Spring Magic
Spring Has Sprung! A Local’s Guide to Spring in Kirkland
Spring is a beacon of hope for Washingtonians after a long, wet winter. The first 60-degree day has us pulling out our shorts and tees as we soak up as much precious sunshine as possible. With the cherry trees in bloom and restaurant patios open for business (sans summer crowds), spring is arguably the most ideal season in Kirkland.
The best way to experience Kirkland in spring? Do as the locals do!
Take a Breath of Fresh Air
The number one way to experience the arrival of spring is to head outside. Grab your family and friends and head to one of the city’s many parks or trails.
Marina Park: Close to many restaurants and shops downtown, Marina Park features a sandy beach—great for getting your toes wet—and a beautiful open-air pavilion, as well as magnificent views of Lake Washington and Seattle. Marina Park is also home to many of Kirkland's special events, including the Kirkland Wednesday Market.
Cross Kirkland Corridor: The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a ten-foot-wide, 5.75-mile trail through the heart of Kirkland and the first improved section of the Eastside Rail Corridor. The crushed-gravel trail is perfect for biking, walking or running your way through the city.
Juanita Bay Park: For a unique spring activity, head to Juanita Bay Park on the third Tuesday of the month for a birding walk with Mary Frances Mathis of the Eastside Audubon Society, on which you can keep an eye out for seasonal species. Bring binoculars and meet in the parking lot at 9 a.m. for this free three-hour tour. Additional info can be found on the Explore Kirkland event calendar.
Eat Local
Around here, spring means fresh local ingredients. Pick up fresh fruits and veggies from the Wednesday Market, or opt for a visit to one of our best seasonally-inspired restaurants.
Kirkland Wednesday Market – Set in the heart of town at Marina Park, the Wednesday Market is just about as local as it gets. Shop for Washington-grown produce and artisan goods while supporting the community. The market runs every Wednesday, June through September, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
DERU Market – With a menu full of locally sourced ingredients, DERU Market is one of Kirkland’s best-hidden gems, a perfect spot for casual outdoor dining. Its wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches on homemade focaccia and seasonal salads are sure to please.
Little Brother – One DERU Market just wasn’t enough! Kirkland recently welcomed Little Brother as a second location featuring DERU’s counter-service style and seasonal foods cooked from scratch.
Get Fit
After hibernating all winter, it’s time to get to work on that lake-ready summer body. Is the gym not cutting it for you? Head to a fun class instead.
Barre3 –Barre3’s convenient Kirkland location across the street from The Heathman Hotel makes it easy to sneak some exercise into your day. Barre3 classes are designed to make everyone feel welcome (no experience is required), and its exercises are crafted to build strength, restore balance, and increase energy. View the class schedule.
Be One Yoga – Center your mind and body through a class at Be One Yoga. Stick to traditional Vinyasa, or take flight with an intro to aerial yoga. View the class schedule.
Power Hour 360 – Receive personalized instruction from fitness professionals during a one-hour group workout session. Power Hour 360 offers cardio, boxing, and strength exercises at high-, medium- and low-intensity levels. Reserve a class.
Enjoy a Sweet Treat
Life’s about balance after all!
Lady Yum – Macarons and champagne, what more could you ask for? Lady Yum is the perfect place for a sweet treat and a little mischief.
Sirena Gelato – Made with the highest-quality seasonal products, Sirena Gelato’s flavors run the gamut from exotic and dairy-free to old-fashioned classics.
Coffee & Cone – A Kirkland institution, Coffee & Cone is everything you’d expect from an independent lakeside scoop shop.
Explore Downtown
There’s so much to see and do in downtown Kirkland. Check out these top picks before the summer crowds hit!
Parklane Gallery: Parklane Gallery has been at the heart of the Kirkland area fine art community since 1991. Over 40 resident Northwest artists provide a rich diversity of media and styles, both contemporary and traditional, which include paintings, photography, digital art, sculpture, glass, and artisan jewelry.
Kirkland Urban: The neighborhood’s newest shopping center, Kirkland Urban has it all! Built around the 18-hour day, in which life doesn’t stop before, during, or after work, it features restaurants, recreation, fitness, shopping and more, all in one convenient location.
Flatstick Pub: Flatstick Pub is a casual spot for people who love to have fun, drink beer and play games. It features a challenging minigolf course, as well as Flatstick’s original golf-themed games “duffleboard,” “ball jockey,” and “stick putt.” Flatstick is family friendly until 7p.m.
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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Bridle Trails State Park
Bridle Trails State Park is 489-acre Washington state park in the Bridle Trails neighborhood of...
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O.O. Denny
Named after Orion Denny, O.O. Denny Park offers hiking trails, BBQs, covered structures for picnics...
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Juanita Bay Park
Juanita Bay Park abounds with flora and fauna and features views of Forbes Creek Wetland, Juanita...
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David E Brink
Named after the David E. Brink, the Kirkland parks director responsible for establishing many other...
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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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Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a precious piece of Kirkland history! This park offers expansive views of Lake...
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Houghton Beach Park
Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park lies between Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland along Lake...
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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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Juanita Beach Park
Newly renovated Juanita Beach is one of Kirkland's most popular parks! Juanita Beach Park features a...
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Marina Park
Downtown and close to many restaurants and shops, Marina Park features a sandy beach—perfect to get...
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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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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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Watershed Park
Watershed Park is tucked away in south Kirkland like a carefully held secret waiting to be...
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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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132nd Square Park
132nd Square Park is a beloved community asset! Located in the Kingsgate area, this lovely corner...
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