There's no denying that one of the best things about summer is frequent visits to Seattle's best beaches. If you're looking for a way to beat the heat and cool off this summer, check out these 10 beaches in Seattle:
1. Seward Park Audubon Center - 5902 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98118
The Seward Park Audubon Center is a great place to spend an afternoon with the entire family. This gorgeous park is a 2.6-mile loop trail, and because of its popularity, the beach area tends to get crowded on hot summer days. For the best spot, be sure to arrive early. This is a wonderful beach near Seattle.
advertisement
2. Discovery Park - 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Discovery Park, located in Magnolia on the peninsula, is Seattle's largest park. It has many great beaches that are hardly ever crowded. Discovery Park's beach areas also offer incredible views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. One of the more beautiful beaches in Washington.
3. Pritchard Island Beach - 8400 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Located within the Rainier Beach area, Pritchard Island Beach is a small, quiet beach that's perfect for relaxing. It also offers incredible scenic views.
advertisement
advertisement
4. Green Lake Park - 7201 E Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98103
Green Lake Park is a natural preserve that offers two beaches: East Green Lake Beach and West Green Lake Beach. There's also a 2.8-mile paved path around the lake that's perfect for bicycling. Some of the best beaches in Washington!
5. Warren G. Magnuson Park - 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
At 350 acres, Warren G. Magnuson Park is Seattle's second-largest park. It's located on Sand Point at Pontiac Bay and is well known for its off-leash dog beach area. One of our favorite beaches in Seattle.
6. Madison Park Beach - E Madison St & E Howe St, Seattle, WA 98112
Madison Park Beach is located along Lake Washington and offers great views. Instead of sand, the beach area is grassy. Madison Park Beach does get crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and there's also a nice dock for visitors to enjoy. This is one of the best beaches in Seattle!
advertisement
advertisement
7. Matthews Beach Park - 4999 NE 93rd St, Seattle, WA 98115
Matthews Beach Park is a 22-acre park that features a popular swimming beach. During the summer, two lifeguards are on duty and a nice diving platform is anchored out in the water.
8. Mount Baker Park Beach - 2521 Lake Park Dr S, Seattle, WA 98144
With roped-off shallow and deep ends, Mount Baker Park Beach is a great place for children to spend their summer days. This beautiful beach has many grassy areas to lie on, and it also offers a sandy area that runs along the shoreline. Such a family-friendly beach in Seattle.
9. Alki Beach Park - 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98127
Alki Beach offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the city's famous Space Needle. This is another beach that gets crowded during summertime, so arrive early to grab your spot. The most popular of the beaches in Seattle!
10. Golden Gardens Park - 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Golden Gardens Park is one of the best places in Seattle to watch a sunset. Its beach area does get crowded during the summer. However, because Golden Gardens Park is spread out, it's not difficult to find a spot. Bonfire parties, volleyball, and flying kites are just a few of the many activities enjoyed by beach visitors. One of our favorite beaches near Seattle.
Which of these beaches in Seattle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for some great places to stay in Seattle? We love the W Hotel in Seattle!
Autumn is a wonderful time of year in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The temperatures are a little cooler, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the mosquitoes have largely disappeared. It's also a great time to get out and enjoy all the season has to offer. These are some of our favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
advertisement
Minnesota Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Minnesota For Fall Foliage
Our state is blessed with an abundance of forested land. This makes Minnesota a marvelous place to be when autumn takes over and the leaves start to sport their seasonal colors. This usually begins around mid-September in the north and can last until early November in the far southeastern part of the state. Early to mid-October is the sweet spot for leaf-peeping in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy fall foliage in Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Frontenac State Park is located between Red Wing and Lake City, perched on the bluffs above the Mississippi River. With expansive down the valley, over Lake Pepin, and of the forested bluffs on both sides of the river, you'll enjoy some wonderful autumn views at this park. Moreover, the park's trails thread its hardwood forests, so it's the perfect spot for some fall tree bathing, as well. Aim for a mid-October visit to enjoy the best of the season.
