review from Clover A.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Walk with me a bit.

    It's 2.8 Miles around (thanks Bunneh) and it's a lovely stroll.

    You will find the weirdos -why are you running through the grass staring at me strange lady with faux designer jeans and high heels?- tightrope walkers, students accosting us with social experiment questions, weird guy with hoops and sticks doing god knows what, lovers, fighters, skaterboarders, runners, bitchy lady who pushed me out of her way on her rollerblades, kids and dogs.

    You will find paddle boats and basketball courts, a place to sit and pick daisies while you stare into the blue skies above.  Ducks (do not feed), Geese (careful sandalboy, toes look like bread nuggets) and a bazillion squirrels.

    You will also find me, walking in the wrong lane likely, chatting away, looking around and thinking how much changes and how some things really don't.

  • Review from Clifford D.

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    • 16 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    7/30/2011 56 Check-ins Here

    I live about two blocks away from the park. How can you not love this place. It's like a buffet line of hot people... and some not so hot too.

    I love the walk. It's always different, but there are some things that never change; like Leonardo, the guy with the "Spanish Lessons" shirt who flirts with every woman he can. Great guy. You should talk to him.

    The opening scene to Dead Like Me was filmed at the basketball court. I don't know what other movies have been filmed there, but I'm sure there are at least a couple more.

    I would like to take this opportunity to rant about the people who can't follow the simplest rule of the park; foot-traffic is on the inside trail, wheels on the outside. It's so easy, yet I doubt that I have ever been there when everyone was doing it right. I hate/love to pick on the breeders, but it's usually one of them assumably because they either hate their children or are trying to collect insurance money. No one can be that dumb, right? Also, news flash! A stroller doesn't count as wheels. I know it's a bit of a conceptual leap, but come on! I quit trying to ride a bike around the lake. It's a human obstacle course and it's not that great of a ride anyway. I even hesitate to rollerblade there anymore, although that does sound like fun.

    So, in summary, Green Lake is a place where the good-looking, fit, idiotic, and otherwise can come together on a nice day and enjoy one of Seattle's best spots.

  • Review from Charlotte G.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/9/2011

    Greenlake in spring is teeming with life... depending on your mood it can be too much life. If you're running, the abundance of people is something of a distraction when the walkway is blocked. On the other hand, the people watching is good on weekends--Lotsa happy lil kids and couples in love--if you're into that kinda thing. Also, it always amuses me to see  people taking pictures of the turtles that sunbathe on the driftwood at one spot around the lake. People get so excited and form a little group to turtle watch--it's like it's the first turtle they've ever seen. They're turtles! It's not like they're doing acrobatics.

    Anyway, I generally go on sunny weekdays. Lucky for me it's in running distance from home. So, I run there and do however many laps I feel like doing that day. The sunlight glinting on the water, the cherry trees in bloom, and a cool breeze make it ideal for running. It's beautiful and refreshing.

    One of these days I'm gonna try out reading in the grass, seems like the perfect location for it. Also, if you're into soccer they have pick up games there on weekends.

  • Review from Danialle C.

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    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Greenlake is awesome! I have lived in this area since I graduated and I love it.

    It's a nice place to just walk around, sit around and people/dog watch.  The inner loop is nicely paved and divided into two lanes: one for wheel traffic and one for feet traffic.  When the weather is nice, it does get crowded (but what outdoor place in Seattle doesn't?).

    Since the outer loop isn't paved, it's mainly used by joggers/runners. The outer loop is 3.2 miles and makes a nice short run.

  • Review from Chris T.

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    • 188 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    This park has something for everyone! Green Lake is the perfect place to train for 5K's, since its circumference is just about 3 miles (and, in fact, many 5K runs are officially held here). Parents and dog owners alike can simply walk their two- and four-legged kids around the loops once or twice: with all the people-watching, dog meeting, and duck-and-turtle-pointing-out there is to do, your kid'll probably get tired out in no time at all, leaving you with a nice peaceful afternoon ahead of you. Still need additional stimulation? No problem! You can also rent rollerblades to whiz past everyone on the loop or a canoe, or one of those silly looking paddleboats to take out on the lake!

