Seattle is a beautiful city with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and paddleboard. But with so many great places to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go.

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Without further ado, here are my best places to paddle board in Seattle:

1. LAKE UNION

I recommend you this place because the weather there is usually good, the water is calm, and there are also a lot of places to stop and rest if you need to.

Another thing that makes this lake have a place on this list is how easy it is to navigate from shore to shore, the multiple places you can launch your paddle board from, and the opportunity to get both views of the Downtown Seattle skyline and Gas Works Park.

If you ask me for the ideal place to launch your SUP board in Lake Union, I will recommend you the Sunnyside boat ramp on the north side, or the Rowing Club dock under the Aurora Avenue Bridge.

Things that you may see in this lake include people fishing, birds, ducks, and geese.

If you don't have your own SUP board, you can head to Moss Bay rental shop for paddleboard rentals, private tours, lessons & children’s camps, or Urban Surf rental shop for their large paddle board inventory.

If you want to make friends socializing while you paddle board, I highly recommend you this place.

Just to note, for your own safety in this place, beware of boats and seaplanes taking off.

After your long day paddleboarding, you can fill your stomach in one of the restaurants by the water.

2. ALKI BEACH

Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach is a great place to paddleboard. The beach is long and wide, with plenty of space to move around. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great place to relax after a day on the water.

The water at Alki Beach is generally calm, which makes it a great place for beginners to paddleboard. However, there can be some waves on occasion, so it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and paddle safely.

When paddling around Alki Beach, you'll likely see a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, seabirds, and more. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot a whale!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, Alki Beach is a great place to enjoy this fun activity. Just be sure to paddle safely and always be aware of your surroundings.

Another advantage to his place is the breathtaking skyline view you get from it.

To my knowledge, there are no rental shops at Alki Beach. So, you have to come with your own SUP board or rent one from the rental shops near Lake Union.

3. GREEN LAKE

If you're looking for a great place to paddle board in Seattle, Green Lake is a place to consider.

Located 6 miles north of Seattle downtown, this urban oasis is perfect for a relaxing day on the water, and if you don't have your own SUP board, you can rent it by the latke at Green Lake Boathouse and Cafe.

The entry points to the water are easy all around the lake and the water is warmer than what you can find in the coastal oceans.

The best time to paddle board at Green Lake is early in the morning or on weekdays when the lake is less crowded and parking is less challenging.

There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy at Green Lake, including swimming, fishing, and the easy 4.7 km loop trail that surrounds the lake and takes an average of 51 min to complete.

If you're new to paddle boarding, don't worry - it's easy to learn and there are plenty of resources available to help, like the paddling clubs that offer beginner paddle boarding classes as well as group trips to explore different paddling spots around the city.

4. DISCOVERY PARK

There are plenty of places to paddle board in Seattle, but Discovery Park is one of the best.

Located in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is a 534-acre urban park that offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park has more than 11 miles of walking trails, a beach, and a luscious forest.

Discovery Park is the perfect place to go paddle boarding because there are so many different types of scenery to take in while you paddle. You can paddle around the rocky coastline, or even out to one of the islands in Puget Sound.

The best time to go paddle boarding in Discovery Park is in the summer when the weather is warm and the water is calm. However, paddle boarding is possible year-round if you dress for the weather and conditions.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, herons, and otters, so you're sure to see some amazing animals while you're out on the water.

The nearest SUP rental shops to this place are Surf Ballard and Ballard Kayak.

If you're looking for a great place to paddle board in Seattle, Discovery Park is one of the perfect spots.

5. SALMON BAY

Salmon Bay is another paddleboarding place that you have to check in Seattle.

Located in the Northwest, Salmon Bay is a portion of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, a bustling hub for all things outdoors and adventure, and one of the best ways to explore this scenic area is by paddle board.

This serene body of water is perfect for beginners and experienced paddle boarders alike. With stunning views of the city skyline and the Cascade Mountains, Salmon Bay is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience all that Seattle has to offer.

There are a few things to be aware of before heading out or while out on the water.

First, Salmon Bay is tidal, so pay attention to the tide charts and plan your paddle accordingly.

Second, the water can be choppy at times, so it's always a good idea to wear a life jacket and a leash.

Third, be aware of your surroundings because you can be sharing the water with many motor boats or ships.

Rental shops available in this place are nonexisting and the nearest one is Surf Ballard. For a paddleboard private tour on Salmon Bay, check with Salmon Bay Paddle to see if they are still offering it.

