Outdoors in Seattle? We Found Out Why They’re Calling it ‘Mother Nature’s City’

We hit up Seattle local Melanie for the inside goss on the best things to do outdoors in Seattle, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be tweaking your travel plans after this one.

Here’s a secret – it doesn’t actually rain as much in Seattle as folks think it does. Seattleites are out and about year-round staying active, and with access to multiple mountain ranges, the Puget Sound, and plentiful green spaces, it’s easy to understand why. Here are a few favourite recommendations for how you can adventure in Seattle without even leaving city limits.

Hit Ballard Farmer’s Market and a Golden Gardens Beach Bonfire⁠⁠

Ballard is a special Seattle neighbourhood with old town charm. It might be its maritime history, or its thriving brewery district, but Ballard feels different than anywhere else in the city in the best kind of way.

The Ballard Farmer’s Market is commonly regarded as the best in the city, and uniquely combines quality, variety, community, and sustainability. Every Sunday from 9am – 2pm, you’ll see live music, street performers, and genuine human connection behind the produce and goods being sold year-round.

Grab some picnic provisions there and head to Golden Gardens – a beachside park where you can have a beach bonfire with great views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic mountain range on a clear day (even more elusive than Mount Rainier). It’s a great place to spend an evening watching the sunset from the shore.

Watch the world slip by in front of your own personal beach bonfire

Travel the Burke-Gilman Trail to The Somm

From Ballard to Bothell, the Burke-Gilman is a 30-kilometre long paved pathway for walking, running, biking, scootering, you name it! It’s a popular trail to go for a long run or take a Lime scooter from point A to B, and the trail connects various Seattle neighbourhoods and parks.

Squeezing the trail for all it’s worth? The Somm is just a few minutes from the Bothell end of the trail and offers a restaurant that’s one of the newest establishments of Pacific Northwestern cuisine in the area. Check out their rooftop bar too with small plates, craft cocktails and, on clear days, views of Mount Rainier.

Hot Tip: Washington State produces the second most wine out of states in the US, with over 1000 wineries to choose from!

Free Yoga with Views at Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park offers expansive space to stretch out and relax, hang out and enjoy the best view of the Seattle skyline across Lake Union.

Now imagine taking in that view in downward dog while you get your zen on. During the summer months, crowds of Seattleites roll out yoga mats and say ‘namaste’ to free Yoga in the Park every Thursday at 6pm. Each week, a different Seattle yoga instructor will lead the crowd in an hour-long flow, usually followed by music and vendors.

Gas Works is right off of the Burke-Gilman, so it’s an easy stop to plan for. Don’t miss watching the seaplanes take off!

Imagine lying on the grass here (we know, you’re rolling down that hill)

Paddle on Lake Union and up to Gasworks Brewing

Stand-up paddleboarding is the thing to do after work and on the weekends when the summer sun doesn’t set until 10pm. There are a million places to go paddling, but few are more iconic than Lake Union. With views of the city and the iconic Space Needle, it buzzes with energy from people happy to be out on the water.

On the north end of Lake Union, Gasworks Brewing exploded in popularity immediately upon opening its doors and docks. Yep, you’ve got that right, you can paddle right up to the brewery dock to grab a brewski and food. They’ve got a large patio and car parking for landlubbers too, and a broad lineup of good beers and good vibes.

Hot Tip: There are plenty of places to rent SUPs, kayaks, hot tub boats (you also heard that right) and more. Experiencing Seattle from the water introduces you to a whole new side of the city.

Paddle this and reward yourself with a beer at Gas Works Brewing!

Run Fast, but Stop to Smell the Roses at the Seattle Arboretum

The moodiness of Washington forests is just as beautiful during a cloudy drizzle as on a sunny day, and you can experience it all at the Seattle Arboretum, no matter the time of year.

With popular walking and biking paths, you’ll see regulars out for a run and families taking photos as you stroll along. Grab a coffee at the nearby Arosa Cafe and take a cosy walk amongst the trees on a fall or winter morning.

You can even paddle the arboretum for a complete nature fix

Get lost amongst the large trees that the trails navigate around. See the seasons unfold before you as the foliage changes seemingly every week. It’s incredible.

If it’s the afternoon, head over to Mountaineering Club for retro outdoor vibes, vibrant cocktails, and marshmallow roasting at your table!

No matter the time of the year, Seattle offers endless ways to get out and explore, and is a must-visit on any US or North American tour that centres around the outdoors. With so many opportunities to explore nature without even needing a car, it truly is Mother Nature’s city.

Seattle’s much more than the Space Needle (spot the mountains in the distance too!)

Photos thanks to Visit Seattle