The Washington Park Arboretum is one of Seattle’s most peaceful and scenic destinations, offering miles of walking paths, waterfront views, and curated plant collections just minutes from downtown.

On this Sunday Drive, we explored the Arboretum during the fall season — when colors, reflections, and quiet moments make it especially memorable. This post offers a visual look at the Arboretum and why it continues to be a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

One of the best things about having a new puppy in our family has been taking him out on walks to various parks around the area. Yesterday, my husband and I took Scupper, a Flat Coated Retriever, to Washington Arboretum Park.

This was my first time visiting this park I’ve probably driven over thousands of times. It’s located under parts of the off-ramps to 520 bridge by University of Washington and the Seattle neighborhood of Washington Park along the shores of Lake Washington.

On this visit, we walked around Foster Island and Marsh Island. We are saving the Arboretum gardens for next time.

The park is over 230 acres and has botanical gardens that are managed by the University of Washington.

Green spaces like the Washington Park Arboretum are a big part of what makes Seattle appealing to so many residents. Easy access to parks, walking trails, and waterfront views often plays a role in where people choose to live, especially for those who value outdoor time woven into daily life.

You can check out more of photos from our walk to Washington Arboretum Park by clicking here.

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