Scenic Drives to Take Around Seattle
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For those of us who've walked every block in our neighborhoods—or don't have the mobility to move about by foot—there are local ways to satisfy the craving for new landscapes. Just don't forget to keep it slow and safe; after all, it's about the journey, not the destination (especially when you're already here).
Branching Out: Washington Park Arboretum
Though events at the expansive green space may be postponed, even a drive through the Arboretum is an adventure. Take Lake Washington Boulevard from the 520 bridge through to East Madison Street; the winding road offers views of the overhanging trees, blooming wildflowers, and stone pagodas as it rolls past the Seattle Japanese Garden.
The Coast Is Clear: Lake Washington Boulevard
Start near Mount Baker Beach just south of the I-90 bridge and head south along the lakefront down to Seward Park, taking in stunning vistas of Lake Washington and Andrews Bay. The road through the park is closed to vehicles, but you can still catch a glimpse of the forest and coastline.
Cliffhanger: Magnolia
For cliff-side views of Elliott Bay, head west. The best route through the out-of-the-way neighborhood is to take Magnolia Boulevard from West Armour Street down to 32nd Avenue. There are many lookouts that make for a good stop. Then wind north to Discovery Park—currently closed—and swing by the busy industrial top end of the peninsula on W Commodore Way to Fisherman's Terminal, across the narrow Ship Canal from Ballard.
No Bridge, No Problem: West Seattle
If you’re stuck in West Seattle, don't stress about being cut off from the rest of the city; there are plenty of things to see on this side of the broken bridge. Start near Salty's and take Harbor Avenue SW up to Luna Park on the peninsula—but stop along the way for some of the best viewpoints of the iconic skyscrapers and Space Needle anywhere in Seattle. For an even more elevated version of the skyline, take the turn on California Way SW up to Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Then return down to Alki Avenue SW to continue along Alki Beach and its lighthouse overlooking Puget Sound.