    On the sunnier days in Seattle (we're talking like 65 degrees and above), Greenlake starts to get pretty crowded and walking around the loop with an easily distracted dog can be draining, so on those days, I'd rather step away from the moving crowd and sit around, picnicking and watching the runners, walkers, bikers, rollerskaters, and scooterers go by.

  • Review from yekta a.

    Bellevue, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Greatest park in Seattle!  They have the best loop/walking/running/biking path ever!

    Clean bathrooms and funnest activities in the area.

  • Review from Jane A.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/1/2011

    WHAT DO YOU DO IN SEATTLE SUMMERS?
    (5 stars)

    You do the same thing you do everyday. Find something to do to kill time because there's nowhere else to go. This is a great park for sunny days, areas for picnics, kids (for those who have them), jog/walk/skate/bike,etc., soak in the sun or lay out in the shade. Everybody and their mama from Seattle hang out here during the summers and there's less than 200 reviews; seattle isn't that condensed! Great park to hang out.

    Use to come here and shoot the shit with friends on those long dragging summer days. Drink and eat at the restaurants lined up on the north part of the lake and people watch. YES, PEOPLE WATCH (not stalk). Great place to rent paddle boats (it's a very "family friendly" place). Is it me or did everyone in their past have come here on a 'date' to walk/talk and get to know each other. it can be romantic and refreshing. OR meet up with the person your with to have your "(fighting)talks". Seems like everyone I know has done this in their past lifetime; including myself. HAHA.

    HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES, beware you've been warned. Eyes puffed up like quasimodo and sneezing every breath you take.

    And as we know Seattle, those typical rainy days, there are alot of cafes nearby the lake where you can sip on coffee and read/internet/study/etc.

    Will I be back? Missing Seattle Summers like nobodies business. Overdue for a visit.

    JABA APPROVED. Until the next review....

  • Review from Emily R.

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    • 27 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2011

    Green Lake Park is one of my favorite places in Seattle.  How do I love thee, Green Lake?  Let me count the ways.  At Green Lake, you can...

    1. Walk

    2. Jog.  The trail is great for jogging, as it has a pedestrian-only lane and a couple concentric gravel paths which are softer.  The distance is also marked off every quarter-mile, which makes it easy to keep track of how far you've gone.

    3. Swim at one of their lifeguard-attended swimming beaches.

    4. Do 1-3 with your dog.

    5. Practice diving.

    6. Play basketball, croquet, tennis, frisbee...etc.

    7. Work on your short game at their little golf course.

    8. Ride your bike.

    9. Rollerblade.

    10. Rent a kayak or paddleboat.

    11. Take sailing or rowing lessons, courtesy of the Seattle Parks Department.

    12. Learn about the park's history and wildlife through their interpretive signs.

    13. Catch an impromptu concert.

    14. Sit on the dock at twilight and whisper sweet nothings into your significant other's ear.

    15. Get some snacks and a latte.

    16. Birdwatch (besides adorable baby ducks and geese, I've seen a bald eagle here!  Check out the tallest tree shortly after the 2-1/2 mile mark.)

    17. People-watch.

    18. Dog-watch.  The cutest dogs in Seattle come here to walk, run, and play.

    19. Marvel at the lovely scenery (come around dusk for best results.)

    I am so proud and happy to live in a city where the government, and the citizens, recognize the value of having a community space like this.  Green Lake Park, I love you!

  • Review from Michael K.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    9/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Fantastic for walking, running, roller-blading, frisbee, and reminding oneself that the people in Seattle are pretty darn attractive.  With so many good restaurants around as well, it makes for the perfect full evening getaway.  On top of that, you can see tons of Yelpers there without them even recognizing you!!  Or at least I can... =P

  • Review from Midge C.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/10/2011

    I really love Green Lake. I know there are hoards of people walking, biking, running, jogging, strolling, or rollerblading there on a sunny Seattle day... I could complain that there are TOO many people there. But I won't. Why? Because everyone is enjoying the nice path, maintained park, and the lovely lake. It makes me happy. I feel lucky to live near this treasure.

