When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Myrtle Edwards Park
Why Myrtle Edwards Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Myrtle Edwards Park is a beautiful 1.25-mile waterfront park located just north of downtown Seattle, offering scenic paths along Elliott Bay with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound. This park is an ideal destination for friends looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling, rollerblading, and walking, thanks to its well-maintained, flat, winding paths that accommodate both pedestrians and bikers. The park features small beach access points where visitors can relax by the water or explore tide pools during low tide, revealing diverse marine life and even opportunities to spot harbor seals, river otters, sea lions, and various birds including bald eagles. Myrtle Edwards Park is especially cherished at dusk when the sunset lights up the bay, making it a picturesque getaway from the urban hustle. The park is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their leashed pets along for a refreshing and safe outdoor experience. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the striking sculptures bookending the park and its proximity to other downtown attractions like the Olympic Sculpture Park, Space Needle, and Museum of Pop Culture. Overall, Myrtle Edwards Park provides a vibrant yet tranquil spot for groups to meet, unwind, and admire the natural beauty along Seattle's waterfront.
Here's what people think of Myrtle Edwards Park
As of recent, Myrtle Edwards Park holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1677 reviews.
Visitors to Myrtle Edwards Park frequently praise the park’s stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound, noting it as a peaceful and scenic spot for walks and bike rides. The well-maintained paths and flat terrain receive positive mentions, making the park accessible and enjoyable for various outdoor activities. Dog owners appreciate the park’s dog-friendly environment, and many highlight the opportunity to see wildlife such as harbor seals and bald eagles. The park’s location near downtown Seattle is also a major plus, allowing easy access and connections to other waterfront pathways and attractions. However, some negative feedback points out that the park itself is relatively small and lacks food services or additional amenities, which may limit longer visits or those seeking more facilities. A few reviewers note that the park is part of a larger network of trails and attractions, implying the full experience comes from exploring these connected areas. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that Myrtle Edwards Park provides a scenic, relaxing, and enjoyable outdoor experience that complements Seattle’s waterfront offerings well.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Yue & Alex (Mindful Coffee App)
This is one of the best urban parks in the country. It's not a "beach" in the sandy sense, but a long, beautiful shoreline trail that gives you some of the most iconic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The path is split for walkers and bikers, which is a huge plus. It’s perfect for a long walk, a run, or just sitting on a driftwood log and watching the ferries go by. It connects seamlessly to the Olympic Sculpture Park, making it a great way to combine art and nature. A top-tier city park.
Heather Morgan
Beautiful long narrow park along the waterfront near downtown Seattle, west of the Sculpture Park and far more impressive. It somehow is not very well known among many Seattlites. It has a long walkway and bike paths, amazing views of the city as well as the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier - on a clear day. Best enjoyed in the summer as it can be dark, windy, and cold other times of the year.
Anthony Schmitz
This beautiful park is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. It features a small beach, plenty of grassy areas for picnics or lounging, and a jogging and biking path that runs along the bay. This park is half of what used to be Elliott Bay Park and is an amazing spot for taking photos.
Anil Yadav
This beautiful park is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors, offering a peaceful atmosphere with a variety of amenities, including a small beach area perfect for relaxing by the water, expansive grassy spaces that are great for picnics, lounging, or simply soaking up the sun, and a scenic jogging and biking path that winds along the edge of the bay, providing both recreational opportunities and picturesque views. Formerly part of what was once known as Elliott Bay Park, this area now stands as a remarkable spot on its own—an excellent location for capturing stunning photos thanks to its waterfront setting, natural beauty, and thoughtfully maintained surroundings.
MAXIM PAK
The best park with water access and beaches in the downtown area. It stretches quite long to the north enabling nice long walks along the shoreline. In clear days you can even see Mt Rainier from here! It neighbors with Olympic Sculpture park making this whole area a highlight of the day!
How to reach Myrtle Edwards Park
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Why Myrtle Edwards Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Myrtle Edwards Park with your friends?
Myrtle Edwards Park offers a uniquely vibrant and scenic environment perfect for gathering with friends and family. Nestled along the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, it combines the calming presence of nature with stunning panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound, providing a refreshing backdrop for any meetup. The park’s sprawling 1.25-mile winding bike and pedestrian paths are ideal for casual strolls, energetic bike rides, or even group runs, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors together while taking in picturesque water and mountain vistas. Its accessibility from downtown Seattle makes it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the urban rush without having to travel far. Additionally, the open grassy spaces and strategically placed benches offer comfortable spots for relaxing conversations, picnics, or simply watching the boats and ferries glide by on the water. All these features create an inviting atmosphere that encourages social bonding, physical activity, and peaceful enjoyment of Seattle’s natural beauty — making Myrtle Edwards Park an outstanding place to rally your group and make lasting memories.
What activities can groups enjoy at Myrtle Edwards Park?