Whether you're looking to relax on a calm day or get your heart pumping on a windy one, Salmon Bay is a place to consider.

6. SHILSHOLE BAY

Looking for the best places to paddle board in Seattle? You have to check Shilshole Bay!

Located just north of Seattle, this beautiful bay is good for exploring by paddle board in order to visit Puget Sound with its more than 3000 types of invertebrates, including clams, oysters, sea urchins, octopus, and 13 types of sea mammals living there.

Among the things that I recommend you do during your paddle boarding session in this place is a visit to the Golden Gardens which is magnificent in the summertime after the sun comes out. You can also spend the night there and pitch a tent if you have experience.

I highly recommend paddleboarding in this place because you are near a beautiful beach where you can camp or rest on.

Parking spots can be found at the Northside of the Marina, near the ideal launch spot and there are also several restaurants in the area in case you get hungry.

The nearest SUP rental shops to this place are Surf Ballard and Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard Tours.

7. LAKE WASHINGTON

Located in the heart of Seattle, Lake Washington is an urban lake that doesn’t directly connect with the ocean and is perfect for paddle boarding with its calm waters and stunning scenery. And there's no better place to take in the views than from atop a paddle board.

On a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainer from Lake Washington.

There are plenty of great spots to launch your paddle board on Lake Washington, but here are my top two picks:

Seward Park - This serene park is located on the south end of Lake Washington. The calm waters make it ideal for paddle boarding, and there's also a swimming beach if you want to take a dip.

Magnuson Park - Magnuson Park is another great spot for paddle boarding on Lake Washington. The park has a large sandy beach, perfect for launching your board. And when you're done paddling, there are plenty of other things to do in the park, like picnicking or playing tennis.

If you are interested in this place, just beware of the frequent bursts of wind, typically in the afternoon.

I recommend this lake for SUP paddlers of all levels, those who want to just chill on their paddle board, and families with young children.

8. SEWARD PARK

If you're looking for a place to paddle board that is calm and serene, then Seward Park is the perfect place for you.

Located in the southern part of Lake Washington, Seward Park is one of the best places to paddle board. The park offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. There are also a variety of different hiking trails to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your skill level.

On the opposite to Mercer Island, Andrews Bay is an easy launch site that I recommend. If you have experience and you want a challenge, you can go for a paddle to or around Mercer Island and under the Lacey V. Murrow Bridge.

Unfortunately, there are no SUP rental shops near Seward Park, so you'll need to bring your own paddle board. But don't worry, it's worth it!

If you are a beginner looking for a safer place to learn how to stay stable on your SUP board, or a calm place for a relaxed paddleboarding session, give this place a visit.

9. PUGET SOUND

There are few places in the world that can rival the beauty of Puget Sound. And when it comes to paddle boarding, Puget Sound is one of the best places to be.

Located just west of downtown Seattle, Puget Sound is a large body of water with plenty of room to explore. There are also many islands to paddle around, which makes for a great workout.

One of the great things about Puget Sound is that there are so many different types of scenery to take in while you're paddle boarding. You can paddle through serene waters surrounded by forests, or the city skyline. No matter what type of scenery you're looking for, Puget Sound has it.

Another great thing about Puget Sound is that it's home to some of the best paddle boarding spots in the country. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and take in the scenery, or you're looking for a challenging place to test your skills, Puget Sound has something for everyone.

If you don't have your own paddle board, you can rent one from nearby shops like Surf Ballard or Ballard Kayak.

Just to note, when you are SUP paddling in this place, stay away from the ferries and boats you are sharing the water with, and since deep into the sound is known to have strong currents, it is better to stay close to the shore.

10. JUANITA BEACH

Located in Kirkland, north of Lake Washington, Juanita Beach is another paddle boarding destination to consider in Seattle.

The beach is large and there are plenty of places to explore. The water is calm, and the beach is beautiful.

With Northwest Paddle Surfers SUP rental shop, you can try many of their high-end paddleboards before having to buy your own.

There are also plenty of amenities nearby, including restaurants, shops, and parks.

Just to note, come early in order to avoid parking challenges.

If you are a novice SUP paddler looking for a place in Seattle where you can apply the paddling theories you learned online, or just a calm water body to relax, I recommend you Juanita Beach.

FAQ

Paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Seattle and get some exercise at the same time. With the great places above, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next paddle boarding adventure.

That’s all for this article.

See y’all.