5 Beautiful Outdoor Spaces in Seattle and the Surrounding Area for a Mental Health Break
Discover the top 5 outdoor spaces for a mental health break in Seattle, Washington and the surrounding area, including some hidden gems. Read below for a tour through my personal life and favorite mental health breaks in South Seattle, Magnolia, Columbia City, and Edmonds, Washington.
Introduction
The science is pretty clear on this one, we get major mental health benefits from spending time outdoors and looking at pretty green and blue things. No really, I can distill all these great research studies into what we already know– we feel calmer looking at trees and bodies of water! I love this approach as a low-key lift to support wellness because it’s free and doesn’t have to involve buying something off of Instagram in the name of “self-care.” Get outside already folks! I mean, after you read this for inspo.
1. Discovery Park
Magnolia neighborhood, Seattle
Overview: This one is pretty classic for a reason, there is tons of room to roam and a little bit of something for everyone.
Activities Available: Hiking, picnicking, old military complexes that are fun to look at and pretend you’re in an apocalypse situation
Best Time to Visit: All year round, just dress for the weather. Getting outdoors in the winter is also super beneficial for fighting off the gloom.
Practical Information: Fun fact: I just made a new friend last week who went on a first date here with a stranger and they ended up getting lost after dark. Don’t follow her lead and get stuck in a spooky situation.
2. Seward Park
South Seattle/Columbia City
Overview: Well this list is turning into a journey through my favorite haunts. I’m a little biased. I used to live close to Seward Park and spent so many hours walking with my dog around the 3-ish mile loop or exploring the fun trails that go up the hillside. It really is an underappreciated park!
Activities Available: Hiking, picnicking, water sports if you’re into that type of thing. There is even a pottery studio!
Best Time to Visit: All year round, just dress for the weather. Getting outdoors in the winter is also super beneficial for fighting off the gloom. Also stop by Cafe Vita or Third Place Books beforehand if you want to walk with a warm beverage in your hand and a book to read under a tree.
Practical Information: Lots of parking, never had an issue. Don’t sleep on the upper trails and the parking lots up there!
3. Carkeek Park
Broadview/Crown Hill neighborhood
Overview: Smaller than Discovery Park but easier beach access. Also has some awesome trails for a choose-your-own-adventure vibe.
Activities Available: Hiking, picnicking, salmon viewing, I hope the old fruit orchard is still there.
Best Time to Visit: All year round, just dress for the weather. Getting outdoors in the winter is also super beneficial for fighting off the gloom. You guys get the idea by now.
Practical Information: Fun fact: I once went on a blind date here and ended up walking with a stranger in the dark. I guess there is a theme here…luckily it all turned out fine!
4. Kubota Garden
Rainier Beach/South Seattle
Overview: This is less of a wild park and more of a incredibly beautifully landscaped, peaceful garden that is known for its fall colors.
Activities Available: Walking, introspective time, gazing at beautiful plants, taking senior or engagement photos on the bridges (I feel like every time I’ve come here this is happening).
Best Time to Visit: All year round, just dress for the weather. Fall and spring are particularly riotous with color.
Practical Information: Free parking, free entry, and accessible paths. Definitely check out this under-appreciated gem.
Why I like it: The zen vibes, free parking, and beautiful Japanese maple leaf trees.
5. Edmonds Waterfront
Overview: Is there anything more relaxing than gazing at mountains, ferry watching, and also possibly grabbing ice cream or a coffee or both? I don’t think so. This little gem of a town has outdoor recreation and green space down to help combat your cortisol levels.
Activities Available: Walking, ferry hopping, tide pool collecting, also close to an adorable and thriving row of shops if your type of mental health involves retail therapy.
Best Time to Visit: All year round, plenty of places to sneak inside if it gets cold!
My favorite spots: Waterfront Coffee, Brackett’s Landing, and plentiful parking on Sunset Ave N
Conclusion
Outdoor space here in the Pacific Northwest is abundant and such a great way to get off your dang phone and truly take care of your mental health. The prescription for better mental health is pretty doable– as little as 20 minutes a week. Research shows that just living near a park decreases your risk of depression.
One other nerdy thing I want to go into is that getting daylight exposure by being outside will be very beneficial for your circadian rhythm, or the internal clocks that run a lot of systems in our body. Unfortunately, as modern humans we spend a large amount of time under artificial light and in front of screens, which can throw our sleep and wake cycles off. Going to a park, going for a walk, or strolling by the trees on the side of a busy street (you gotta do what you can) helps offset some of the damage and helps reduce your cortisol. The ironic part is that I’m writing this in front of a screen under a lamp so come meet me on the trails everyone, I’m going to go get some fresh air as part of my wellness plan! As always, if you want more personalized notes for your wellness plan, send me a message and sign up for the monthly newsletter for advice.
