New Castle: A Hidden Gem in Washington

Welcome to New Castle, the scenic suburb located just 20 minutes outside of Seattle. With its abundance of parks, lakes, and trails, New Castle offers visitors a relaxing retreat from the bustling city. Here's our guide to the top attractions in New Castle:

Parks and Trails

• Newcastle Beach Park: This grassy park has a beach with docks, lifeguards, and picnic tables. Enjoy swimming, picnicking, or taking a stroll along the Lake Washington waterfront. URL

• Lake Boren Park: This lakeside park offers walking paths, a kids' play area, picnic shelters, a fishing dock, and athletic courts. It's the perfect spot for a family picnic or a game of basketball. URL

• May Creek Park: For a peaceful nature walk with your furry friend, head to May Creek Park. This serene green space features a wooded creekside trail.

• Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park: This vast protected park features forested areas, hiking trails, scenic vistas, and wildlife. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenging hike. URL

• Coal Creek Natural Area: This heavily wooded protected area of second-growth forest showcases the area's early coal industry. It's the perfect place for a quiet nature walk. URL

• Lake Hills Greenbelt: With more than 150 acres of diverse wildlife habitats, Lake Hills Greenbelt offers trails and community gardens. It's perfect for birdwatchers and nature lovers. URL

Waterfront Parks

• Luther Burbank Park: Visitors swim, boat, and fish at this 7-acre lakefront park with a playground, dog run, and wetlands area. URL

• Groveland Beach Park: Enjoy a serene day on the waterfront at this scenic city beach featuring picnic areas, BBQs, a play structure, and summertime swimming. URL

• Kennydale Beach Park: This small beach park features seasonal lifeguards, a swimming area, picnic tables, and a playground. It's perfect for a quick swim on a hot day. URL

• Enatai Beach Park: This lakefront park with a dock offers swimming and a picnic area, plus seasonal kayak and canoe rentals. It's the perfect spot for a romantic picnic on the water. URL

• Clyde Beach Park: This bayside park features a swimming beach, boathouse, playground, and picnic area. It's perfect for a day on the water with the family. URL

• Pritchard Island Beach: This quaint beach features a swimming raft, rentable bathhouse, and marshy wetland with varied wildlife. It's perfect for a relaxing day by the water. URL

Waterfalls

• Coal Creek Falls: This waterfall in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park is reached via a walking/hiking trail. It's the perfect spot for a scenic hike with a stunning waterfall payoff. URL

• Bellevue Downtown Park: Lushly planted city park with a 240-foot-wide waterfall, a picnic green, and a playground. It's the perfect spot to take in the sights and sounds of the city. URL

Other Attractions

• Seward Park Audubon Center: Located on Lake Washington, the center offers educational programs, birdwatching, and hiking trails. URL

• The Golf Club at Newcastle: Enjoy a round of golf at this scenic championship 36-hole golf course. With its mountain views, large clubhouse, and practice facilities, it's perfect for golf enthusiasts. URL

• Eastgate Park: This spacious park offers a ball field, tennis courts, a playground, wooded trails, and a community center. It's perfect for a family day out. URL

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk, a fun day on the water, or a challenging hike, New Castle has it all. This hidden gem just outside of Seattle is a must-see for any outdoor enthusiast.