Location: MN Hwy. 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Need to Know: Admission to most of the North Shore's state parks by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day. Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and Grand Portage have visitor centers and park amenities that you can visit without a permit.
advertisement
advertisement
With seven state parks, five state waysides, the Superior National Forest, and Grand Portage National Monument, this stretch of Minnesota Hwy. 61 is home to incredible natural beauty - all of it within view of the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, birches, aspens, and tamaracks take on golden hues starting in mid-September, making this a wonderful place to experience autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The view pictured is from the Oberg Mountain Loop, near Tofte.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
The name Maplewood State Park hints at how spectacular this place becomes in the fall. Its namesake trees, along with fiery oaks and golden basswood burst into beautiful foliage from late September through October. With eight lakes and miles of trails, Maplewood is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the all the awesomeness of autumn.
Need to Know: Admission to the state park by car requires a permit, which costs $35 per year or $7 per day.
Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, was the first Minnesota State Park, and it's one of our favorites for enjoying some early-season fall foliage. You can expect to see colors starting to change here by mid-September. By early October, the park's Northwoods species - birch, aspen, tamarack - will be cloaked in a mantle of gold. Another advantage to visiting Itasca at this time of year is that this popular park is far less busy than it is in the summer months.
advertisement
advertisement
Best Pumpkin Patches in Minnesota
What is fall without pumpkins? And in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, choosing a pumpkin can be an event unto itself. That's why there are so many farms that offer all manner of additional activities for folks who venture out to choose their pumpkins. Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin patches in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The patch is open September 20 - October 31, seven days a week, during daylight hours. There is no charge for admission or parking at Barten Pumpkins.
Barten Pumpkins, near New Prague, is home to one of - if not the - largest pumpkin patches in Minnesota. With, literally, thousands of pumpkins on offer every season, you're sure to find what you're looking for here, whether its seasonal decor or the perfect jack-o-lantern. Weekends at Barten Pumpkins often see live music, food vendors, and other entertainment, so it's a fun day trip destination, as well. Visit the farm on the web for information.
Need to Know: Retail center will be open seven days a week, September 25 through the end of October. Activities are open on weekends through the season, as well as M.E.A. break. The cost varies per activity.
advertisement
advertisement
One of the Metro Area's more popular agritainment destinations, Country Sun Farm is a wonderful place near St. Paul for a family to spend an autumn afternoon before picking out their pumpkins and calling it a day. It was always my kids' favorite fall destination because of all the attractions, including hay rides, food vendors, a corn maze, a petting zoo, and inflatable bounce attractions. For hours and pricing, visit Country Sun Farm on the web.
Need to Know: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The play area is free of charge.
Located just north of Mankato, The Little Green Wagon Pumpkin Patch and Farm is my favorite new discovery in the pumpkin patch category. This sweet little farm/farm stand is super family friendly, offering a small play area with a corn pit, a straw bale maze, a slide and other fun features at no cost to visitors. There are picnic tables where the adults can enjoy a coffee while the little ones play or set up a picnic lunch after they've worked up an appetite.
Need to Know: Open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from September 21 to October 27. The patch will also be open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 17 and 18 during M.E.A. break. There is a $7 admission fee, and there may be additional charges for certain activities.
Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch is one of the most pumpkin patches near the Fargo-Moorhead area in northwestern Minnesota. In addition to, of course, pumpkins, you'll find all manner of attractions, including horse-drawn rides, a petting zoo, and a game area. The only difficulty you may face is getting the youngsters away from all the fun so they can pick out their pumpkins.
advertisement
advertisement
Best Fall Festivals in Minnesota
One of my favorite things about autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is all the fantastic festivals that occur during this time of year. Whether you want to admire gigantic gourds or simply heft a pint of ale in the air, you'll have your chance at one of these fun fall festivals in Minnesota.
Need to Know: The festival begins with community decorations from September 16 - October 13.
