There are over 400 parks and over 6200 acres of park land in Seattle but sometimes it seems like we're all just going to the same ones. If we're not a Woodland Park we're at Cal Anderson Park or over in Discovery Park. It's easy to just stick to what you know. But Seattle is filled with the undiscovered, or only slightly-discovered, and the spring weather is beckoning to you to find them for yourself. Below we've mapped out twelve tiny or hidden parks that often fly under the radar. Some of them are beaches, others offer amazing views. All of them are worth the trip.
Read MoreSeek Out These 12 Secret Seattle Parks For Springtime
The weather is starting to turn for the better and that means it's the perfect time to get out there and explore the nooks and crannies of Seattle.
Cove Park
Right next to Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, you'll find this new-ish park on the waterfront. Closed for a long time while the Barton Pump Station got upgraded, you can follow the top of the station down to the waterfront beach with salmon art leading the way. Be wary of the shore during low-tide, it can be a little dangerous. But there's still lots of other space to explore or just sit and watch the ferries.
S.W. Brace Point Street End
A third of a mile south of the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, look for a “shore view” sign and that's where youll find the public access spot. This private beach offers fantastic views of Vashon and Blake Islands. Bring a lunch and just hang out for a while, watching the ferries go by. Just don't go too far north as it becomes private property quickly.
32nd Avenue W. Beach
Go to the end of 32nd Avenue W. and you'll find a small waterfront beach that's a perfect jumping off point for a boat ride or just to sit and enjoy views of Downtown Seattle and Bainbridge Island.
Howell Park
Take a turn off of Lake Washington Boulevard onto Howell Place, which looks like a dead-end street, and you'll find there's actually a secluded park down there. There's no parking lot so just make sure you don't block any of the private driveways nearby. The path leads down through the woods to a beach lawn where, it's rumored, you may find clothing-optional sunbathers from time to time.
Thomas C. Wales Park
This place was used as a gravel pit and for material storage prior to being developed into a neighborhood park. Some of that gravel has become public art and gives this tiny park a unique look and feel.
Rainbow Point
Enjoy a great view of downtown and the Olympic Mountains, while also sitting on benches or making your way along the simple pathway. This park is lighted, and features trees and shrubs, along with plant beds and small lawns.
Bellevue Place
Bellevue Place is small grassy slope overlooking Lake Union across I-5. A short bike path runs through along bottom of the hill, connecting Melrose Ave E to a bridge over the highway to Eastlake Avenue. Great views here of downtown Seattle, Queen Anne Hill and the Olympic Mountains.
Belvoir Place
This small waterfront park located at 42nd Avenue NE is near Surber Drive NE in Laurelhurst. While the dock is in need of some serious repair, it's a cool little gem of a spot for sunbathing or even getting in the water if you're up for it. FYI, Belvoir Place has been designated a "Pesticide Free Park".
Herring's House Park
This very neat little park in the Duwamish industrial area offers some respite against the hustle and bustle of trucks and trains nearby. There are walking trails here that provide views of the Duwamish River, and some interpretive signs to help inform visitors about the local ecosystem. There is also a small lawn area available for stretching out and enjoying the sun. This is actually a very special place in Duwamish culture, known as Tualtwx (Tohl-ahl-too).
Andover Place
Andover Place is simply a narrow grassy slope between buildings, providing public access to the beach. Tree trunks washed up on the beach make excellent spots to sit and enjoy the view. This spot was gifted back in 1948 to be "used exclusively for public recreation and access to waters of Puget Sound." It's a good spot to explore the beach, especially at low tide.
Chinook Beach Park
Chinook Beach Park features a small beach area complete with driftwood and logs that have washed up along the shore. There is also a simple, long walking path along the beach, which offers spectacular views of Lake Washington and the Cascades beyond. A small concrete landing provides a good platform for a picnic or camera tripod, as well as an interpretive sign that gives some background information on the area.
Bhy Kracke Park
Go ahead, make a "buy crack" joke. This unusual park is located on a steep residential area and the sloping hillside give you a great view of downtown, Lake Union, the freeway, and Capitol Hill. There are benches, bike rack, and drinking fountains if you want to hang out for a bit. Make sure you walk down the steep hill to appreciate the flowers and peep a different view down below.