The Perks of Seattle’s Parks
The city’s parks offer lush green spaces and easy access to nature, ranking it among the nation’s top park systems
By Seattle Mag August 18, 2025
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2025 issue of Seattle magazine.
Seattle’s parks are not just green spaces — they’re integral to the city’s identity. With nearly 500 parks and natural areas spanning 6,500 acres, Seattle is home to lush urban sanctuaries, offering everything from towering evergreens to scenic lakes and mountain views. These parks provide residents with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, whether by hiking trails at Discovery Park or enjoying skyline views from Gas Works Park.
Seattle ranks No. 8 on the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore index, a testament to the city’s commitment to green spaces. According to the Trust, 99% of Seattle residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, far surpassing the national average of 76%. These parks play a critical role in fostering a healthy, active community, offering a range of recreational options.
The average park size in Seattle is 5.4 acres, matching the national average, and providing ample space for both active and passive outdoor activities. With this abundant green space and strong commitment to accessibility, Seattle’s park system continues to be a vital resource for its residents, promoting well-being and environmental connection in one of the nation’s top big-city park systems.
Follow Us
A Lighthouse Stay on Bellingham Bay
Hotel Bellwether’s refreshed waterfront stay, dapper lobby dog, and scenic route north turn the short drive from Seattle into a real getaway.
The first sign that Bellingham was going to feel farther away than it is came in Edison, over a rich, flaky pastry. Earlier this spring, I was invited to stay at Hotel Bellwether, and my friend and I headed north from Seattle, a roughly 90-mile drive that usually takes about an hour and a half…
Five Lesser-Known Washington State Parks for Spring and Summer
From Hood Canal beaches to Blue Mountain wildflowers, these quieter parks give warmer weekends some breathing room.
As the outdoor season gets going, many of us, myself included, tend to gravitate toward Washington’s national parks and a handful of the state’s most popular trails. There’s no arguing that they’re pretty spectacular. However, we also know that summer crowds are an issue and detract from the very reason we went in the first…
The Warmest Welcome: Why You Should Visit the Tri-Cities This Year
Just a few hours away from Seattle, this robust community offers great wine, a budding food scene, and more than 300 days of sun.
There is a point, when I’m traveling along Interstate 82 (I-82), somewhere around Exit 26, when I usually notice a shift in the light—especially in the wintertime. Coming out from the pass and heading south to leave the flat, cloud-shrouded gray of Western Washington behind, I feel a burst of happiness at the blue skies…
Paint Check: Select Alaska Airlines Planes Get a Fresh Look
The local aviation company debuts a bold Aurora Borealis-inspired livery as it expands internationally.
At the beginning of the year, Alaska Airlines unveiled its new global livery: a bold design inspired by the Aurora Borealis. Painted in a palette of deep blues and shimmering emerald greens, the sleek look is a nod to Alaska Airlines’ continued addition of international destinations, which will expand to London, Rome, and Reykjavik by…