Originally established in 1869, the city of Kirkland is one of Washington’s wealthiest communities. Fortunately, it retains a laid-back friendliness. It’s the sort of town where people walk the streets and acknowledge each other on Sunday afternoons, generally with an ice cream cone or coffee in their hand.
It’s conveniently located just 20 minutes from Seattle and has a vibrant arts scene, fantastic restaurants, beautiful parks, and diverse outdoor activities to offer as a perfect weekend getaway. Here are 10 of the finest things to do in Kirkland, Washington to make the most of your visit.
Explore Lake Washington
Kirkland is situated on the shores of Lake Washington, which is not only the largest lake in King County but also the second-largest in all of Washington State. This lake boasts incredible views of Mount Rainier to its south and Seattle and the Olympic Mountains lying westward. To make things even better, Kirkland’s sunsets are truly spectacular. If you’re looking for a memorable experience while visiting Kirkland, grab some drinks and snacks and head down to Duffys Electric Boats!
They operate covered boats that carry 10-12 people, and you don’t need a boater’s license since they go at less than 15 miles per hour. You may rent them at Northwest Paddle Surfers if kayaking or paddleboarding is more your thing. Parasail Kirkland also offers you the opportunity to look down on the landscape from above, the staff at Parasail Kirkland is there to help you.
Embrace the Arts
Art may be found just about everywhere in Kirkland. The downtown area has over two dozen outdoor sculptures and murals throughout the parks, buildings, and sidewalks, as well as numerous indoor exhibits. In summer, Marina Park hosts the fantastic free Kirkland Summer Concert Series, which includes live music every night of the week. The state-of-the-art Kirkland Performance Center is home to film festivals, live concerts, plays, and performances from a mix of local and internationally renowned artists.
Eat to Your Heart’s Content
Shop the most popular dishes and order online today! And don’t forget to try some of our premium teas. Visit us today for excellent service at a low price! In this post, we’ll take a look at what you can get in each area. Shop early in the month when sales are great, as prices tend to be lower than after that time due to transportation costs.
Cafe Juanita is widely regarded as the finest restaurant in Kirkland. Holly Smith, the chef-owner, won a James Beard award for excellence and specializes in Northern Italian cuisine sourced from the Pacific Northwest ingredients. Cafe Juanita is a special occasion eatery with prices to match that should be booked several weeks in advance to guarantee a reservation.
Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen is an excellent place to go if you’re looking for amazing food on a budget. The restaurant gets its inspiration from traditional Thai street foods, so you know the dishes are going to be fantastic. And in summer, when they open up the glass walls for al fresco dining, it’s even better. Oh, and did I mention that they have one of the best happy hours in town?
If you’re looking for something delicious, go to Siren Gelato and treat yourself with a frozen dessert as you walk around or explore one of the area’s numerous parks.
Shop ’til You Drop
There are a number of unique shops in the area, including restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Many of them cater to a high-income clientele. This doesn’t imply that bargain hunters will miss out on anything interesting. Ragomffyn’s consignment stores are always certain to have an enticing selection of designer women’s apparel and accessories for far less than the original price.
With everything from unique finds to affordable prices, there are also gift shops like Clementine where you can find something for everyone on your list.
Bellevue Square is a top shopping destination in Washington State, and it’s only ten minutes from the hotel.
Play at the Park
A trip to Kirkland is not complete until you visit one of its many phenomenal parks, especially Marina Park. Not only will you get a chance to see the picturesque Seattle skyline across Lake Washington, but you’ll be able also take part in many activities that go on here. From enjoying the views to watching boats come into the marina and much more, there’s something for everyone at Marina Park!
Waverly Beach Park is one of the best swimming beaches on Lake Washington. It’s also a great place for a picnic, and there’s a playground for little ones.
Or if you’re looking to explore Kirkland, Peter Kirk Park is the perfect place to start. With its verdant lawns, tennis courts, baseball field, skate court, basketball courts, swimming pool and more – not to mention the wheelchair-friendly paved path running through it – there’s something here for everyone!
Get Active
Kirkland offers many activities for those who love being active. In addition to the water-based activities, there is also the 5-mile Cross Kirkland Corridor which is perfect for all levels of experience when it comes to biking, walking and jogging.
If you would rather partake in team sports, volleyball lovers can head over to Houghton Beach Park where they can enjoy a game or two on the sand. Another excellent option nearby in Redmond is Sammamish River Trail that extends 19 miles. This particular trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly as it’s paved but also has an added bonus of taking visitors past several wineries in Woodinville.
The city of Kirkland, which is located 25 miles north of Seattle, is just a ten-minute journey from Woodinville, the home to over 130 wineries and tasting rooms. It’s an excellent method to learn more about Washington wine without leaving the state.
Some of the best wineries in Washington State are located in Woodinville, and visitors shouldn’t miss out on touring them. Chateau St. Michelle Winery not only has picturesque grounds, but also offers free informative tours to guests. Just across the street from Chateau St. Michelle is Delille Cellars, which boasts an impressive new tasting room and some of greatest wines in WA state.
If you’re looking for something different than wine-tasting, there are also several breweries and distilleries located throughout Woodinville–one of which is the award-winning Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Visit the Farmers Markets
Kirkland is home to two farmers markets, which generally take place from the beginning of June through the end of September. Locally produced fresh produce, flowers, eggs, honey, handmade crafts, and more are available. On Wednesdays at Marina Park near downtown Kirkland, you’ll find the Kirkland Wednesday Market. The Friday Night Market is held in Juanita Beach on Fridays across town.
