Best parks in Seattle to avoid crowds during hot weekend
How to beat the heat this weekend around Seattle
While crowds flock to popular spots like Alki Beach, officials are suggesting alternatives such as Carkeek Park in Seattle, Swan Creek in Tacoma, and Howarth Park in Everett to help people beat the heat.
SEATTLE - This weekend, the weather in the Seattle area is expected to be hot, and for many, that means heading out to local parks to cool off.
The weather forecast for Seattle on Saturday and Sunday has highs hitting the mid 80s.
The area is known for its beautiful parks. Seattle has nearly 500 alone. For many, parks around Puget Sound or Lake Washington are the best places to stay cool in the heat.
Parks to stay cool around Seattle
Local perspective:
However, depending on which park you are planning to head to and how early you leave, you could spend more of your day circling the parking lot than sitting by the water.
"There is usually no parking spots," said Dejouna Hudson. "I’ve seen it when there is no parking and people are parking on the sides," she added.
Hudson and her family were spending Friday at Angle Lake Park. The park is usually packed with people enjoying either the access to the lake or the splash pad.
Other parks in the area are notorious for bringing out crowds, like Alki Beach and Golden Gardens in Seattle, and Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.
Big picture view:
If you’re looking for the best parks for a quieter day, Seattle park officials suggest Carkeek, Myrtle Edwards, Constellations or Me Kwa Mooks Parks for Puget Sound views.
Also, Lake Washington has dozens of smaller parks with beach access and parking lots like Madrona, Leschi, Adams Street, Stan Sayres, Madison Beach, Magnuson Park, and Matthews Beach.
Tacoma officials suggest Swan Creek, Nature Center at Snake Lake, China Lake and Charlotte's Blueberry Park.
In Everett, officials suggest Howarth Park Beach, Walter E Hall Park, and Jetty Island.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter AJ Janavel.