Bring on the Beach! Best Beaches for Families Around Puget Sound
Photo:
Juanita Beach Park. Photo credit: Steve Ginn via Flickr CC
Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland
Find it: 9703 N.E. Juanita Dr., Kirkland
Lake Washington’s Juanita Beach Park is a true gem. A healthy strip of soft, white sand welcomes shovel-toting tots and sun-seeking parents alike. The water is very shallow, so kids can wade out a bit without parents worrying about hidden drop-offs, and the large wrap-around dock shelters the swimming area from the rest of the bay.
Take a stroll (or scooter ride) on the footpath through the small marsh section, with its wooden bridges and blue herons, or rent a stand-up paddleboard for an hour or two. Another plus is the big playground next to the beach.
Good to know: There are a few picnic tables, but if you’re planning lunch, pack a blanket, as most of the tables may be taken. Spud Fish & Chips is across the street, and a little popsicle stand often parks itself at the beach.