Aug 27, 2025 - Things to Do

How to enjoy the final stretch of Seattle summer

Melissa Santos

Seattle waterfront with blue water, the Seattle Aquarium building, a large Ferris wheel, and a city skyline of tall buildings under a bright blue sky with white clouds. — A mighty fine waterfront. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

Summer's winding down in Seattle — but a few golden days remain.

Why it matters: The city's glorious summers help offset gray, wet winters — so it's worth savoring the last stretch.

Here are a few of the things on our to-do list before fall hits, from paddling adventures to shady hikes.

Hit up an island

People sitting and relaxing on benches along the green railing of a ferry deck overlooking calm blue water and a sailboat under a clear sky. — The ferry from Bainbridge Island to Seattle. Photo: Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

You don't have to plan a multiday excursion to the San Juans to experience local island vibes. Try boarding the ferry to Bainbridge Island on foot and wandering the cute downtown, sampling pizza, chocolate and wine.

If you have a car, ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton and enjoy a seafood lunch in Langley. You'll get a taste of Whidbey Island without having to stay overnight.
Alternatively, you can spend a day exploring Vashon Island, visiting the Point Robinson lighthouse and sampling local beer and cider.

Head to the beach

Seattle's urban beaches offer sun and sand without the need for a road trip.

For low-key relaxation through Labor Day, try the shores of Lake Washington at Seward Park, Madison Park Beach or Matthews Beach Park (check bacteria levels first).
Or, if you're up for it, join the throngs at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens, which offer fire pits and beach volleyball through Sept. 22.

Get out on the water

Two men standing on a boat deck, overlooking blue water with a city skyline and the Space Needle in the background under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. — Views of Lake Union on the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

Glide along the water by kayak or paddleboard and feel sorry for all those people stuck on the freeway. Rentals are available on Lake Union and Lake Washington, as well as along Alki Beach and Shilshole Bay.

You can also test your rowing prowess by renting a free peapod at the Center for Wooden Boats. (If you'd rather someone else steer, try the center's crewed Sunday boat rides.)

For a kid-friendly adventure, try Emerald City Pirates' treasure cruise or the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise, both of which depart from Lake Union Park.

Find a patio

Outdoor waterfront dining area with wooden tables, gray chairs, and a large white and gray striped umbrella. People sit and relax near docks with boats and a large ferry on a sunny day. — Westward on Lake Union has some killer patio vibes. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

If you're not feeling outdoorsy, but want to take in water views, there's a deck for that.

Try the patios at Gas Works Brewing. Westward, Saint Bread on the north side of Lake Union; Ray's Cafe in Ballard; Marination Ma Kai in West Seattle; or the Stonehouse Cafe in South Seattle.

Hike under the shade

Dirt path in a sunlit green forest splitting into two, with wooden steps on the left and dense ferns, trees, and leaves covering ground and surrounding area. — Frink Park has a lot of tree canopy to help shade Seattleites who wither in the heat. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

Some of us aren't built to hike in the heat, but the short, shady hikes on the Asahel Curtis Nature Trail just off I-90 and in Frink Park in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood are manageable even when the sun is blazing.

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