I'm pretty sure SeptOberfest, in the charming and historic Mississippi River town of Wabasha, is the state's longest fall celebration. Beginning in mid-September, the streets and town are bedecked with seasonal decorations. They'll be up through mid-October. In the middle, from September 28 through October 6, the town offers eight days of activities and events. There's already plenty to do in Wabasha, and this fall festival just makes a visit to the town a little more special.
Need to Know: Weekends, August 17 - September 29, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. General pricing is $27.95 for adults and children 13 and over. Discounts are available for children under 13, seniors, and advance purchase tickets. On-site parking is $15, if purchased in advance, or $30 on the day you attend.
advertisement
advertisement
Although not dedicated to pumpkins, pilsner, or harvests, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival is an early-autumn rite of passage in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It's one of the largest festivals of its kind, and attending is a wonderful way to step out of everyday life and become somebody else - even if it's just a gawking tourist, like me - for a day. For daily schedules of events, themes, and a list of vendors, visit the festival's website.
Need to Know: October 12 and 13. Most events are free of charge. A shuttle is available for those who choose a remote parking lot.
Maybe it's the giant pumpkins, themselves. Or the live music. Or the general silliness of some the events, like the pumpkin regatta on the St. Croix River or the giant pumpkin smash, but Stillwater Harvest Fest is one of my favorite festivals of the year. This two-day event takes place on one weekend every October, and it is absolutely dominated by pumpkin themed events and activities, most of which are free of charge and fun for the whole family. Visit the Stillwater Harvest Fest website for more info.
Need to Know: The festival takes place October 18 and 19, over M.E.A. break.
Another fun fall event to consider is the annual Moose Madness Family Festival. Geared heavily toward fun activities for children, this festival in the beautiful town of Grand Marais celebrates the season when Minnesota's moose are feeling most amorous. Scavenger hunts, games, live music, and appearances from Murray the Moose are festival highlights. For more information about the event, check out the Visit Cook County website. If you plan on attending, you'll definitely want to reserve a stay well in advance, as M.E.A. break brings the crowds to Grand Marais.
advertisement
advertisement
Free & Cheap Minnesota Fall Activities
The best part about many of the fun things to do in fall in Minnesota is that most of them are free or relatively cheap. But there are also any number of other things that you can do during autumn in the Bold North that won't set you back much at all - and you can do them on your own schedule.
Need to Know: The cost of apple picking varies from orchard to orchard.
Visiting an apple orchard in Minnesota is a popular fall activity. There are plenty of orchards that charge admission and offer all the raucous autumn agritainment that has become such a thing at many orchards and pumpkin patches. But there are also many low-key orchards that are more concerned with the fruit they produce than entertainment. These types of orchards generally don't charge an admission, and you can pick apples for a reasonable cost. It's really a wonderful way to spend a weekend day in the fall in Minnesota.
14. Enjoy Colorful Foliage, Lake Superior Views, and Migrating Raptors in Duluth
Need to Know: Fall migration starts in late August and continues through December, peaking in September and October.
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is a spot that's renowned for its location on a major flyway for migrating raptors - hawks, eagles, falcons, etc. - in North America. At peak migration, observers may witness thousands of birds fly over in a single day. What's extra cool, though, is that the fall migration season peaks at about the same time as the foliage does in this part of the state. So, if you head up to Hawk Ridge in late September or early October, you can enjoy raptors, foliage, and beautiful views of Lake Superior. Visit the Hawk Ridge website to see migration numbers and predictions.
Need to Know: You can find waterfalls throughout our beautiful state.
There are waterfalls all across Minnesota - in the extreme southeast and southwest, and all points north from there. That means there's probably one near where you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. And as beautiful as waterfalls inherently are, if you ask me, they look even better when wreathed in gorgeous fall colors. So, why not pack yourself a lunch (or breakfast or dinner), find a waterfall, and enjoy just being outside in the lovely autumn air?
