With incredible views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington, Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood is one of the city’s most sought-after residential enclaves. Add to the views locally owned cafes, pubs, coffee and ice-cream shops, boutiques, and salons, and it’s also one of the most pleasant neighborhoods to visit.
Eric Sheckler
Madison Park is named after a 24-acre lakeside haven that draws Seattleites all summer to its grassy shore for sunbathing, swimming and concerts. Tennis courts and a floating platform with diving boards give beach-goers a chance to show off their skills, and a futuristic-looking playground keeps the kids entertained for hours. A charming, upscale commercial area along Madison Avenue, just a short walk from the park, serves those who visit year-round.
The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum also sits on the shore of Lake Washington in Madison Park and is considered one of the country’s finest public gardens. The botanic garden features plants from around the Pacific Ocean region, and there’s also a formal Japanese garden.