24 Hours In Kirkland

Kirkland is filled with promise! Situated less than 20 miles east of Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington, our stunning waterfront city is the perfect locale for a quick, weekend getaway. Known for its quaint, yet modern charm, Kirkland has achieved a clever balance of historic reverence and innovation, while embracing newness, careful growth and environmental sustainability. Arrive on a Saturday and fill your twenty-four hours with an irresistible blend of shopping, art, fine dining, nightlife and outdoor adventure to truly get a sense of all that Kirkland has to offer! 

Stay in downtown Kirkland

For a walkable adventure that allows you to embrace Kirkland’s lush, waterfront beauty, inspiring selection of public art and unique ambiance, grab a room at the Heathman Hotel, tucked right in the heart of Kirkland’s thriving downtown core. Other options abound, including the luxurious Woodmark Hotel at Carillon point – less than two miles from downtown – or you can discard the traditional altogether and go with a more autonomous setting, by booking a sleek, waterfront condo featured on Vrbo or Airbnb. Once your lodgings are secured, get ready for the best in boutique shopping, fine dining and live music. Work up an appetite exploring Park Lane or our gorgeous waterfront public spaces, and make sure you time your dinner around one of our stunning sunsets on the shores of Marina Park. 

Bread with cheese and garlic on the sideExperience fine dining – Kirkland style

Kirkland is known for its tantalizing selection of extraordinary eateries, each with distinct and gourmet offerings that help establish our city as a flavor-filled oasis for adventurous foodies. From the Heathman’s own Hearth Restaurant to Park Lane’s delightful smorgasbord of selections including fine Italian dining at Ristorante Paradiso or savory southwestern delicacies at Cactus, there is truly something that everyone will enjoy. A brief walk from downtown will allow you to experience waterfront dining at Anthony’s Homeport, or you can stay low key and grab freshly prepared wood-fired pizza from Kirkland Urban’s Tutta Bella, located in the QFC flagship store.   

Man sitting on stool playing guitar on stageCatch a live show!

Kirkland residents and guests enjoy a lively and energetic nightlife with an alluring selection of venues that provide a variety of experiences! Friday and Saturday nights are hopping in downtown Kirkland, a flourishing, walkable region filled with a diverse range of atmospheres – from low key and romantic, to spunky, loud and adventurous. And all of that action is just a wink away from our scenic waterfront! Centrally located in downtown you'll find the Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), a classic venue offering 394 comfy seats all boasting incredible views of the stage. Whether live jazz, rock 'n' roll or a fun theater production, KPC is always a great place to catch a show. If you're more edgy, the Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant is an easy stroll from the Heathman Hotel or one of our gourmet eateries on Park Lane, often showcasing fun, local bands including Herding Cats, The Hipsters and 1980s tribute band, Time Machine Radio. Or grab an Uber and head a couple miles east to the Lime, a sports bar that features a great stage, roomy dance floor and plenty of live music on the weekends!

Mandarin duck at Juanita CreekJuanita Bay Wildlife Tour (Self-Guided)

It’s the hobby you didn’t know you were missing

You never know what you'll see while wandering through historic Juanita Bay Park! Stealthy deer, industrious beavers, crafty muskrats and a multitude of waterfowl call this lush park their home... Or at least a nice spot for an evening stroll. The birding at Juanita Bay is beyond spectacular! You'll find red-winged blackbirds, diving eagles, busy woodpeckers, owls and various waterfowl. In 2021 the park became famous as a mysterious Mandarin duck took up residence, drawing photographers from all over the state who arrived in droves to capture this magnificent creature with their lenses. Situated less than three miles from downtown, Juanita Bay is a local treasure, filling explorers with serenity and wonder at the extensive and diverse population of wildlife that live there.  

Juanita Bay Park is located at: 2201 Market Street in Kirkland

Kirkland Parks

Explore Parks

kirkland parks

Cross Kirkland Corridor

The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a compacted crushed gravel 5.75 mile segment of the Eastside Rail...

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kirkland parks

Bridle Trails State Park

Bridle Trails State Park is 489-acre Washington state park in the Bridle Trails neighborhood of...

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kirkland parks

O.O. Denny

Named after Orion Denny, O.O. Denny Park offers hiking trails, BBQs, covered structures for picnics...

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kirkland parks

Juanita Bay Park

Juanita Bay Park abounds with flora and fauna and features views of Forbes Creek Wetland, Juanita...

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kirkland parks

David E Brink

Named after the David E. Brink, the Kirkland parks director responsible for establishing many other...

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kirkland parks

Big Finn Hill Park

Big Finn Hill Park is part of the King County Parks system, but luckily for Kirkland, it lies within...

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kirkland parks

Heritage Park

Heritage Park is a precious piece of Kirkland history! This park offers expansive views of Lake...

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kirkland parks

Houghton Beach Park

Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park lies between Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland along Lake...

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kirkland parks

Jasper's off-Leash Dog Park

Jasper's Off Leash Dog Park is a 2-acre fenced off leash dog park located in the Totem Lake area....

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kirkland parks

Juanita Beach Park

Newly renovated Juanita Beach is one of Kirkland's most popular parks! Juanita Beach Park features a...

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kirkland parks

Marina Park

Downtown and close to many restaurants and shops, Marina Park features a sandy beach—perfect to get...

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kirkland parks

Saint Edward State Park

Saint Edward State Park spans areas of both Kirkland and Kenmore. It offers 316 acres with 3,000...

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kirkland parks

Peter Kirk Park and Pool/Lee Johnson Field

Named after Kirkland's city founder, Peter Kirk Park hosts Lake Washington and Juanita High School...

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kirkland parks

Watershed Park

Watershed Park is tucked away in south Kirkland like a carefully held secret waiting to be...

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kirkland parks

Waverly Beach Park

Waverly Beach Park is a stunning 2.76 lakefront park with 490 lineal feet of shoreline on Lake...

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kirkland parks

132nd Square Park

132nd Square Park is a beloved community asset! Located in the Kingsgate area, this lovely corner...

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Water Activities

Kirkland is home to beautiful waterfront parks and beaches with an array of boating activities. Spectacular year-round sunsets reflect the mood of the region and the season.

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