    Just pick up your dog poop, please.

  • Review from Suie C.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/24/2011 13 Check-ins Here

    If I lived within walking distance of greenlake, I'd be here all the time.

    I come here as an alternative to the gym when the weather permits. Its a nice 2.8 mi run and I usually stop at the amphitheater to run up and down the stairs. It's actually a nice workout and if I'm feeling energetic, 2 loops is even better!

    I like greenlake b/c it's clean, scenic, great for ppl and dog watching, and I feel safe there. There are always ppl here, even at night, which makes a run at night perfectly comfortable safety wise.  

    It's also a great spot to lie out, tan, maybe study, or just to take a stroll with a friend. Plus, there are plenty of food places nearby and Sbux is right across the street!

    I always manage to find free street parking too! I tend to avoid greenlake on the weekends as it gets crowded, but I love it otherwise!

  • Review from Gary W.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/18/2011

    What's great about Greenlake is the "walking / jogging / biking / skating / running / rollerskating" paved 2.8 mile trail that circles the lake.  During the summer the park is teaming with Seattlies; some going clockwise and some going counter-clockwise.  

    I typically start at the southern side of the lake and go counter-clockwise sometimes diverting to the nearby Starbucks for a frappuccino before resuming my jog (okay, really more of a walk) around the lake.  

    It's always interesting to do some people watching and noticing some of the regulars that use the park; the swinging her arms roller blading girl, the dancing roller skater guy, the 3 abreast mothers pushing baby carriages, etc...

    On a nice day, it's really hard to not go to Greenlake as it's a nice place to put in a workout and see some of life in Seattle too.

  • Review from Edward K.

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    • 32 reviews

    Lynnwood, WA

    2.0 star rating
    6/5/2011

    This is the only park in seattle where you cannot promote your business/products.    

    Also, what's the use of a lake and trail in seattle when it rains all the time?

    Maybe I'm just frustrated with the weather.  Sorry, Greenlake, that you are the recipient of my frustrations.

  • Review from Ninette C.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/13/2011

    I love dogs; therefore, I love Greenlake.  Ok, that probably is a bit of a logical fallacy but I do enjoy both!

    I like taking my parents' dog up to Greenlake.  The only problem is, the lake is too damn big for his spoiled, puppy legs. haha.  But that's not Greenlake's fault.  Greenlake def gives you a good workout whether you are walking or running because its pretty big.  Its also near restaurants and cute houses.  

    Everyone is pretty chill, but keeps to themselves.

    I definitely consider this more of a neighborhood park.  It's nice but doesn't offer anything groundbreaking to bring visitors to (which is both a good and bad thing).

    The only criticism is that I wish there were a little more park besides the lake so I could sit on the grass, have picnics etc. in more areas.  To me, its more of a working out/dog park, but it is def. still one of my favorite park hangouts.

  • Review from Nic s.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/2/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    There are a few places around this beautiful city of ours, that I think have it all.  A little something for everyone.  From the scenery, to the playground...the hoop courts, to the wading pool...the ball fields to the boats...the abundance of picnic areas to the paved path...the docks for chillin out (or fishing if you're feeling brave) to the golf course, it has you covered.  

    People come here to stay fit, to catch up and visit with friends and family, to share a piece of their upbringing with their own children etc. etc.  If I have one gripe its the cyclist who think they're training for the Tour De France and think a group of jovial pedestrians are a slow moving peloton.  If you're training or want to ride fast...you probably want to go somewhere else.  You're just going to get frustrated and look like a jerk when you're yelling "ON YOUR RIGHT!!!" every 15 seconds.

  • Review from Yen D.