With so many things to do in Minnesota in the fall, I don't think you'll find yourself wanting for activities this autumn season. Which of these autumn experiences have you enjoyed? Be sure to let us know, and tell us about your own favorite things to do in Minnesota in the fall.
It is that time of year again when you can brew up some pumpkin spice lattes, enjoy the crisp air, and find the best things to do in New York in the fall. Let me tell you when the leaves start to change there is no better place to be than in the Empire State. New York in the fall is certainly a magical place not just from the colors but by the plethora of New York fall activities and fun just waiting to be experienced. With only a short window to enjoy all there is to see and do this season let's jump right into it.
advertisement
New York Fall Foliage: Where To Go In New York For Fall Foliage
New York's fall foliage is among some of the best in the world offering a fiery array of colors from our city parks to the highest mountains. Typically the height of the season peaks around the last week in September and the first week of October. So you have a short time to make the most of it so make sure to make your plan ahead of time to see the best places to visit in New York in the fall.
Location: A mountain range in North East New York.
Wow Factor: These mountains house some of the most beautiful fall colors you have ever seen.
Need To Know: This is a very remote area in some places so make sure you have a paper map when you lose cell phone reception.
When we first visited New York in the fall, this was the location we chose. I still think this is the best spot in the entire state. The mountains become a canvas for fall colors and everywhere you go you will be treated to some of the greatest fall colors in the east. Some of the best places to visit while you are cruising around the Adirondacks are Lake Placid, Whiteface Mountain, and High Fall Gorge. Even if you just want to take a pretty drive there are so many places to just get lost in the beautiful fall landscape. We have found charming little towns, windy mountain roads, and crystal-clear ponds that mirror the surrounding fall foliage. If you are keen on history then find your way to the various covered bridges or witness the Olympic sight all in this cozy mountain oasis.
Need To Know: This is a great place for scenic drives, hiking, and exploring during the fall foliage.
advertisement
advertisement
When it comes to beautiful mountains the Catskills Mountains are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places you can go in New York. With miles and miles of mountainous acreage, you will have many places to explore, hike, or just go for a scenic drive. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the foliage is to get out on my own two feet and hike through the forest. The crunchy leaves underfoot as others gracefully drift from the trees to the ground make for an enchanting way to experience any trail. You can witness waterfalls, overlooks, and interesting paths no matter what your skill level is, you owe it to yourself to experience these mountains in the fall.
Wow Factor: A fall retreat in the middle of New York City.
Need To Know: Spend plenty of time in this huge park with loads of pretty trees
The mountains make sense as a go-to fall destination but I bet you wouldn’t have guessed that in the center of the concrete jungle of New York City lies one of the prettiest fall spots. Have you ever been to Central Park in the fall? This brilliantly designed green space in the city comes alive with color in the fall! You can bring a picnic and sit on the lawn of the Sheep Meadow or the North Meadow, make sure you take in all of the sights with places like iconic bridges and waterways reflecting the fiery colors of fall. If you live in the city then make sure you head into the park this season to take in the autumn bliss.
Location: Just slightly left of the middle of New York state.
Wow Factor: Lakes, waterfalls, and fall colors!
Need To Know: Make sure to visit the state parks in the area.
The Finger Lake region of the state holds some of the prettiest views and state parks, but it only gets better during the fall months. Enjoy the crisp air while eyeing an endless horizon of the massive lakes all of which reflect the fall foliage in a stunning array of colors. Places like Taughannock Falls is a must-see in the autumn. This is the tallest waterfall in New York. Taughannock Falls sits in a bowl-shaped canyon and is simply breathtaking. Watkins Glen is wholly different from any other state park I have ever visited; the stone pathways and bridges look amazing with colorful leaves framing every picture taken. These two parks are worth the visit no matter what time of the year.
advertisement
advertisement
Best Pumpkin Patches In New York
While the changing trees tend to take the spotlight in the autumn season, we can’t overlook everyone's favorite fall decoration; the humble pumpkin. Here we will dig into some of the best pumpkin patches in New York. So if you have been searching for “Some of the best fall activities near me” Then you are in luck because many of these farms have a lot more than just pumpkins to offer. In fact, each one is worthy of its own day trip.
