Madison Park Beach
Seattle's Madison Park Beach offers sunbathing, swimming, a playground, and stunning Lake Washington views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy sun
Madison Park Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy sun

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seattle's Madison Park Beach offers sunbathing, swimming, a playground, and stunning Lake Washington views.
"Great place to swim and enjoy the beautiful nature with cozy cafes nearby."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited; get there early to secure a spot close to the water. :car:
☀️ Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal with scenic views! Cafes are nearby, but a picnic is a classic beach experience. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandy Shores & Lake Views
Lake Washington shoreline
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking with stunning views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier.

Kid-Friendly Fun Zone
Adjacent to the beach
A dedicated children's play area and playground make it a perfect spot for families with young ones.

Summer Swimming Raft & Diving Boards
In the water
Take a dip and enjoy the water with access to a swimming raft and diving boards for added fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Summer Crowds
Navigating Lake Washington Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited; get there early to secure a spot close to the water.
:car:☀️ Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal with scenic views! Cafes are nearby, but a picnic is a classic beach experience.
:sandwich:🏖️ North End for Better Sand
Reviewers suggest the north end of the beach offers better sand quality.
:shell:🏊♀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during the summer season for added safety.
:guards:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Street parking is limited; get there early to secure a spot close to the water.
:car:☀️ Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal with scenic views! Cafes are nearby, but a picnic is a classic beach experience.
:sandwich:🏖️ North End for Better Sand
Reviewers suggest the north end of the beach offers better sand quality.
:shell:🏊♀️ Lifeguards on Duty
Lifeguards are present during the summer season for added safety.
:guards:📸 Capture Sunset Views
The sun sets quickly; plan to enjoy the golden hour for beautiful photos.
:camera:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Madison Park Beach is a beloved Seattle spot, praised for its scenic lake views, family-friendly amenities like a playground, and enjoyable swimming conditions with a raft and diving boards. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for sunbathing and picnicking, with nearby cafes adding to the convenience. However, parking can be challenging, and some find the lifeguards' presence a bit overbearing.
"Still solid after all these years. Lifeguards are more annoying (and bored) than I remember. Better sand at north end of beach."
Rick Carpenter
"Loved spending afternoon there and had our lunch while enjoying the scenic views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainer! Weather was great, food was yum, people were fun to be around! Great place to swim and enjoy the beautiful nature. There’re cozy cafes and indoor & outdoor seating bars just across the street of the beach.
Street parking is limited unless you don’t mind going a little further."
Bella A
"Lovely place to take dogs and for a ⛱️ summer picnic. Get there early to get a spot close to the water. The sun goes down quick and you can end up moving forward and that's no fun. Public bathrooms in the middle of the park and life guards during the summer 🌞"
Ben Morton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Madison Park Beach is located in Seattle. While RapidRide buses serve the Madison Park neighborhood, they don't go directly to the beach itself. You may need to walk a bit from the nearest bus stop.
Parking is limited, so consider public transport or arriving early.Street parking is available near Madison Park Beach, but it can be very limited, especially during peak summer days. Arriving early is highly recommended to find a spot.
Swimming across Lake Washington from Madison Park Beach to Bellevue is not recommended due to significant boat traffic. A boat escort would be required for safety.
Yes, Madison Park Beach is a lovely place to take dogs, particularly for summer picnics.
The closest public transport would be the RapidRide bus lines that serve the Madison Park neighborhood. From there, it's a walk to the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Madison Park Beach is a public park and typically does not have an entrance fee for general access.
As a public beach, Madison Park Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Madison Park Beach as it is a public park.
During peak summer, the beach can get crowded, and parking is limited. Lifeguards are present for safety.
While the beach itself may be accessible, it's best to leave before sunset as the sun goes down quickly and it can become difficult to navigate.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, playing in the children's play area, and picnicking. There are also diving boards and a swimming raft available.
Yes, there is a children's play area and playground located at Madison Park Beach, making it great for families.
Public bathrooms are available in the middle of the park for visitor convenience.
Absolutely! Madison Park Beach is a great spot for tanning, especially with its sandy shores and sunny disposition.
The water is suitable for swimming, with a raft and diving boards for added enjoyment. Lifeguards are present during summer.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cozy cafes and bars with indoor and outdoor seating just across the street from the beach.
Madison Park Beach is an ideal location for a picnic with friends and family, offering scenic views.
Scoop Du Jour Ice Creamery is mentioned as a nearby spot, perfect for a treat after a day at the beach.
You can find casual dining at nearby cafes and bars, or enjoy a picnic. Some reviews mention good food and drinks.
Several cafes and bars across the street offer seating with views of Lake Washington and the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, and the sunset. The beach itself, playground, and surrounding neighborhood offer picturesque scenes.
The golden hour before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings also offer softer light and fewer crowds.
The panoramic views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier are iconic. The beach's playground and the charming Madison Park neighborhood also make for great photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local Seattle park rules regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can bring distant Mount Rainier closer. A standard zoom is versatile for general shots. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
☀️ Sunbathers & Tanners
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Summer Activities at Madison Park Beach
Beyond the immediate beach area, the surrounding Madison Park neighborhood offers a charming backdrop. You can find cozy cafes and bars just across the street, perfect for grabbing a bite or a drink after a day in the sun. Many visitors enjoy having a picnic on the sand, taking advantage of the scenic views. While the beach itself is the main attraction, the overall experience is enhanced by the vibrant community feel and the beautiful natural setting.
Navigating Parking and Access
For those considering public transportation, the RapidRide bus lines serve the Madison Park neighborhood, but they do not drop you off directly at the beach. You will likely need to walk a short distance from the nearest bus stop. This can be a good alternative to driving if you're looking to avoid parking hassles. Remember that the sun sets relatively early during certain times of the year, so plan your visit to maximize daylight hours for your activities.
Community Insights and Local Vibe
While generally positive, some feedback points to minor annoyances, such as lifeguards being perceived as 'annoying' or 'bored' by one reviewer. However, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it 'one of the best places' for its beautiful weather and enjoyable activities. The proximity of cafes and bars across the street adds to the convenience and social aspect of the beach experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit