King County, Washington · Puget Sound
Kirkland
Kirkland is the Lake Washington Eastside city where the waterfront is the downtown, and the waterfront is genuinely worth the trip.
POPULATION
92,175
INCORPORATED
1905
FROM SEATTLE
20 min NE
COUNTY
King
ON THE WATER
Lake Washington
KNOWN FOR
Waterfront and tech campus
Kirkland, Washington sits on the northeast shore of Lake Washington, 13 miles from downtown Seattle and 8 miles north of Bellevue, incorporated in 1905 on the site of what was planned to be a major Pacific Northwest steel mill. The steel mill never happened, but the city grew anyway around shipbuilding and wool milling. Kirkland built the first woolen mill in Washington in 1892, and its Lake Washington Shipyard turned out Navy warships during World War II on what is now Carillon Point. The tech companies came later, crossing Lake Washington from Seattle as the Eastside economy built up through the 2000s and 2010s. Kirkland had 92,175 residents as of the 2020 census and has continued growing since.
The thing that makes Kirkland worth a dedicated visit is its waterfront. Marina Park sits directly on Lake Washington, with public piers, lawn space, a public boat launch, and an open view across the water toward the Olympic Mountains on clear days. Downtown Kirkland is within a five minute walk, with a restaurant row that runs from the lakefront up Lake Street and parallel streets. A few blocks inland, the Kirkland Urban development anchors the central business district with shops, restaurants, and offices next to Peter Kirk Park. The Kirkland Arts Center anchors the arts scene a few blocks from the water.
The Cross Kirkland Corridor provides a paved 5.75-mile multi-use trail through the heart of the city, connecting neighborhoods, schools, and Kirkland Urban without touching a road. For swimming, Juanita Beach Park on the north side of the city is the region’s most popular freshwater beach. Juanita Bay Park, just south of Juanita Beach, is a wetland reserve worth the visit for serious birders.
Getting Here
Kirkland is 13 miles northeast of downtown Seattle. From Seattle, take SR-520 east across Lake Washington, then I-405 north to the NE 70th Street or NE 85th Street exit for downtown Kirkland. Drive time is typically 20 to 25 minutes without traffic, though SR-520 and I-405 are heavily congested during commute hours. From Bellevue, I-405 north takes about 15 minutes. From Renton, I-405 north runs about 25 minutes. King County Metro buses connect Kirkland to Seattle and Bellevue. There is no ferry service to Kirkland.
Things to Do
Parks
Marina Park
Marina Park is the center of Kirkland's lakefront, with public docks, a boat launch, a fishing pier, and sweeping views of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains. The park sits at the bottom of the downtown restaurant row on Lake Street, making it easy to combine a waterfront walk with lunch or dinner. Free and open year-round.
Water
Juanita Beach Park
Juanita Beach Park on the north side of Kirkland is one of the most popular freshwater swimming beaches in King County, with a lifeguarded swim area, a sandy beach, picnic tables, and playground equipment. Crowds peak in July and August, so arrive by 10 AM on summer weekends to secure a spot.
Outdoors
Cross Kirkland Corridor
The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a 5.75 mile crushed gravel trail running through the heart of Kirkland on a former railroad right of way. Ten feet wide and flat the entire way, it connects neighborhoods, parks, and the Kirkland Urban development without touching a road, and forms the Kirkland segment of the regional Eastrail network. Good for walking, cycling, and running year round.
Culture
Kirkland Waterfront and Marina
The Kirkland waterfront runs for several blocks along the lake from Marina Park up Lake Street, with public piers, waterfront restaurants, galleries, and boutiques accessible on foot. The Kirkland Arts Center, a few blocks inland, anchors the city's arts scene with rotating exhibitions and events.
Nature
Lake Washington Shoreline at Champagne Point
Champagne Point is a quiet residential stretch of Kirkland's Lake Washington shoreline with street-end public access and exceptional views toward Seward Park and Mount Rainier on clear days. Less visited than Marina Park, it rewards visitors who want the lake without the weekend crowds.
Parks
Peter Kirk Park and Centennial Fountain
Peter Kirk Park is the main park in central Kirkland, named for the British entrepreneur who founded the city in 1888. The Centennial Fountain at the park's center is the city's civic anchor. The park is surrounded by the Kirkland Urban shopping and restaurant development, making it a natural gathering point.
Recreation
Kirkland Urban
Kirkland Urban is a mixed use development in the central business district, a few blocks inland from the lake next to Peter Kirk Park. The redevelopment of the old Kirkland Parkplace, it opened in stages starting in 2018 and added restaurants, shops, offices, and a public plaza to downtown. For lakeside dining, the restaurant row along Lake Street, a short walk downhill, has the seats with the water views.
“Marina Park puts the best of Kirkland's Lake Washington shoreline within a five-minute walk of downtown restaurants and galleries.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
The Heathman Hotel Kirkland
Boutique hotel one block from Marina Park and the Lake Washington waterfront. Trellis Restaurant on the ground floor is the best dining option in downtown Kirkland. Walkable to the waterfront, the Kirkland Arts Center, and the Wednesday Market.
Visit heathmanhotelkirkland.comCourtyard Seattle Kirkland
Marriott property in the Totem Lake area, convenient for visitors with cars who need access to both Kirkland and the I-405 corridor. Good base for day trips to Bellevue, Redmond, and the Woodinville wine country.
Book at Marriott.comQuality Inn Kirkland
Budget-friendly option in the Juanita neighborhood, close to Juanita Beach Park. Simple rooms, reliable service, accessible to both Kirkland and the I-405 corridor.
Book at ChoiceHotels.comFind a Cabin Near Kirkland
Find a Cabin Near Kirkland
Food & Drink
The Kirkland waterfront restaurant row on Lake Street and Park Lane runs directly above Marina Park, with the best seats overlooking the lake and marina. Trellis Restaurant at the Heathman Hotel is the upscale anchor, known for Pacific Northwest cuisine and a local wine and spirits program. The Kirkland Wednesday Market runs spring through fall at Kirkland Urban with fresh produce, prepared food, and local vendors.
Festivals & Events
July
Kirkland Uncorked
Washington's premier waterfront wine festival runs three days at Marina Park in mid-July. July 17 to 19, 2026. More than 50 Washington wineries in the tasting garden, a Friday Burger Brawl, Saturday Grill-Off, live music, a boat show, and an all-ages street fair. The 21-plus tasting garden requires separate tickets from the street fair.
July
Kirkland 4th of July
Kirkland's Independence Day celebration includes fireworks launched from a barge on Lake Washington, viewable from Marina Park and the surrounding waterfront. One of the most accessible fireworks shows on Lake Washington with good public viewing areas.
November
Kirkland Winterfest and Tree Lighting
Kirkland Winterfest transforms Kirkland Urban Plaza into a holiday gathering with live music, costumed performers, and live ice sculpting, typically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Kirkland Downtown Association's Tree Lighting follows at Peter Kirk Park with local vendors and the official community holiday tree lighting.
Day Trips
Bellevue is 15 minutes south on I-405, with the Bellevue Botanical Garden and a walkable downtown arts district. Renton is 25 minutes south, with Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and the Cedar River Trail. Redmond is 10 minutes east, home to Microsoft’s main campus and the Sammamish River Trail. Woodinville wine country is 15 minutes north for tasting rooms.
Planning Your Visit
Summer is peak season, with Marina Park and Juanita Beach attracting large crowds on weekends from June through August. Kirkland Uncorked, the city’s signature wine and food festival, runs in mid-July at Marina Park. The Wednesday Market runs spring through fall. Fall and winter are less crowded and the waterfront views are often best on clear October and November days. Most Kirkland attractions are accessible year-round. Plan at least half a day for the waterfront, marina, and downtown; a full day if you want to bike the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kirkland Washington known for?
Kirkland is known for its Lake Washington waterfront, particularly Marina Park and the surrounding restaurant and gallery district on Lake Street. The city is also known for the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail, Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland Uncorked wine festival, and as one of the most livable cities on the Eastside. Google has a large campus in Kirkland.
Is Kirkland Washington worth visiting?
Kirkland is worth visiting specifically for its lakefront, which is the best publicly accessible stretch of Lake Washington shoreline on the Eastside. Marina Park, the waterfront restaurant row, and Juanita Beach make it a strong day trip from Seattle or Bellevue. The city is compact and walkable in the waterfront area.
How do you get to Kirkland Washington?
From Seattle, take SR-520 east across Lake Washington, then I-405 north to the NE 70th Street exit for downtown Kirkland. Drive time is typically 20 to 25 minutes without traffic. From Bellevue, I-405 north takes about 15 minutes. King County Metro buses serve Kirkland from Seattle and Bellevue. There is no ferry service to Kirkland.
When is the best time to visit Kirkland?
Summer is the best season for Marina Park and Juanita Beach, with warm weather from June through August. Kirkland Uncorked wine festival in mid-July is the city’s signature event. Fall offers good waterfront walking with smaller crowds and frequent clear days with strong lake views. Kirkland Winterfest in late November opens the holiday season.
How many people live in Kirkland Washington?
Kirkland had 92,175 residents as of the 2020 census, making it the 13th largest city in Washington State. The city has grown steadily as one of the most desirable communities on the Lake Washington Eastside.
What is the Cross Kirkland Corridor?
The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a 5.75 mile crushed gravel trail through the center of Kirkland, built on a former railroad right of way. The trail is 10 feet wide, connects neighborhoods and the Kirkland Urban development, and forms the Kirkland segment of the regional Eastrail network (formerly the Eastside Rail Corridor). Open year round for walking, cycling, and running.