Discover Kirkland, WA: Boutique Shopping, Wine Bars, and Scenic Walks

Come enjoy 700 feet of Lake Washington’s shoreline in the middle of beautiful downtown. Marina Park’s 3.5 acres provide the perfect spot to spend the afternoon experiencing the sites and culture of Kirkland. Visitors can fish, bike, or take a stroll and browse the sculptures and interpretive markers that make up the various points of interest. Gas grills are allowed and a gazebo can be rented for special gatherings. The park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year and offers easy access to waterfront dining. Seventy-seven boat slips are available on a first-come first-served basis, and boat launch passes can be purchased.

25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-587-3300

Juanita Beach Park is where families can have the best beach experience in the Kirkland area. The park offers fun outdoor amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. Renovated in 2011, its enhanced beaches and walking paths can now be enjoyed with better parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Horseshoe pits, volleyball areas, tennis courts, ball fields, play grounds, an open-air amphitheater, and public docks all make for a fun day at the beach. Restrooms with changing areas and concession stands along with barbeque grills and group rental facilities are available in open season. The park is closed in the winter.

9703 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland, WA 98034, 425-587-3300

Juanita Bay Park is a beautiful 110-acre nature preserve in the middle of Kirkland’s urban area. Steal away from the bustle of the city for a peaceful walk or jog along the park’s 3,000 feet of trails and boardwalks. Relax on the lawn with a picnic lunch and take in the views of the scenic wetlands and marshes, which abound with birds, turtles, beavers, and other wildlife and fauna. Guided tours are offered the first Sunday of every month at 1 PM. Park services are closed in winter, but visitors can enjoy the benches, green spaces, and views year-round.

2201 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-576-8805

The Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail is part of Kirkland’s revitalization and a reflection of the city’s commitment to establishing a healthy and eco-friendly community. A 5.75-mile section of the Eastside Rail Corridor will soon connect neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Residents and visitors can now enjoy the 16-foot wide gravel interim trail that runs from 108th Ave NE to Slater Ave. Future plans are for the corridor to provide multi-modal transportation opportunities so that residents can lead a healthier lifestyle. Today it offers a playground and children’s zip line, a total-body resistance training area, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball court.

123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-587-3011

132nd Square Park, located between 1-405 and Kirkland, is a great place between to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors. With its unique address at 132nd Avenue and 132nd Street, the park has manicured baseball and soccer fields, along with a playground, plenty of park benches, and a paved walking path. The 9.75-acre park offers lots of green space to play and picnic, and ample parking and restrooms are available. A popular attraction in the park is the reflexology walking path. Roll your feet along the uneven stones to experience this ancient healing art designed to improve circulation and relieve stress.

13159 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034

Recommended Activities for Couples

Argosy Cruises - Lake Washington Cruise is the must-do attraction in the Puget Sound area. Their public and private cruises provide a rare opportunity to experience breath-taking scenery and Northwest tribal culture in one of the country’s most beautiful settings. One-hour sightseeing tours of Seattle Harbor are available Jan-March, and 2 1/2 -hour cruises in Ballard Locks are operated Jan-May. Scenic cruises on Lake Union celebrating Seattle’s history and industry open in March. Lake Washington cruises featuring homes of the rich and famous are available in May. Beginning April 16th, take the popular Tillicum Village Excursion complete with a fish bake and tribal show.

Located between Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland, Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Parkis the ideal place to take in some sunshine while enjoying scenic views of Lake Washington and Seattle. Easily accessible from downtown Kirkland, the park offers a swimming beach, volleyball courts, a kayak launching area, and a playground. The park is open year-round with restrooms available April – October, and a lifeguard is on duty in the summer season. The shallow swimming area for children along with the sunbathing and diving docks make the park a popular attraction on warm, sunny days. Large groups are encouraged to contact staff before visiting.

5811 Lake Washington Boulevard, Kirkland, WA, 425-587-3360

Restaurants

Chainline Brewing Company is Kirkland’s newest spot to sample the locally made Northwest Ales and Lagers. Embracing the Eastside’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle, the brewery is located on the bicycle corridor and features an outdoor trailside deck with beautiful scenery. You can sample their drafts in local restaurants, or check their website for what’s on tap and visit the brewery to enjoy its fun, relaxing atmosphere. A food truck offers daily specials, and Trivia takes place Tuesday evenings starting at 7PM. The brewery provides a family outing where children and dogs are welcome.

500 Uptown Court, Suite 210, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-822-3455

Spacious and airy with almost Zen-like and understated décor, Cafe Juanita is the result of Chef Holly Smith’s love for Northern Italian cuisine and wine and her modern, healthy interpretation of old North Italian classics. The relatively small menu is full of tantalizing surprises such as octopus with smoked bone marrow, chickpeas, and salsa verde. Ingredients are local and seasonal or imported from Northern Italy, which in some cases is the best option. Many dishes are gluten-free, and they make their gluten-free pastas and breads in-house. Produce is organic whenever possible, and wine pairings are offered, with an excellent selection of Northern Italian and Northwestern wines. In the skilled and inspired hands of the chef Holly Smith, Café Juanita proves that eating healthy can be a superb gourmet experience.

9702 NE 120th Pl, Kirkland, WA 98034, 425-823-1505