Seattle's Top Picnic Picks

By: Michael Sarko | June 27 2011
Posted in Seattle - Find It - Seattle

View from Volunteer Park. Photo credit: Michael Sarko

The Pacific Northwest is known and loved for its green space and Seattle is no exception. The aptly-named Emerald City is home to 6200 acres of dedicated park land and an impressive collection of public art. This makes Seattle an unusually outdoor metropolis. In the gorgeous spring and mild summer, the sunshine and fresh air lend a liveliness to the region's bounty of fresh foods. Let the green grass be your tablecloth and the birds serenade you on a delightful Seattle picnic. Not sure where to start? Check out these fun outdoor destinations.

Volunteer Park- 1247 15th Avenue East

One of Seattle's oldest parks, Volunteer Park has been a favorite place to take in both the natural growth of Washington woods and the growing skyline of the city for over a century. Perched at the crest of Capitol Hill in a thriving neighborhood, Volunteer Park is home to a pristine field enclosed by tall trees and lovely ponds. It's also where you'll find the Seattle Asian Art Museum, the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the park bandstand where everything from Shakespearean plays to major political rallies run throughout the year. Best of all, Volunteer Park is just a few blocks from the Broadway Farmer's Market that opens every Sunday between May and December. Grab some local eats and enjoy a Picnic at Volunteer Park.

Gas Works Park- 2101 N Northlake Way

There's no better view of the Seattle skyline than the one you'll find at the top of the kite-flying hill at Gas Works Park in Fremont. The city shimmers in the daylight and shines at night, the peaceful waters of Lake Union beneath. Once the site of a coal gas plant that was decommissioned in the 1950's and converted into a park a few years later. Gas Works Park is a favorite escape for people of all ages and there's nothing like enjoying a relaxing picnic on its green hills while sailboats cut across the water. If the clouds threaten to rain on your outing, why not take shelter with the famous Fremont Troll just down the road?

Golden Gardens Park- 8498 Seaview Pl. NW

Seattle isn't just about the skyline, trees and hills, though. The Ballard neighborhood sports the city's most popular beach, Golden Gardens Park on Puget Sound. Whether you prefer to spread out a beach blanket on the sand, settle down on the grass or enjoy the shade in one of the airy enclosures, Golden Gardens is an ideal picnic destination. There's an area on the north end of the park where your canine companion can run free and you'll always have a plum view of the Olympic range. Nothing makes dessert taste quite as sweet as watching the sun set behind snow-dusted mountains.

The greater Seattle area is dotted with 400 public parks of every stripe, so take advantage of the weather and explore all the city has to offer passionate picnickers