Kirkland

47.6769° N, 122.2060° W

Welcome to Kirkland

Marina at sunset with boats docked, calm water, orange and blue sky, and pathway with lamps and plants

Kirkland, Washington, is a welcoming and vibrant waterfront city on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, celebrated for its scenic parks, walkable downtown, and thriving arts scene. Home to more than 90,000 residents, Kirkland blends small-town charm with easy access to Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond—making it one of the Eastside’s most desirable places to live, work, and explore. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and acclaimed dining, all contributing to a community atmosphere that feels both charming and sophisticated.

Life in Kirkland is deeply connected to the water and the outdoors. The city features 11 beautiful waterfront parks—anchored by Marina Park—where visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, boat and kayak rentals, and sweeping lake views. Incorporated in 1905 and originally envisioned as an industrial town by Peter Kirk, the city has grown into a cultural hub known for the Kirkland Performance Center, public art, Summerfest, the Wednesday Market, and popular wine events. Strong schools in the Lake Washington School District, convenient access to I-405 and SR-520, and a stable local economy further enhance Kirkland’s reputation as a safe, livable, and inspiring community.

From strolling downtown shops and restaurants to exploring waterfront parks like Heritage Park, Waverly Beach, and Carillon Point, or biking the scenic Cross Kirkland Corridor, there is always something to experience. Whether you’re visiting for the day or putting down roots, Kirkland offers a beautiful balance of nature, culture, and connection.

Walk Score: 93

Things to Do: Kirkland

A lively dock area during sunset with boats anchored in the water and people walking on the dock and sitting at picnic tables by the shore, trees, and a cloudy sky visible in the background.

Waterfront

Kirkland’s picturesque waterfront features miles of public sandy beaches and scenic parks with hiking trails overlooking Lake Washington, with select viewpoints offering stunning views of Mount Rainier. Enjoy shady picnic spots, tennis and basketball courts, sandy beaches, waterfront trails with Lake Washington views, and even glimpses of Mount Rainier from Peter Kirk Park. Cruise the lake in an electric Duffy boat from Marina Park, walk or bike the Cross Kirkland Corridor, or visit Carillon Point for marina views and waterfront dining.

Close-up of a person shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel, with wet clay spinning and the potter applying slip with a brush.

Art Life

The Kirkland Arts Center is a vibrant creative space where people of all ages can explore hands-on artmaking, view inspiring exhibitions, and connect with the local arts community. Year-round classes and workshops in ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, fiber arts, and more—led by skilled instructors—encourage artistic growth, personal expression, and meaningful community connection through the power of art.

Two glasses of white wine on a round wooden table, blurred lights in the background.

Uncorked

Make sure to check out Kirkland Uncorked, where you can savor exceptional wines along the beautiful waterfront of Kirkland, Washington. Set in scenic Marina Park, this premier tasting experience invites you to explore remarkable flavors while enjoying sweeping views of Lake Washington. Join us for a vibrant celebration of wine, food, and community as we toast the very best of Washington’s rich culinary and winemaking traditions.

Two people exchanging warm mugs wrapped in knit sweaters in snowy weather

Winterfest

Celebrate the season at Kirkland Urban’s WinterFest, where the plaza transforms into a festive holiday wonderland filled with enchanting performers, family-friendly activities, live ice sculpting, snowfall on the promenade, photos with Santa, sweet treats, and joyful music throughout the day. Gather your loved ones for the after-dark tree lighting and experience a sparkling community tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life.

Outdoor farmers market with colorful fruits and vegetables on display, shoppers walking under tents on sunny day.

Market Day

Set along the water in both downtown Kirkland and the city’s north end, the Kirkland Farm’s Markets showcase locally grown produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and small-batch goods from regional farmers and makers. With live, down-home entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, Kirkland’s farmers markets offer a joyful way to gather, explore, and celebrate the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

A ceramic mug of cappuccino with latte art on top, sitting on a rustic wooden table.

Start the Day

Start your morning in Kirkland with a flavorful strawberry latte from Urban Coffee Lounge, perfectly paired with a raspberry croissant for a bright springtime boost. For a taste of Paris, stop by L’Experience Paris for a croissant eggs benedict and a mimosa, or savor expertly roasted coffee and inspiring artwork at Zoka Coffee. Whether you’re fueling up for a waterfront stroll or meeting friends, these local favorites make coffee time feel like a true neighborhood treat.

Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?

Sunset over a body of water with a city skyline in the distance, viewed from a shoreline with steps and a pier in the foreground.

Living Here: A Neighborhood Snapshot

Seattle’s neighborhoods are unusually distinct and character rich because Seattle isn’t one city  — it’s like a constellation of small towns that just happen to be next to each other… each with its own micro culture, its own tempo, its own aesthetic language. Coffee, pubs, bakeries, boutiques, bookstores are very neighborhood specific and beloved here. People belong to their café. Their bakery.  And the architecture makes it even better — old craftsman, mid-century, modern, industrial conversions, Victorian leftovers, Scandinavian touches. Porches, gardens, hidden alleys, random staircases… it all creates this lived-in story everywhere you walk.

A person kayaking on a calm lake with a cityscape and trees in fall colors in the background.
A stylized black and white spiral with red accents on a black background.
A marina at sunset with sailboats docked on both sides, calm water reflecting the boats and the cloudy sky.
An abstract black, white, and red spiral design with a black background.
Aerial view of a city near a river with a mix of high-rise and low-rise buildings, lush trees, and a blue sky with clouds.
Close-up of a stylized black eye with a red and white spiral design.
View of snow-capped Mount Rainier across a body of water, with a building on the right and partly cloudy sky above.
Close-up of a stylized eye with a black spiral resembling a camera lens or whirlpool, set against a black background with red accents.
View of Seattle skyline at night, featuring the Space Needle, through a circular opening with two silhouetted people in the foreground.
Black and white spiral line drawing of a nautilus shell.
Old industrial steel factory with rusted pipes and structures, fenced off, with city skyline in the distance under a blue sky.
Close-up of a black background with a white spiral pattern and red accents.
Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses, trees, streets, and a park, taken at sunset with sunlight reflecting on the water in the background.
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Aerial view of a city with a river flowing through it, a bridge crossing over the river, and streets lined with trees and buildings, during sunset.
Close-up of a stylized black and white chameleon tail with red accents on a black background.
Aerial view of a residential neighborhood during sunset, showing houses, streets, trees, and a park with a line of people.
Close-up of a stylized, abstract spiral logo with black, white, and red colors.
A wooden dock extends into a calm lake at dusk, with city lights on the opposite shore and mountains in the background.
Close-up of a stylized black, white, and red spiral design on a dark background.
City skyline with tall buildings in the foreground, rolling hills in the background, and Mount Rainier in the distance, under a colorful sky at sunset.
Close-up of a black, white, and red spiral design with a stylized, abstract appearance.
Aerial view of a large lake surrounded by forested land with residential neighborhoods and a marina, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A black and white stylized spiral with red accents on a black background.