Autumn shoreline with a pebble beach, driftwood, colorful trees, and people walking beside calm water.

10 Best Parks in West Seattle | A Local's Guide

If you're on the hunt for the best parks in West Seattle, Washington, you're in for a treat! West Seattle offers a delightful mix of green spaces perfect for a family day out. Imagine a sunny afternoon spent exploring lush walking trails or watching your kids have a blast on colorful playgrounds. Whether you're a local or new to the neighborhood, these parks offer hidden gems that promise to surprise and delight.

Here are the top 10 best parks in West Seattle, Washington and everything you need to know about them!

 

Lincoln Park

A waterfront park path at golden hour, with walkers, bicycles, driftwood, and a pebbled beach.

  • Review Rating: 4.8★ stars (5,065 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Diverse landscape with forest trails and a heated saltwater pool.

  • Park Location: 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Lincoln Park, a standout among the finest parks in West Seattle, Washington, offers a varied landscape for families and nature lovers with its forest trails, open meadows, and expansive beach areas ideal for summer picnics and sandcastle building. Additionally, its heated saltwater pool, available during the summer months with lifeguards present, offers the perfect spot for families to splash and soak in the breathtaking views of Puget Sound. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Schmitz Preserve Park

Wooded park trail passing beneath a raised pedestrian bridge.

  • Review Rating: 4.8★ stars (444 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Untouched natural beauty and original old-growth forest.

  • Park Location: 5551 SW Admiral Wy, Seattle, WA 98116

Schmitz Preserve Park, a hidden treasure in West Seattle, Washington, is heralded as one of the best parks for its untouched natural beauty and original old-growth forest. With its best dense canopy, rich biodiversity, and best soothing trails suitable for all ages, visitors can experience a tranquil escape that feels like one of the best worlds away from urban life. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Ercolini Park

Neighborhood playground with green climbing structures and slides beneath autumn trees.

  • Review Rating: 4.6★ stars (238 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Modern playground and spacious grassy area for picnics.

  • Park Location: 4542 48th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Ercolini Park, one of the best parks in West Seattle, Washington, may be small, but it stands out as one of the best in the city. With its modern playground catering to a range of ages and a spacious grassy area that is best for picnics or a quick game of catch, this community park offers the best settings for relaxation and connection among local families. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Centennial Park

Waterfront park with a rocky shore, autumn trees, and a person seated on a bench.

  • Review Rating: 4.7★ stars (1,658 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Historic charm and scenic pathways with panoramic Elliott Bay views.

  • Park Location: 2711 Alaskan Way W, Seattle, WA 98119

Centennial Park, one of the best parks in West Seattle, Washington, effortlessly combines the best elements of history and natural beauty; it offers visitors the best journey through well-maintained walking paths lined with informative displays that highlight West Seattle's rich past, set against the stunning backdrop of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. This best park in Washington is perfect for families seeking the best scenic escape, complete with a treasure trove of native plants that offer an educational experience, making it an ideal destination in West Seattle for both leisure and learning. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Lowman Beach Park

Waterfront park at sunset, with a child on a swing and people gathered along the shore.

  • Review Rating: 4.6★ stars (614 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Intimate beach perfect for kayaking and stunning sunsets.
  • Park Location: 7017 Beach Dr SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Lowman Beach Park in West Seattle, Washington, is one of the best small yet exceptional additions to the area's acclaimed parks. Renowned for its best intimate beach and serene atmosphere, it is one of the best retreats for water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. With a grassy area perfect for the best picnics and stunning sunsets, it seamlessly combines tranquility and recreation, offering an ideal escape from the city's bustle. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Fauntleroy Park

A sunlit dirt trail winds through dense trees and ferns in a wooded park.

  • Review Rating: 4.6★ stars (195 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Untouched trails and excellent birdwatching.

  • Park Location: 3951 SW Barton St, Seattle, WA 98136

Fauntleroy City Park in West Seattle, Washington, is among the best city parks for nature enthusiasts, boasting untouched city natural beauty with city trails for both casual walkers and adventurous hikers. Furthermore, its well-preserved creek and diverse bird habitats enhance the park's appeal, making it an excellent spot for city birdwatching while exemplifying the importance of urban green spaces. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park

A public playground with a large orange spiral-patterned surface, climbing nets, slides, and yellow posts.

  • Review Rating: 4.6★ stars (365 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Blend of play areas and beach access near Alki Beach.

  • Park Location: 5817 SW Lander St, Seattle, WA 98116

Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park in West Seattle, Washington, are considered among the best city parks, offering an exceptional blend of city play areas and city beach access. Boasting modern city playground equipment, a captivating whale tail sculpture for imaginative play, and adjacent city basketball courts, this park complex promises hours of city entertainment and sports activities, while its proximity to Alki City Beach ensures a well-rounded day of outdoor city fun. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Westcrest Park

Park playground with climbing structures, swings, and benches beside a paved path.

  • Review Rating: 4.5★ stars (1,262 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Expansive green space with dog area and skyline views.

  • Park Location: 9000 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Westcrest City Park in West Seattle, Washington, stands out as one of the best parks, offering an expansive city green space that caters to everyone, from city dog owners enjoying the large off-leash area to city fitness enthusiasts exploring the varied walking and jogging trails. Its hilltop city location not only provides excellent play areas for city children but also stunning views of the Seattle city skyline, making it a perfect spot for picnics and sunset watching. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

Seattle skyline and Space Needle across Elliott Bay, framed by trees from a waterfront park.

  • Review Rating: 4.7★ stars (1,353 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Seattle.

  • Park Location: 1120 California Way SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Hamilton Viewpoint Park, though small, stands out as one of the best city parks in West Seattle, Washington, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, Elliott Bay, and the Cascade Mountains. Ideal for city photography enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful city retreat, the park's comfortable seating areas make it a favorite spot for capturing stunning cityscape shots or simply enjoying a serene moment amidst the beauty of Washington's vibrant city landscape. Explore West Seattle Washington

 

Seacrest Park

Waterfront pier with glowing lamps and the Seattle skyline across the water at dusk.

  • Review Rating: 4.7★ stars (546 reviews)

  • Why it’s a top pick: Urban amenities with fishing pier and water taxi terminal.
  • Park Location: 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

Seacrest Park, among the best parks in West Seattle, Washington, seamlessly blends urban city amenities with natural city beauty, making it an ideal city spot for both anglers and water sports enthusiasts, thanks to its popular city fishing pier and convenient kayak and paddleboard rentals. With stunning views of the Seattle city skyline and a bustling water taxi terminal linking West Seattle to downtown, this park transforms into a vibrant city gateway that beckons visitors to explore the broader Seattle area. Explore West Seattle Washington