Wow Factor: Pumpkins, games, cider donuts, and so much more!
Need To Know: Weekdays are free, but most activities are on the weekend as well as the cider donuts.
The Great Pumpkin Farm is well, pretty great. It is the biggest fall festival in the region and one of the best places to get many different pumpkins. That's not the only thing for sale either, pick up ghoulish Halloween decorations, and more goodies including freshly made donuts on the weekends. There are many different events each weekend from mid-September till the end of October so make sure to check the calendar of events online before you go. Kids will enjoy the many different carnival rides and activities for them. Bring your family and get lost in the massive corn maze or come back for a terrifying Halloween event. Fall isn’t complete without a visit to The Great Pumpkin Farm.
Need To Know: Pick your own pumpkins right from the vine.
advertisement
advertisement
If you are looking for big pumpkins and I mean huge pumpkins then there is no better place than Awald Farms. This farm boasts some of the biggest pumpkins in the state some of them up to 200 pounds! Don’t worry, you won’t need to bring along a wheel barrel to bring home a pumpkin because they also have some normal ones too. Walk among the grounds and pick your own right from the vine or pick one out from the collected bunch. While you are there shop at the country store and kids can enjoy a variety of activities like the play area and the corn maze. Awald Farms is all about huge pumpkins and big fun this fall so make sure you pay them a visit.
Need To Know: There is an admission price to enter the farm.
Everything you could ever want in a classic fall festival can be found at the lovely Abbott Farms. Apple picking? Check. Corn maze? Check. Pumpkins? Your betcha! Everything you can think you would find at a classic farm festival and so much more can be enjoyed at this amazing farm. Chomp down on a fresh warm cider donut, sip on delicious hard cider, and go on a good old-fashioned wagon ride. Maybe it's just nostalgia but there is something special about a simple harvest festival on a farm and if that same sense of the good old days calls to you then Abbott Farms is waiting to greet you with open arms, and pumpkins!
Best Fall Festivals In New York
From one of the most fantastic light shows of the year to launching pumpkins into the water, the Empire State certainly has very different ways to celebrate the autumn season. Here are some of the best fall festivals in New York state.
8. The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze - Hudson Valley and Long Island
Wow Factor: The most spectacular jack-o-lantern art you’ve ever seen.
Need To Know: This event is happening in two locations at different times so make sure you know before you go.
advertisement
advertisement
The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze is one of the most spectacular displays of carved pumpkins you will ever see. You can imagine the over-the-top Christmas displays and events we have seen over the years but replace the twinkling lights with jack-o-lanterns and you can start to get the idea of what to expect. Years prior they have had some of the most interesting artwork with various themes and it is a real visual spectacle. Some of the pieces are so greatly detailed it is hard to fathom how they accomplished such an incredible masterpiece. Experience the magic yourself this year and get your tickets to The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze.
Need To Know: BBQ, yeeting pumpkins, what more could you ask for?
There are two types of people in this world: people who quietly sip a cup of apple cider after admiring their perfectly crafted pumpkin display in the fall, and people who launch pumpkins from a trebuchet. If you line up more with the latter than the former the Punkin Chuckin festival is the place for you. Watch as everyone’s favorite orange fall decoration gets helplessly flung high in the air and into the St. Lawrence River. If that was all that people gathered for then that would be enough but you can also nosh on some of the best BBQ around and enjoy many fun activities and games too! What an event. If you want to celebrate fall a little differently this year then make sure to check out Chuckin Pumpkin.
Apples and pumpkins get all the attention in the autumn but there is one cherished tradition that has been taking place for over 40 years that dares to be different. The Oyster Festival is a long-standing fall event where you won’t find all of the standard offerings but celebrating love for oysters. At this family-friendly festival, you can enjoy all the things these slurpy shells can give us as well as live entertainment, games, crafts, and so much more. Spend your fall doing something a little bit different this year by attending The Oyster Festival.
