June 29, 2023
Seattle Parks and Recreation will open six swimming beaches, with lifeguards, for summer 2023. Beaches will open beginning Saturday, June 24, 2023. Lifeguards are on duty on good weather days, weekdays noon–7 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m.–7 p.m., through Labor Day. Check Seattle’s swimming beaches page for current status. The city strongly discourages swimming without lifeguards present.
One of the city’s most popular swimming beaches — for good reason — Madison Beach sits on Lake Washington at the eastern edge of the vibrant Madison Park neighborhood. A swimming raft, diving boards and a well-tended grassy area draw families.
Seattle’s largest freshwater beach, this park is an ideal stopping place when you are out for a ride on the Burke-Gilman trail (which runs right next to the park). When you need a break from the water, kick back on the large grass area and enjoy a snack.
This favorite South Seattle spot follows a ravine boulevard gently sloping down to the family-friendly beach. With a dock, diving platform and roped-off swim area, the water invites swimmers of all levels; and adjacent Colman Park has plenty of walking and cycling paths, tennis courts and a newly renovated playground for after-swim fun.
This quaint beach (which used to be an actual island!) sits off the beaten path in the Rainier Beach neighborhood, north of Beer Sheva Park. The swimming area is small but roped off and ideal for youngsters, and the secluded spot, bordered by a picnic-perfect lawn on one side and a marshland on the other, keeps crowds down.
With its sparkling water and green spaces in the middle of a dense city neighborhood, Green Lake is a true urban gem. There are two swimming areas, but only one, West Green Lake, will be open this summer. Note that this is the swimming area by the Bathhouse Theater, not the swimming area by the community center (this one remains closed). The lake is surrounded by a path perfect for walking and running, and Green Lake Park is also a natural preserve packed with adventures.
Spread out your blanket on the grass or hug the trees for shade on a hot day and enjoy a refreshing dip in Lake Washington.