Lake Washington is the second largest natural lake in Washington state, just behind Lake Chelan. This lake sits just to the east of Seattle, providing a border to many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. By renting a vacation home on Lake Washington, you’re giving yourself tranquil lake views combined with the ease of being near the heart of the city.
While other lakes in the state of Washington are stunning, lake houses in those areas are more solitary and don’t give you access to trendy shops, restaurants, and downtown fun. Lake Washington is the perfect mix of lakefront access with city amenities.
A few of the best Seattle neighborhoods that border Lake Washington on the west are:
- Madrona
- Lakeridge
- Mt. Baker
- Leschi
- Seward Park
- Madison Park
History of Lake Washington
The area around Lake Washington had a slow start. Early settlers to the area began exploring the area in the mid 1850s but no communities were established until the early 1900s. The lake was instead used as a way to transport coal, timber, and other goods from one side of the lake to Seattle on the other side.
In 1917, the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened, booming the growth and development of the area. Before then, the lake wasn’t connected to Puget Sound, but with the canal, goods and people could be transported all the way to the sea, without needing to leave their boat. The construction also lowered the levels of the lake, making way for new waterfront homes.
This area along the lake has continued to be a popular area to live. With vibrant neighborhoods, lush parks, and beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains, you’ll quickly see why Lake Washington is a popular place to live in Seattle.
Things to Do Around Lake Washington
One of the best things to do on Lake Washington is to simply relax and enjoy your beachfront getaway! When the weather is nice, you’ll see people flocking to the shores of this lake to sunbathe, spend time with friends and family, or have a picnic. With trails all along it, it’s also a great place to walk around and soak up the views.
Other than a great place for some R&R, here are our favorite things to do around Lake Washington:
- Get on the water: The lake is a great place to cast a line and catch bass, trout, perch, and crappie. It’s also a good spot to go kayaking or take a boat cruise.
- Enjoy Seafair: This annual summer festival hosts events on and off the water that you won’t want to miss out on!
- Visit Mercer Island: Explore this small island on Lake Washington. Considered a suburb of Seattle, this island has public beaches, trails, and parks.
- Head to Downtown Seattle: Lake Washington’s west coast isn’t far from downtown Seattle, giving you easy access to all of Seattle’s hotspots like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Center, and Puget Sound.
- Visit Nearby Neighborhoods: Other great nearby neighborhoods to check out while in Seattle are Madison Valley, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Bellevue, and Belltown.
Our Seattle Vacation Homes
By booking a rental home directly for your next vacation, you’re not only saving on third party fees from Airbnb or Vrbo, but you’re getting the personal touch of dealing with the property managers directly.
We’re able to help you with all of your Seattle vacation needs and can point you in the right direction for anything from nearby grocery stores to fun, unique things to do in the area, based on your interests. From the moment you check-in, you can rest assured you’re in good hands while in Seattle.
All of our properties come equipped with a full kitchen, free wifi, fresh linens, and a washer/dryer. Some house rentals have a private dock, BBQ area, window air conditioning units, and/or gas fireplaces.
Get ready for a great, relaxing vacation to Seattle by staying on Lake Washington.