Myrtle Edwards Park boasts a variety of activities suited for groups of all interests and ages. Its main attraction is the expansive waterfront trail system stretching 1.25 miles, which supports walking, jogging, and biking. Groups can embark on a scenic ride or walk together while soaking up sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Puget Sound. This makes it perfect for active meetups like fitness groups or casual outings with friends who enjoy nature and exercise. Beyond exercise, the park’s open lawns provide ample space for games, frisbee, or impromptu picnics where everyone can bring their favorite dish to share. The park also features striking public sculptures at each end, which add visual interest and are great conversation starters or photo opportunities. For those who appreciate birdwatching and wildlife, the area is known to attract eagles, herons, and other native birds, infusing meetups with moments of serene natural beauty. Additionally, the proximity to other Seattle attractions like the iconic Space Needle and Museum of Pop Culture means groups can combine park time with urban exploration, making Myrtle Edwards Park a versatile meet-up hub.
Why is Myrtle Edwards Park ideal for family or friend gatherings?
Myrtle Edwards Park is perfectly suited for gatherings of friends or families due to its spacious layout, scenic environment, and accessible facilities. The large open grassy areas give kids plenty of room to run and play freely while adults relax nearby, making it a stress-free environment for families. The waterfront benches and shaded spots create natural rest stops where groups can sit and chat comfortably throughout the day. The park’s location just north of the lively Belltown neighborhood provides easy access from downtown, reducing travel stress and allowing more time to enjoy the park. Its connection to nearby bike paths provides options for those who want to explore more extensively or combine their meetup with a longer biking adventure. For groups of friends, whether catching up over a shared meal or enjoying a leisurely stroll, the park’s combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and public art fosters an inspiring and restorative atmosphere. Plus, its peaceful waterfront setting makes it ideal for meaningful conversations and shared experiences away from the noise and distractions of the city.
What makes the views and environment at Myrtle Edwards Park special?
The views at Myrtle Edwards Park are some of the most spectacular in Seattle, making it a rare urban gem where nature and cityscapes intersect beautifully. From the winding paths along Elliott Bay, visitors enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Olympic Mountains rising sharply in the distance and the majestic Mount Rainier often capped with snow. The wide frame of Puget Sound stretches out at eye level, busy with ferry traffic and sailboats, adding dynamic life to the tranquil seascape. This relationship between water, mountains, and waterfront provides a calming and picturesque atmosphere that enhances any social gathering. Additionally, the park’s landscaping, which includes a variety of plants and a sculpture park, adds visual variety and cultural richness to the natural setting. Seasonal changes bring different colors and moods—lush greenery in summer, fiery leaves in fall, and crystal-clear winter days—offering ever-changing backdrops for meetups. Whether your group enjoys photography, meditation, or simply soaking in scenic panoramas, the environment at Myrtle Edwards Park deeply enriches the experience.
How accessible and convenient is Myrtle Edwards Park for hosting group meetups?
Myrtle Edwards Park is one of the most accessible waterfront parks in Seattle, making it exceptionally convenient for hosting group events. Situated just north of the Belltown neighborhood, it is within easy walking distance from downtown hotels, restaurants, and transit options. This means groups without cars can arrive with ease, a major advantage for urban meetups. The park’s pathways connect to a wider network of bike trails leading to Magnolia and other city areas, making it a natural part of longer fitness or sightseeing excursions. There is ample space for both large and small groups, with no shortage of spots for sitting or setting up picnic blankets. While parking can sometimes be limited in the busy Belltown area, many visitors rely successfully on public transportation or bike to the park. For organizers, the proximity to city amenities means you can easily complement your park meetup with dining or cultural outings before or after. Overall, its blend of accessibility, beautiful setting, and flexible layout make Myrtle Edwards Park an outstanding venue choice for friendly and family-oriented gatherings.
What additional features enhance Myrtle Edwards Park’s appeal for meetups?
Several additional elements contribute to the appeal of Myrtle Edwards Park as a meetup location. The park honors the legacy of Myrtle Edwards, a respected Seattle city council member and community advocate, which adds a layer of historical and cultural significance for visitors who appreciate place stories. Public art installations bookend the park, engaging visitors beyond just the natural scenery and offering unique photo opportunities or thematic reflection points. The presence of wildlife such as eagles and herons appeals to nature enthusiasts and adds an element of discovery that can spark group conversations and shared appreciation. The park’s layout includes safe pedestrian and bicycle paths separated from traffic, creating a relaxed environment even when hosting active groups. For culinary gatherings, the nearby urban neighborhoods provide an excellent range of food options if you prefer to bring takeout or organize a catered event. Collectively, these features make Myrtle Edwards Park not just a scenic venue but a holistic social space encouraging active living, cultural engagement, and meaningful connections.
Why do visitors rate Myrtle Edwards Park so highly?
Myrtle Edwards Park’s rating of 4.7 stars from over 1,600 reviews highlights its consistent popularity and user satisfaction. Visitors frequently praise its well-maintained paths, breathtaking natural and urban views, and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews mention how the park’s wide, multi-use trails offer room for walking, jogging, and biking without overcrowding, making it enjoyable for people seeking both activity and relaxation. The accessibility from the city core and the easy connection to scenic waterfront trails are seen as major benefits. Reviewers also comment on the variety of activities possible—from leisurely picnics and birdwatching to group runs or casual bike rides—emphasizing the park’s versatility for different types of social interactions. The peaceful feeling and the opportunity to engage with both nature and art leave a lasting impression on visitors. This positive feedback from a large number of guests underlines Myrtle Edwards Park’s reputation as one of Seattle’s premier spots for rejuvenating and memorable group outings.