Madrona Beach

Madrona Beach is a small public swimming beach on the western shore of Lake Washington in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, at the base of the hill along Lake Washington Boulevard. The beach is a compact strip of sand and grass with a gradual entry into the lake, and a swim dock sits offshore. Because it is a freshwater lake, the water is calm, without surf, and usually warmer in July and August than Puget Sound, though still cool by many standards. The shoreline is a sheltered, shallow-sloping bay with views across the lake toward Bellevue and Mercer Island, and the setting is shaded by trees, with a hillside rising behind. The atmosphere is relaxed and neighborhood-oriented, favoring local families, children, and swimmers rather than large crowds or nightlife. Seattle Parks and Recreation provides seasonal lifeguards during the peak summer weeks, and visitors should check current dates and hours before swimming. Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a bathhouse building of historic character, and a park with a playground and open lawn is located nearby. Food options are not located on the beach itself, but cafes and restaurants in the Madrona neighborhood are reachable by a climb up the hill, so many visitors bring a picnic. Metro buses serve Madrona, and the beach lies at the bottom of the slope on Lake Washington Boulevard, so the return trip involves a climb. Limited street parking is available around the park and fills on warm weekends, so arriving early is wise. The neighborhood is also known for its scenic boulevard, popular with cyclists and runners, and the beach pairs well with a walk or ride along the lakeshore toward Leschi or Denny Blaine. Occasionally the city posts water-quality advisories at lake beaches, and visitors should read any signage on arrival.