    •  
    • 64 friends
    • 132 reviews

    Santa Barbara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2011

    Free parking, a pretty lake, and general niceness/respectfulness from everyone?  What a lovely way to spend an hour in Seattle.  Maybe this is just a testament to how jaded I am, but places like Green Lake restore my faith in humanity- lots of parents walking with their kids, joggers and various exercisers motivating me to finish the 2.8 mile loop and not walk (yes, I'm out of shape), fishermen, people on their lunch break just taking a stroll... it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

    Also, Mighty-O donuts is a 15 minute walk (or a couple minute run) away, which is a big plus.  I ran around the lake, then ran up to mighty-o and rewarded my hard work with two awesome donuts (and this is why I am out of shape).

  • Review from Jason J.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Do you like to jog, walk, bike, swim, kayak, eat, breath air?  If you like to do any of these, then you will love Greenlake Park.  The reason is that it's the perfect mixture of lake, walking/jogging/biking paths, and air.  There are also some pretty decent places to eat just across the street after you've spent the day on a tight rope or soaking in the rays at this beautiful park, inspired by Vincent van Goph.  

    Give it a try if you haven't already, particularly if you've been couped up inside a basement with a neckbeard and haven't seen sunlight in weeks if not months (actually, in Seattle you can accomplish all of these AND spend all day outside, but whatever)..  Make sure to shower before coming though, because the social scene at Greenlake is pretty off the hook..  So many people to see and so little time, especially when you're practicing for that next 5k!  But the best part is when you pretend the people are like landmines, and you're a ninja, having to dodge the landmines as you run really fast to escape the zombies in an effort to save some damsle in distress (lol jk).

  • Review from Riss J.

    Kirkland, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/17/2010

    Greenlake is as close to the definition of Seattle to me as you can likely ever find.

    Growing up @ Grandma's just a few miles from here meant a lot of time spent over the years.

    It has surprisingly not changed enough to not feel like "home" whenever I come back by, but doesn't feel worn down or neglected.

    I don't know about running the path, but I can tell you that in one loop walking around you can work through a 3 month cycle of relationship crap.

    Don't be a douche though, ya know? Pick up your used condoms, your dog's crap, and follow the "traffic" signs for the loop

  • Review from Samantha E.

    Alexandria, VA

    4.0 star rating
    9/15/2011 1 photo

    Whether you are biking, walking your dog, rollerblading, or tanning, this is a wonderful little lake and park to take advantage of if you are in the area.

  • Review from steven f.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Renton, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/10/2011

    A quick loop around the lake makes a nice run and if your down, run it 2 or more times.  

    Great place to run as you see so many people walking, jogging, running, that motivates others to excercise as well.  Or play other sports on the grassy fields.  

    I am not sure about those random meditation peeps at the park though.

  • Review from Kristine H.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    This is one of my favourite places in the city. Grab a bite at Duke's or Spud's and take a nice constitutional afterward. When the weather turns nice, the park positively throngs with Seattleites and their dogs, skaters and bikers, and kids splashing in the wading pool. Even when the weather is poor, people love this place. It's a

    Free parking all the way around the lake. Fair warning though, when the weather is pretty, be prepared to be patient. It's a popular spot! And it should be... there's basketball and tennis courts, a boat launch, and a field for soccer or baseball.

    If you've never been, check it out. It's about an hour walk around the lake so grab a bite and go for a stroll!

  • Review from Julia W.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I love Greenlake!

    It gets super packed during the (few) sunny days we have in Seattle and/or weekends.

    What I love:

    Free parking (hence the busy) as well as the pathway around the lake (it's little over 3 miles for one loop).

    Family/dog friendly. You'll occasionally have the rude person who doesn't know how to handle their dog or strollers which are taking up too much space and/or stopping for no reason and blocking traffic.

    The view: How can you beat walking around the lake and having FRESH air when you're technically in the 'big city?'

    What could be improved: No matter how much parking there is.. it seems to never be enough. I love that it's free but wish there were more options.

    There are plenty of food options all around the walk - mostly on the northern side. There's a Starbucks that is super popular for those out for a stroll and/or needing a refreshment.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/27/2011

      I love Greenlake!

      It gets super packed during the (few) sunny days we have in Seattle and/or… Read more »

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