Free & Cheap New York Fall Activities
If it's free it's for me! Some of the best things in life won't cost you a single cent and that's what I am all about. Getting in the car and finding our way to the best places to visit in New York in the fall is a dream come true and I am going to show you some of those places. So let's get ready to have a super fun weekend trip without breaking the bank.
Need To Know: Find some of the best places to drive and take a trip through the countryside.
We took a trip specifically to New York one year just to enjoy the fall colors. We loved it so much we went back again! I am pretty partial to the Adirondacks when it comes to the fall season. I was just blown away by the colors in an area teeming with wild expeditions at every turn. It was a spontaneous trip and so finding a covered bridge or a hidden waterfall was an absolute delight. This isn’t the only spot in the state for a cruise but there are plenty of amazing scenic drives in New York, find one near you and hit the road for a trip.
Wow Factor: Some of the best of the natural wonders lie within the New York park’s system.
Need To Know: Most state parks do charge a small fee to enter.
advertisement
advertisement
New York State Parks hold within them some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world let alone in the state. This is the perfect place to get out and experience the beauty of fall by taking a hike, watching a breathtaking waterfall, or taking a calming break at an overlook. I would suggest visiting Letchworth State Park which is known as the Grand Canyon of the east. This massive gorge houses show-stopping waterfalls and views that are simply unreal. The colors in the trees pop all along the canyon and it is one of the best state parks in New York, however, there are plenty of great finds across the state so find your way to your favorite this fall.
Wow Factor: Seeing the fall foliage from a distance is amazing but immersing yourself in the forest is wholly different.
Need To Know: Practice all the standard hiking safety rules while out and exploring.
If you are an avid hiker like me then chances are you already have a bucket list a mile long of trails you want to go on. You should see the lists I have piled up on my AllTrails app, trust me it's a big list. That being said fall is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the trails. The weather starts to cool off making a difficult climb a little bit more enjoyable. Whether you are taking a stroll through a wooded park or you scale a mountain taking a hike is one of the greatest ways to experience fall foliage. Take a look at some of the best hikes in New York and maybe you can add some to your bucket list.
Wow Factor: Crisp air, campfires, and colorful trees.
Need To Know: Dress real warm.
advertisement
advertisement
Just picture this, the air has a certain coolness to it that you can feel in the light breeze. You find comfort and warmth near the campfire and the mug of coffee that your hands clasped tightly. The aroma of the wafting smoke fills your nostrils and in the background, as the sun is setting you see the slight movement of leaves rustling in the breeze. This is the beauty of camping in the fall. It sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? I always say there is no such thing as bad weather just bad choice in clothing so bundle up and fully immerse yourself in nature on a camping trip. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of apple cider tea, then rent out a cabin. There are so many great places to go camping in New York so find the best one for you and take a trip.
Wow Factor: Charming farms during harvest time is a classic fall activity.
Need To Know: Some farms charge for admission during certain fall events.
Rural farmlands are always nostalgic to me. With grandparents who owned a farm in New England, there is something special about visiting these agricultural powerhouses during the autumn season. Finding awesome farms in New York isn’t hard but picking one might be. I love apple orchards the most, there is nothing like picking your own apples. Bonus points if the place has fun animals to interact with too. So find your way out to the countryside and visit this timeless tradition.
I can tell you firsthand that there are many fun things to do in New York in the fall. I have very fond memories of my time spent in the Empire State, from chasing waterfalls to scenic fall drives. There is no denying that this is a state blessed with a pretty amazing autumn season. So get outside and enjoy everything that New York has to offer this fall.
During one of my trips to upstate New York, we stumbled upon Roaring Brook Falls, it's a pretty fun adventure so make sure you also check out that story too.
Can't get enough of the fall season? Take the smell of the outdoors inside with you with this pumpkin patch potpourri.
