South Day Street Park, a viewpoint nestled in central Seattle along Lake Washington, offers a distinctive experience for park visitors. This is one of a series of explorations into Lake Washington parks within Seattle. For a comprehensive overview of these lakeside green spaces, refer to the introduction here.
A Viewpoint Unlike Any Other
Day Street Park distinguishes itself with its unusual location: directly beneath the expansive I-90 bridges. This positioning provides a truly unique vantage point, especially captivating for photography enthusiasts seeking unconventional urban landscapes.
Unique Features of Day Street Park
Day Street Park offers several compelling features:
- I-90 Bridge Views: The park delivers an unparalleled perspective of the I-90 bridge structures overhead, creating dramatic and industrial-chic photo opportunities.
- Panoramic Vistas: Beyond the bridges, the park opens up to views of Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, and the majestic Mt. Baker on clear days.
- Lakeside Deck: A deck extending over the water provides an immersive experience of Lake Washington and is ideal for fishing or simply enjoying the scenery.
- Hand Carry Boat Launch: For those with kayaks or canoes, the park provides a convenient hand-carry boat launch for lake access.
Getting to Day Street Park
The park entrance is located off Lakeside Avenue. Approaching from the south, be mindful as the entrance can be easily missed. The parking lot operates as a one-way loop, entered from the south end of Lakeside Avenue and exited at the north end.
Unique view of the I-90 bridge from Day Street Park in Seattle, a hidden gem for urban exploration.
While parking offers a partial lake view, it’s not as expansive as locations like Madrona Park. For those preferring to remain near the parking area, a conveniently placed view bench overlooks the lake.
Access to the lakefront is available via two paved paths. A direct path with stairs descends quickly near the bridge supports. For step-free access, a more gradual paved path begins near the north end of the parking lot, leading gently down to the water’s edge.
The lake deck is a prime spot for soaking in the views and engaging in fishing. Equipped with a bench, it’s also an excellent location for birdwatching, particularly during the late fall to early spring when ducks like buffleheads are abundant.
South of the deck, a small pebble beach extends under the bridges, suitable for launching small boats and wading. Water shoes are recommended due to the pebbles.
Day Street Park, despite its size, is a noteworthy destination. Its unique setting and perspectives make it a valuable addition to Seattle’s collection of viewpoint parks, perfect for showcasing to visitors or enjoying a solitary moment of urban nature.
Essential Information for Visitors
When planning a visit to Day Street Park, keep these details in mind:
- Operating Hours: The park is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily.
- Seating: Benches are available near the parking lot and on the lake deck. Picnic tables are not provided.
- Restrooms: Day Street Park does not have on-site restrooms. Public restrooms can be found at nearby Madrona Park to the north and Mt. Baker Park to the south.
- Parking: The one-way parking lot, accessible from Lakeside Avenue, accommodates approximately 10-15 vehicles. Parking is generally available, even on summer weekends, though it can occasionally fill up.
- Park Usage: Day Street Park is frequented mainly by local residents, but also attracts sightseers and photographers drawn to its unique character. The park’s ambiance varies; it can be tranquil, especially during cooler months, but may see more visitors on sunny days. Visits are often brief, with people passing through during walks or stopping to capture photos and enjoy the views.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore other Lake Washington parks in the vicinity for a fuller day trip.
- Location: Find Day Street Park on Google Maps
