I love exploring Seattle and the Eastside by boat. In this series I’m sharing my very favorite things about boating as well as some insights you might find helpful on your own boating adventures! One of the great things about boating for me is that it’s basically a staycation.
Staycation Vibes
Sometimes, Seattle can feel really hectic and chaotic in large part due to the traffic and congestion. But the moment I’m out on the water, it becomes a different city! It’s just super chill and beautiful. Getting out on Lake Union, Lake Washington, heading through the Montlake Cut, and exploring all of the other ins and outs of our waterways offers a completely different perspective and a new way to see everything.
On a typical boat day, you’ll find me and some friends just noodling around. If your friends have a boat, you can tie up your boats to expand your hangout. It’s a fun way to be social, and I know for me, it’s much easier to put down my phone and just take in the scenery when I’m out on the water.
Over time, I’ve discovered my favorite spots out on the water. Here are a few of my fave low-key destinations:
- Andrews Bay by Seward Park: A peaceful pocket with calm water. Perfect for floating and soaking up tranquil vibes.
- South of Mercer Island: Calmer water makes it easy to turn the music up, kick back, & relax.
- Hunts Point and Yarrow Point: Located just north of Medina, this area is quiet and the water here is usually pretty calm. Fairweather Bay, Cozy Cove, and Yarrow Bay are all nearby and you can drift around and explore. I especially like this area if I’ve picked up food from nearby BeachHouse Bar + Grill in Kirkland.
- North Lake Near Gas Works Park: This area puts you right in the middle of it all. Great people watching and a fun atmosphere—especially on hot days when everyone’s out.
- Juanita Bay: It’s also fun to head up to Juanita Bay, which is a quiet spot that’s also home to Juanita Beach Park. Juanita Bay is also where you’ll find my Kirkland listing at 8503 NE Juanita Drive. This waterfront home has a private dock on Lake Washington, and views of the water, Mt. Rainier, and the Bellevue skyline.
Dream House Shopping
One of my favorite things to do out on the boat is to dream house shop. You know I’m always out there looking at homes—I just can’t help myself! There are so many incredible properties in Seattle and in surrounding cities that you can really only see from the water. If you want to go on your own house shopping adventure, be sure to check out the floating homes and houseboats on Lake Union, Portage Bay, and in the surrounding areas. Admire gorgeous Seattle waterfront homes (that’s the dream, right?!) in Seward Park, Mount Baker, Leschi, Denny Blaine, Madrona, Laurelhurst, Windermere… and the list goes on.
There’s plenty of prime real estate to see on the Eastside, too—Bellevue, Medina, and Kirkland all have some stunning residences as well. You can also boat the full circumference of Mercer Island to ogle spectacular waterfront properties. What can I say? Sometimes I like being a bit of a lookie-loo!
Waterfront Dining
One of the most fun things to do on a boating day is to enjoy one of the many waterfront restaurants in the area. Here are a few of my fave places to grab a bite to eat from the water:
- Bluwater Bistro in Leschi: This is the perfect “grab and go” spot. Tie your boat up for a few minutes, pick up your takeout order, and get back on the water!
- Carillon Point on Lake Washington in Kirkland here are all kinds of restaurants here, and it’s actually kind of epic! This is a full marina, and you can rent a spot to park your boat in by the hour. Hop off and dine at El Encanto, Grand Bistro, Como, or Carillon Kitchen.
- Westward / Bowriders Grill / Gasworks Brewing in North Lake (Lake Union): These three dining destinations are side by side and well-loved by many. There’s a dock here to use, although head’s up, on a nice day it’s usually pretty full.
- BeachHouse Bar + Grill on Lake Washington in Kirkland: This popular restaurant has their own little dock you can pull up to. If you plan on eating at the restaurant, the dock is first come first served, so you might end up wanting to just grab takeout. Which is perfect for a boat picnic anyway!
- Ivar’s Salmon House & Ivar’s Fish Bar at Lake Union: A classic Seattle staple! You can pretty much always find a spot for your boat here. There’s a little “to go” window that faces the street, or you can have a sit-down meal.
- Agua Verde Café Mexican Restaurant & Bar on Lake Union: Excellent Baja-style Mexican food right on the water! Also home to the Agua Verde Paddle Club where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. Bonus: They have lots of gluten-free food options!
Just north of dining favorites like Carillon Point and BeachHouse Bar + Grill, you’ll find my Kirkland waterfront home listing right on Juanita Bay. It’s easy to hop on your boat and pop on over to one of these popular spots for dinner!
