Top 10 things to do in Seattle for the 4th if you're a last minute planner
Happy 4th of July, everyone! I hope you have a safe and wonderful day celebrating with friends, family, sparklers and some rosé!
Typically, the 4th of July is a holiday that sort of sneaks up on me and I throw together plans last minute. But not this year, Tristan and I will be spending our 4th of July near the water with friends to soak up the sunshine, watch some fireworks and indulge in some delicious food and drinks! For those that are seeking out plans in the Seattle area, I've compiled a list of the Top 10 things you can do in Seattle for a reasonable price (or free of cost) and out in the sunshine! Enjoy!
1. Gasworks: Pull up a chair (or two) and enjoy the full firework show at Gasworks parks! Some people even bring out their kayaks or boats to dock and watch. I highly recommend walking and parking farther away from the park since parking can be scarce.
2. Check out the Captiol Hill 4th of July Picnic: Taking place at Cal Anderson park you can enjoy live music, hot dog eating contests and booze! The neighborhood is open for roaming, people watching and bar hopping to those that are open for service.
3. Be a beach bum at Alki beach: Bring out your beach cruisers and bike along the boardwalk, take out a couple of paddle boards or kayaks and enjoy some time on the water or pack up a cooler of your favorite beverages and snacks and head over to the beach to lounge and soak up the rays! West Seattle also puts on quite the firework show so if you're planning on staying, stake out a good viewing spot.
4. Visit the Ballard Locks: For those that are fellow Ballard residents, venture over to the Ballard Locks for a concert series (free of charge) on the beautiful grounds.
5. Host a BBQ: If you're not looking to do anything too crazy for the 4th of July, scope out your local options for BBQing whether it be at your apartment complex or at a nearby park. Anticipate crowds but embrace the opportunity to host your friends or host a potluck style BBQ with all the good 4th of July food and drinks!
6. If you're a dog lover: If you're a dog lover, check out the Patriotic Dog Walk in Bellevue. It's a non-competitive 4K walk for you and your dog and you even can enter in the costume contest!
7. Play outdoor games at the park: We have so many local park options here in Seattle (Greenlake being a personal favorite) so gather up a group of friends to play a game of soccer, tennis, basketball or another lawn game favorite like ladder toss or spikeball! Follow up your game with a picnic at the park or a BBQ. It's a great way to get outside and active on the 4th of July with the people you love!
8. Visit the Wood Boat Festival: Taking place at Lake Union Park and Lake Union you can watch all of the people taking out their wooden boats celebrating the maritime heritage! It's a great excuse to get out in the sunshine and do some local sight-seeing!
9. Be a tourist in your own city: A sunny 4th of July is all the more reason in Seattle to GET OUTSIDE! Although a lot of businesses are closed for the holiday take it upon yourself to be a bit of a tourist in your own city. Meander down to Pike Place Market, the waterfront or a nearby park to soak in the views of Seattle and some sunshine!
10. Find your new firework viewing spot: If you're not a fan of the crowds that Gas Works Park brings every year for fireworks try scouting out a new spot for soaking in the show! A few recommendations in the local area? Bhy Kracke Park in Queen Anne, Kerry Park in Queen Anne, Lake Union Park (still more on the crowded side but...there's a beer garden!) and the Hamilton Viewpoint Park in West Seattle are a few to name!
Most of all, enjoy yourself this 4th of July. Get outside and soak up this incredible Seattle weather and embrace new traditions for the years to come! Cheers!