Best Swimming Lakes Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound

Lucky Eastsiders can cool off at great swimming beaches along the shores of both Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish.

Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland

With plenty of room to spread out, this swimming beach is beloved by Kirkland families, and for good reason. A shallow swim area with wraparound docks provides a safe spot for tots to splash; and the soft sand and fantastic playground promise hours of post-swim fun in the sun. 

Idylwood Beach Park, Redmond

On the west side of Lake Sammamish, a large sandy beach, gradually sloping swim area, and vast grassy spaces and two awesome play areas add up to make Idylwood Beach a fantastic choice for all-day outings. There are plenty of picnic spots and shady trees to go around. Parking can be an issue, so be ready to make the trek from an overflow lot.

Houghton Beach Park, Kirkland

Update July 24, 2023: Houghton Beach is temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria. Check back before swimming here!
This small but picture-perfect beach in Kirkland’s laid-back Houghton neighborhood is ideal for the smallest swimmers. A roped-off section stays wading-depth forever, and an awesome pirate-ship-themed play structure is steps away, so moms and dads can stay put on their blanket while littles run back and forth. Older kids can spike up a game of volleyball at the beachfront court. 

Meydenbauer Bay Park, Bellevue

Gorgeous views surround the shimmering bay in this recently renovated Bellevue beach, which was updated with an updated playground overlooking the beach and a cool pedestrian pier. The REI Boathouse at the sandy shore offers paddleboard and kayak rentals for more family fun on the water.

Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah

This waterfront park situated at the south end of Lake Sammamish is best known for its incredible destination playground and a plethora of nature trails. But no less exciting are its two spacious beaches: the main one, Sunset Beach, has an expanse of sandcastle-ready beach; but our pick for the younger crowd is the smaller Tibbetts Beach, with its shallow roped-off water perfect for splashers and waders, and a separate section for paddleboarding, kayaking and more. Note that you need a Discover Pass to park here.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton

Update July 24, 2023: Gene Coulon’s swimming beach is temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria. Check back before swimming here!
This 57-acre park at Lake Washington’s southeastern shore is prime territory for both land and water play. Unfortunately, lifeguards will not be present during summer 2023, as they have in the past. Be certain to closely supervise children in the water if you choose to swim here. In addition to the beach and designated swim area, find tennis and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a waterfront walkway, a huge and amazing playground and plenty of grassy picnic space to keep the whole family occupied from morning until dusk.

Next up: South Sound-area swimming lakes

^{Photo credit: Credit: Jeff Sandquist/Flickr CC}